Visit the sharks at Brookfield Zoo
Talk to the animals: Take a stroll (perhaps hand-in-hand?) to the 16,000-gallon saltwater pool at Brookfield Zoo's "Sharks! at Stingray Bay" exhibit. This popular attraction, which has now been extended through Sunday, Sept. 28, gives you the chance to touch nearly two dozen cow nose and southern stingrays and sharks. After petting a stingray, there could be nothing nicer than taking a ride on the largest wooden carousel in the country at the zoo's north gate. Then stop at one of the cafes on the zoo grounds for an ice cream cone or cold lemonade as you visit more than 450 species of animals from around the world. The shark exhibit is $1-$2 in addition to the general $7-$11 zoo admission. (708) 688-8000 or brookfieldzoo.org.
Harland can be hilarious: You may have seen him on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" or the "Late Show with David Letterman." Now you can see comedian Harland Williams in the flesh at the The Improv Comedy Showcase and Restaurant in Schaumburg. Showtimes are at 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, and 7 p.m. Sunday Sept. 14. $22-$24. And you won't have to go far for dinner. The club features a restaurant with a dinner menu and full bar. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com.
Wining and dining: Get a few ideas for a romantic dinner together at the Naperville Wine Festival at the Naper Settlement. Take your pick and sample from more than 250 wines from around the world. Watch some cooking demonstrations and attend food and wine seminars. Take a few tips back to your own kitchen for a meal to remember. And don't forget the wine. The festival runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, and 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Visit napervillewinefestival.com or napersettlement.org.
A perfect match - hot dogs and baseball: Stop by Heffy's Hot Dogs at 1520 N. Elmhurst Road in Mount Prospect for a hot dog with everything. Then head to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights as a baseball fan sells his soul to the devil to become a star player in "Damn Yankees." Be one of the first to see the show at a preview at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Tickets are $26-$32. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. For information on Heffy's call (847) 394-3339.