DuPage Children's Museum - 1-Year Family/Grandparent Pass - BID TO BEAT $70

Children are more than just little adults. They are little adults who make messes, run around like maniacs, and never stop asking, "why?" Keep your house clean, give them room to move, and encourage your children to find the answers to all their questions while exploring the worlds of science, math, and art - at their level - with a 1-Year Grandparent/Family Pass (2 adults/6 kids) for the DuPage Children's Museum. DCM promotes an adult-child partnership in open-ended learning and discovery for children ages 6 months to 10 years. Bid high - you'll be glad you did every time your kid starts whining, "I'm booooored". **Certificate must be redeemed by June 2012, pass is good for one year from redemption.**

Value - $100

Naper Settlement - Family Pass - BID TO BEAT $25

One weekend, four children's sporting events, two playdates, twenty-six unreturned emails and the constant chirp of your iPhone alarm set to remind you to... What was it you absolutely COULDN'T forget to do today?

Ah, modern life. Don't miss this chance to escape with your family to an era of delayed gratification. Immerse yourselves in the evolution of a town from the 1800's on. Visit well-curated museums while talking with costumed villagers. You are bidding on a one day family pass (2 adults and 2 children) to Naper Settlement (523 S. Webster Street, Naperville). Bid high - we promise, the only chirping you'll hear will be that of the birds.

Value - $31

Shedd Aquarium - 4 General Admissions - BID TO BEAT $21

Squid and seals and seahorses, oh my! Has it been too long since you've looked at a green moray eel up close? Delight your family with 4 - General Admissions to the Shedd Aquarium. You'll be amazed at how many times you hear, "Wow! - that's so cool!"

**Valid for entry to the aquarium galleries, including Waters of the World, the Caribbean Reef and Amazon Rising only. Admission into the Abbott Oceanarium, Wild Reef, aquatic show and 4-d Experience are available for an additional fee. Certificate good through June 2012**

Value - $28

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art - One Day Family Pass - BID TO BEAT $15

Can't tell the difference between granite and shale? Looking for a cutting-edge art collection without having to head into the city? Your whole family will enjoy visiting the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art (220 S. Cottage Hill Avenue, Elmhurst) for the day (valid for up to 6 people). The Lizzadro Museum has one of the world’s finest collections of lapidary works dating back over 700 years! In addition to the fine works of art, you can view many rare and precious stones and minerals. Bid high - this is a hidden gem you won't want to miss! **Expires 9/30/11**

Value - $12 - $24

Cantigny - 4 Complimentary Parking Passes - BID TO BEAT $16

Dad wants history, mom wants flowers, and the kids just want to climb like monkeys. Make everyone happy with a trip to Cantigny Park (1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton). These 4 Complimentary Parking Passes for Cantigny Parks are all you need (parking includes admission to the grounds and museums) to enjoy over 500 acres of the historic estate of Robert R. McCormick, including the First Division military museum, 29 acres of botanical gardens, and plenty of real army tanks for climbing. Go once a season, or share with friends. Bid high - there really is something for everyone!

Value - $20

Art Institute of Chicago - 2 Free Tickets - BID TO BEAT $31

Having trouble telling a Matisse from a Monet? Brush up on your art history with 2 Free General Admission Tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago. Bid high, so you can speak with smug certainty about the clean Thomas Gainsborough and Joseph E. Yoakum (hint: if you have no idea who these artists are you need these tickets).

Value - $36
**Children under 14 are free, so two tickets will get your whole family in!**

Bulls/Sox Training Academy - One Hour of Batting Cage Rental - BID TO BEAT $20

Tired of being ridiculed at the company softball game? Afraid of being picked last at the family reunion...again? Well great day in the morning! Here's your chance to outdo Phil from accounting.
Get your flabby arms a-swinging with One Hour of Cage Rental at the Bulls/Sox Training Facility in Lisle or one of their Satellite Academies in La Grange, Glen Ellyn, Tinley Park or Schererville, Indiana. Their 13 cages offer a variety of options. Cages can be rented for batting or throwing or with one of the many state-of-the-art pitching machines, including five Masters Pro-Arms. The Pro-Arm simulates pitcher's arm action making practice more "game like". Bid high - in no time at all you'll be trotting up to the plate like Casey from Mudville...only you won't strike-out! Lookout Phil from accounting!

