ChambanaMoms.com » Things To Do in CU

Weekend Planner: Smile Edition

From The Editors — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:56:37 +0000

You probably thought we were going to say Super Bowl edition, but nah. We actually have a few ideas on what to do with the kids if your family isn’t so into the big game. Instead, we’re excited about these events going on locally in Champaign-Urbana this weekend:

What: Souper Bowl of Caring – Central vs. Centennial boys basketball

Smile - it's the weekend!

Where: Friday, Feb. 3, both the boys sophomore and varsity games. (6 and 7:30)
How much: $3 students, $4 adults
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Head out to the battle of Champaign and support a good cause. This is a national fundraiser that uses the energy around the nation’s biggest sporting event to mobilize and inspire youth to fight hunger and poverty. All of the donations will be going to Eastern Illinois Food bank. Bring canned fruits, canned veggies, canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, boxed meals, canned complete meals. When you donate an item or money, you will have a chance to win a $50 gift card.

What: Give Kids a Smile Day
Where: Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Free dental exams! Meet the tooth fairy! Face painting! Click on our full write-up above for more info.

What: Winter Tales Story Telling Concert
Where: Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory, Urbana
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
How much: $5 per person
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: One of the Museum’s most popular annual events, an educational workshop and a concert of American Indian tales, told during the winter months, the traditional time of telling. This year featuring Gene Tagaban, whose heritage is Cherokee, Tlingit, and Filipino.

What: Compost Q Improvisation Composition Dance
Where: Urbana Free Library
When: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m.
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Join us for a unique live performance by Compost Q —a seasoned, multi-dimensional collective steeped in improvisation, composition, and dance. They describe their creative pieces as “active, rich, organic, dark, loamy and finished collaborations.”

Looking for more family-friendly things to do in Champaign-Urbana this weekend? Check our events calendar.

Give Kids A Smile Event Feb. 4 Features Free Dental Exams

From The Editors — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:38:20 +0000

Haven’t taken the plunge to take your toddler or preschooler to the dentist? Does your older child need a cleaning? Want to have some teeth-related fun?

Head over to the Illini Give Kids a Smile Day on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Lincoln Square Mall and children ages 1-17 can receive free dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Kids will also receive free toothbrush kits. There is no appointment necessary, and the event goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While at the event participants may visit with the Tooth Fairy, the Delta Dental Tooth Wizard, and watch the Twin City Derby Girls. Other activities include face painting, a coloring contest, healthy food bingo, and more. There will be custom athletic mouth guards available for just $10 (limited to the first 50).

The event is sponsored by the Illini District Dental Society. Smile Healthy, the Champaign Urbana Public Health Department, and the Christie Clinic Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Implant Center are taking part in planning the event.

The American Dental Association established the special observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month more than 50 years ago to help encourage good oral health habits at a young age. Each February, volunteer dentists throughout the state coordinate and plan activities such as the Give Kids a Smile program.

If you would like your child to be seen by a dental professional, consider being prepared. Health history forms are posted and available to download here. Fill out these forms in advance and bring them with you to expedite the process.

Weekend Planner: Year of the Dragon Edition

From The Editors — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:04:21 +0000

The Chinese New Year started earlier this week, and 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. According to the Toronto Star, “People born in the Year of the Dragon — 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 — are said to be smart, energetic, ambitious and passionate, extroverted, often conceited, hot headed, quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, unleashing fierce tempers if provoked.” The Year of the Dragon is one of luck. Here are a few ways to celebrate, and more:

Happy Year of the Dragon! Photo by Esparta on Flickr

What: Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: Barkstall Elementary School, 2201 Hallbeck Drive, Champaign
When: Friday, Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: There will be cultural performances from China, Indian, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. There will also be craft activities, food tasting, door prizes, and traditional dragon dances!

What: Chinese and Korean New Year Celebration
Where: Urbana Free Library
When: Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Join us for a double celebration! Songs, music, and much more from both Chinese and Korean cultures will be presented in this special program. At noon, join our mom to know Hua Nian as she teaches kids how to draw a dragon.

What: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” at the Art Theater
Where: 126 W. Church St., Champaign
When: Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.
How Much: $5 per person
Appropriate for: Film is rated PG. Common Sense Media suggests 10 and up.
Why you Should Go: It’s not often that the Art shows movies for younger viewers. But this movie isn’t just for kids – it pioneered the mix of live action and animation and won three Academy Awards.

What: Countdown to Kindergarten
Where: Champaign Public Library
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
How much: Free
Appropriate for: Upcoming kindergarten students and their parents.
Why you should go: Is your child starting kindergarten in the fall? If so, bring your child to the library for a program of activities designed to build skills that are essential for school success, such as cutting, gluing, and number and letter recognition. We’ll help you assess your child’s readiness and share ways to follow up with your child at home.

