Super WHY! Live

Super WHY Live will stop in 27 cities across the U.S. in April and May, taking kids and parents on a live reading adventure traveling inside a book to find the answer to the question, "Who has the Greatest Super Power in the World?" The show is uplifting, entertaining, and educational. It features kids' favorite literacy-powered super heroes: Alpha Pig with "Alphabet Power," Wonder Red with "Word Power," Princess Presto with "Spelling Power," Super Why with the "Power to Read," and their puppy pal Woofster. Fans who want to sing along at the show can get a head start learning the music, as the soundtrack album, Super WHY Live: You've Got the Power Soundtrack from Razor & Tie is available now at iTunes, Amazon.com, and retailers nationwide. For an extra special experience, You've Got the Power! Party Packages offer premium seats and a meet & greet with your favorite characters after the show. Super WHY! Live Tour is coming to Chicago 

Get Your Tickets Today!

Our family received complimentary tickets for promoting this tour.

ELVIS LIVES “THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST EVENT” To Play The Akoo Theatre at Rosemont March 23, 2013

No one can deny the impact Elvis had on the music world, but I have never been overly enamored with him.  I mean, I enjoy his popular stuff, its fun. But my nine year old, he LOVES ELVIS.  Like makes me listen to the Elvis station on Sirius, loved Elvis.  He spots the sign for ELVIS LIVES at the theater when we were there for the Rockettes.  Are you an Elvis fan?

ELVIS LIVES
“THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST EVENT”
To Play The Akoo Theatre at Rosemont March 23, 2013
 

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), announced that the national hit ELVIS LIVES will be presented at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
 

ELVIS LIVES, which keeps on capturing the imaginations and interests of fans of all types including Broadway, concert and Elvis aficionados, is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis' life featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, each representing Elvis during different stages in his career.  The Elvis tribute artists will be joined by a live band, back-up singers and dancers, along with an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as iconic imagery made available from the Graceland archives; which includes a new exhibit of life-size images of Elvis’ stage-wear that will be on display in the lobby of each theater hosting a performance.

The high energy show features Ultimate winner Bill Cherry, along with Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest top five finalists Kevin Mills, Leo Days and Ben Klein, as the principle cast for the winter/spring production of ELVIS LIVES, joined by the professional talent of Lorri Russo as Ann-Margret.

“We are very pleased that ELVIS LIVES continues to delight audiences all over the nation and that Elvis fans in Rosemont will be given the opportunity to see these talented entertainers.  We hope to see finalists from the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest starring in ELVIS LIVES for years to come,” said Kevin Kern, Director of Public Relations for EPE.

“We are excited to be working with some of the most exceptional tribute artists in the world.  These talented performers really capture the spirit of the King of Rock N’ Roll while evoking the sensation of being there with Elvis as he journeys through his musical career,” stated Barbara Cooley, Executive Producer for On Stage Touring. “Elvis Lives is truly a dynamic and family friendly production.”

ELVIS LIVES performs at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, for two performances on Saturday, March 23 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit akootheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Akoo Theatre box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Contact GroupTix for tickets for groups of 10 or more at 773-327-3778. Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $24.50 to $69.50.

Rockettes' Radio City Christmas Spectacular Review

THE ROCKETTES TAKE CHICAGO ON AN UNPARALLELED
CHRISTMAS JOURNEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FEATURING
NEW SCENES, DAZZLING COSTUMES AND A 50-FOOT LED SCREEN COUPLED WITH SHOW STOPPING ROCKETTES PERFORMANCES

I'm not sure I can find the words to accurately discribe the beauty and enchantment I experienced last Friday night while watching the Rockettes at Akoo Theater with my boys.  It was truly breath taking and magical.  Between the costumes and the kicks there was also holiday joy and amazing stage design.  

Did I mention, I took my boys who are currently 10, 9 and almost 5.  I have to admit I was a little nervous about how much they'd enjoy the show.  Honestly, at 10 the oldest isn't yet into appreciating the beauty that is a Rockette.  But thankfully there was Santa and Christmas magic and awesome scenery so they all loved it.  Admittedly, probably not as much as this momma did but they enjoyed it nonetheless.  It made for a fabulous date night with just me and my little men and was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

And there's still plenty of time to get tickets and see the show that runs until December 30th.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

Ticket Information
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, presented by Chase, plays at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont during the 2012 holiday season for 34 dazzling performances, December 14-30, 2012. A limited number of Premium seats are available for $79.00 - $89.00 and single ticket prices range from $30.00 - $75.50. Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are on sale to the public at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Groups of 10 or more may reserve tickets now by contacting Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612.

