Learn how families celebrated Christmas in the late 19th century with a visit to Kline Creek Farm. Winter Holidays in the 1890s runs through Dec. 30. See the holiday happenings listing on Page 44. (photo courtesy of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District)
ARTFULLY DONE
Origami - Folding in the New Year
Jan. 4
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Learn from the Chicago Area Origami Society the basic folds of origami to transform flat paper into 3-D masterpieces. Finish the program with a paper crane origami which represents luck, health and peace. Time: 2 to 4 p.m. RR
Mayslake: A Sanctuary for Refreshment and Renewal
Jan. 7-Feb. 22
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 206-9566
Through his camera lens, William North reveals how the architecture and design of Mayslake Hall highlights and amplifies its bucolic setting, creating space for contemplating and enjoying nature. Meet the artist and enjoy signature mocktails from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15. Hours: noon to 3 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
FAMILY FUN
Hygee Hangout
Dec. 31
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Choose happiness this winter by coming to the visitors center for activities, games and refreshments inspired by the Danish practice of Hygge. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. RR
FOR A CAUSE
Bernie's Book Bank Drive
Through Jan. 7
http://www.berniesbookbank.org
Donate new or gently used children's books to increase book ownership among underserved children throughout Chicagoland. Hinsdale drop-off locations are 400 Pamela Circle, 608 E. First St., Hinsdale Bank & Trust at 25 E. First St. and CorePower Yoga at 34 S. Vine St.
GAME ON
Chicago Elite Youth Volleyball
Tuesdays, Dec. 31-Jan. 28
The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids in first through fifth grade will be introduced to the game of volleyball or coached to improve their individual skill development in passing, setting, attacking, blocking, serving, defense and movement. Players will be divided according to skill level and age. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: $120. RR, MD
Jodie Harrison Registration
Ongoing
The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Sign up for the Jodie Harrison recreational youth basketball league for kids in second through eighth grades, emphasizing instruction and helping kids learn and enjoy the game of basketball. Practices begin the week of Jan. 6, and games begin Jan. 18; there will be one weekday practice and one weekend game per week. Cost: $335. RR, MD
GREAT OUTDOORS
Winter Solstice Celebration
Dec. 21
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Celebrate the longest night of the year with a bonfire and self-guided walk along the Farm Pond Trail. S'mores and hot cocoa will be provided. Time: 5 to 7 p.m. RR
Winter Bird Watch
Dec. 27
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Walk to discover which birds are winter residents and then get warm by a cozy fire. Hot cocoa will be provided. The program is for ages 14 & up. Time: 9 a.m.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness Hike
Jan. 4
Brezina Woods
La Grange Road south of Cermak Road, near La Grange Park
(312) 533-5751
These 6-mile hike will be faster paced with little to no stopping or interpretation. Time: 9:30 a.m.
Self-Care Saturday
Jan. 11
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
(630) 933-7248
Use organic lavender to create an eye pillow, moisturizing salt scrub and lavender sachets to use at home. The program is for ages 18 and up. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $64. RR
Spring Rock Parkrun
Every Saturday
4400 Central Ave., Western Springs
http://www.parkrun.us/springrock/
Sign up for this at-your-pace 5K run organized entirely by volunteers. Just register with parkrun once, and bring a scannable copy of the barcode to the run in order to receive a time. Join the group for a post-run coffee at Starbucks. The course is available at the website above, and run results and reports will posted a day or two after each event. Time: 8 a.m.
JUST FOR KIDS
Explore Nature Days
Dec. 27
Lake View Nature Center
17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr
(630) 789-7090
Kids ages 6-9 can meet the center's animals and focus on fun nature subjects. This month's theme is Scorching Sands. Children should be dressed ready for indoor and outdoor activities. Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $25. RR
Improv Class
Thursdays Jan. 9-Feb. 13,
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Stage Door Fine Arts will introduce students ages 7-16 to the basics of acting as taught at programs like Second City and iO Chicago, including expressing emotions by using their bodies, gestures and facial expressions and creating characters and situations of all shapes and sizes. Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Cost: $230. RR, MD
January Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 1-31
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple St.
http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info
(630) 986-1976
Kids of all ages can stop by the library any time and find the woodland animals hiding around the Youth Services Department, learning fun facts about them along the way. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
NOTEWORTHY
Donna Herula Trio
Jan. 11
Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
11 W. Maple St.
(630) 941-7797
This Chicago-based folk blues group performs fun, lively and heartfelt versions of traditional blues songs as well as creating original songs that tip the hat to the tradition. Streaming tickets also are available. Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $20.
