40 things to do in the Chicago area with the kids in February

February doesn’t have to be dreary. Really! With polar bears, groundhogs, turtles and dragons to see, the Lunar New Year to celebrate, and free museum visits for Illinois residents, you’ll feel as if you and the kids have it all — right here in the Chicago area.

Feb. 1: WONDERS OF WINTER

If your family prefers embracing wintry fun rather than nesting indoors, don’t miss this chance to get your snowy fix (weather permitting, natch). Hosted at this 1920s Tudor Revival mansion run by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Wonders of Winter offers a wide array of drop-in activities. Hitch a ride on a horse-drawn wagon, and make s’mores around an open fire. Try your hand at ice fishing and your feet at snowshoeing. Don’t worry about tiny frostbitten toes, either: Indoor activities provide a warm break from the cold. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. Free admission; fees for some activities. https://tinyurl.com/vtumq3y

Feb. 1: ‘DRAGONS ALIVE!’

An exhibit imported from Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, “Dragons Alive! The Science and Culture of Reptiles” gives families the chance to interact and learn about some oddly charming creatures. Meet a crocodile monitor, a jeweled lacerta, and even a couple of species officially named “dragon” (but not the animated Toothless variety). The exhibit opens Feb. 1 and runs through Aug. 23 at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. $9, $7 for students, $6 for kids 3-12. naturemuseum.org

Feb. 1: LOGAN CENTER FAMILY SATURDAY

Celebrate Carnival — better known in the U.S. as Mardi Gras — a few weeks early at this edition of The Logan’s monthly day for families. The center programs two hours of drop-in activities with a Brazilian flair. 2-4 p.m. at the Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Free. https://tinyurl.com/k5deh4m

Feb. 1: WOODSTOCK GROUNDHOG DAYS

Is there any place more perfect to host Groundhog Days festivities than Woodstock, the Illinois hamlet 60-some miles northwest of the Loop? Hundreds of folks will gather this weekend to celebrate the peculiar holiday, culminating in the big event at 7 a.m. Feb. 2 in Woodstock Square, where the classic comedy “Groundhog Day” was filmed. Will furry little Woodstock Willie see his shadow after the polka band wakes him up? Come find out — but dress for the weather. The outdoor event is free; a ticketed breakfast follows, where you can snag a photo op with a human-sized plushy Willie. Festivities begin Feb. 1, including free screenings of the film, walking tours, a chili cook-off and more. $15 for the 7:30 a.m. breakfast Feb. 2 at Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay St., Woodstock. woodstockgroundhog.org

Feb. 2: LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE

Welcome, new year 4718! Blow your kids’ minds with the fact that the Chinese calendar has been in use more than twice as long as our Gregorian one. The lunar new year, often called “Chinese New Year” by Westerners, is the biggest annual holiday for much of the world’s population. Commemorate the Year of the Rat at Chicago’s celebratory parade, a spectacle filled with drums, dancing dragons and more. The big Chinatown parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Feb. 2 at Wentworth Avenue and 24th Street, heading north on Wentworth to Cermak Road. (For those who can’t make it, the North Side hosts the Argyle Lunar New Year Parade at 1 p.m. Feb. 1.) ccc-foundation.org/lunar-new-year-parade

Feb. 2: BOTANIC GARDEN FAMILY CLASSES

What makes ice cream taste so good? Families with kids 4-10 find out about the ingredients that produce delicious flavors, including various fruits and the vanilla bean, which comes from orchids. Make and sample some scrumptious ice cream during “Sweet Treats, Cold Eats,” 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and 15. More of a breakfast person? “Make Your Own Butter and Pancakes” is Feb. 23 and 29. All classes at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. $24 per adult-child pair. https://tinyurl.com/wz7ur9r

Feb. 2: ‘THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: TRAVELS THROUGH TIME’

Formerly known by the whimsical moniker Barrel of Monkeys, this team of artist-educators has a proud new name, PlayMakers Laboratory, designed to better reflect its mission with CPS students, ages 7-13. But “That’s Weird, Grandma,” the signature show, remains its zany self! These skits, all written by students, are united by their setting: in the past or future. Catch it Feb. 2, 9 and 16 at Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. $20, $10 for kids 12 and under.