Disclosure: I have been provided with complimentary tickets in order to facilitate a show review. 

Join Me for a #Kalahari Twitter Party Saturday at 12:30pm CST

I can't to wake the boys up before the crack of dawn this Saturday to surprise them with a trip to the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  We've stayed at several other similar resorts over the years but have never been to Kalahari but have heard only wonderful things about it so I'm just as excited as I'm sure the boys will be.

I mean just LOOK at this indoor water park.  How could you NOT have fun here?

 And as I was researching the resort for our trip I was surprised to learn that they also have an indoor Theme Park. It looks like so much fun and even includes an indoor Ferris Wheel!

Kalahari Resorts in the Dells includes fun and exciting rides for both your tiny tots and older kids.

• Their indoor waterpark recently installed a state-of-the-art Kids Play Zone named Tiko’s Watering Hole. Catered specifically for your tiny tots, this 5,000-square-foot, interactive play area features activities, slides and a 200-foot-long lazy river made just for them.
• The indoor waterpark also features America’s first indoor super loop slides. All three slides present a near 60 foot drop, and the Super Loop Sahara Sidewinder slides takes guests on a 250-plus foot journey from high above the roof of the waterpark to the water below.
• Our Indoor Theme Park has over 100,000 square feet of family fun with a ton of indoor attractions and activities.
•  Kalahari Resort in the Dells uses rooftop solar panels, which heat more than 50 percent of the hot water for the resort’s facilities. While the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky features a Texlon roof, an "intelligent" roof system that allows natural light in to help heat America’s largest indoor waterpark, while also providing the ability to grow real tropical foliage.

I know you're saying to yourself, man she's lucky, how can I get some of her luck. Right? Well, don't worry, I'll be sharing details of how you you can win a 1-night stay in Hut or Desert Style Room* and Complimentary Indoor Theme Park Passes during a Live Twitter Party during our stay.  Follow me @LisaNoel03 and @KalahariResorts on Twitter or the hashtag #Kalahari and join the party on Saturday December 1, 2012 at 12:30pm CST to learn how you can win!!!

*Terms: NOT VALID: Friday and Saturdays. Blackout dates include November 21-22, 2012, December 21-January 5, 2013, January 20, 2013, February 17, 2013, March 17-31, 2013, April 1-4, 2013, May 26, 2013, June 23 - August 18, 2013, September 1, 2013, and October 13, 2013. Please call (877) 525-2427 for availability. No cash value expires 1 year from date of issue.

Disclosure: Our family is being hosted by Kalahari Resorts.

Save $7 on Harlem Globetrotters Tickets for 2013

Looking for an awesome event the whole family will enjoy?  Get your tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "You Write the Rules" tour.  Your family's smiles will start before you even get to the game as the Globetrotters take kid participation to a whole NEW level.  Your family can vote at harlemglobetrotters.com and decide rules for the game that could affect the final outcome.  With rules like double the points for every basket, and two balls in play at the same time, there's an exciting rule that every kid will enjoy.  After the game, Globetrotter stars will stay on court to sign autographs and take photographs with your kids.  The only thing better than finding an awesome event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it.  Use the promo code "USFAMILY" when you buy tickets for your family to save $7 on each ticket purchased http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets*.  Get ready to experience the show your family will remember for a lifetime!

You can get your tickets here http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets and don't forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket!

*Discount available on select seating levels "

We have our tickets and I can't wait to see the Globetrotters for the first time!!!

We received complimentary tickets for helping spread the word about this ticket promotion.

THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR TO BRING AN ALL NEW PRODUCTION TO THE AKOO THEATRE AT ROSEMONT DECEMBER 14-30, 2012

Growing up we went to a lot of shows but one thing we never did was get to see the iconic Rockettes.  Every Christmas I see the ads on TV for The Rockettes and think, oh NEXT YEAR, I'm SO getting there.  But then it just works out.  Until now, I'm thrilled to say I'm taking my boys to opening night of this amazing show. Read on to learn more about the show and find purchase info at the very bottom!!

