Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Are you the designated spider catcher for your household? Do you stay up late to view the wonders of the cosmos? Is your fossil collection the wonder of the neighborhood? Join us each month to learn how the library can help you explore the mysteries of the universe. Experiments, outdoor exploration and fun included! Children 3rd-5th grade. 497-2102 FREE

Wildlife Praire State Park

Gather up your 2-4 year olds for a program of fun hands-on learning activities! Each month revolves around a different nature topic and incorporates crafts, hikes, nature journals and refreshments.

Please choose only one session per month. All sessions are 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Cost for each session is $9.00 per child plus applicable General Admission, $7.00 for Park Members.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please call (309) 676-0998 ext. 6758

Jan 24 or 25 Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland
Feb 28 or 29 The Deep Blue Sea
Mar 27 or 28 Things That Go Bump in the Night
Apr 24 or 25 Eggstatic
May NO CLASSES
June 19 or 20 Terrific Tadpoles
July 24 or 25 Wildlife Safari
Aug 28 or 29 Have You Hugged a Tree Today?

It is FREE admission to the Peoria Zoo until February 12. Visiting the zoo animals in the winter is a great experience. Donations are appreciated. For more info, visit peoriazoo.org.

10:15AM - 10:45AM
Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6. 497-2100 FREE

10:15AM - 10:45AM
Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6. 497-2100 FREE

10:15AM - 10:45AM
Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6. 497-2100 FREE

10:15AM - 10:45AM
Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6. 497-2100 FREE

Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Are you looking for a storytime that is just right for your 2 or 3 year old? Join us for stories, songs, activities, and easy crafts that are a perfect fit for little ones who are too big for the baby storytime but not quite ready for the preschool storytime. Children ages 2 – 3 years and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2200 FREE

10:00AM - 10:30AM
Peoria Public Library - Lincoln Branch

Come warm up and join us for stories, songs, and lots of fun! There will be a special Martin Luther King, Jr. storytime on January 10. Ages 3-6. 497-2600 FREE

10:00AM - 10:30AM
Peoria Public Library - Lincoln Branch

Come warm up and join us for stories, songs, and lots of fun! There will be a special Martin Luther King, Jr. storytime on January 10. Ages 3-6. 497-2600 FREE

Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Are you looking for a storytime that is just right for your 2 or 3 year old? Join us for stories, songs, activities, and easy crafts that are a perfect fit for little ones who are too big for the baby storytime but not quite ready for the preschool storytime. Children ages 2 – 3 years and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2200 FREE

Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Are you looking for a storytime that is just right for your 2 or 3 year old? Join us for stories, songs, activities, and easy crafts that are a perfect fit for little ones who are too big for the baby storytime but not quite ready for the preschool storytime. Children ages 2 – 3 years and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2200 FREE

Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Are you looking for a storytime that is just right for your 2 or 3 year old? Join us for stories, songs, activities, and easy crafts that are a perfect fit for little ones who are too big for the baby storytime but not quite ready for the preschool storytime. Children ages 2 – 3 years and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2200 FREE

Peoria Public Library – Main Library

Are you done with homework and need something to do after school? Join us twice monthly on Wednesdays in the Children's craft area for some crafting fun. Kids in grades K - 6th can drop in anytime between 4:00 and 5:00 to do the day's craft while supplies last. 497-2000 FREE

Peoria Public Library – Main Library

Are you done with homework and need something to do after school? Join us twice monthly on Wednesdays in the Children's craft area for some crafting fun. Kids in grades K - 6th can drop in anytime between 4:00 and 5:00 to do the day's craft while supplies last. 497-2000 FREE

10:30AM - 11:00AM
Peoria Public Library – Lincoln Branch

Come and enjoy a fun story and a nutritional snack! 497-2600 FREE

10:30AM - 11:00PM
Peoria Public Library – McClure Branch

Make a fun and healthy snack. Ages 3-6. 497-2700 FREE

10:30AM - 11:10AM
Tiny Tots Storytime – Main Library

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your child and other parents of little ones as you sing, clap, listen, and explore together. Rhymes, stories, songs, and a social time where both children and parents can interact with each other will be part of this lively session. Babies 12-23 months and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2000 FREE

