Holiday

How to Carve a Pumpkin

Think you know the latest tricks for carving a creepy pumpkin? The pros continue to push the barriers. A handful of people become professional pumpkin carvers each fall, specializing in fantastical designs. Among them are Alex Wer, self-styled “Pumpkin Geek,” who lives near Sacramento, Calif.; Scott... Read More

6 Best Places to Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree

Why cut your own tree? It’s a good way to experience the countryside and support a local family farm. The trees are recyclable and sustainable, rather than made from oil-based petroleum products. The smell of fresh pine instantly creates a holiday atmosphere in your home. Just... Read More

Tree Lighting in Chicago Suburbs 2021

Tree Lighting in Chicago Suburbs 2021. You can visit with Santa at these neighborhood tree lighting ceremonies and holiday festivals. Nov. 25, 8-11am Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Chicago: www.chicagothanksgivingparade.com, State St. Nov. 26, 6:30-9pm Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting Antioch: https://www.antioch.il.gov, downtown to Village Hall. Nov.... Read More

Finding Deals for Thanksgiving Meals

Make your Thanksgiving dinner one of the best bargain meals you prepare this year. By shopping the sales and using coupons, you’ll save big while your family and friends rave about your delicious meal. 1. Plan Ahead: The key to saving on groceries is taking time to... Read More

DIY Halloween Costumes on a Budget

We got some great tips from a Consignment Expert to create and save on costumes this Halloween Do you remember your favorite Halloween costume as a kid? Mine was this long, flowing princess costume that my mother made out of green satin and chiffon. It had a... Read More

The North Pole Holiday Spectacular

The North Pole Holiday Spectacular The magic of Santa and the North Pole lands at Schaumburg Park District’s “The North Pole Holiday Spectacular.” “The North Pole Holiday Spectacular,” sponsored by Amita Health, is set for 1-3:30 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, at the Community Recreation... Read More

Top 4 Safety tips when Buying Toys

Top 4 Safety tips when buying toys for tots Toys play a pivotal role in the lives of young children. While fun is always a consideration when buying toys for kids, toys can do more than entertain. The National Association for the Education of Young Children... Read More

Friday Fun Five December 28, 2018

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Digital Edition, or search our calendar of events!           New Year’s Eve... Read More

Spring Break Camps

Looking to keep the kids busy during spring break? Here’s a list of fabulous day camps for all kinds of activities. It’s not too late to sign up so register now!   Available from March 27-31 Elk Grove Park District Spring Break Camps Elk Grove: 847-437-9494... Read More

Valentine Events 2017

February 4, 6-8 p.m. Daddy Daughter Hoedown Grand Oaks Rec Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake www.crystallakeparks.org Yeeehaw! Girls, grab your boots and favorite cowboy, and mosey on over to the Daddy Daughter Hoedown! February 10, 4-5:30 p.m. Cool Science: Let’s Do Some Valentine Science... Read More

5 Tips to Relieve Holiday Stress

Oaklee’s guest post by our organizational guru, Sue Becker, owner of From Piles to Smiles.   Reflect on what you want. Determine what you want to get out of the holidays. For example, do you want to spend quality time with family or friends, eat healthfully,... Read More

Help Feed the Hungry this Season

As we focus on Thanksgiving and our wonderful Midwestern abundance of food, we’re reminded that not everyone is so lucky. Fortunately, there are a number of ways for us to help hungry families. Oaklee’s, along with our friends at Hope Lutheran, @Properties, and other local organizations... Read More

Haunted Houses

Here are some spooky events for older children and teens and some really fun Haunted Houses.  Find more Fall Fun events on these posts: October Festivals Halloween Family Fun for all ages Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes Oct. 13 – 15 Haunted Forest in Oak Brook: www.obparks.org/hauntedforest/ Haunted Forest event... Read More

Family-Friendly Halloween Events

Events for Families with All-Ages Whether you’re the bravest of the lot or a scaredy-cat that hides when it’s dark, here are some events to give you the spooks for Halloween. Find more local activities and events for the holiday in the Oaklee’s online calendar. These... Read More

Do You Believe in Santa Claus?

Get your family into the spirit of the season with a production of the timeless classic movie, “The Miracle on 34th Street.” Overshadowed Theatrical Productions is a local theater company that strives to deliver quality, family-friendly drama. The play is a faithful adaptation of the 1947... Read More

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonies 2015

Get in the holiday spirit with these tree lighting events that will fill your children with wonder. Many ceremonies include family activities and a visit from Santa, so Go Make Holiday Memories! For more holiday family fun, see our related posts on Chicago’s Holiday Events and... Read More