Need Something to Do With the Kids this Weekend?

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the
week. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.

Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!

• A CIVIL WAR SPY
Where/When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday at , 125 S. Prospect Ave.
Why Go: Children in grades 1 to 6 are invited to meet Belle Boyd, one of several women who were spies during the Civil War.
Pricing: Free.

• FRIDAY FUN CLIMB
Where/When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Courts Plus, 186 S. West Ave.
Why Go: Kids ages 6 to 12 can have fun on the climbing wall and enjoy games and activities. Fun for the whole family.
Pricing: $6 for members, $10 for nonmembers.

• HONEST ABE
Where/When:1-1:50 p.m. Monday at , 125 S. Prospect Ave.
Why Go: Kids in kindergarten and up are invited to the interesting, informative, and humorous musical melodrama, "Honest Abe."
Pricing: Free.

• YOUTH FREE-THROW CONTEST
Where/When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday at gymnasium, 132 W. Arthur St.
Why Go: Boys and girls ages 10 to 14 can participate in the local level of competition for the Knights of Columbus International Free Throw Championship. Winners in each division will receive trophies.
Pricing: Free.

• RACING PIGEONS
Where/When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at 4100 Lincoln Ave., Lisle.
Why Go: Families can meet Matt Wiesbrock and his in the Children's Garden.
Pricing: Free with admission.