10:30AM - 11:10AM
Tiny Tots Storytime – Main Library

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your child and other parents of little ones as you sing, clap, listen, and explore together. Rhymes, stories, songs, and a social time where both children and parents can interact with each other will be part of this lively session. Babies 12-23 months and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2000 FREE

10:30AM - 11:10AM
Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your child and other parents of little ones as you sing, clap, listen, and explore together. Rhymes, stories, songs, and a social time where both children and parents can interact with each other will be part of this lively session. Babies 12-23 months and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2000 FREE

10:30AM - 11:10AM
Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your child and other parents of little ones as you sing, clap, listen, and explore together. Rhymes, stories, songs, and a social time where both children and parents can interact with each other will be part of this lively session. Babies 12-23 months and their caregivers are welcome. 497-2000 FREE

Black History Storytime

02/07/12 10:00AM - 10:30AM
Peoria Public Library – Lincoln Branch

Listen to some classic Black History stories and make an Abraham Lincoln sack puppet. Ages 3-6. 497-2600 FREE

10:00AM - 10:20AM
Peoria Public Library – McClure Branch

Songs, fingerplays, stories, and lots of fun! Ages 18 months to 2 years old. 497-2700 FREE

10:00AM - 10:20AM
Peoria Public Library – McClure Branch

Songs, fingerplays, stories, and lots of fun! Ages 18 months to 2 years old. 497-2700 FREE

10:00AM - 10:20AM
Peoria Public Library – McClure Branch

Songs, fingerplays, stories, and lots of fun! Ages 18 months to 2 years old. 497-2700 FREE

10:00AM - 10:20AM
Peoria Public Library – McClure Branch

Songs, fingerplays, stories, and lots of fun! Ages 18 months to 2 years old. 497-2700 FREE

02/14/12 10:00AM - 10:30AM
Peoria Public Library – Lincoln Branch

A special guest will tell us how to love our teeth and give us a special treat this Valentine’s Day! Ages 3-6. 497-2600 FREE

02/13/12 7:00PM - 7:45PM
Peoria Public Library – North Branch

Love is in the air at the Peoria Public Library. Join us for a Valentine’s Day themed Pajama Storytime. We’ll read a story, play games, and make a simple craft. Bring a blanket and pillow; you’ll be ready for bed when you leave! All ages welcome. 497-2100 FREE

02/11/12 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Peoria Public Library – Lincoln Branch

Make a cute Valentine craft to take home. While supplies last. All ages welcome. 497-2600 FREE

02/11/12 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Peoria Public Library – McClure Branch

Come make a simple holiday craft to take home! While supplies last. All ages welcome. 497-2700 FREE

02/09/12 2:00PM - 2:30PM
Peoria Public Library – Lincoln Branch

Enjoy the holiday puppet show, “Little Red Racing Heart – a Fractured Fairy Tale.” All ages welcome. 497-2600 FREE

THE FRESH BEAT BAND live in concert at the Peoria Civic Center. Feel the beat on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 3:30 pm at the Peoria Civic Center Theater.

The Mid-West Truckers Association Midwest Truck & Trailer Show will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4, 2012. The hours for each day are as follows:

Friday, February 3: 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday, February 4: 9 am - 4 pm

On February 3, FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro will address the Opening Session of the 50th Anniversary Mid-West Truckers Association Convention and Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show. Ferro will likely be asked to address the hot topics of new federal hours-of-service regulations and the ban on the use of hand-held cell phones.

The Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show is held in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary Convention of the Mid-West Truckers Association.

Monster Jam will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Arena on February 3-4, 2012. Times are 7 pm on Feb. 3 and 2 pm and 7 pm on Feb. 4. Tickets are $17, $22, $27 and $42 for adults and $10.50, $27 and $42 for kids ages 12 and under. Tickets are on sale now at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. Please note that the these can always change.

