Paleontologist Paul Sereno and his team didn’t travel light when they went to the Sahara to search for dinosaurs. Among other things, they took 250 pounds of pasta, 1,200 granola bars, 41 pounds of Jolly Ranchers and 600 rolls of toilet paper. They also had 10,000 pounds of plaster to use to protect any fossil bones to send back to Sereno’s home base at the University of Chicago. The team members put the plaster to good use because they discovered a 27-foot-long meat-eating dinosaur, which they named Afrovenator. They also found an adult skeleton and a juvenile one of a long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur they called Jobaria. These three dinosaur skeletons are on display in NAVY PIER’S CRYSTAL GARDENS in a setting that re-creates the expedition. Visitors can even touch a giant thigh bone of a dinosaur that lived 135 million years ago.
DINOSAUR GIANTS, through March 19, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., free; 312-595-5200.
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— Nancy Maes
Immerse yourself in the magic of the mighty Mississippi as the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer floats into the McAninch Arts Center Sunday. For children ages 5 to 13, this foot-stompin’ musical follows Huck and Tom as they explore the majestic river that defined their lives and floated their spirits into the heart of America. Tickets $7. “Huck and Tom and the Mighty Mississippi,” 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. McAninch Arts Center, 425 22nd St., Glen Ellyn. 630-942-4000.
— Stephanie Price
Charlotte spins a magical web that saves her friend Wilbur, the pig, in E.B. White’s story of “Charlotte’s Web.” The Theatreworks/USA production is part of the Especially for Kids series. 11 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $7. The Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Stuenkel Road and Governors Highway, University Park. 708-235-2222.
— Diana Strzalka
The musical version of the classic fairy tale “Pinocchio” will be performed by the Children’s Theatre at Drury Lane Theatre through May 31. Show times are 10:30 a.m. most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and noon some Sundays. Tickets $9 adults, $8 children. Drury Lane, 2500 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park. 708-422-0404.
— Diana Strzalka
The Kids Fare programs at Northwestern University usually reveal some of the magic behind music, but the session this Saturday will take youngsters one or two steps farther. Experts in dance and drama also will be on hand to lead the kids in activities to help them find new ways to tell stories and express themselves. “Incredible Journey,” 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, $4.50 adults, $3.50 children, reservations recommended; 847-467-4000.
— Nancy Maes
Little ladies can make plans now to attend “Tea for Two and Day at the Beauty Shop.” Put on your party dress and toddle on over for afternoon tea (juice), a fashion show and snack. Professional beauticians will style your hair or paint your nails before the big event. Bring along a favorite doll or stuffed animal. Appointments not necessary, but hair styling and nails will be done on a first-come, first-served basis 1 1/2 hours before the party. $10. March 12. For children ages 3 to 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m.; kids 4 to 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg. 847-490-7020.
— Stephanie Price