Activate Brushwood Center's impact! Learn more about the ACTIVATE Campaign

Tag: Family-Friendly

Joyful! A Celebration of Black History Month

February 22 @ 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
$25 – $40 Concert only- $25, Concert and Culinary Experience – $40, pay what you can and free Veteran tickets available

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Joyful! A Celebration of Black History Month

Culinary Experience- 12:30 pm, Concert- 2:00 pm

Back by popular demand, Brushwood Center hosts an immersive Black History Month experience that brings together music, storytelling, and food as powerful vessels of cultural memory and celebration. This special event honors the richness, resilience, and creativity of Black artistic traditions, inviting audiences to engage with history not only as something remembered, but as something felt and shared.

Angela Walker, a U.S. Navy Veteran and jazz vocalist, curates a musical afternoon sharing examples of stories that speak across generations and resonate in the present moment. The program weaves sound and story into a collective reflection on Black artistry as both a historical force and a living, evolving expression.

Complementing the performance is a curated Culinary Experience by Jeff Williams, whose dishes reflect the deep connections between food, culture, and identity. Thoughtfully prepared and richly inspired, the culinary component extends the storytelling beyond the stage, offering flavors that echo the themes of the evening and invite conversation, connection, and reflection.

The Culinary Experience will begin at 12:30 pm, the concert at 2:00 pm

Together, performance and cuisine create a multi-sensory celebration of Black history honoring tradition, elevating contemporary voices, and fostering community in the shared spirit of discovery and appreciation.

Culinary Experience Menu

Fried Chicken
Collard Greens with Smoked Meat
Mac and Cheese  
Dressing
Corn Bread

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS

February 14 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Initiatives

It’s a W.I.N. (Art and Wellness in Nature) and Public Arts Programs
Free

Old Town School of Folk Music

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

¡Hola! Wiggleworms: February 14

This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too!

¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while they explore the Spanish language and experience the joy of learning language through music.

As your little one grows, together you’ll learn our core songs—a beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary sing-along songs. Expect this class to be full of movement, interaction, and musical play with puppets, shakers, and props as children explore their emerging language skills.

If you are bilingual or just learning the Spanish language, come delight in this musical experience with your little one. You will go home singing together in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance!

__

¡Hola! Wiggleworms es una celebración bilingüe. Con canciones tradicionales del mundo hispano, esta clase vive del canto, danza y descubrimiento musical. Disfrutando con la música, niños y niñas junto con sus familias emprenderán un viaje explorando la lengua castellana y disfrutando la experiencia de aprender un lenguaje por medio de la música.
​
Durante el crecimiento de tu pequeño, aprenderemos nuestras canciones comunes – una hermosa recopilación de canciones tradicionales y contemporáneas. Anticipa que esta clase este llena de movimiento, intercambio y juegos con la música usando marionetas, maracas, y materiales didácticos durante el proceso de exploración de su hijo(a) mientras se emerge en el lenguaje usando sus propias habilidades.

Si eres bilingüe o estas aprendiendo castellano, te invitamos a disfrutar de nuestra música junto a tu pequeño(a). ¡Juntos se irán a casa cantando en español! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos a cantar y jugar!

REGISTER

Related Events

February 7 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Initiatives

It’s a W.I.N. (Art and Wellness in Nature) and Public Arts Programs
Free

Old Town School of Folk Music

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

¡Hola! Wiggleworms: February 7

This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too!

¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while they explore the Spanish language and experience the joy of learning language through music.

As your little one grows, together you’ll learn our core songs—a beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary sing-along songs. Expect this class to be full of movement, interaction, and musical play with puppets, shakers, and props as children explore their emerging language skills.

If you are bilingual or just learning the Spanish language, come delight in this musical experience with your little one. You will go home singing together in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance!

__

¡Hola! Wiggleworms es una celebración bilingüe. Con canciones tradicionales del mundo hispano, esta clase vive del canto, danza y descubrimiento musical. Disfrutando con la música, niños y niñas junto con sus familias emprenderán un viaje explorando la lengua castellana y disfrutando la experiencia de aprender un lenguaje por medio de la música.
​
Durante el crecimiento de tu pequeño, aprenderemos nuestras canciones comunes – una hermosa recopilación de canciones tradicionales y contemporáneas. Anticipa que esta clase este llena de movimiento, intercambio y juegos con la música usando marionetas, maracas, y materiales didácticos durante el proceso de exploración de su hijo(a) mientras se emerge en el lenguaje usando sus propias habilidades.