Value - $45

Kane County Cougars - 4 Tickets - BID TO BEAT $21.50

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the giant smiles on your kids' faces. What could be better than day of good old-fashioned baseball? Take your family to see the Kane County Cougars, with 4 regular priced lawn seats for the 2011 season, without breaking the bank! Not only do you get to see one of the best minor league teams around, you can also have fun at Ozzie's KidZone Playground, be awed by a fireworks show, and feast on traditional ballpark food. Bid high and make some memories!

Value - $32

Kiddie Klub Lane (Lombard) - 5 Pass Punch Card - BID TO BEAT $24

It's raining, it's pouring, your kids are driving you crazy. Next time you all come down with a bad case of cabin fever, head out for some imaginative play for your little ones. Sit back and relax as your children explore a city-themed play-land before trying their hands at different occupations (such as firefighter, postal worker or gold-painted street performer) in the city's make-believe business district. You are bidding on one 5-Pass Punch Card for Kiddie Klub Lane (1300S. Main Street, Lombard). Bid high, so when the weather conspires against you, you'll have someplace besides *crazy* to go!

Value - $35

Fox Bowl - Birthday Party for 10 - BID TO BEAT $50

You'll be bowled over by this one! Kid's parties can be such a chore! Games, clowns, balloons and don't forget the mess! Who needs it? Don't let this happen to you! Enjoy a stress free birthday for your little ten-pinner. Fox Bowl can provide a safe clean environment and all the entertainment for your child and nine friends on that special day. **Certificate is good for 2 games with shoe rental for 10 children**

Value - $60

First Dibs on Gabi's Field Trips in 2011-2012 - BID TO BEAT $35

Going, going, gone! Were you constantly trying to sign up for really amazing field trips this year, only to be denied? Avoid disappointment this year by bidding on first refusal on any field trip Gabi offers during the 2011 - 2012 school year. Gabi Reczek will call you first before opening up her fabulous field trips on The Vine. Last year's field trips included Naperville Astronomers, Waubonsie Valley Planetarium, a National Weather Center, Vulcan Quarry, and the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. Bid high, so you'll never hear, "Sorry, the trip is full", again.
Value - Priceless

Behind the Scenes Tour at Play Mechanix, Inc. - BID TO BEAT $25

Come get an exciting, behind-the-scenes look at how arcade video games are made at the Glen Ellyn based company, Play Mechanix Inc. Play Mechanix Inc. is well-known for its hit games including the Big Buck Hunter series, Terminator Salvation, Deal or No Deal, and Wheel of Fortune. Your visit will include a tour around the office with an opportunity to speak to current artists, programmers and game testers. Find out how a game is made from beginning to end production. A pizza party will be included with a chance to play an assortment of arcade games.

This event will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 4pm. There are 8 spots available. Each bid is for one (1) spot. ** "BID TO BEAT" will remain hidden until 8 bids are taken, then the lowest bid will show up as the "BID TO BEAT" **

Bid high - your little gamer won't want to miss this!

Value - Priceless

Day with a Veterinarian - BID TO BEAT $55

Can't tear your child away from Animal Planet? Has your house turned into a menagerie of strays? Explore that passion for furry and feathered friends spending a morning with one of the doctors at Warrenville Grove Animal Hospital (3s481 Batavia Road, Warrenville). Your child will have a chance to observing surgery or office appointments, and talk about college, vet school and life as a vet. To be arranged on a mutually agreeable morning Fall of 2011. **Due to the nature of the work being observed, this item is only available to students age 12 and up**

Bid high - you don't want to miss this opportunity to encourage your little Dr. Dolittle!

Value - Priceless

Day with a Dentist

Is your son always peering into other people's mouths? Do you hear your daughter telling her dolls, "This won't hurt a bit"? Then this is just for you! You are bidding on a Day with a Dentist. Your child will spend a morning with Dr. Ernest Monaco in his Darien office, observing appointments and talking about college, dental school and life as a dentist. To be arranged on a mutually agreeable morning in Fall of 2011 or Spring of 2012. Bid high - and remember to floss!

Value - Priceless