What: Drop & Dine at Class Act during Center City Restaurant Week
Where: Class Act, 114 S. Neil, Champaign
When: Saturday, Jan. 28, 5:45 p.m. to 8:30
How Much: $10 per child
Appropriate for: ages 3-12; reservations a must (click link above)
Why you Should Go: Parents – enjoy a dinner out at a Champaign restaurant while your kids are entertained at Class Act. Fee includes dinner as well as a show for the kids.

What: Illinois women’s basketball Pack the Hall Day
Where: Assembly Hall, Kirby Avenue and First Street, Champaign
When: noon Sunday, Jan. 29
How much: Free tickets and free parking
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: It’s Pack The Hall day as Illinois faces new Big 10 member Nebraska. There will be a postgame autograph session with Coach Law and the Illini players.

What: Japanese Martial Arts Demonstration
Where: Spurlock Museum
When: Sunday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Kids like martial arts? This is the place to be to see some lesser known Japanese marital arts, which foster physical, mental, and spiritual discipline.

What:Young Concert Artists Winner: Benjamin Beilman, violin
Where: Krnanert Center
When: Sunday, Jan. 29, 3 p.m.
How much: Balcony tickets are available for $10 adults, $5 youth (high school and younger)
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: It’s not everyday you can see a 21-year-old violin prodigy. A great reason to spend an afternoon at Krannert.

Looking for more family-friendly things to do in Champaign-Urbana this weekend? Check our events calendar.

Weekend Planner: Tempest Edition

Laura Weisskopf Bleill — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:52:07 +0000

So what is there to do on a January weekend in Central Illinois? Surprisingly, a lot!

See what we’ve picked out for this weekend – most of it is FREE.

What: Puss in Boots
When: Thursday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park Street, Champaign
How much: $3 per person
Appropriate for: 3 and up
Why you should go: Homework, shomework? Break the rules and head out to a movie on a school night! See our Kid Movie Critic’s review.

What: Prairie Breezes Mini Concerts for Kids Presents Mr. Stephens
When: Friday, Jan. 20, 4:15 p.m.
Where: Urbana Free Library
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: Join Mr. Stephens for crazy fun kids music for fun crazy kids! Learn the alphabet and how to count to 20 while howling like a dog and stomping your chicken feet. (We saw Mr. Stephens at the CU Folk and Roots Festival and the kids loved it.)

What: Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball College Division Tournament
When: starts Friday at 5 p.m.; matches played all day Saturday and Sunday
Where: Activities and Recreation Center, Champaign (Campus)
How much: FREE
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: See some of the top athletes on campus you’ve never heard of during this free, full weekend of men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball. This tournament brings together some of the top teams in the collegiate game.

What: “Tempest” with Author Julie Cross
When: Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.
Where: Champaign Public Library
How much: Free; registration recommended
Appropriate for: teens and up
Why you should go: The hottest new young adult novelist in America is a Chambana mom! Meet her and learn about the Tempest series.

What: Damine Kabuki at Krannert Center
When: Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m.
Where: Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin, Urbana
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: A centuries-old tradition continues with this free kabuki performance by children from Damine Elementary School and adults from their small community near Nagoya City, Japan. A rare opportunity!

Champaign-Urbana Area Free Indoor Play Guide

From The Editors — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:49:27 +0000

It’s nice to get outside and play in the snow, but there are plenty of days – no matter the season – when indoor play is called for. We’ve cast a wide net to give you ideas of where to take your kids when they need to release that pent-up energy all parents know and love. These are places where you can drop in anytime and have some fun – no registration required.

We’ve broken up this guide by type of location, but all of these play areas are FREE and do not charge admission; we will add a second “chapter” to this post with other low-cost ideas. Just a reminder — these places are not babysitters! Supervise your kids at all times.

Free indoor play areas

FREE places for your kids to play indoors in the Champaign-Urbana area -- they do exist! photo by WalkingGeek on flickr

Libraries, Churches, Museums:
Champaign Public Library – computers, puzzles, Lego table, puppet showplace, activity tables.
Urbana Free Library – puzzles, train table, games, playhouse, computers.
First Christian Church — the indoor playground of all indoor playgrounds. Slides, climbing equipment, indoor track, lots more. Click for our full review.
Anita Purves Nature Center: Interactive exhibits about nature. See owls and turtles too.