Si eres bilingüe o estas aprendiendo castellano, te invitamos a disfrutar de nuestra música junto a tu pequeño(a). ¡Juntos se irán a casa cantando en español! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos a cantar y jugar!

REGISTER

Related Events

January 31 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Initiatives

It’s a W.I.N. (Art and Wellness in Nature) and Public Arts Programs
Free

Old Town School of Folk Music

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

¡Hola! Wiggleworms: January 31

This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too!

¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while they explore the Spanish language and experience the joy of learning language through music.

As your little one grows, together you’ll learn our core songs—a beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary sing-along songs. Expect this class to be full of movement, interaction, and musical play with puppets, shakers, and props as children explore their emerging language skills.

If you are bilingual or just learning the Spanish language, come delight in this musical experience with your little one. You will go home singing together in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance!

__

¡Hola! Wiggleworms es una celebración bilingüe. Con canciones tradicionales del mundo hispano, esta clase vive del canto, danza y descubrimiento musical. Disfrutando con la música, niños y niñas junto con sus familias emprenderán un viaje explorando la lengua castellana y disfrutando la experiencia de aprender un lenguaje por medio de la música.
​
Durante el crecimiento de tu pequeño, aprenderemos nuestras canciones comunes – una hermosa recopilación de canciones tradicionales y contemporáneas. Anticipa que esta clase este llena de movimiento, intercambio y juegos con la música usando marionetas, maracas, y materiales didácticos durante el proceso de exploración de su hijo(a) mientras se emerge en el lenguaje usando sus propias habilidades.

Si eres bilingüe o estas aprendiendo castellano, te invitamos a disfrutar de nuestra música junto a tu pequeño(a). ¡Juntos se irán a casa cantando en español! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos a cantar y jugar!

REGISTER

Related Events

January 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Initiatives

It’s a W.I.N. (Art and Wellness in Nature) and Public Arts Programs
Free

Old Town School of Folk Music

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

¡Hola! Wiggleworms: January 24

This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too!

¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while they explore the Spanish language and experience the joy of learning language through music.

As your little one grows, together you’ll learn our core songs—a beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary sing-along songs. Expect this class to be full of movement, interaction, and musical play with puppets, shakers, and props as children explore their emerging language skills.

If you are bilingual or just learning the Spanish language, come delight in this musical experience with your little one. You will go home singing together in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance!

__

¡Hola! Wiggleworms es una celebración bilingüe. Con canciones tradicionales del mundo hispano, esta clase vive del canto, danza y descubrimiento musical. Disfrutando con la música, niños y niñas junto con sus familias emprenderán un viaje explorando la lengua castellana y disfrutando la experiencia de aprender un lenguaje por medio de la música.
​
Durante el crecimiento de tu pequeño, aprenderemos nuestras canciones comunes – una hermosa recopilación de canciones tradicionales y contemporáneas. Anticipa que esta clase este llena de movimiento, intercambio y juegos con la música usando marionetas, maracas, y materiales didácticos durante el proceso de exploración de su hijo(a) mientras se emerge en el lenguaje usando sus propias habilidades.

Si eres bilingüe o estas aprendiendo castellano, te invitamos a disfrutar de nuestra música junto a tu pequeño(a). ¡Juntos se irán a casa cantando en español! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos a cantar y jugar!

REGISTER

Related Events

January 10 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Initiatives

It’s a W.I.N. (Art and Wellness in Nature) and Public Arts Programs
Free

Old Town School of Folk Music

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

¡Hola! Wiggleworms: January 10

This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too!

¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while they explore the Spanish language and experience the joy of learning language through music.

As your little one grows, together you’ll learn our core songs—a beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary sing-along songs. Expect this class to be full of movement, interaction, and musical play with puppets, shakers, and props as children explore their emerging language skills.

If you are bilingual or just learning the Spanish language, come delight in this musical experience with your little one. You will go home singing together in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance!

__

¡Hola! Wiggleworms es una celebración bilingüe. Con canciones tradicionales del mundo hispano, esta clase vive del canto, danza y descubrimiento musical. Disfrutando con la música, niños y niñas junto con sus familias emprenderán un viaje explorando la lengua castellana y disfrutando la experiencia de aprender un lenguaje por medio de la música.
​
Durante el crecimiento de tu pequeño, aprenderemos nuestras canciones comunes – una hermosa recopilación de canciones tradicionales y contemporáneas. Anticipa que esta clase este llena de movimiento, intercambio y juegos con la música usando marionetas, maracas, y materiales didácticos durante el proceso de exploración de su hijo(a) mientras se emerge en el lenguaje usando sus propias habilidades.

