A young relative of Francis Poulenc had the audacity one day to put a copy of the storybook about Babar the elephant on the composer’s piano and ask him to play it. The French composer was up to the challenge. As he read the tale about the gentle elephant, he improvised an accompaniment with overtones of jazz, opera and sacred music. THE CHICAGO CHAMBER MUSICIANS will perform the piece, “Babar, the Little Elephant,” during a concert at the Field Museum. The musical event will go from the tame to the terrifying because “Tyrannosaurus Sue — A Cretaceous Concerto” is also on the program. The trombone represents the giant T. rex, which intimidates visitors in the museum’s main hall. A series of slides brings the age of the dinosaurs back to life. Family Concert, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, James Simpson Theater, Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, $10; 312-225-5226.
— Nancy Maes
Snow and cold are on the wish list of the Heller Nature Center for the annual Winter Fest. Visitors should come prepared to use their show shoes and cross-country skis. Kids can try to climb Mt. Heller, which is built of snow. During a self-guided walk in the woods people can look for animal tracks. A group of husky dogs will show how they pull sleds.Everyone can gather around a bonfire to hear stories about nature and winter. For more warmth people can try free samples of chili and vote for the best one. Winter Fest, 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Heller Nautre Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park, $8 adults, $4 children, registration required; 847-433-6901.
— Nancy Maes
A colorful performance of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will take place Sunday in the Des Plaines Public Library. The play, part of the library’s Friends Family Sunday program, will be performed by American Eagle Production. The lively musical blends styles from rock to country to calypso as it weaves the biblical tale of Joseph and his brothers. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 2 p.m. Sunday, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, free, registration required; 847-376-2792.
— Stephanie Price
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Hats, boots and other outdoor accessories are the order of the day in preparing for a festival of winter fun. Itasca’s 14th Annual Winterfest will be held Sunday at several locations throughout the community. Participants can discover how plants, animals and people survive the winter weather. Activities include indoor crafts, outdoor games, an ice carving demonstration, horse-drawn wagon rides, storytelling, trolley rides, snowshoeing and a snowball softball tournament. The festival runs regardless of weather conditions. 14th Annual Winterfest, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Spring Brook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave., Itasca, admission free, fees for some activities; call the center for specific times and locations; 630-773-5572.
— Stephanie Price
A little magic can help families escape the winter doldrums Saturday. Mike Andreshak and Mike Stiff will perform magic tricks, illusions and escapes in a show in Joliet.”Winter Wizardry,” 6:30 p.m. Saturday, St. Paul the Apostle Parish Center, 130 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, $8 adults, $5 children 3 to 14 in advance; $10 adults, $6 children at the door; children under 3 are admitted free; 815-254-9924.
— Pat Harper