Retail/Stores:
Art Mart Toys, Lincoln Square, Urbana: Train table, Wedgits table. Hours vary by season.
Market Place Mall, Champaign: Children’s soft play area, for kids 42 inches and under.
Barnes and Noble, Champaign: Train table.

Restaurants:
The following area McDonalds have PlayPlaces:
McDonalds, 1812 N. Neil St., Champaign
McDonald’s, Kirby and Duncan, Champaign
McDonald’s, 601 N. Cunningham, Urbana
McDonald’s, 711 W. Champaign, Rantoul
~~McDonald’s, 306 S. Market St., Monticello~~

Burger King, 2110 N. Prospect, Champaign: small play area
Burger King, 2005 W. Springfield, Champaign: small play area

What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.

Weekend Planner: King Holiday Edition

From The Editors — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:05:09 +0000

Another week, another long weekend. Urbana schools have an extra long break, getting off on Friday as well. There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied — and active — in this special extended edition of Weekend Planner. (Just a tip: do your grocery shopping early this weekend. University of Illinois students are coming back to town, so expect longer lines than usual at the grocery and big box stores.)

Get up close and personal with a few instruments this weekend - that and a whole lot more in our planner!

What: Cardinals Caravan
Where: Round Barn Banquet Center, Champaign
When: Friday, Jan. 13, noon to 2 p.m.
How much: Free! Food and drink will be available for purchase.
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Read our story!

What: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech
Where: Douglass Community Center, 512 E. Grove Street, Champaign
When: Friday, Jan. 13, 6 pm – 9 pm
How much: Free!
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Come watch the Dr. Martin Luther King speech and discuss its influence in an open forum setting.

What: The Great Escape – Illini Wrestling vs. Minnesota
Where: Huff Hall
When: Friday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.
How much: Free!
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Free food for the first 800 people through the Huff Hall doors (doors open at 6 p.m). The Illini starters will throw T-shirts to the crowd during the introduction of starting lineups and fans can also stop by the promotions table to have their face painted and sign up to win a number of great prizes which will be given away at different points throughout the dual.

What: “Just a Walk in the Park” & Fitness Fair
Where: Market Place Mall Food Court, Champaign
When: Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. – noon
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: This community-wide fitness fair marks the launch of a new fitness initiative by the Champaign Park District. Come walk a 5K in the mall, enjoy a Zumba dance-along, check out a salsa demonstration, and visit the booths of local health and wellness professionals.

What: Illini Women’s Gymnastics vs. Minnesota
Where: Huff Hall, Champaign
When: Saturday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: It’s the Illini women’s gymnastics team home opener. Head to Huff for a fun afternoon watching some talented female athletes.

What: Going Out on the Town with C4A
Where: Market Place Mall Food Court, Champaign
When: Sunday, Jan. 15, 3-5 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Free Family Fun Day with Community Center for the Arts. Performances by Bow-Dacious String Band and other guests. Try-it table and more. Free.

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration
Where: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Foellinger Great Hall, 500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana
When: Sunday, Jan. 15, 5 to 7 p.m.
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: This celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy features a performance from a community choir filled with diverse singers from churches across the region.

What: Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center Public Swim Hours
Where: Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center
When: Monday, Jan. 16 – 1:30-9 p.m. (Holiday hours; note that the Center will be closed Jan. 14-15 for a swim meet)
How much: $6 general admission, $3 for supervising adults who will not be swimming
Appropriate for: all ages
Why You Should Go: Come to the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center on your day off school!

What: Skate with Dora the Explorer
Where: Skateland, Savoy
When: 1 to 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 16
How much: $5.50 admission, skate rental is extra
Appropriate for: ages 2 and up
Why you should go: See Dora here at Skateland — there will also be a snack bar special, $1.00 hot dogs or pizza.

As always, find more family-friendly events at our events calendar.

Best-Kept Secret: Saturday Art School

Amy L. Hatch — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:05:27 +0000

A papier-mâché Saturday Art School project.

By Amy L. Hatch

When my husband and I decided to relocate to Urbana so that he could pursue an advanced degree, one of the aspects of living in a college town that most appealed to me was the opportunity to take advantage of the arts and culture offerings of a big university.

The University of Illinois did not disappoint, and one of the most exciting opportunities we’ve run across is the Saturday Art School Program.

Established at the UIUC School of Art And Design in 1964, the program offers art-enrichment class for kids ages 4-18. Taught by students and overseen by their professors, Saturday Art School meets (of course) 0n Saturday mornings for nine weeks during the fall and spring semesters, and on summer weekdays for about two weeks.

Each session culminates with a gallery show at the Krannert Art Museum and the Link Gallery, featuring works of art from each student. We’ve been to two gallery shows and I can safely say that you’ll be astonished at the high quality of the works displayed.