Si eres bilingüe o estas aprendiendo castellano, te invitamos a disfrutar de nuestra música junto a tu pequeño(a). ¡Juntos se irán a casa cantando en español! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos a cantar y jugar!

REGISTER

Related Events

January 17 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Initiatives

It’s a W.I.N. (Art and Wellness in Nature) and Public Arts Programs
Free

Old Town School of Folk Music

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

¡Hola! Wiggleworms: January 17

This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too!

¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while they explore the Spanish language and experience the joy of learning language through music.

As your little one grows, together you’ll learn our core songs—a beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary sing-along songs. Expect this class to be full of movement, interaction, and musical play with puppets, shakers, and props as children explore their emerging language skills.

If you are bilingual or just learning the Spanish language, come delight in this musical experience with your little one. You will go home singing together in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance!

__

¡Hola! Wiggleworms es una celebración bilingüe. Con canciones tradicionales del mundo hispano, esta clase vive del canto, danza y descubrimiento musical. Disfrutando con la música, niños y niñas junto con sus familias emprenderán un viaje explorando la lengua castellana y disfrutando la experiencia de aprender un lenguaje por medio de la música.
​
Durante el crecimiento de tu pequeño, aprenderemos nuestras canciones comunes – una hermosa recopilación de canciones tradicionales y contemporáneas. Anticipa que esta clase este llena de movimiento, intercambio y juegos con la música usando marionetas, maracas, y materiales didácticos durante el proceso de exploración de su hijo(a) mientras se emerge en el lenguaje usando sus propias habilidades.

Si eres bilingüe o estas aprendiendo castellano, te invitamos a disfrutar de nuestra música junto a tu pequeño(a). ¡Juntos se irán a casa cantando en español! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos a cantar y jugar!

REGISTER

Related Events

October 16, 2025 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

Veteran Art Tribe

View Organizer Website

American Legion Cicero Post 96

5820 W 35th St
Cicero, Illinois 60804 + Google Map

Digital Art for Veterans and Families

Enjoy learning about digital art with your fellow veterans and families members. Please download the proper software to your phone.

A smartphone is required for this class.

Prior to class Download ArtRage (free for Android, $2.99 for iPhone). Make sure to also open the app prior to class. This will ensure we can start right away if there are updates or login needed for the app.

Activity Expectation: Indoors and seated; a smartphone is required for this class.

Sensory Expectations: Indoors

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. 

Snacks will be served; please let us know if you have any food allergies. ​Registration required.

For questions, accessibility or mobility concerns, please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org

REGISTER

Related Events

July 16, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

View Organizer Website

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

50 E. Erie St
Chicago, Illinois 60611 + Google Map

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure

Celebrating one of our region’s and the world’s most precious natural resources, Black Moon Trio collaborates with author Barb Rosenstock; illustrator, Jamey Christoph; and the DuPage Children’s Museum to tell the story of the Great Lakes. Accompanying Rosenstock’s and Christoph’s 2024 book, The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure, this program features music by living composers to bolster the dramatic journey of a single drop of water in this enormous water system. Along the way, audiences will learn how these incredible lakes were formed, how to preserve the six quadrillion gallons of water they hold, and the cultural and spiritual importance of these five blue jewels.

A limited number of copies of the book will available for sale in the Driehaus Museum Store on the 3rd floor.

Register Here
A child plays the ukulele, adults watching and assisting.

August 16, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

Kids Rank

View Organizer Website

Veteran Art Tribe

View Organizer Website

Growing Healthy Veterans

View Organizer Website

Blue Star Families

View Organizer Website

Ukulady Lisa (Lisa Mannion)

View Organizer Website

Lake County Forest Preserves

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Military Kids Fest

Celebrate Summer with Brushwood Center’s At Ease initiative and enjoy art, music, activities, games, and nature with other members of the Military Community! In collaboration with Kids Rank, Veteran Art Tribe and other Veteran organizations. Brushwood’s second annual Military Kids Fest offers an open house with art, exploration, and fun.

Join us for:

  • Music fun and a singalong for all ages with Ukulady Lisa
  • A squishy slime-making activity with Veteran Art Tribe
  • Meet and greet reptiles and amphibians with the Lake County Forest Preserves
  • Information and resource tables from: Brushwood Center, Growing Healthy Families, Blue Star Families
  • A nature hike with Brushwood Center
  • Outdoor games, art activities, and more!

Please note, that this event is for Veterans, current service members, and their families only.

Contact Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org if you have questions or concerns.

Register here

Related Events

Get the latest events, concerts, exhibits, and insights straight to your inbox.