THE ROCKETTES TAKE CHICAGO ON AN UNPARALLELED
CHRISTMAS JOURNEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FEATURING
NEW SCENES, DAZZLING COSTUMES AND A 50-FOOT LED SCREEN COUPLED WITH SHOW STOPPING ROCKETTES PERFORMANCES

MSG Entertainment (MSGE) announces an all new production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, as Chicago audiences will experience the magic of Christmas like never before. In this multi-faceted production, the Rockettes will dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey with new scenes, an array of glamorous new costumes, dramatic lighting effects, and a 50-foot LED screen that will enhance the show with breathtaking new imagery. The Christmas Spectacular will run at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont from December 14-30, 2012.

“We are thrilled to return to Chicago at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont with an all new edition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” said Don Simpson, executive vice president of productions, MSG Entertainment. “With new technological enhancements and show-stopping performance elements, the 2012 production offers a truly immersive experience like nothing Chicago audiences have ever seen before. Returning audiences will be amazed by the transformation of the Christmas Spectacular, and new fans will not want to miss this show.”

The Rockettes have a long-standing relationship with the Rosemont Theatre with the debut of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1997. This year marks the 11th season the Christmas Spectacular will perform at the Rosemont Theatre, the last production being in 2008.For many Chicago area families, seeing the Rockettes perform in the beloved holiday show has become a family tradition and this year audiences can experience the magic of the holidays with an all new production. While in Chicago, the Rockettes also become known as an embodiment of the spirit of giving and embracing the community by participating in many great local charitable initiatives including collecting coats and canned food for the needy, visiting children’s hospitals and helping to raise awareness for worthy causes.

This year, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular celebrates 85 magical years of the Rockettes, commemorating their past, present and future in this unprecedented milestone year. The Rockettes have remained a timeless tradition as American icons throughout their 85 year legacy. They continue to take the Christmas Spectacular to new heights, dazzling audiences with their performance style as it continues to be both deceivingly complex and entirely glamorous. 

This year’s production will feature a 50-foot LED screen that will transport the audience to Times Square and Santa’s Workshop with Santa and the Rockettes, using new technology with the Christmas Spectacular’s classic holiday numbers to enhance the production. The 2012 edition of the show will introduce new sets and special effects that will immerse audiences in the magic of Christmas like never before.

In addition to fan favorite scenes, including the high-energy, tap-infused number “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the Rockettes will debut new numbers that will showcase their signature precision dance technique alongside challenging and dynamic new choreography.

In a brand new scene, “New York at Christmas,” the Rockettes will board a life size double-decker tour bus, taking audiences on a guided tour through the streets of New York City. This scene includes show-stopping choreography performed across the landscape of iconic New York City landmarks and culminates in the “crossroads of the world,” Times Square.

Santa Claus will take center stage in two magical new scenes: “Magic is There,” in which Santa takes two young brothers on a journey to the North Pole, and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” a number that reveals how Santa can be in multiple places at once. These heartwarming moments highlight the true meaning of Christmas in a way that only Santa himself can convey. 

A new Rockettes finale will honor and celebrate the stars of the Christmas Spectacular featuring dazzling new costumes and choreography. The Rockettes will sparkle from the stage in the finale performance “Let Christmas Shine,” wearing a costume featuring over 3,000 crystals. As the performance comes to a close, audiences will have the opportunity to lend their voices alongside the “Radio City Singers” in an energetic rendition of “Joy to the World.”

Beloved numbers such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which continues to set the standard as the signature Rockettes number for precision performance, and “The Living Nativity,” both of which have been performed since the Christmas Spectacular’s inception, still remain a vital part of the show’s core.

In the Christmas Spectacular’s18-year combined history outside of New York, as well as the production at Radio City Music Hall, the show has played to more than 72 million people. The Christmas Spectacular continues to create memories that audiences have come to treasure, and this year will mark an all new Spectacular experience for Chicago.