Truck Lineup

GRAVE DIGGER-Charlie Pauken

HOT WHEELS-Dan Evans

SAMSON-Dan Patrick

RAMINATOR-Mark Hall

RAMMUNITION-Mat Dishman

RAP ATTACK-Dave Rappach

Skippyjon Jones YouTheater Series will be held in the Peoria Civic Center Theater on February 1, 2012, at 10 am.

Skippyjon Jones is a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams! Sometimes he pretends to be a bird, sometimes he pretends to be a llama, and sometimes he pretends to be a whale...Anything BUT a Siamese cat! Based on the book by Judy Schachner, and from the creators of Theatreworks USA’s Junie B. Jones and Click, Clack, Moo, Skippyjon Jones is an enchanting musical about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams. For more information on the YouTheater Series, or to purchase tickets, call 309-680-3551.

Add some sunshine to your day and a ray of hope for children and families! Come out and enjoy a festive lunch and kids fashions show along with a kids concert by award winning children's recording artist Julie K who will brighten your day!!!

It's a great way to support the Children's Hospital, so round up your friends and grab a table. Buy your tickets today! Call the Foundation Office at 309-566-5666. $45 per adult, $15 per child, $400 per table

February 25, 2012 11:00 AM
Embassy Suites Conference Center

Corn Stock Theatre
Saturday, February 11 from 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, February 12 from 10 am - Noon

Those auditioning must be between the ages of 7 - 18 and schedule a time in advance.

Cast will include Cinderella, her Fairy Godmother, her Stepmother and 2 Stepsisters, the Prince, King, and Queen, as well as villagers, merchants, and palace guests. Positions also are available on backstage crews.

If you have questions, are interested in working backstage, or cannot attend the workshop and want to schedule an audition time, please e-mail director Linda Grimson at cskcinderella@gmail.com

Lakeview Museum

January 28 - May 20, 2012

Be the Dinosaur™: Life in the Cretaceous uses simulations to make it possible for each visitor to live the life of a T. rex or Triceratops. The most up-to-date findings are presented through text panels and displays.

The digital dinosaurs in this exhibit are lifelike reconstructions that move about within their digital realm. Their digital skeletons and muscles obey the laws of physics and the limitations of matter. Each one fits into its ecosystem in a specific way that cannot be altered. Plants grow and have nutritional value; the dinosaurs digest food to survive and burn virtual calories as they expend energy. They even give off digital “odors” that other virtual creatures can detect.

To prepare for a trip into this exciting virtual world, visitors must “dig” through the other exhibit components to unlock the secrets of how dinosaurs survived and thrived, and then apply that information to move with them through their natural environment. It’s an opportunity to experience life as a dinosaur — searching for food, nurturing young, moving with a herd and interacting with other species.

Feb. 2, 2012
6:00 am - 7:00 am
Wildlife Prairie State Park Visitors Center

It's a tradition! Celebrate Groundhog's Day with Gertie and Wildlife Prairie State Park!

6:00am - The Park opens. Warm yourself up with hot beverages and signature Gertie treats!
6:15am - Festivities leading up to Gertie's prediction begin with an educational presentation on the history of Groundhog's Day given by Park naturalists.
6:25am - A parade in honor of Gertie will kick off with Hanna City Mayor, Fred Winterroth, serving as Grand Marshall.
6:45am - Park naturalists will have an educational presentation on groundhogs.
6:50am - Proclamation and Prognostication by Master of Ceremonies, Mayor Winterroth.
6:54am - Wake-up, Gertie Sing-a-long with Barry Cloyd.
6:57am - Gertie's Outing and Prognostication.
7:00am -Program Closing and Thank You by WPSP Board Members.

Stay after the event, and walk the Merrill Woods Trail which will be open...it's a great photographic opportunity as many of our indigenous animals are active in the winter months. You might even see some groundhogs on your own! Think Spring!

Admission Price: FREE

Jump Start Gymnastics

Get some one on one time with your child while enjoying the toys, games and fun activities of Jump Start Gymnastics! Bring some friends and enjoy an hour of fun! This unstructured event offers parents, grandparents or even babysitters the opportunity to experience our gym in a fun and safe way and allow the kids to burn off some of that extra energy!

Jungle Jamboree is for children 3 and under and their adult buddies.