Feb. 3: FREE FEBRUARY AT THE FIELD MUSEUM

A family trip to the Field Museum is rarely as much of a bargain as during February, when general admission is gratis for the entire month for all Illinois residents. If you haven’t been recently, you’ll find plenty of new experiences. Sue the T. rex got an multisensory upgrade: In “Evolving Planet,” you can feel the animals’ textured skin and smell bad dino breath. Meanwhile, the stunning big-budget exhibit “Fantastic Bug Encounters” features jaw-dropping giant models created by New Zealand’s Te Papa museum and a live-insect petting zoo. Daily through February at the Field, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Free general admission, including “Evolving Planet”; tickets to one uprgraded attraction, such as “Fantastic Bug Encounters,” cost $16, $14 for students, $12 for kids 3-11. fieldmuseum.org/at-the-field/programs/free-days

Feb. 4: STROLLER GROOVES

Now in its third year, Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum’s Stroller Grooves series gives parents and caregivers a reason to get out of the house with their tykes. Brighten your winter days with these complimentary concerts in the Crystal Gardens, a green oasis of thriving plant life worth visiting even without the live music. Tuesdays at noon through the end of March at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free. https://tinyurl.com/qnobaoo

Feb. 4: MEET THE CREATOR OF ‘IT’S OK TO BE A UNICORN’

The key life lesson in this charming, brand-new picture book is best learned at an early age: It’s OK to be different. Or, in the words of author-illustrator Jason Tharp, “It’s Okay To Be A Unicorn”! Follow the adventures of Cornelius J. Sparklesteed, a unicorn among horses who hides his horn under some very tall hats. Meet Tharp at 7 p.m. at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Free to attend; $18 for “Unicorn.” https://www.andersonsbookshop.com/event/jason-tharp

Feb. 7: JUICEBOX CONCERTS

February’s editions of Juicebox, the city-sponsored performance series for the toddler set, runs the gamut of jam bands. Feb. 7 and 8 belong to the amazing Funkadesi ensemble — some call it the Indo-Afro-Caribbean Connection; others simply call it a party onstage. Two weeks later, on Feb. 21 and 22, Deep Fried Pickle Project brings its honky-tonk flair, delivered with instruments such as slide whistle, washtub bass and jug. As with all Juicebox events, the all-ages shows happen twice: 11 a.m. Fridays (Feb. 7 and 21) at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St.; and 11 a.m. Saturdays (Feb. 8 and 22) at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. Free. https://tinyurl.com/y5nxmt9d

Feb. 7: LILLSTREET FAMILY WORKSHOP: PAPER HEARTS, FLOWERS AND GARLANDS

Get ready for Valentine’s Day with the kid in your life at this family workshop. A parent (or grandparent, or cool aunt/uncle) works together with a kid, age 5 and up, to cut, paste and paint cards and gifts for the upcoming holiday of hearts. It’s a fun way to make memories together, not to mention impressing the loved ones who get the gifts. 5-7 p.m. at Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. $70 per adult-child pair; $35 for each additional kid. (If working with clay is more your thing, make mugs together Feb. 15.) lillstreet.com/class/15645

Feb. 8: ‘WAKE UP, BROTHER BEAR’

Geared specifically for the youngest of audiences, “Wake Up, Brother Bear” is an interactive 45-minute show that introduces the concept of four seasons. The guides are Brother Bear and Sister Bear, who explore their changing world while accompanied by live music. This show is geared for little ones, from 6 months to 6 years old. They can stay put in your lap or move around, as needed, in this toddler-friendly environment. Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., through Feb. 16; Feb. 8-9 is access weekend, with performances specially geared for family members who are blind, deaf or on the spectrum. At The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave. $22-$32. chicagochildrenstheatre.org/wake-up-brother-bear/

Feb. 8: ‘WHAT’S UP, KING TUT?’ & JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGIST

From King Tut to Indiana Jones, the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute makes history fun for families. The museum hosts two programs Saturday afternoons this month for those with kids ages 5-12. On Feb. 8, learn about the life of Egypt’s famous boy pharoah, Tutankhamun, and see some of his artifacts in the OI collection; or go on a simulated excavation Feb. 22. At the Oriental Institute, 1155 E. 58th St. Register in advance: $16 per adult-child pair; $8 each for additional people. https://tinyurl.com/ybgup7vv