Our daughter loves the program (we’re awaiting our third session) and she’s brought home number of really beautiful projects. Of course we’re biased, but the point is that the level of instruction goes well beyond coloring in the lines.

And the best part is that for the kids, it’s all fun. Never once has Emmie indicated that her time spent there has been an hour filled with dry lectures and instruction. It’s all about creativity and freedom.

The spring 2012 session begins on Feb. 11 and registration materials are available online. Classes will be two hours this semester instead of one and the fee is $79. To register, you’ll also need to submit proof of your child’s age, so keep that birth certificate handy.

And hurry–these sessions fill up fast, which is one reason Saturday Art School is one of the best-kept secrets in town!

Do you have a best-kept secret you’re dying to share? Tell us about it!

Weekend Planner: Holiday Hangover Edition

From The Editors — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:03:43 +0000

Attention parents: there are no holidays to celebrate this weekend! It’s been a long time since we could say that. January is typically a time when activities and planned events slow down, but there’s still plenty to keep your kids occupied.

Lace up skates this weekend -- head out on the ice in the last weekend skate before the UI students return. Photo by stevendepolo on flickr

What: Lights Up, Sound Down movie: Chipwrecked
When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m.
Where: Goodrich Savoy 16
How much: Regular matinee prices apply
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: A great opportunity to see a movie in an environment that is suited for children and adults who don’t want to sit in a dark, loud movie theater.

What: Kids Workshop at Home Depot
When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Home Depot, 820 Bloomington Road, Champaign
How much: Free
Appropriate for: 5-12
Why you should go: Got a crafty kid? Maybe s/he got some money over the holidays and needs his/her own bank? Check out this free workshop at the Home Depot, where kids will make their own “savings shed.”

What: Go ice skating
Where: University of Illinois Ice Arena, 406 East Armory Avenue, Champaign
When: Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7-8 from 1:30-4 pm; Saturday also at 7:30-9:30 pm
How much: Click here for more information about admission and fees.
Appropriate for: Kids 3 and up
Why You Should Go: Head to the Ice Arena and enjoy the opportunity to skate before the University of Illinois students return. Make an afternoon of it — head over to Campustown for lunch and take advantage of the calm before the storm.

What: In Concert at CPL: The Sugar Prophets
When: Sunday, Jan. 8, 2 p.m.
Where: Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street
How much: Free
Appropriate for: all ages
Why you should go: This relatively new blues band mixes talented newcomers and seasoned musicians. The group was a 2011 International Blues Challenge Finalist. Their high-energy sound will have you out of your chair and dancing!

As always, for more events, please visit our comprehensive events calendar.

C-U Essential Toolkit: Champaign Public Library

From The Editors — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:13:52 +0000

Photo courtesy of champaign.org

What: Champaign Public Library

Where: 200 W. Green Street, Champaign

Description: The current Champaign Public Library facility (the main branch) was completed in 2008 and is truly a fantastic, beautiful community facility. It offers quiet working spaces, a place for children and a great little cafe area where you can eat a lunch or snack you’ve brought with you or grab a bite and a beverage from Latte Da! Cafe. You can also visit the Douglass Branch, located just north of B.T. Washington School in north Champaign.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Good For: Everyone!

Amy’s Take: The Champaign Public Library is truly an amazing place. Coming from a much larger city, I can honestly say that it is one of the best libraries in which I’ve ever spent time. Laura and I worked many hours during the birthing of chambanamoms in the glass-enclosed work rooms on the second floor and I’ve followed my two kids through the stacks and stacks of children’s books on the first floor.

And, the children’s stacks are low enough that moms and dads (and caregivers) can keep a bead on the wee ones without having to a) run or b) raise your voice, both of which are major library faux pas!

Words cannot describe how gorgeous this building is. Just spending time there reading or quietly working can lift your spirits thanks to the open spaces and natural light and, of course, the book collection and resources are outstanding. Each and every librarian is ready to help and friendly, to boot. I love the small seating areas where you can relax in a comfy place with a great book.

The work tables on the second level are all equipped with electrical outlets beneath them on the floor, in a welcome nod to the fact that many of us are working with electronic technology. There are also plenty of public computers available for those who may not have access at home or left their laptops behind.

The library offers many programs and events, as well, too numerous to list here. Check out our calendar to find out what’s happening at CPL and the Douglass Branch — you will be amazed at the number and variety of options for everyone.

If you haven’t already, make some plans to spend time in the Champaign Public Library soon!

Tell us: why do you love the Champaign Public Library?

