The Radio Flyer is easily recognizable. Everyone knows what this original little red wagon, created in 1927, looks like.
Many of the wagons, some in their natural state, others decorated for the occasion, will be lining up at Navy Pier to participate in the “Great American Wagon Pull,” organized to benefit Parents Care and Share of Illinois, a child abuse prevention program. Last year more than 2,000 wagons joined the procession. Benny the Bull will be on hand this year to cheer on the participants, and singers from the Wigglesworm program of the Old Town School of Folk Music will provide some music.
Kids can marvel at the size of a 27-foot-long Radio Flyer, have their faces painted and get a balloon sculpture to take home along with a goody bag.
“THE GREAT AMERICAN WAGON PULL,” 8:30 a.m. registration, begins 10 a.m. Saturday at Illinois Street at Lake Shore Drive, Navy Pier, $5 per child, $15 adult includes T-shirt and box lunch; 312-424-6806.
— Nancy Maes
Truckin’ along
Kids can read all sorts of books about big vehicles and they can watch videos that show them in action, but at the “Touch a Truck” event they can see them for real.
They’ll find several tractors, a gigantic forklift, a loader, a backhoe, a cherry picker, a dump truck, a garbage truck and some emergency vehicles, including a police car and a firetruck. They can climb into the driver’s seat and pretend they are in control, and even honk the horns to make sure no one gets in their way as they make believe they are driving along doing their job.
“TOUCH A TRUCK,” 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sunset Woods Park, 1801 Sunset Rd., Highland Park, free, all children must be accompanied by an adult, the event will be canceled in case of inclement weather; 847-831-3810.
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— Nancy Maes
Stop for fun
Jump on the fast track to family fun as the Lisle Depot Days return Saturday and Sunday.
This annual event includes historical demonstrations, model railroad displays, games, contests, classic car show, bingo, food and a Native American presentation by the Boy Scouts.
LISLE DEPOT DAYS, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, car show 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Lisle Station Park, 918 Burlington Ave., Lisle, free; 630-968-0499.
— Stephanie Price
Argonne up close
Learning science will be an adventure at Argonne National Laboratory’s open house Saturday. Robots, cars of the future and a chance to experience the workings of a high-tech device, such as a particle accelerator, will be part of the lab’s interactive event for families.
In one exhibit, visitors will enter a simulator and take the place of the protons and electrons and follow paths of light toward a target to see what goes on inside the particle accelerator.
A “Race the Robot” game puts mechanical creations to work, and those who don’t feel like racing can look over a variety of robots being developed for research uses. Cars of the future built as part of a research effort to create energy-efficient, low-emission vehicles will be on display, and avid computer users can learn how hackers work and how to fight back.
The open house will feature more than 100 exhibits staffed by professional scientists and engineers. Refreshments will be sold.
“ARGONNE ADVENTURE 2001: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW,” 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave., near Lemont, admission free; 630-252-2525.
— Pat Harper
A pet love-fest
For a pet-friendly family outing, head for “Woofstock of Mokena — A Bark in the Park” Sunday. Dogs and their owners can participate in a number of contests, including “Best Pet” and “Frisbee Toss.” And some of the smartest dogs around will perform, including the Will County Sheriff’s Canine Unit and pupils enrolled in the Rojon School of Obedience.
All dogs must be on a leash.
“WOOFSTOCK OF MOKENA — A BARK IN THE PARK,” 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Mokena Main Park, 10925 LaPorte Rd., Mokena, free; 708-479-1020.
— Pat Harper