Ticket Information
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, presented by Chase, plays at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont during the 2012 holiday season for 34 dazzling performances, December 14-30, 2012. A limited number of Premium seats are available for $79.00 - $89.00 and single ticket prices range from $30.00 - $75.50. Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are on sale to the public at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Groups of 10 or more may reserve tickets now by contacting Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612.

Disclosure: I have been provided with complimentary tickets in order to facilitate a show review. 

BATMAN LIVE World Arena Tour Hits BMO Harris Bank Center November 30 thru December 2

For the first time in DC Comics history, Batman - the worlds most popular DC Super Hero - is now an all-new, live-action arena spectacular which is taking the world by storm. BATMAN LIVE is a 15 million dollar stage production with an original story featuring a 43 strong cast of actors and circus trained acrobats, a 3D Gotham City landscape, a bespoke symphonic score, custom-built state-of-the-art stage, a 100 foot bat-shaped LED video wall, pyrotechnics and the impressive Batmobile, designed especially for the show by legendary racing car designer Professor Gordon Murray.

Faithfully adapted from the DC Comics characters and stories, BATMAN LIVE focuses on Robins quest for justice, which leads him to follow in the footsteps of his hero the mysterious vigilante known as Batman, much to the dismay of his protective guardian, billionaire Bruce Wayne, whom the audience knows is secretly Batman. This dynamic triangle resolves itself in a non-stop thrill-ride across Gotham City that transforms Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson into the legendary crime-fighters, Batman and Robin. The adventure transports the audience from the Big Top of Haly's Circus to the depths of Arkham Asylum, and from the glittering peaks of the Penguins Iceberg Lounge to the subterranean wonders that await inside the Batcave.  Batman Live is coming to Rockford!  Save $10 use promo code: BATMAN  Click HERE to Purchase

How fun does this show sound?  OMG, my boys will die.  I had no clue this show even existed.  

Our family will receive complimentary tickets for spreading the word about the show. 

Follow the yellow brick road to the Kohl Children’s Museum for a chance to step into the pages of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” through 1/6/2013

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit features larger than life pop-up books that dazzle the eyes and stimulates the mind. Each section of this exhibit, based on the book published in 1900 by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow, is an oversized three-dimensional page from the original story. Experience science, art and history through the magic of this timeless story and instill a love of reading and storytelling in young children. My readers receive $1 Off Child admission with this coupon CLICK HERE
 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was developed by the Great Explorations Children's Museum.

Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” at Akoo Theatre

 

Earlier this year we attended our first Sesame Street Live production and I was blown away.  From the moment we walked in the door we were ON Sesame Street.  The kids had a great time and I would highly recommend checking out their shows!

Mark your calendar for a musical event like no other—monsters making music! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont from Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5. Tickets for all nine performances are on sale now.

 

Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny’s new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover ‘instruments’ they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo, Abby Cadabby and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together.

 

Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. Through the razzle-dazzle of this Broadway-quality musical production, children learn about patience, acceptance and teamwork.

 

The universal appeal of a Sesame Street Live production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written scripts, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as “The Hustle,” “You Should Be Dancing” and “Rockin’ Robin.” “Elmo Makes Music” features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with such as “C Is for Cookie” and “The Alphabet Song.”

 

Wednesday May 1 

7 p.m. 

 (* Exclusive WTTW Benefit Performance)

 

Thursday May 2 

10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. 

(*Opening Night Offer)

 

Friday May 3 

10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

 

Saturday May 4 

10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

 

Sunday May 5 

1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

 

Where:  

Akoo Theatre at Rosemont

5400 North River Road

 Rosemont, IL 60018

 

Tickets:

$15, $25 and $30.

A limited number of $40 Gold Circle seats and $90  Sunny Seats** are also available. *Opening Night, all seats (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny Seats) are $15. A facility fee of $2 will be added to ticket prices. Additional fees and special offers may apply.

 

**Special $90 Sunny Seat packages are available at all shows. Sunny Seats feature VIP seats and a pre-show Meet & Greet with two Sesame Street Live friends.

 

**** Join WTTW11 on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Call 773-588-1111 for ticket prices and more information.

 

For more information, call 847-671-5100. To charge tickets by phone, please call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. For information online, please visit www.sesamestreetlive.com. Become a fan of Sesame Street Live on Facebook.

