Children can find out what it means to be a member of the global village at KIDS WEEKEND at Navy Pier. They can move to the calypso, reggae and merengue rhythms of singer Nelson Gill, who was born in Belize. They can learn the significance of certain hand movements performed by the Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers, watch African, Irish and Highland dances and a performer from the circus world who does tricks on a unicyle. Everyone can join in with Kathleen Gibson when she sings the song “One Big Family.” Good food is a universal pleasure, and kids will also be able to decorate their own piece of Eli’s cheesecake using sprinkles and candies, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Kids Weekend, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., free; 312-744-3315.
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— Nancy Maes
There is nothing old-fashioned about the lessons in “Pinocchio,” which emphasizes the importance of honesty and love and the pitfalls of peer pressure. Marc Robin has written a musical version of the story about the marionette who finally learns what it takes to be a real live boy. Robin has given the Blue Fairy a waltz to sing, written a musical-theater-style song for the moment when the grasshopper teaches Pinocchio to walk, a vaudeville number for a jitterbug performed by the Fox and the Cat and a rap for the boys who try to persuade Pinocchio to join them on Pleasure Island. “Pinocchio,” Wednesday-May 19, Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, $8; 847-634-0200.
— Nancy Maes
A sweet time is promised at the Valentine Workshop Wednesday at Wildwood Nature Center. Participants can make their own Valentine’s Day card by recycling newspapers and can personalize each card with flower petals or leaves. Materials provided; participants can bring along any accessories they want to accent their creations. “Valentine Workshop,” 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Wildwood Nature Center, 2701 Sibley Ave., Park Ridge, registration required, $12 resident, $17 non-resident; 847-692-3570.
— Stephanie Price
Families will be swept away by the musical production “Treasure Island” as it arrives at the Paramount Arts Centre. The Missoula Children’s Theatre and more than 50 students will present this musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s epic novel. “Treasure Island,” 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Feb. 16, Paramount Arts Centre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, $5; 630-896-6666.
— Stephanie Price
A taste of outdoor fun will be indoors in Tinley Park this weekend. The annual Tinley Park Fishing and Outdoor Show, sponsored by the Tinley Park High School Football Booster Club, features lots of activities geared for children. Kids will be able to fish for live trout in a pond set up in one of the high school’s three gyms. Also scheduled is a kids-only seminar conducted by the Windy City Bassmasters and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The seminar is designed to teach environmental concern and outdoor etiquette as well as fishing techniques. Children can also try a fish-catching simulator and see demonstrations of dog obedience and agility. Numerous exhibitors will be on hand with information for grownups as well. The Tinley Park Fishing and Outdoor Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th St., Tinley Park, $3 adults, $2 children aged 8 to 13, children 7 and younger free; 708-532-1900.
— Pat Harper