In the Rodgers and Hammerstein adaptation of “CINDERELLA” that Emerald City is presenting, the protagonist has a personality that is appropriate for modern times. “In this production Cinderella seems so real because she’s funny and likable and she’s not perfect in every way,” says Karen Cardarelli, executive artistic director, “and she doesn’t wait for everything to happen to her. She takes her own initiative.” But the basics of the well-loved story of the young girl who goes from rags to royalty haven’t changed. “I think it continues to touch us because we all like to imagine being magically transformed at some time in our lives,” says Cardarelli. (Just a reminder that this is not the version featuring Eartha Kitt playing at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre.) “Cinderella,” Saturday-March 25, Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., $10 adults, $8 children; 773-935-6100.
— Nancy Maes
At a program at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian children can find out about how a young Native American woman named Sacajawea helped explorers Lewis and Clark as she accompanied their expedition. Her assistance was invaluable because she acted as their interpreter and was able to obtain horses for them. After watching slides that help to tell her story, youngsters can try to reproduce her image on a wooden disk just the way it now appears on an American dollar coin. Children can also see the drawings of Chicago Native American children in an exhibition called “The Power of Image 2” which reveals how popular depictions of American Indians influence the way they see themselves. Kids Craft Morning, 10:30 Sat., Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Kendall College, 2600 Central Park Ave., Evanston, $2.50; 847-475-1030.
— Nancy Maes
The quiet of winter’s night will beckon during “Night Trails and Winter Tales” Friday at Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary. Visitors can walk through the woods down to a cabin, where they can warm themselves by the fireplace and enjoy a cup of cocoa while being entertained by delightful tales. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. “Night Trails and Winter Tales,” 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary, 1111 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, $2 resident, $3 non-resident, $7 resident family, $9 non-resident family, registration needed; 847-985-2100.
— Stephanie Price
Fingers will have some fun Saturday as the DuPage County Historical Museum presents “Paper Folding.” Children have enjoyed the craft of paper folding for decades. Participants can practice paper folding skills and make a box, hat or paper animal. Advanced folders can try the art of origami. “Paper Folding,” 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton, free; 630-682-7343.
— Stephanie Price
Learn to love cold weather by attending Winterfest Saturday at Lake Katherine Nature Center in Palos Heights. Outdoor activities include dog sled rides, bobsledding, cross-country skiing and wood carving. Those who prefer to experience winter indoors can participate in the hearty soup contest and listen to folk music. Winterfest begins at noon and admission is $3 a person. Winterfest will be held Saturday at Lake Katherine Nature Center, 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights. 708-361-1873.
— Pat Harper