Spell Shot Zapped Edition Review

Cast spells head-to-head on your iPad with SPELLSHOT zAPPed edition! When you download the free app to your iPad (iPad required, not included), you can play your Wizard and iPad together! Choose from 4 Wizards and battle through the Island and Jungle worlds. Your iPad will recognize your Wizard and put incredibly cool battle spells at your fingertips! Who will win the iPad battle of spells? There’s only one way to find out!

Play your Wizard and iPad together with SPELLSHOT zAPPed Edition! Cast spells on your iPad! Works with your iPad (iPad required, not included). Choose from Air Wizard BREEZICUS, Fire Wizard NOXIUS, Tree Wizard LANDOR or Water Wizard STORMICA. Your iPad recognizes your wizard! 2 magical worlds!

Includes 4 Battle Wizards and 4 Spell Cards.

I'm sure it is probably just me but this game seems totally 'mom-proof' to me.  I swear I could not play this to save my life.  I attempted it first with my youngest (4) thinking that while it said '8 and up' for recommended ages that it'd be fine if I played with him. Usually I find that this rating often because reading is required.  We messed with it and I swear I followed the directions but no matter how many times I felt like I did the moves it was telling me to, I was not casting any spells.  But as much as I hate to feel dumb, I've resigned myself to the fact that my (almost) ten year old is smarter than I am.  So I put it away and figured I'd have him give it a try.
I forgot about it for a couple days until I found him and his brother playing it.  I hadn't told him about the trouble I'd had. And he just looked at me like I had three heads when I asked if they had trouble playing it.  I'm still pouting so I haven't touched it since but the older two boys like it.  But for us it's better if they don't play each other.  I probably make it sound like I have the worst kids ever, I know I don't, but they have serious trouble playing with EACH OTHER nicely.  They fight about everything and playing games against each other only insights accusations of cheating, which usually leads to yelling and sometimes even crying.  But that's just that them, can't blame it on the game.  Things go much better in our house if they can be played as a full family or can be played individually. Which Spellshot CAN be done with just one player.  But appearently it was more fun as 2 player because they've tried to play together several times.  Each time lasts slightly longer than the last, probably due to my threats of never letting them have the iPad again.

As I've mentioned with other zAPPed reviews, remember that there is some downloading involved so be sure to set it up before you're ready to play.  And don't for instance take the stuff with you somewhere without Wi-Fi (how dare such places even still exist) in hopes of playing.  And I'm still hoping for the perfectly designed case to keep the zAPPed pieces and cards organized and safe.

For 1 to 2 players.  Ages 8 and up.   iTunes account and adult assistance required. iPad required, not included. App in English language only. Works with iPad 4.x or newer.

If you enjoy using the iPad with nondigital elements as much as we do, be sure to check out the other zAPPed games such as Battleship and our current family favorite the zAPPed edition of the Game of LIFE.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

Battleship Zapped Edition Review

Battle aliens and protect the planet on your iPad with BATTLESHIP zAPPed edition! After you download the free app, you can play your BATTLESHIP game and iPad together. Go on epic missions around the globe to hunt down alien targets – and destroy them! Choose one of the 3 zAPP ships and set it on the screen. Your iPad will recognize your battleship, aircraft carrier or destroyer, and put each ship’s super weapons at your fingertips! Who will win the iPad battle of you versus the aliens? There’s only one way to find out!

Play your BATTLESHIP game and iPad together with BATTLESHIP zAPPed Edition! Hunt aliens on your iPad! Works with your iPad (iPad required, not included). Choose from battleship, aircraft carrier or destroyer zAPP ships. Your iPad recognizes your ship! Each ship has its own super weapons!

Includes 3 zAPP ships and 3 Strategic Battle Cards.

If you don't mind sharing your iPad a little more, check out Battleship zAPPed Edition for the iPad.  For me the iPad is already sort of a family gadget so I am ok with sharing (back away from my laptop though).  I was surprised that it was a 1 player game given that the well known game has always been a two person game.  But once we worked out sharing and taking turns (yes by 9 and 10 years old this should probably not be such and issue but it still is) the boys really enjoyed Battleship zAPPed.

And it should probably go without saying but since I always forget, there is some downloading required so if you have impatient kids (like I do) you might want to go ahead and open this and download the app before asking them if they want to play! 

