Popular singer
Singer Laurie Berkner has some well-known fans that include the children of Madonna and Sting. But she also has so many Chicago families that are among her admirers that her concert at noon Sunday is sold out. But never fear, a second concert has now been added so that kids, and adults too, can enjoy listening and singing along with her on songs such as ones from one of her latest CDs, “Victor Vito.” Berkner might sing old favorites from the recording such as “Froggie Went a Courtin'” and “Oh Susanna” or maybe she’ll have kids make the noise of the toys in the song called “The Toy Museum” or stomp, dance and jump around to “BOOTS” or settle down to listen to a tune about the perfect nightlight: the moon. Laurie Berkner, noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., $12; 773-728-6000.
— Nancy Maes
All for kids
Families can have all sorts of fun at an annual event sponsored by the Child Care Coalition of Lake County to celebrate the Week of the Child. Kids, and adults too, can sing and dance along and play percussion instruments to the music of Tricia Sebastian from the Old Town School of Folk Music, watch a performance by the ALYO Children’s Dance Theatre that illustrates the links between African and African-American culture and enjoy Mexican dances and magic tricks. Kids can also do some art projects that include creating their likeness with markers, yarn and pieces of fabric on a pin that their mom or dad can wear during Take Your Child to Work Day on Tuesday. Kickoff event for the Week of the Young Child, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Gurnee Mills Mall, 6170 Grand Ave. off of Interstate Highway 94, Gurnee, free; 847-735-9945.
— Nancy Maes
TV memories
Spring break will be rockin’ as the Metropolis Theatre hosts “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” this weekend. Theatrebam Chicago’s musical revue is based on the 1970s ABC-television cartoon shorts that praised nouns, counting by fives, and gravity. This musical production is a blast for kids and trip down memory lane for parents. “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” 3 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, $22.50; 847-577-2121.
More Top Picks How A 2020 Eye Exam Can Miss Reading Vision Problems
— Stephanie Price
String games
Strings are the thing Saturday as the DuPage County Historical Museum hosts “String Games and Figures.” String games and figures have entertained generations of children and adults. The pastime still enjoys great popularity. Come join the fun whatever your skill level. Play old favorites like cat’s cradle or practice figures like cup and sauce and Jacob’s ladder. You might even learn something new. “String Games and Figures,” 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton, free; 630-682-7343.
— Stephanie Price
Circus fun
The circus is coming to town. Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus will bring all the trimmings, including clowns and acrobats, to Lockport East High School. The circus is sponsored by the Lockport Lions Club and Ryland Homes. Tickets are available at area businesses, including Ace Hardware in Lockport, First Midwest Bank in Lockport, Palos Bank and Trust in Homer Glen and also at the Lockport Township Park District. The Illinois State University Gamma Phi Circus, 3 p.m. Sunday, Lockport East High School, 1333 E. 7th St., Lockport, tickets in advance $6 children, $9 adults, tickets day of show $7 children, $10 adults; 815-838-1183.
— Pat Harper
Safety tips
Get a little help keeping the kids safe this summer and enjoy the outdoors at Mokena Main Park Sunday. Mokena police officers will show how to install children’s safety seats and bicycle seats properly and teach the youngsters some bicycle safety tips. Admission is free. Child safety event, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Mokena Main Park, 10925 LaPorte Rd., Mokena, free; 708-479-1020.
— Pat Harper