‘School’s out for,’ …..a week. Nevertheless, your kids have been working long hours and deserve a bit of a spring break.
There’s no need to leave on vacation. Lake County has your kids entertained and still learning even during the time off.
[caption id="attachment_8982" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Lake County Forest Preserves[/caption]
From museum exhibits to sporting events, to walks in nature to egg hunts with that wily wabbit, to live entertainment to expeditions in the virtual world, there are a plethora of Lake County spring break activities to get your youngsters rested for the final stretch of school.
Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!' Here are your top spring break events in Lake County.
Following their 80th Birthday celebration, Wilmot is just not ready to call it quits. This is the final weekend of the season you can enjoy the art of snow sliding. The Wisconsin winter destination is equipped with 120 skiable acres, 23 trails, seven lifts, two surface conveyor lifts and progression terrain parks with a double high-speed rope tow and 22 lanes for tubers. Hang 10 and ride the slopes kiddies!
Pack some snacks and visit the National Museum of the American Sailor as the 1952 hit "Skirts Ahoy!" is being shown free of admission. The movie starring Ester Williams and Joan Evans is a post-war comedy that follows the adventures of three young women who have just joined the Navy. The movie was actually filmed at Naval Station Great Lakes! Following the movie, the museum hosts a roundtable discussion about women in the military and the evolution of their service.
Suit up and enjoy Volo Auto Museum's kiddie event, Princesses and Superheroes. Dozens of fan-favorite superheroes and princesses are in attendance at noon and 3 p.m. Children 13 and under in costume will get free admission with an adult. Visitors can create a photo memory in the Batmobile with a $5 donation.
[caption id="attachment_8975" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Bess Bower Dunn Museum[/caption]
After anxiously awaiting a year and a half, the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County hosts their grand opening. The Lake County Forest Preserve museum (formerly known as the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda) closed their doors in 2016 after 40 years to move to a bigger space. The new location is in the forest preserve's building in Libertyville. The interactive museum features a life-size replica of a Dryptosaurus, a dinosaur that walked Lake County approximately 67 million years ago. Take a tour of the facility and also add the following events to your spring break calendar. Arrive curious, leave inspired.
Libertyville Sports Complex plans to test your percentages at the free stripe as they host the 7th Annual Free Throw Challenge. Friday is the final day you can qualify for the finals. The finalists will be determined that evening. The challenge is divided into groups by grades and ages; Grades 3rd grade to High School, Adult (Men and Women age 18+, Age 30+ and Seniors 55+). Each competitor gets 10 free throw shots and the top five scorers advance to the Championship. The Libertyville hardwood competition will end March 24, and the finals will be held April 2. A waiver must be signed to compete. Can you shoot a better free throw than 2017’s top NBA active free throw shooter Paul George?
Easter Hoppenings in Lake County (Through April 1)
‘In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.’ From egg hunts to brunches, from festivals to bunny meet and greets and of course the Easter Parade, here are the easter hoppenings in Lake County
A set of new threads for the youngster’s theatre is a must for The Emperor’s New Clothes. Attendees will tap into the minds of the ingenious creators of the musical Seussical (who wrote this play). The story follows Marcus the Third, a nervous 14-year-old boy who is apprehensive about taking over the throne. He decides that the only way he will gain the confidence to rule is by dressing lavishly. He entrusts a swindler who promises to make magic clothes. The message your kids will learn is the critical lesson about outward appearance.
Who doesn’t like waffles, pancakes or French toast doused in syrup? All throughout March, treat yourself to the sweet sap and sugar maples on a one-hour hike at Ryerson. In this hike, you will learn everything there is to know about how the maple trees supply that sticky substance that you cover your breakfast with. Each walk begins every half-hour between noon and 2 p.m. The family won’t be sappy about attending, but maple they ’ll be enticed; especially just weeks after National Pancake Day.
Spring is here, and the Libertyville Sports Complex heats up as we approach this seasonal transition. The facility features activities for kids, organized sports, mountain climbing, movies and a whole bunch more. The complex provides a pizza lunch for all the spring breakers.
Gurnee Park District Events (March 26-30)
The Gurnee park district has a slew of spring break events to keep your youngsters occupied. The majority of the events are hosted at Hunt Club Community Center. Here's what they have planned for the whippersnapper time off.
Games, projects and a Bicentennial scavenger hunt (Happy Birthday Illinois!). What more can you ask for? Head to the Grayslake learning facility for a slew of spring break activities.
Lambs Farm opens their doors for the season on March 30. The Libertyville farmyard features a petting area with sheep and goats and a variety of attractions like miniature golf, a mini-train ride, cow bounce house and an Old World carousel. Also visit the Dogwood Pet Shop, Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, the Cedar Chest Thrift Shop and the Sugar Maple Country Store. All the businesses at Lambs Farm benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities. Lambs Farm is open through the end of fall.
This Grayslake lounge is the perfect place to break away from reality during your kid's spring break. It is the first virtual reality location in Lake County. Play with some critters under the sea, zap some earth invaders, paint a magnificent mural: everything is just at the touch of your fingertips at this state of the art gaming lounge.
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Lake County Forest Preserves[/caption] 
