Steve Scott made an amazing discovery when he started to attend performances for children in search of companies to include in the 26-Hour Celebration for the opening of the new GOODMAN THEATRE. “I never knew there were as many different kinds of theater companies for children in Chicago,” says Scott, the Goodman’s associate producer. “There is an incredible variety and all of it is very high quality.” So, during the festivities, children can see performances such as those based on stories written by youngsters and performed in imaginative ways by Child’s Play Touring Theatre, or mysterious Latin legends performed by Teatro Vista. Kids can play a role too, by joining with the Free Associates to do improvisations and learning some moves used in stage combat from Babes With Blades. Children and Family Theatre Performances, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., free; 312-895-5406.
— Nancy Maes
Boomshaka’s off-the-wall tap dancing and percussion music created with homemade instruments reminds some people of the work of Blue Man Group, Tap Dogs and “Stomp!” But at a Kids Fare program families will discover that the Northwestern University student group has an energy and sense of humor all its own. Audience memberscan joinin the energetic call-and-response rhythm-making. Youngsters from the Midwest Buddhist Temple’s taiko group will also play a part in heating up the atmosphere with their drumming, which combines traditional Japanese rhythms with those from Africa and America. “Dance ‘n’ Drum Dee Dum,” 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 1977 Campus Drive, Northwestern University Campus, Evanston, $4.50 adults, $2 children; 847-467-4000.
— Nancy Maes
A classic Christmas tale arrives in Schaumburg. The Schaumburg Park District’s Family Theater program presents “Miracle on 34th Street,” a heartwarming story updated just a bit. “Miracle on 34th Street,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24, 25 and Dec. 2; 2 p.m. Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg. Tickets at the door $9 adult, $5 kids up to 12; advance tickets $8 adults, $4 kids up to 12; 847-490-7020.
— Stephanie Price
Visitors can learn how farmers gathered food for their feasts this weekend at Kline Creek Farm. The whole family can explore the social and technical aspects of hunting and fishing in the 1890s. “The Farmer’s Holiday: Hunting and Fishing,” 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kline Creek Farm, on County Farm Road about one-half mile south of North Avenue, Winfield, free; 630-876-5900.
— Stephanie Price
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The holiday season gets an early start in Mokena with the annual Christmas Fest Saturday sponsored by the Mokena Chamber of Commerce. Children can get their first glimpse of Santa at “Lunch and Pictures with Santa”from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $5 adults, $3 children; pictures $3. A workshop, fun fair and entertainment run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission $1. Other activities are hayrides, 1 to 4 p.m., 50 cents; decorating the village Christmas tree, 2 to 4:30 p.m.; a Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony after dark; and a Family Christmas Dance from 6:30 to 11 p.m., $6 adults, $2 children, children under 2 admitted free. Christmas Fest, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, downtown Mokena; 708-479-2468.
— Pat Harper