August 11, 2008

Chalk It Up

2008 Back to School Guide

The hall monitors are meanies and the meat’s a mystery. Otherwise, school rocks — especially if you have the right gear.

PACK
Custom-printed lunch bags from ForYourParty feature your kid’s drawings; submit art online and choose from more than 40 ink colors.

WEAR
Jazz up their kicks with Sneaker Bops, decorative pieces that attach to their laces at E Street Kids (1876 First Street, Highland Park; 847-433-0172).

DECODE
They won’t get caught passing notes when they have a Secret Message Writing Set from Enjoy (4727 North Lincoln Avenue; 773-334-8626). Includes pens that write in invisible ink with black-light beams in the caps to illuminate the message.

STICK
Decorate lockers, books, and binders with Decorama adhesive vinyl art. Monsters, insects, and flowers are easy on, easy off.

Now you’re really a class act.

ROAR
Walking with Dinosaurs: the Live Experience
What: Life-size, animatronic dinosaurs trundle across the stage.
Why: It’s prehistory in the making.
When: Tues., Thurs. & Fri., 7 p.m.; Wed., 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m.
Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., at Damen Ave., West Loop. Tickets at 312-559-1212 or online.

SOAR
50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show
What: Parachute teams, Army jets, water-skiers, and daredevils do stunts along the shore.
Why: You’re so fly.
When: Fri., 3-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Along Lake Michigan, from Fullerton Ave. to Oak St., Downtown (312-744-3315).

EXPLORE
Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival
What: Re-creation of a Japanese matsura features tea ceremony, taiko drumming, and storytelling.
Why: Pure garden variety.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., at I-94, Glencoe (847-835-5440).