2012 Champaign-Urbana Valentine’s Day Guide

From The Editors — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:18 +0000

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for lovebirds? Kids get a big kick out of the Cupid-inspired holiday, and there’s plenty of fun opportunities to celebrate in Champaign-Urbana. We help you plan ahead for many of them. Check back often as we will be adding to this post as events arise and heart day gets closer. If your organization or business is having a Valentine’s Day-related event, send it to us.

Events requiring advance registration:

Daddy Daughter Princess Ball, Feb. 10; Purchase tickets by Feb. 3
Sponsored by the Champaign Park District. Dads, your daughter will feel like royalty when you take her to the Daddy Daughter Princess Ball on Friday, February 10 from 6-9pm at the Hilton Garden Inn. The night includes music, dancing, dinner, crafts, a goody bag, and more. Photo packages will be available at an additional fee. Tickets are $21/per person for buffet; $26/pp for table service. Call 398-2550 for more information; ages 12 and under.

Daddy Daughter Dance, Savoy Recreation Center, February 10; Deadline, Feb. 3
Here is Dad’s chance to take his favorite girl(s) out for a night of dancing and fun! Music, cake and punch provided. Receive a keepsake photo and all the girls will bring home a special gift. For ages 12 and under with a caregiver on Friday, February 10, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. $10/R/Couple, $13/NR/Couple; Maximum $15/R Family, $20/NR Family.

Urbana Park District’s 17th annual Daddy Daughter Date Night, Feb. 11; Purchase tickets by Feb. 4
Calling all dads, uncles, brothers, and grandpas! You and your lovely valentine/s will enjoy a tasty dessert bar that kids and adults will love, fun games, a fantastic DJ and craft projects you can do together and bring home as a souvenir! Each child will receive a favor and a snapshot to remember the evening. Desserts and beverages will be served– be sure to treat your valentine to dinner beforehand. At the Phillips Recreation Center, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11. $22/couple, $5 each additional child if registered by Jan. 28; $26/couple, $7 each additional child by Feb. 4.

Valentine Card Creations at Savoy Rec Center on Feb. 11; Deadline, Feb. 4
Do you want to give Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa a special treat on Valentine’s Day this year? Join us for a fun afternoon making Valentine’s cards. Ages: 2 and up on Saturday, Feb. 11, noon to 2 pm. Cost: $10/R, $13/NR

Be My Valentine, Monday, Feb 13, 2012; Registration required by February 10
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 600 N. Lombard, Mahomet. Come one, come all to a Valentine’s celebration that’s not just for couples. Venture on a guided hike through Rayburn-Purnell Woods, then warm-up inside the Museum of the Grand Prairie with hot drinks and refreshments. Create a unique Valentine card for someone special with materials provided. From 6 to 8 p.m.; $5 per person; children 2 and under are free. Registration required by February 10, as space is limited; (217) 896-2455 or shampson@ccfpd.org.

Drop-in events that do not require registration:

Home Depot in Champaign will have a Valentine craft at its next Kids Workshop on Saturday, February 4. They will be building a Keepsake Box, which kids can use to hold personal treasures or give as a Valentine’s Day gift. Free; for ages 5-12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Knack Family Event: Valentine’s Day Foam Mailbox Sunday, Feb. 5: Create a fun mailbox for Valentine’s Day goodies. Make-It/Take It with purchase of craft or foam mailbox. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome from 1 to 2 p.m. Michaels, Champaign.

The Knack Free Family Event: Kids Valentine Card Event Sunday, Feb. 5: Craft a sophisticated card for a loved one. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome from 2 to 3 p.m. Michaels, Champaign.

Valentine’s Day Make & Take Workshop: All ages welcome. It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Drop by the Mahomet Public Library on Wednesday, February 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m. to make something special to give to your favorite Valentine. No need to register; free.

Valentine’s Day Storytime at Bella Bambini: Enjoy a fun Valentine’s Day-themed storytime with Class Act! Includes snack and craft, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Valentine’s Day Memory Book, Saturday, Feb. 11: Make the most of cherished memories. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome from 10 a.m to noon. Michaels, Champaign.

Bring your child to Lowe’s for its Build and Grow Workshop. Your child will love making their own personalized cards! Appropriate for kids 5 and up. Register online. Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. FREE.

The Knack Family Event: Valentine’s Day Gift Workshop Sunday, Feb. 12: Make-it and take-it with the purchase of curly Q letter or word frame. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome from 1 to 3 p.m. Michaels, Champaign.

Valentine Make and Take: Valentine’s Day themed crafts for ages 4 and up. At the Tolono Public Library, from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12.