Feb. 8: LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Art Institute with this all-ages afternoon full of art, music, games and bilingual gallery talks (in English and Mandarin), all capped by a lantern procession. Programming includes a live performance, “The Great Zodiac Animal Race” at 1:30 and 3 p.m., by Chicago Puppet Studio; and a drop-in paper lantern workshop, so families can participate in the procession. 1-4:30 p.m., concluding with a 5 p.m. procession into Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park, at The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. $20-$25, free for Chicago teens and all kids 13 and under. https://tinyurl.com/yxxls7wl

Feb. 9: BEAT KITCHEN’S CONCERTS FOR KIDS

Whether you need a cure for winter blues or just a fun excuse to get out of the house with the kids on the weekend, Beat Kitchen’s kindie-rock concert series has your back. The lineup for February includes Chicago stalwarts Little Miss Ann, Feb. 9; The Boogers, Feb. 16; and Tunes with Tim, Feb. 23. Concerts begin at noon at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave. $7. ticketweb.com/search?q=concerts+for+kids

Feb. 10: BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONCERTS

Chicago Children’s Choir showcases its world-renowned talent and impressive numbers with three morning concerts, featuring songs connecting to the theme “African Americans and the Vote.” In addition to celebrating Black History Month, here’s a chance to appreciate CCC’s vast reach: Performing are the premiere Voice of Chicago ensemble, plus the thousands of kids enrolled in the Choir’s in-school programs from every neighborhood in the city. 11 a.m. Feb. 10-12 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Free; seating is first come, first served. ccchoir.org/event/black-history-month-concert-series-9/

Feb. 11: POETRY OUT LOUD REGIONAL COMPETITIONS

A nationwide competition in the art of reciting poetry, Poetry Out Loud has reached more than 3.8 millions students in its 15-year history. Hosted by the Poetry Foundation (in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the competition revs up for 2020 with two regional showdowns. On two consecutive Tuesdays, local high school champs vie for the chance to represent Illinois at the nationals in April; watch city students Feb. 11 and suburban students Feb. 18, both from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St. Free. https://tinyurl.com/qswaa3y

Feb. 12: ARBOR READING ADVENTURES

This popular, twice-weekly story time pairs reading out loud with a craft activity inside the Sterling Morton Library. Weather permitting, you’ll also take a stroll on the arboretum grounds. Geared for little ones ages 2-6, the event is 11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays through the end of March at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. $5 per child for Reading Adventures, plus Arboretum admission: $15, $10 for ages 2-17 on Fridays; $10/$7 on Wednesdays. Free parking. mortonarb.org/events/arbor-reading-adventures

Feb. 13: CHICAGO THEATRE WEEK

Bargain tickets are the name of the game during Chicago Theatre Week — which is really an 11-day event, February 13-23. The top ticket price during this great annual promotion is $30, but lots of companies have tickets available for $15 or less. Participating shows for kids include “Brooklyn Bridge” (Chicago Playworks at the Merle Reskin Theatre downtown) and “Bunny’s Book Club” (at Lifeline in Rogers Park). Older kids will love the Court Theatre’s production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” in Hyde Park. Find the schedule at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com

Feb. 13: ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE’

You have a kid who hasn’t seen “The Princess Bride” yet? Inconceivable! Rectify that situation with a trip to a real cinema, so a new generation can fall in love with charming hero Westley, brave Princess Buttercup and their allies, including the swashbuckling Inigo Montoya. The 98-minute, rated-PG movie screens at 7 p.m. Valentine’s Eve at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. $12-13. musicboxtheatre.com/events/upcoming

Feb. 15: FAMILY MOVIE JAMBOREE: ‘TANGLED’

Released in 2010, Disney’s “Tangled” somehow doesn’t get the love of the studio’s other hits from the past decade (“Frozen,” “Moana,” “Zootopia”), but this Rapunzel retelling has an inventive script to accompany another top-notch score by Alan Menken. See it for free when Metropolis School of the Performing Arts throws another Family Movie Jamboree. In addition to the screening, enjoy face painting, a photo booth and craft time. Doors open at 9 a.m.; “Tangled” begins at 10 at Metropolis Arts, 111 W. Campbell St. Free, but RSVP to 847-577-2121. https://tinyurl.com/tnb8le4

Feb. 15: LUCKY TRIKES CONCERT

The novel act known as The Lucky Trikes bills itself as a “storytelling chamber band,” which means you and your little ones get stories accompanied by live music. Sweet! The Trike anchors are Deirdre and Kyle; they’re often joined by another musician. Experience their fun story/music wizardry at 2 p.m. at the Winnetka Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. Free. https://tinyurl.com/yx2rcxt7

