Kids Chicago - May 11, 2009

Play to Grin

Great Outdoor Games for Summer

You’ve maxed out on marbles and are over Red Rover.

Introduce your little player to a fresh batch of skill-builders and the whole family will score.

SPLASH
Fun won’t dry up with Bucket Blast (Cat & Mouse, 2212 West Armitage Avenue, at Leavitt Street; 773-384-4454). Race with pails of water (the person who spills the least wins) or play one of fourteen other games, like the blindfolded beanbag toss or obstacle course.

RACE
Balance a plastic egg on a spoon and make a run for it in the Egg and Spoon Race (Building Blocks, 3306 North Lincoln Avenue, at School Street; 773-525-6200). Don’t stumble; the egg might crack and a beanbag yolk will fall out.

TWIRL
The pocket-size Astrojax V-Max (Marbles: The Brain Store, 55 East Grand Avenue, between Rush Street and Wabash Avenue; 312-494-7769) combines juggling balls and a yo-yo. As you manipulate a string, three small balls whirl in wildly different directions.

Can’t choose? No worries.

They’re all winners.

SEE
Gustafer Yellowgold
What: Illustrator/performer Morgan Taylor’s act about a cone-headed creature blends live music and animation.
Why: He’s opened for Wilco.
When: Sat., 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m.
Where: Sat., Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., at Belmont Ave. (773-525-2508); tickets online at schubas.com. Sun., Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., at College Rd. (847-234-6060); tickets online at gortoncenter.org.

STIR
Young Chefs Academy
What: New cooking school for kiddos (ages 3-18) opens in Glenview, offering classes, day camps, and private parties.
Why: All hail the homemade pretzel recipe.
When: Register now for spring session, Mon.-June 8. Open house, Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Glenbrook Market Place, 2825a Pfingsten Rd., at Willow Rd. (847-715-9474).

HEAR
Duck! Rabbit! Story Reading
What: Local scribe Amy Krouse Rosenthal and coauthor Tom Lichtenheld read from their charming, optical illusion-filled book.
Why: What’s up, duck?
When: Tues., 7 p.m.
Where: Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., at Main St. (630-355-2665).