This event is just $5.00.

11:30am-12:30pm

Jump Start Gymnastics

Get some one on one time with your child while enjoying the toys, games and fun activities of Jump Start Gymnastics! Bring some friends and enjoy an hour of fun! This unstructured event offers parents, grandparents or even babysitters the opportunity to experience our gym in a fun and safe way and allow the kids to burn off some of that extra energy!

Jungle Jamboree is for children 3 and under and their adult buddies.

This event is just $5.00.

11:30am-12:30pm

Jump Start Gymnastics

Get some one on one time with your child while enjoying the toys, games and fun activities of Jump Start Gymnastics! Bring some friends and enjoy an hour of fun! This unstructured event offers parents, grandparents or even babysitters the opportunity to experience our gym in a fun and safe way and allow the kids to burn off some of that extra energy!

Jungle Jamboree is for children 3 and under and their adult buddies.

This event is just $5.00.

11:30am-12:30pm

Jump Start Gymnastics

Get some one on one time with your child while enjoying the toys, games and fun activities of Jump Start Gymnastics! Bring some friends and enjoy an hour of fun! This unstructured event offers parents, grandparents or even babysitters the opportunity to experience our gym in a fun and safe way and allow the kids to burn off some of that extra energy!

Jungle Jamboree is for children 3 and under and their adult buddies.

This event is just $5.00.

11:30am-12:30pm

Jump Start Gymnastics

Friday night open gyms for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Friday Night Fun is unstructured gym time where children can play and/or work on mastering their gymnastics skills in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Jump Start staff members will be on hand to supervise and assist the students who get to choose which equipment and skills they want to practice.

Friday Night Fun begins with a short and fun warm-up, continues with open gym, a break for a snack and ends with fun games and activities.

Bring a friend! You don't have to be a student at Jump Start to attend!

7:00-9:00pm

All participating children must be signed in at the front desk by an adult before entering the gym.

Cost is just $10!

Jump Start Gymnastics

Friday night open gyms for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Friday Night Fun is unstructured gym time where children can play and/or work on mastering their gymnastics skills in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Jump Start staff members will be on hand to supervise and assist the students who get to choose which equipment and skills they want to practice.

Friday Night Fun begins with a short and fun warm-up, continues with open gym, a break for a snack and ends with fun games and activities.

Bring a friend! You don't have to be a student at Jump Start to attend!

7:00-9:00pm

All participating children must be signed in at the front desk by an adult before entering the gym.

Cost is just $10!

Jump Start Gymnastics

An open play date for children Pre-K and under with an adult. Come join Jump Start staff members for an hour of fun and games with your toddlers! There will be inflatables, prizes, games and gymnastics!

Cost is $5
Or Bring a Friend and get the "Buddy" price of just $8 for both.

February 11
3:30-4:30pm

Jump Start Gymnastics

For School Age Children
Join Jump Start for an exciting evening filled with gymnastics, games, karaoke, pizza and a dance party! Bring a friend and party the night away! It's going to be a blast!

Call today to reserve your spot! 692-5867

$20 for One or $15 for for 2 or more

February 11
5:30-8:30pm

Parents: drop your kids off for three hours of fun while you go out for a romantic Valentine’s date! Guests at the party will enjoy a pizza party, movie, games, gym time and a whole lot more!

Jump Start Gymnastics

Jump Start Gymnastics is excited to offer open gyms for children with disabilities. It gives these children the opportunity to experience all the fun we offer in safe environment.

For more information, call us at 692-5867.

Cost = $5.00

4:30-5:30pm

Fondulac Library, East Peoria

Third graders and older are invited to a Daring Program for Girls, based on The Daring Book for Girls, February 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Fondulac Library, East Peoria

Kids love to cook! Kindergarteners through 2nd graders are invited to make no-bake cookies and banana smoothies February 25 at 2 p.m. To ensure we have enough food for this program, please call 699-3917 to register.

Fondulac Library, East Peoria

If you’re in 3rd through 5th grade and want to learn how to make (and sample) cake mix cookies, join us February 18 at 2 p.m. To ensure we have
enough food for this program, please call 699-3917 to register.

