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Community Corner

Patch Picks: Spring Break (Or How To Stop Worrying and Love Your Staycation)

A boring spring break doesn't have to feel broken — not when there are tons of places around town that provide a quick, fun fix.

This week's Patch Picks is a bit different. While we haven't crossed over into the world of day planning, we realize finding something interesting to do every single day can be a chore.

So this time around, we've picked five fun-filled events spanning five spring days, beginning with Friday — perfect for those just breaking away from school and looking to start their spring break the right way. And, as always, hundreds more events like the ones listed below can be found using the handy, on-site Patch events calendar.

Day 1: Friday, March 25, 7-9:30 p.m.
Professor Plum. In the conservatory. With the wrench. If you've ever felt like your life was one huge game of Clue, might not be for you. But if you want to play a bunch of board games while exploring a really big, really cool mansion with your folks, you will have come to the right place. The , 220 N. Euclid Ave., plays host to the evening of camaraderie and kicking mom and dad's butt at Scrabble. $15 per family; (708) 383-2612.

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Day 2: Saturday, March 26, 2-4 p.m.
Bored of those board games? Sample something more virtual at the (735 Lathrop Ave.) . This all ages event is open to competition-starved kids and adults looking to make an impact against other area families – or maybe just looking to brush up on their Nintendo Wii skills. Board games are also available for those not yet bored by them. Free; (708) 366-5205.

Day 3: Sunday, March 27, 3-4 p.m.
Dubbed “The First Lady of the Children's Folk Song,” 86-year-old Ella Jenkins has a Grammy Award and her own Wikipedia page, not to mention a career that spans more than five decades. , an event sponsored by , 1530 Jackson Ave., puts Jenkins front and center as she draws from her impressive catalog of children's songs. $10 in advance, $12 at the door; (708) 771-5905.

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Day 4: Monday, March 28, 7 p.m.
The meets at the , 834 Lake St., on the second and fourth Mondays of every month and it is currently looking for new members, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a digital photographer or you stick to the basics of film, the club is looking for ambitious, excitable shutterbugs to usher in spring the only way they know how: with a photo op. Free; (708) 697-6915.

Day 5: Tuesday, March 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
The older crowd tends to take social media for granted, but there is still much to be learned by the younger generation. Internet users young and old alike are welcome to attend the Oak Park Public Library Main Branch's , so long as they have an active library card. The two hour lecture will cover the ins and outs of the world's foremost social network, ideal for those without an account or looking into registering one. Free, but registration required; (708) 452-3480.

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