Children can take a make-believe trip to Latin America during “CELEBRACION 2000: AMERICANOS” at the Field Museum. First they can find out where the pretend trip will take them by putting together an enormous floor puzzle of the Americas. Then they can learn some Latin dances such as the mambo and the salsa, try out some Latin American musical instruments including conga and bongo drums, maracas and castanets and learn how to write their Aztec name, which is based on their date of birth. Museum scientists will be on hand to show specimens of birds, such as one that looks like a fossil, and unique insects, including an emerald green orchid bee and a shimmering blue butterfly, that live in Latin America. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, $8 adults, $4 children; 312-665-7400.
— Nancy Maes
More Top Picks Bose Home Speaker 300
The Tinley Park Oktoberfest will be in full swing Friday through Sunday with carnival rides, entertainment, food and free parking at the New World Music Theatre. Friday’s events include a business expo, remote-controlled NASCAR races, a petting zoo, food and live musical entertainment, which continues on Saturday and Sunday. A laser video dance show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Other features include a pumpkin parade (10 a.m. Saturday), a car show, a magic show and carnival rides. Tickets are $5; children age 13 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, New World Music Theatre, 191st Street and Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park; 708-532-1733.
— Pat Harper
Parents are usually excited about watching their children grow up, but there is one little boy who will remain forever young, and that’s the way it should be. He’s Charlie Brown. In a tribute to the late Charles Schulz, who created the beloved Peanuts characters, the Winnetka Theatre is presenting “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the musical about the little boy who is short on self-esteem but always seems to have high hopes. The show’s final song, called “Happiness,” celebrates the importance of friendship and of finding joy in the simple things in life. 8 p.m. Friday and Oct. 13, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Oct. 14, 2 p.m. Sunday, Winnetka Theatre, 620 Lincoln Ave., $12 adults, $8 children; 847-604-0275.
— N.M.
Spring Hill Mall will be rockin’ and rollin’ Saturday as the bands “Innosense” and “Dream” bring a teen sweepstakes and mall tour to West Dundee. Come out for this free concert. Sponsors will give away prizes and provide games including a one-on-one hoops game. The concert is affiliated with “Do Something,” a group started by actor Andrew Shue and designed to create a nationwide network of young people who want to make a difference in their communities. “Rock The Mall,” 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Spring Hill Mall, Illinois Highways 31 and 72, West Dundee; 847-428-2200.
— Stephanie Price
Spend your day off from school Friday at the Elmhurst Historical Museum. The museum will host “Day Off? Drop In!” when school is off due to vacation or in-service days. Come in for free historic games and activities that kids will love. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst; 630-833-1457.
— S.P.