Feb. 15-16: SPRING VALLEY WINTER FEST

Winter’s beauty becomes evident when you’re surrounded by snow on fields and trees rather than gray slush on concrete. Achieve this stark Zen mode during Schaumburg Park District’s weekend fair, where you can hike with snowshoes, go for a horse-drawn wagon ride, witness dog sledding demos, and roast marshmallows by a bonfire. Noon till 3 p.m. Feb. 15-16 at the Meineke Nature Center at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. $3, free for kids 3 and under; $12 family rate. parkfun.com/event/spring-valley-winter-fest

Feb. 17: CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM COMMEMORATIVE DAYS

Where’s a more appropriate way to celebrate Presidents Day than at this Lincoln Park museum? Illinois residents enjoy free admission, so you won’t feel taxed by this day off. Storytelling, craft activities and live music by the Chicago Brass Band celebrate those who’ve lived in the White House. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at At Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Free for all Illinois residents. chicagohistory.org/event/presidents-day-2/

Feb. 17: ROTARY HILL SLEDDING

Sometimes the circumstances align perfectly for outdoor fun on a holiday. If the ground has more than 2 inches of snow on it, why hit the multiplex or the mall again when you can go sledding with the kids? Naperville’s lighted Rotary Hill is a great choice, since it stays open until 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends). Plus, if the weather isn’t too miserable, you’ll probably find the nearby Riverwalk Cafe open for hot cocoa and coffee. Bundle up for a memorable adventure! At Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville. Free; bring your own plastic sleds (no wood or metal). napervilleparks.org/wintersportsfacilities

Feb. 17: CHICAGO AUTO SHOW FAMILY DAY

Junior mechanics and pint-size drivers don’t need an official reason to check out the Chicago Auto Show, but its final day, Feb. 17, falls on Presidents Day — which is also, by tradition, the show’s annual Family Day. Kids will find games and safety-awareness activities, while a wide range of non-auto-specific businesses show up with giveaways and more. (Details were not yet announced at press time, but in past years, that list included Medieval Times, Raging Waves and the White Sox.) 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. $13, $8 for kids 7-12, free for kids 6 and under. chicagoautoshow.com/about-the-show/

Feb. 17: ELMHURST ART MUSEUM: SCREENPRINT LANDSCAPES WORKSHOP

Typically closed Mondays, the under-the-radar Elmhurst Art Museum has a special family workshop to welcome guests on Presidents Day. Drop in on a print-making workshop inspired by a current exhibit, “Screenprint Landscapes." When you’re done, explore a second exhibit, “Could Be Architecture: McCormick AfterParti,” which adds playful new elements to the historic McCormick House, including a dedicated space for kids with building blocks. 1-4 p.m. at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. $15, free for youth under 18. elmhurstartmuseum.org

Feb. 19: TURTLE TIME!

The 101-acre Isle a la Cache forest preserve includes a museum/visitors center that is home to Taco, a rather large representative of the endangered Blanding’s turtle. Come celebrate Taco at 6 p.m. during this reptile-rific meet and greet, as he roams outside of his 300-gallon tank. Please register by Feb. 16: 815-886-1467. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road (135th Street), Romeoville. Free. https://tinyurl.com/uk6fe4l

Feb. 22: TOLERANCE QUILT

Stitches of the Soul leads this interactive group project, inspired by the current exhibit, “Woven: Connections and Meanings.” Drop in with young people ages 12 and up, any time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 22 and 29, to contribute design elements to the quilt. The overarching theme is tolerance. At the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. $5. https://tinyurl.com/t5c6csz

Feb. 22: ENGINEERING FEST

Who wants to build your own elevator? How about your own train trestle? Those are among the engineering games for all ages during this annual two-day fest, which comes with the theme “Cities on the Move.” Drop in on a multitude of Chicago Architecture Foundation family activities, including talking to design experts, taking a short outdoor tour of Loop landmarks, and hitting the photo booth. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22-23 at the Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive. $6, free for kids 11 and under. architecture.org/programs-events/detail/engineering-fest/

Feb. 22: NAPERVILLE PLAYS

The city of Naperville gives families four times the fun in one outing, thanks to this special day of drop-in activities and story time. Representatives from Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naper Settlement and Naperville Public Library come to the Children’s Museum, so parents can easily discover what each institution offers. 9 a.m. till noon at DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. $13. dupagechildrens.org/event/naperville-plays-at-dcm/

