On Saturday afternoons throughout the summer, kids can learn to move their bodies to the rhythms of music from around the world at Chicago Summer Dance for Kids.
Louie Stallone, a dance instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music, will bring the zing of Cajun sounds to the dance floor. He will teach kids the steps that were danced by the French who settled in Louisiana after spending time living in a colony called Acadia on the Canadian coast. Parents are welcome to move to the upbeat Cajun music too.
In the following weeks the series takes a cultural journey with lessons in Irish step dancing, the samba, folk dances from the Caribbean and Mexico and more.
Chicago Summer Dance for Kids, Cajun dance lesson, 3 p.m. Saturday, lessons in other ethnic dances, 3 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 1, 601 S. Michigan Ave., Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden between Harrison Street and Balbo Drive, for ages 5 and up, free, lessons are canceled in the event of rain; 312-742-4007.
— Nancy Maes
Special spider
At a performance at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Les Whisler, a member of the Mesquakie tribe, will tell children a Native American tale about a spider who gave human beings a very special gift. The tiny creature was able to travel to the sun where he found fire that he brought back to Earth. Whisler, who is also a singer and songwriter, will bring along his guitar adorned with hawk feathers. He will perform some songs that describe the caring relationship that Native Americans have with the Earth.
Early Illinois French and Indian Stories and Music, 2 p.m. Saturday, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 2600 Central Park Ave., Evanston, $5 adults, $2.50 children; 847-475-1030.
— Nancy Maes
The right colors
Catch the 4th of July spirit during Red, White and Blue Day on Wednesday at the Fox River Trolley Museum. There’s no greater sense of independence than taking a relaxing and scenic ride along the Fox River. Groups welcome.
Red, White and Blue Day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. Illinois Highway 31, South Elgin, all rides $2 in special commemoration of American history; 847-697-4676.
— Stephanie Price
1890s-style 4th
Celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way this weekend as Kline Creek Farm presents “Celebrating the Fourth.” Visitors can experience one of the country’s first holidays as it was celebrated in the 1890s through games and patriotic speeches.
“Celebrating the Fourth,” presentations at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kline Creek Farm, on County Farm Road about one-half mile south of North Avenue, Winfield, free; 630-876-5900.
— Stephanie Price
June Christmas
Take the kids to the movies for free Friday at Mokena Park. Set up lawn chairs or stretch out on a blanket and see “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” starring Jim Carrey, on the park’s giant outdoor screen. Refreshments will be sold.
Movie, 8:45 p.m. Friday, Mokena Main Park, 10925 LaPorte Rd., Mokena, admission free; 708-479-1020.
— Pat Harper
Campfire songs
Enjoy an old-fashioned camp-out Saturday at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete. All you need is some camping equipment to spend the night under the stars. There will be a group campfire with singing and storytelling.
Camp and campfire, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Plum Creek Nature Center in Goodenow Grove, 1 1/4 miles east of Illinois Highway 1 on Goodenow Road, Crete, $5 a family for Will County residents, $10 a family for non-residents, 815-727-8700.
— Pat Harper