ON STAGE
'Disney's The Little Mermaid'
Through Jan. 12
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
http://www.drurylanetheatre.com/the-little-mermaid
(630) 530-0111
Dive beneath the waves with Ariel, a young mermaid with a captivating voice and an insatiable curiosity, as she defies her father and makes a daring deal for the chance to create the world of her dreams on land. Enjoy the beautiful score including favorites like "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World," and "Kiss the Girl." Times: 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: start at $52.95.
'Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny'
Jan. 16
McAninch Arts Center
College of DuPage
421 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
Kids in pre-K through second grade can experience this Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia production of beloved stories brought to life with endearing animal puppets, stunning scenic effects and evocative music. Seating assignments are provided the day of the show. Times: 9:45 & 11:30 a.m. Tickets: $10.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Open House
Dec. 28
Lake View Nature Center
17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 941-8747
Learn more about the Lake View Nature Center's programs and events and visit some cool critters at this open house, complete with nature-themed activities. All ages are welcome. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mussel Matters
Jan. 9
The Preserves at Oak Meadows
900 North Wood Dale Road, Addison
(630) 933-7248
Join a film screening of "Mussel Matters: Saving Critical Species in DuPage County" followed by a moderated panel Q&A with local experts. The program is for ages 16 and up. Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10. RR
TEENS & TWEENS
Teen Self-Defense Workshop
Jan. 5
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Ages 11-17 will participate in a series of discussions and be introduced to basic physical self-defense skills and techniques focusing on mindset, skill set and planning. Attendees must have a signed electronic waiver on file in advance of the event. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $47. RR, MD
WINTER BREAK
HHS Winter Camps
Dec. 23, 27, 30 & Jan. 2-3
Hinsdale Humane Society
21 Salt Creek Lane
http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org
(630) 323-5630
The humane society invites kids in grades one through six to dive into the world of animals through engaging hands-on activities, creative crafts, fun games and up-close interactions with furry friends, learning valuable lessons in animal care, advocacy and kindness. Each day of camp will have the same lesson and activities. Parents should sign up their child for one day during each week. Times: 9 to 11:30 a.m. for grades one to three, 12:30 to 3 p.m. for grades four to six. Cost: $60 per day.
Winter Break Camp
Weekdays Dec. 23-Jan. 3
The Community House
415 W. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids in kindergarten through middle school will enjoy arts and crafts, group games, cooking projects and STEM activities along with a field trip on Wednesday of each week. No camp Dec. 24, 25, 31 or Jan. 1. Register for one day or all seven. Extended care is available for an additional fee. Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $90 per day, $510 for all six days. RR. MD
Chicago Elite Volleyball Winter Break Clinic
Dec. 23
The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Youth ages 8-14 will be both introduced to the game of volleyball and encouraged to improve their individual skill development in passing, setting, attacking, blocking, serving, defense and movement. Players will be divided according to skill level and age and challenged accordingly. Time: 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: $60. RR, MD
Pee Wee Sportsters Camps
Dec. 30 & Jan. 2-3
The Community House
415 E. Eighth St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
Kids ages 3-5 will be introduced to football, basketball, soccer, baseball, floor hockey, kickball, running games and more, with an emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship. Time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: $52. RR, MD
5 Star Winter Soccer Camp
Jan. 2-3
Hinsdale Central Fieldhouse
5500 S. Grant St.
http://www.thecommunityhouse.org
(630) 323-7500
This co-ed program for ages 5-12 presents a curriculum focused on developing fundamental technique while creating an atmosphere that unlocks the game within each child. T-shirts are included, and participants should bring a ball. Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $114, RR, MD
Key
RR - registration required
MD - member discount