Fondulac Library, East Peoria

Preschoolers through 5th graders can stop by the library February 10 between 4 and 5 p.m. to decorate a Valentine bag. Supplies are provided.

Join Bradley women's basketball on Saturday February 4 when the braves host Southern Illinois at 2pm at the Renaissance Coliseum. Its CEFCU Family Fun Day! Youth tickets are free with a regular priced adult ticket purchase of just $8. Free rally towels for the first 250 fans, inflatable games, poster making and more.

All fans are invited to stay after the game for autographs and ice cream sundaes served up by the team. All you need is your game ticket and your whole afternoon will be planned for you.

Join Bradley women’s basketball on Saturday February 4 at 2 pm. Get your tickets today by calling 677-2625 or visit the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the game.

From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!", our Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project..

The clinic is open to the first 50 kids grades 2-5 who sign up and arrive at the store by 10am..

Register online

From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!", our Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project..

The clinic is open to the first 50 kids grades 2-5 who sign up and arrive at the store by 10am..

Register online

Each monthly play group will focus on a different concept (i.e., toys, colors, shapes). We will play, sing songs and blow bubbles. Each family will leave with a review sheet of the day's activities.

Drop in fee is $10. Additional Child is $5 to cover supply costs.

February 20th at Created Just by Me - 10:00am
THEME: Numbers

Join Communication Junction for great Valentine Party! Join us for a morning full of activities. We will play games, make crafts and have fun!

February 11th, 2012
10:00am
Trinity Lutheran Church
135 NE Randloph
Peoria, IL

All ages are welcome- $10/per family

Please reserve your spot
communicationjunction@yahoo.com
309.453.3538

*Save the Date- Friday March 2nd, 5:00PM - Celebration of Dr. Seuss. Limited spots- RSVP NOW!

Join Communication Junction for Sign and Sing Story Time Near You

Washington Public Library
Washington, IL
February 8th
11:30am - 12:30pm
Bring your lunch and eat while we read stories. Story time begins around 11:45am.

Eli's Coffee Shop
205 W. Jefferson, Morton IL
February 27th
10:00am - 10:45am

A suggested $1 donation for all children over the
age of six months is appreciated.

Join Communication Junction for Sign and Sing Story Time Near You

Washington Public Library
Washington, IL
February 8th
11:30am - 12:30pm
Bring your lunch and eat while we read stories. Story time begins around 11:45am.

Eli's Coffee Shop
205 W. Jefferson, Morton IL
February 27th
10:00am - 10:45am

A suggested $1 donation for all children over the
age of six months is appreciated.

Dunlap Public Library

The Peoria Humane Society is bringing sweet and cuddly dogs to the library this Saturday from 10:30-11:30. Bring a book and read to dogs with PAWS to Read. Call the Humane Society at 672-2447 to sign up!

Peoria Prairie Tellers will present "Winter Tales" at the RiverPlex (located at 600 NE Water Street in downtown Peoria) on Saturday beginning at 7 pm. Admission is $5 in advance or $7 at the door. Call 309-682-2915 or 309-692-0993 or emailpeoria@prairietellers.us to reserve tickets.

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

During story time a staff member will read the story and each child will paint a dinner plate with an outlined scene from the book. We then outline the plate in black to pull your child’s creation together!

Feb 4 or Feb 8
10:30 – Noon
$16/child per day (ages 5 and up)
Please call 309.685.8906 to make reservations.

During story time a staff member will read the story and each child will paint a dinner plate with an outlined scene from the book. We then outline the plate in black to pull your child’s creation together!

Feb 4 or Feb 8
10:30 – Noon
$16/child per day (ages 5 and up)
Please call 309.685.8906 to make reservations.

February 18, 2012 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us at Lakeview Museum for an exploration of the science of climate change, presented by volunteers from Global Warming Solutions Group.Workshops, seminars and hands-on activities exploring climate science will take place all weekend.

Museum members – free
Non-members – $5 for any or all of the presentations

February 19, 2012 1–4 p.m.
Hands-on activities, exhibits, demostrations & videos. Talk to the engineers and explore engineering careers.

