Bob McGrath, an original host on “Sesame Street,” remains the kind of friend children would love to have in their neighborhood. This Saturday he’ll swing through Aurora to greet old friends and make new ones. Catch tunes like his new “Dinosaur Swing” as well as “Sing Me a Story” with a West High School rapper. He’ll also perform with local singers and dancers, and his old friend Cookie Monster. “Bob from `Sesame Street,’ ” 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Paramount Arts Centre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, $10.50-$13.50.; 630-896-6666.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is going down under on Saturday to explore the culture and nature of the world’s smallest continent. A storyteller will tell tales from the aborigines of Australia and explain the significance of maintaining an ecological balance. He will also play music on the didgeridoo, inviting visitors to accompany him on some homemade percussion instruments. The zoo’s koala keeper will show slides of koalas taken during a trip to Australia to count these adorable-looking little creatures. “Didgeridoo and You,” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Park Zoo, Pritzker Children’s Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, free; 312-742-2105.
Two Chicago restaurants are catering to children’s taste buds. The menu at the new M-Cafe at the Museum of Contemporary Art contains such items as Japanese udon soup, sushi and chicken confit sandwiches, but also a Kids Box with either a grilled cheese sandwich or pasta and fruit, a cookie, and a soft drink for $4.95. Papagus Greek Taverna has updated its Mediterranean menu with such American classics as a triple layered peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a triple layered grilled cheese, chicken fingers, spaghetti and pizza. Prices range from $3.95-$9.75, which includes a cookie or a brownie, and milk or a soft drink. M-Cafe, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660. Papagus Greek Taverna, 620 N. State St.; 312-642-8450.
The climate could be right to enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. The horses will know the way along the paths of the Danada Equestrian Center to show off the beautiful, tall trees and the wide open fields. Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Danada Equestrian Center, Naperville Road a half mile north of I-88, Wheaton, $1, free for children 5 and under. 630-668-6012.
Just the names of the albums of some Chicago singers can provoke a smile. Joel Frankel has recorded “Don’t Sit on a Cactus” and “I Can’t Sit Still” while Jim Gill’s repertoire includes “The Sneezing Song and other Contagious Tunes” as well as “Jim Gill Makes it Noisy in Boise, Idaho.” Both will be making it noisy at Zany Brainy this weekend. Joel Frankel Mini-Concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Zany Brainy, 18 Blanchard Circle, Wheaton, 630-653-4332; 4 p.m. Saturday, Zany Brainy, 150 Barrington Ave., West Schaumburg, 847-798-7737; free. Jim Gill Mini-Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, Zany Brainy, 2155 West 22nd St., Oak Brook, 630-574-9244; free.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary and the Jewish holiday of Tu B’shevat, the Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has asked storyteller Susan Stone to come and tell some tales. The event also includes lunch and folk dancing. Storytelling, noon Sunday, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, 3760 N. Pine Grove Ave., for ages 5-8, $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 773-281-1858 ext. 238.