Now I just need someone to design a great case to hold all our zAPPed pieces and cards.  Right now they are in a ziplock baggie because we are REALLY good at losing juts about anything but especially cards!

My four year old did give this a try and was just frustrated by it so I'd say the 8+ age rating is pretty fair because my almost 9 and 10 year old loved it.

Ages 8 and up.   For 1 player.   iTunes account and adult assistance required. iPad required, not included. App in English language only. Works with iPad 4.x or newer.

I really enjoy using the iPad with nondigital elements.  There are other zAPPed games such as SpellShot Wizards and our absolute family favorite game right now the zAPPed edition of the Game of LIFE.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

Make Rink Side your next choice for Ice Skating, Food and Fun!

Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center

6152 W Grand Ave
Gurnee, IL 60031

Rink Side offers Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey Classes including special classes for kids with special needs, home schooled kids and ballet/dance/fitness classes.  We also have youth and adult hockey leagues. Our Entertainment Center has Video Games, Mini-Golf, Laser Tag and Broomball.

Have you thought about what to do for your child’s birthday party?  Come to Rink Side and make it a memorable day!  Mention WXLC and your child is free!  It’s not too early to reserve your company’s holiday party or corporate event.  Call 847-856-1064 x234 for more info.

Our monthly Share a Story Series is back in September.  Every 3^rd Thursday of the month we invite special guests to read a story from their favorite children’s book.   A $3.00 lunch special of a slice of pizza or a hot dog, drink and 10 game credits starts at 11:30 am. Story time is 1 pm.

What more could you want? Rink Side, the Coolest place in town! My Readers get 2 for 1 admission with this coupon -http://www.windycitykidsguide.com/coupon.php?bid=10883&dealid=984

Fun For The Whole Family!

* 16 Championship Lanes * 8 Wildside VIP Lanes * Ray's Sports Bar * Snack Bar *Arcade * Private Party Rooms

Raymond's Bowl and Entertainment Center is way more than just your average bowling alley! Brand new in 2006, Raymond's Bowl and Entertainment Center was the first "hybrid" bowling center built in Northern Illinois, with 16 Championship Lanes for league, tournament, and traditional open bowling plus 8 lanes of Raymond's own "Wildside" Cosmic Bowling which features 4 giant video screens, couch seating, and a spectacular light show! Throw in a large arcade for the kids, and the kids at heart, plus a modern and comfortable sports bar which features great pizzas and wings, and you have a great place for family fun! 


Raymond's Bowl throws the best Children's Birthday Parties!  Fun for kids and easy on mom, Raymond's offers a variety of packages which include 2 hours of fun, including 1 hour of Wildside Cosmic Bowling, Arcade Tokens, Pizza, Pop, 1 hour Party Room use, a personal party host to assist with your party and gifts for all guests!  Packages start at just $9.95 per child and parties are available 7 days per week, call Raymond's for more information or to book your party today.

We have a GREAT OFFER for you to share for Raymonds Bowl and Entertainment Center - FREE Birthday Child 

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove 

Discover endless riches when Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove comes to your hometown!  Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular.  Get tangled up in Disney’s 50^th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses –Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White.  Ahoy, Mateys!  Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land!  Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’  Tick-Tock!  Tick-Tock!  Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice & the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards.  Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked...."You're going to Disney On Ice? But you have all boys...?"

Well, yes we DO go to Disney on Ice and yes, they are correct I only have boys.  Usually these people have never actually been to a Disney On Ice production, because they'd understand.  And mind you one year one of the shows had "Princess" in the title so they boys were apprehensive. But I asked them to go for me, because I AM a girl and I like girly things once in awhile too but that show ended up being a great one that they loved too because with princesses, come princes and in typical Disney fashion there's usually action and adventure to go along with the love and romance.

This year, Treasure Trove is no exception.  The show started with the Incredibles getting people up and moving, this was something I don't remember them doing in any other show we've seen and was cool!  Then there was Alice in Wonderland. There was Aladdin and a super cool ginormous elephant. Oh and of course the Genie!  Peter Pan and Captain Hook kept the boys glued to the edge of their seats before intermission.  And Lion King and Little Mermaid had me singing along and taking in some breathtaking costume design.  And the show finished with some of the new princesses including Rapunzel and Tiana.