There is no charge for Engineers Week activities; however, regular gallery and planetarium admission fees apply. Call (309) 686-7000 for more information.

Feb. 10, 2012, 6pm-7:30pm
Wildlife Prairie Park
Whoo wants to go for a night prowl? Join us as we discover the dark side and learn about our favorite nocturnal predator, the owl. This session will include a presentation where we will learn about owl behavior using live examples of native Illinois owls. After leaning about their unique calls we will venture outdoors to try and call in a wild owl. It's sure to be a real hoot!
***reservations are required***
Call 309-676-0998 ext 6758 or email saramackey@wildlifeprairiestatepark.org

Admission Price: $10 members/$15 non members, Family of four with membership pays only $35

Feb. 11, 2012, 7:30-11am
Shore Acre Clubhouse- Chillicothe, Chillicothe, IL

WPSP Education Department will have birds of prey, including their bald eagle, on display during the annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast/Eagle Watch.

Event starts at 7:30am. Be sure to arrive early so you can spot some wild eagle right outside the building hunting for their breakfast. Then you can sit down and enjoy your own! Two years ago there was an eagle in a tree eating a fish right beside the clubhouse!

What's a great way to say goodbye to winter? Say hello to celebrating spring at WPSP on Sunday, February 26th, 10:00am-4:30pm when the front gate of Wildlife Prairie State Park will be opened for the 2012 season! FREE ADMISSION!
Hope to see you at Wildlife Prairie State Park's on Opening Day!

Feb. 17, 2012, 6pm-7:30pm
WPSP
Have you ever wondered what happened at the Park after hours. Join us as we stroll the parks trails to discover what comes out at night and what our animals do when all the visitors go home. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
****reservations are required ******
Call 309-676-0998 ext 6758 or email saramackey@wildlifeprairiestatepark.org

Admission Price: $10 members/$15 non members, Family of four with membership pays only $35

Peoria Zoo
Feb 29, 1-am-12pm

Join the zoo as they explore the animals that leap! From wallabies to frogs, see how these amazing animals get around. We'll have activities and animal encounters throughout the morning. Perfect for all ages!

Luthy Botanical Garden

Come see what NOT to do in your garden as we redecorate the Conservatory with pink flamingos, garden gnomes, and possibly a bathroom fixture or two. We reinvent the best of the worst of landscaping faux pas and add a taste of summer to the cold Illinois winter. Get up close and personal with our bedbugs! Bring the whole family- everyone will get a kick out of this outrageous show.

Forest Park Nature Center
Saturdays 2/11, 3/10, and 4/7 at 10am

There's nothing like a good nature story to brighten your weekend. Drop by and enjoy a rhyme or two. Best for ages 3-7.

Meet a Forest Park Naturalist at the lower parking lot of Camp Wokanda for a walk into what has been great owling territory. For directions and more info, call 686-3360. For ages 5+

6:30-8:00pm

Hike into the realm of nocturnal critters. Learn the natural history of our native owls. We will practice our owl calls and everyone will have a chance to "give a hoot." Dress warm! Ages 5+

6:00PM - 7:30PM
LIFT EVERY VOICE: The Music of Black Americans Through History
Black History Celebration at Proctor Center
Featuring musical selections by the Heritage Ensemble
Speaker: Mrs. Sharon Samuels Reed, Founder and Artistic Director of the Heritage Ensemble
Thursday 2/23 • 6-7:30 pm • All Ages
Walk back in time with us on a musical tribute in Black History. We will start with the African drumbeats that have been used since ancient times, then move on history timeline to ragtime, blues, swing, Motown, soul, jazz, R&B and hip-hop music. Join us for this free event. Refreshments will be served.

Enjoy an evening under the stars at a FPNC Winter Constellation Hike--2/24 or 3/23 from 9-10 p.m.!

Enjoy an evening under the stars! On this guided tour, we will explore the winter sky’s constellations. Program may be cancelled in the case of overcast skies. Please call 686-3360 for more details. Fee: $2 ($1 for CORE members)

Spend a little time learning tree identification at the Nature Center on Sunday, 2/26 or 3/4 at 1:30 p.m.

