Publications & Sites 
Family Friendly: Museum brings in fossils, activites for Dino Works
Jim Nesci will bring his Cold Blooded Creatures to Wonder Works Nov. 3 as part of Dino Works.
Updated: October 25, 2012 8:42AM
Kids will enjoy prehistoric playtime.
Dino Works returns to Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2-3.
“We have a lot of dinosaur-themed activities, including art activities and games, like a dinosaur safari where they find the hidden dinosaurs around the museum,” Operations Manager David Hoambrecker said. Eric Gyllenhaal will bring in dinosaur fossils that children can touch and hold.
“We have some plant fossils from Illinois,” Hoambrecker added. “Kids can sift through rocks and gravel in a big bin, find the little fossils and take some home.”
Young visitors will also help staff members make paper mache volcanoes on Friday, and can then return on Saturday to watch them erupt.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jim Nesci will bring his Cold Blooded Creatures to the museum, including a large snake and tortoise and the jumbo alligator, Bubba, that kids can ride.
For details, call (708) 383-4815 or visit www.wonder-works.org.
NOTHING TO FEAR
Games, crafts and stories will be just a little spooky at Halloween Fun Night for Families, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Dole Branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 255 Augusta St. Refreshments will be served. Event is best for ages 4-10 with an adult. Registration is required and there may be a wait list.
For details, call (708) 386-9032 or visit www.oppl.org. WHAT A HOOT!
Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, cutest and most unique costumes at Halloween Hoot, 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison St., Franklin Park. There will also be games, crafts, hotdogs and beverages at this free event.
For details, call (847) 455-2852 or visit www.fpparks.org.
SMASHING SUCCESS
Turn your Halloween pumpkin into a prize-winning piece of squashed art at the Great Pumpkin Smash, 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at Barrie Sled Hill, 127 Garfield St., Oak Park. Kids 2 years and older will roll their carved pumpkins down the hill for prizes in such categories as the squishiest pumpkin and the one that rolls the farthest. Cost is $5 per pumpkin for residents, $8 for nonresidents. Register in advance, there may be a wait list.
For details, call (708) 383-0002 or visit www.pdop.net. ~.
