Love is a multifaceted feeling. Young lovers may have one definition of it, parents another and children one of their own. For kids love is what they feel for their mom and dad, a brother or sister, a pet or a toy. At a workshop called “VISIONS OF VALENTINES,” children can express their point of view by making a playful pair of eyeglasses that makes an artistic statement about the way they look at love. They can decorate them to look silly by adding googly eyes, or make some glamorous shades fit for a movie star, turn them into make-believe X-ray specs suitable for a science fiction adventure or ones fit for watching a 3-D film. Kids who need some inspiration before they tackle the project can ask museum staff members for advice about works of art in the galleries that touch on the subject in one way or another. “Visions of Valentines,” 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., free, registration required; 312-397-4010.
— Nancy Maes
Gospel music is an integral part of the African-American heritage. At a Kids Fare program at Northwestern University, families can find out about the origin of the traditional songs that evolved from spirituals and listen to some of them. Grammy-award winner bass-baritone William Warfield, who is known for his critically acclaimed role in “Porgy and Bess,” will perform one or two songs. The North Park University Gospel Choir will also contribute to the program. Kids should come not only ready to listen, but to sing because young volunteers will get a chance to add their voices to the performance. The African-American Heritage, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 1977 S. Campus Drive, Northwestern University, Evanston, $4.50 adults, $2 children; 847-491-5441.
— Nancy Maes
The critically acclaimed story “The Whipping Boy” playing at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. The Griffin Theatre presents this high-energy tale about a bratty prince who learns the value of friendship through his noble whipping boy. This story is based upon the Sid Fleischman Newbery Award-winning book. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. “The Whipping Boy,” 11 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Feb. 17 and 18 and 10 a.m. Monday through Feb. 16, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights; $8; 847-577-2121.
— Stephanie Price
A whimsical entertainment adventure awaits families as a marionette performance of “The Land of Oz” comes to the DuPage Children’s Museum. Audience members will be strung along by marionette artist Linda Roberts, who operates the puppets and creates the voices for the entire cast of characters. Roberts also will provide a demonstration of the marionettes, stringing and vocal techniques and answer questions. Proceeds from the show benefit the museum. “The Land of Oz,” 3 p.m. Sunday, DuPage Children’s Museum, 1777 S. Blanchard Rd., Wheaton, $5 for museum members, $6 non-members; 630-637-8000.
— Stephanie Price
Ice sculptors will transform Community Park in Munster, Ind., into a winter wonderland this weekend. The National Ice Carving Championship is part of the fun at Winter Magic, sponsored by The Community Hospital. Other outdoor activities include a stroll through a magic ice garden, carriage rides and games and a children’s playground. Visitors can warm up at the arts and crafts fair set up at nearby Munster High School, where they can also watch a magic show, get their faces painted and enjoy some refreshments. A special event at 6 p.m. Saturday is the “Fire and Ice” display featuring flames alight inside a huge ice-block chimney. Admission is free. Winter Magic will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Community Park, on Calumet Avenue south of Ridge Road in Munster, Ind. 219-836-4582.
— Pat Harper