Winter tree identification should not “leaf” you “stumped!” Learn how to easily identify native trees in the winter. Winter tree finders and several field guides are available in the store. Ages: 14+

Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
Ice Hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL)

Peoria Civic Center
NCAA Men's Basketball

The Peoria Push Derby Dames will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at 7:00 pm in the Peoria Civic Center's Exhibit Hall A. Tickets can be purchased from a roller girl or at peoriarollerderby.org.

Peoria Public Branch North Branch - Seminar Room
1:00-4:00pm

Do you like board games? Monopoly, Battleship or Apples to Apples? Then grab some friends and join us for Board Game Saturdays. New games are chosen every month, but if you have a favorite, bring it along. Drop in for a round or an entire game! All ages welcome. 497-2120 FREE

Peoria Public Library- Lincoln Branch
11:00am-12:30pm

Peoria Public Library- North Branch
3:00-4:30pm

Author Lauren Baratz-Logsted is coming to Peoria Public Library! She is the author of the popular middle school series The Sisters Eight as well as other books for Young Adult and Adult readers. Books will be available for purchase and signing. After her presentation, you will get an opportunity to learn about PPL’s exciting new Battle of the Books program for grades 5-8. 497-2120 FREE

Peoria Public Library- Lincoln Branch
6:30-7:30pm

Please join the Peoria Public Library in welcoming the Heritage Ensemble as part of our Black History Month celebration. Led by Sharon Samuels Reed, the Heritage Ensemble has been in existence for 12 years. Whether it is through their singing or the message in their music, the Heritage Ensemble strives to tear down walls and build bridges between all people. All ages welcome. 497-2120 FREE

Peoria Public Library- Lincoln Branch
12:00-3:00pm

The African American Hall of Fame Museum, in association with Peoria Public Library, will host a Black History Month Celebration. Join us as local leaders in culturals arts facilitate interactive sessions and knowledge sharing in the fields of music, literature, dance, and art. All ages welcome. For more information, email georgetteorr@hotmail.com or aahfmpeoria@yahoo.com or call the Lincoln Branch at 497-2600. FREE

Peoria Public Library- McClure Branch
2:30PM - 4:00PM

In honor of February being National Library Lovers Month, enjoy a showing of Lady and the Tramp and some “treats for sweets.” All ages welcome. 497-2700 FREE

Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
Ice Hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL)

Feb 24 7pm
Feb 25 7pm

Carver Arena at Peoria Civic Center
Ice Hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL)

The World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) 2012 Great Lakes Regional Championship will be held on February 25, 2012 at the Peoria Civic Center. The event begins at 9:00 am.

Stackers of any age and ability are welcome to participate. Anyone who lives in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin is urged to sign up.

Participants can compete as individuals, doubles, four- and five-person team relays or parent/child teams. Stackers with disabilities will compete in the same events, but separate divisions.

Peoria Civic Center
NCAA Men's Basketball

Come out to Dunlap Valley Middle School on February 21 from 6:30-8 pm and listen to Jamie Hollis discuss autism related services at Easter Seals.

For more info, call 693-0514

Bring the Whole Gang to the Official Spring Home Show For some Family Fun!

The 2012 Official Spring Home Show will be held on February 24-26 at the Peoria Civic Center. The show offers over 250 local exhibitors displaying everything for your home, inside and out, all under one roof!

A family-friendly atmosphere can be found, because the Official Home Show loves visitors of all ages! Costumed characters roam the aisles to bring smiles to faces young and old, so be sure to have your camera at hand. Some exhibitors even offer sweet treats, face painting, and kid-friendly giveaways.

Early Childhood Network will be conducting free developmental screenings for children birth - five years on Thursday, February 23, from 9:00am - 3:00pm. Screenings will be conducted at the Care and Treatment Board office located at 2016 N. Knoxville in Peoria. By participating in a screening, parents will better understand developmental milestones and what to expect during different stages of their child's development. A bilingual screener will be available. Referrals to developmental assistance programs will be provided as necessary.