Spring has officially sprung (on the calendar, at least) and Passover is right around the corner. We’ve put together a list of the best ways to introduce your little ones to the holiday while having some fun and maybe even talking to other grown-ups. You can pick from story times, scavenger hunts, tot Shabbats, and more. Don’t have Seder plans yet? We’ve also included a list of community Seders held at area synagogues and other locations.
Parents with babies ages 2 and under should be sure not to miss jBaby Chicago’s Passover Ultimate Play Date on Sunday, April 9 with private access to Kohl children’s museum, Passover crafts, and a concert with Miss Jamie.
If you’re looking for some Passover food-spiration, check out these six Matzah Toppings from Around the World or this recipe for matzah tiramisu. Need a quick refresher on all things Passover? We’ve got that too.
Passover 2017 begins on Monday evening, April 10 and continues until sundown on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
Chabad Model Matzah Factory
Learn about Passover and bake your very own matzah at the model matzah bakery. RSVP required. Free
Mariano’s, 2323 Capital Dr, Northbrook
Sunday, April 2, 2 – 3 p.m.
H.U.G.S. Passover Chocolate Seder for Families with Special Needs
A delicious dessert-only Seder with songs and stories for families with special needs. Free and open to all. RSVP requested.
Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters Ave, Northbrook
Sunday, April 2, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Passover Story Time: Have a Matzah Ball – Northbrook
Learn about the holiday of Passover through stories, songs, and activities. For families with children ages 0 -2, siblings welcome. Advance registration requested. Sponsored by Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation. Free
The Book Bin, 1151 Church St, Northbrook
Wednesday, April 5, 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Pre-Passover Family Shabbat Service & Dinner
A family-friendly Shabbat service featuring puppeteer and storyteller Marilyn Price followed by a light dinner. For families with young children, best for ages 8 and under.
Shir Hadash Synagogue, 200 W. Dundee Rd, Wheeling
Friday, April 7, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Kermit’s Tot Shabbat Passover
Join Rabbi Daniels for songs, PJ Library stories, and a matzah taste test, followed by dinner and hands-on Passover activities. Best for families with children ages 7 and under, all are welcome. Advance registration required. $15.family
North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Rd
Friday, April 14, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
jBaby Chicago’s Passover Ultimate Play Date
Private access to the Kohl Children’s museum, Passover crafts, and a concert with Miss Jamie from the Farm. Advance registration recommended. $18 family
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview
Sunday, April 9, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
JCC Chicago Ultimate Afikomen Hunt – Downtown Long Grove
A story, holiday-themed craft, and neighborhood scavenger hunt followed by a snack. Prizes and goodie bags from community partner, Manischewitz. Advance registration requested. $18 family
Joanie’s Pizzeria of Long Grove, 235 Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Long Grove
Sunday, April 9, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
JCC Chicago Ultimate Afikomen Hunt – Lakeview
A story, holiday-themed craft, and neighborhood scavenger hunt followed by a snack. Prizes and goodie bags from community partner, Manischewitz. Advance registration requested, part of the Rose and Sidney N. Shure Kehilla Program. $18 family
Florence Heller JCC, 534 W Melrose St, Chicago
Sunday, April 9, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Passover Story Time: Have a Matzah Ball – Deerfield
Learn about the holiday of Passover through stories, songs, and activities. For families with children ages 0 -2, siblings welcome. Advance registration requested. Sponsored by Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation. Free
Deerfield Barns & Noble, 726, North Waukegan Rd, Deerfield
Sunday, April 9, 2:30 – 3 p.m.
Strollers, Stories & Celebrations – Passover
Celebrate Passover with stories, songs, and movement. For infant and toddlers accompanied by an adult, drop-in. Free
North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Rd
Friday, April 14, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Early Family Friday Night Dinner – Passover Edition
Join Mishkan Chicago for a kosher for Passover dinner with singing and Shabbat blessings, followed by Friday night services. RSVP requested. $15/adult, $5/child ages 2-12, age 2 and under free
Second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry Ave
Friday, April 14, 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.
Passover Seders
Community Passover Seder
Catered, kosher for Passover Seder meal, non-Jewish family & friends are welcome. RSVP required. $38/adult,$14/child 6 – 12, 5 and under free
Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St, Elgin
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6 – 9 p.m.
Congregational Second Night Passover Seder
A family-friendly community Seder. Contact the synagogue office for more information (773) 655-5146.
Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W Dempster, Skokie
Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Community Seder
Family-friendly kosher for Passover second night Seder following evening services. RSVP required. $38/adult, $14/child 6 – 12, 5 and under free
Temple B’nai Israel, 400 N Edgelawn Dr
Tuesday, April 11, 7 – 10:30 p.m.
Passover Seder
A kosher for Passover family Seder with hand-baked matzah, wine, and home-made dinner. RSVP required. $36/person suggested donation
Chabad of Skokie, 4059 Dempster St, Skokie
Monday, April 10 & Tuesday, April 11, 5 p.m.