Overall another great show that is perfect for ANY Disney fan, boy or girl, young or old!!!

 

 Check out the Ticketmaster Page  for more venue locations for Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove!

 

Our family receives complimentary tickets to the production courtesy of Feld Productions in exchange for spreading the word.

Imagination Movers’ 2012 Rock-O-Matic Genesee Theatre in Waukegan IL on Saturday, October 20th

Imagination Movers’ 2012 Rock-O-Matic

The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan IL

Saturday, October 20th, 1PM and 4PM

The Imagination Movers’ 2012 Rock-O-Matic show is coming to Waukegan IL in October 2012! I'm so excited because that's literally in my backyard.  Its a small theater that's easy to get to and there is not a bad seat in the house.  No truly, I LOVE the Genesee.  Plus its fun to go there and remind the boys that their dad lost a cell phone that's still in on of the concrete walls there. (He used to drive a cement truck and oops, so long cell phone.)

And Bryan LOVE Imagination Movers.  Since he's pretty much spent the last few months waiting on his brothers, at football, baseball, soccer and Cub Scouts, I can't wait to treat him to a show that's all for him.  Don't let the older boys fool you though. They'll never admit it to their friends but they always have a good time at these types of shows too. It's pretty impossible not to with the catchy music of Imagination Movers!

Why not bring YOUR little Mover on out to the show too.  This is a great show for those in the northern burbs that don't often get to see kids productions because they can't get to Chicago. But The Genesee Theatre is also easily accessible via car or train (its just a couple blocks from the Waukegan Metra station),,

So come check out Imagination Movers’ 2012 Rock-O-Matic show in Waukegan IL on October 20th!

COUPON: Click here to purchase tickets and use code MOM for $5 off $36.30 and $44.40 priced tickets. You can also purchase by calling 847.782.2366 or at The Genesee Theatre in person.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty – of the highest-rated and Emmy-winning Disney Channel TV series “Imagination Movers” will be bringing their high-octane rock in concert. The key to the Movers’ appeal is they combine danceable power pop songs with extremely catchy choruses and a knack for inspiring audience participation. Throw in a heaping helping of onstage silliness and you’ve got a recipe for a live musical event that will truly engage the littlest of kids along with their older siblings, parents and grandparents. It doesn’t hurt that the Movers pepper their live shows with musical references to their many inspirations, including U2, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack Johnson, the Beastie Boys and all sorts of classic and modern rockers.

 Disclosure: I work for Miles Of Marketing and this information was provided to me by them (www.milesofmarketing.com). We are a group of moms passing along great information like this to other moms!

Day Out With Thomas 2012 at Illinois Train Museum, Union IL

Recently the boys and I spent a Day Out With Thomas the Train at the Illinois Train Museum in Union, IL. 

This was our THIRD trip and I thought since we'd been there and done that, a few quick hours would be plenty for the boys.  But after 5 hours (all we had before we HAD to head out to get somewhere else) they were not done at all.

I wish we could have stayed longer and done more since they were still having fun but I think they got to do a lot....

There was mini golfing..which we did not once but TWICE!

And in Imaginiation Station they got to color Thomas pictures and use Thomas rubber stamps....

They got Thomas tatoos....

And got to play with Thomas train sets. (ps if you are like us and have tracks and tracks of Thomas stuff and think this wouldn't be of interested to your train lover, you'd be hugely surprised)

And we saw some of the actual train museum (and rode several of their trains besides Thomas)

But then it was FINALLY time for our train ride (you purchase a ticket for a specific ride time, ticket gets you to the museum for the entire day but you can ONLY ride on Thomas one time, at your specified time but be sure to be there early as people start lining up well before the departure time)

Someone was super excited to be ALL ABOARD!

It's official Jr Engineer! (Even put his own name on it)

There are also model train exhibits, a huge Thomas store and lots and lots of things to see within the museum.

But I'm not going to lie, my fave part, getting to sneak in a little time with my bloggy bud, Cher from MomandMore.com!!

Thomas has loaded up and headed on out of our area, but he's still making plenty more stops so check out the Day Out with Thomas Schedule to see if he's making a stop near you!