Watch men painted blue do unusual performance art and original slapstick comedy. It's fun to sit in the front, but remember to wear a plastic poncho to avoid the flying food and liquids. Buy tickets at the box office, online, via Ticketmaster or by calling (773) 348-4000.

As famed escape artist Harry Houdini circles the globe performing one incredible stunt after another, Victor, a young devotee goes through his own rigorous magician's training - locking himself in closets, holding his breath under water and walking into walls.  After a chance encounter with his hero, Victor receives a special box that just might contain the secrets of Houdini's great success. Performances run Jan. 24-March 4 at Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago and from March 14-25, 2012 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.

Set in the center ring, The People's Barnum! tells the true story of Phineas Taylor Barnum and the acts that made him famous. The tale is set to Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart's legendary music and features Quest Theatre Ensemble's well known shadow/rod puppetry. See General Tom Thumb only 25 inches from toe to crown. Witness Jumbo, the largest elephant in the world. Behold the oldest woman on the planet with your very own eyes. Marvel at the feats of contortionists, gymnasts, tumblers, and stilt-dancers. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Feb. 10-March 18.

Enjoy outdoor winter activities, while a roaring fire keeps you warm. Venture out to horse and carriage rides, dog sled, ice sculpting, and skating demonstrations, carnival games, and a fun 100 and 200 yard dash for kids (registration required). Free rentals of skates, snowshoes and cross country skis are available.

Halloween Hayrides  | Naperville

Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume (parents included) and come to Knoch Knolls Park or Seager Park. Each registered child ages 1-12 who checks in with the hayride coordinator will receive a Halloween goodie bag filled with treats and prizes. Bring your own food to cook over the bonfire or bring the fixings for s'mores. Hot chocolate and apple juice provided. Registration required. Oct. 20, 21 and 27.

The Shakespeare All-Stars, in conjunction with Fury Theater Company, present "Hamlet & Eggs," a young actors production. Watch the cast piece together several of William Shakespeare's classic works and unlock the secret to the scrambled scenes.

A brass quintet from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago performs a chamber music concert for families with kids 5 and up in the park Refectory.

Families are encouraged to discover navigational tools, maps and prints in "Prints and the Pursuit of Knowledge" by using Block Museum's explorers kit, available for free checkout during public hours.

Families can participate in a "Wonderful World of Worms" workshop, create insect crafts, and taste-test a variety of different honeys at the bee exhibit. Other exhibits include a giant ant farm and terrarium with live, exotic critters. Also showcases mural-size illustrations of popular characters "The Very Busy Spider" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Kids can climb around a butterfly crawl space, play "I Spy" on a giant bug wall, learn to identify insects by their sound, and practice insect math in the math center.

Join JUF Book Buddies for a morning of family fun with stories, songs and crafts to celebrate Purim, a fun-filled Jewish Holiday. For more information or to register, visit http://www.juf.org/book_buddies or call (312) 444-2844.