Feb. 22: FLIP FABRIQUE

Say “bonjour!” to Quebec-based circus troupe Flip Fabrique, as aerialists and clowns take over the Harris Theater at Millennium Park. The company performs “Blizzard,” an acrobatic analysis of winter performed in a totally white room. Amid the feats of hula hoop, yo-yo and trampo-wall, onstage musicians provide live accompaniment, revealing the circus potential of the humble piano(!). The 75-minute show, part of the Harris’ Exelon Family Series, is at 2 p.m. at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive. $10-$15. https://tinyurl.com/ublgapt

Feb. 23: JUSTIN ROBERTS CONCERT

Grammy-nominated Justin Roberts brings his band, The Not Ready For Naptime Players, to the Old Town School to rock out your morning. Expect some of his familiar hits, from albums such as “Lullaby” and “Lemonade,” plus new tunes from his forthcoming release, “Wild Life.” It’s not on sale till the following week, but you should be able to score the new CD after the show! 10:30 a.m. at The Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. $15. https://tinyurl.com/uuwsvup

Feb. 26: CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN’S LENHARDT LIBRARY

It doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside on Wednesday mornings at the Botanic Garden because you can always head to its library for story time. Tots ages 2-5 are welcome with their adults for an hour of nature-themed tales and activities. Afterward, take a stroll around the gardens and greenhouses with the special Bingo Activity Card. 10 a.m. Wednesdays through March 25 at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Free admission; $20-$25 parking. (Tip: If you’re up for a train ride, Metra’s Union Pacific North Line takes you right to the garden, thus avoiding the parking fee.) chicagobotanic.org/calendar/event/story_time

Feb. 27: INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY

Some unconventional annual “holidays“ are just plain silly, but everyone’s cool when they observe International Polar Bear Day. Celebrate this unique species and learn more about the bears’ plight caused by the loss of ice in a warming Arctic Ocean. To see the majestic animals in person, visit one of Cook County’s two zoos: Lincoln Park Zoo’s “Arctic Tundra” exhibit or Brookfield’s “Great Bear Wilderness.” LPZ is free, while Brookfield general admission is $22, $16 for kids 3-11. polarbearsinternational.org/get-involved/international-polar-bear-day/

Feb. 28: C2E2

The annual Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo — better known by its droid-sounding acronym, C2E2 — returns for another weekend packed with geektastic goodness. In addition to all the comic books, sci-fi and fantasy books, toys and action figures, the three-day convention includes a great family HQ with quidditch matches, drawing demos, interactive games with Storytown Improv, Medieval Times and more. Special guests include authors Rainbow Rowell and Joe Hill, comics creators Faith Erin Hicks and Jim Lee, and actors Karl Urban and William Shatner. Feb. 28 through March 1 at McCormick Place (South Building), 2301 S. King Drive. $30-$55 per day; $10-$20 for kids 6-12. c2e2.com

Feb. 28: ASLEEP WITH THE FISHES

This won’t be a top pick for light sleepers, but if you want to give the kids a night to remember, the Shedd Aquarium hosts an overnight pajama party! Activities include science games, animal encounters, a scavenger hunt and a Caribbean Reef feeding dive. Not up for the sleepover part? Opt to join just the nighttime fun, then head home to bed. For families with kids 5-12. Doors open at 6 p.m. at Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. $85 per person; $40 for evening activities without the sleepover. https://tinyurl.com/ud4445z

Feb. 29: MONSTER JAM TRIPLE THREAT

If you know the names Megalodon, Grave Digger or El Toro Loco, then you probably already know that Monster Jam is zooming back to Rosemont for the weekend. Watch these and other massive vehicles race and “battle” around the arena. Five shows throughout the weekend, Feb. 28 through March 1, at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $25-$75. monsterjam.com/en-US/tickets

Feb. 29: BREAKFAST BOOK CLUB WITH ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE

Bring your little ones to their first book club, themed around Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie early-reader book series. Meet the characters, take a photo and enjoy story time at this early-morning event, which includes hot breakfast at museum’s Bean Sprouts Cafe. Stick around to explore the museum around after the event ends, too. 7:30-9 a.m. Feb. 29 and March 7 at DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. $25. dupagechildrens.org/book-club

Web Behrens is a freelance reporter.