Children can immerse themselves in backstage preparation, perform routines in center ring or manage the behind-the-scenes action of lights and sound. Plus, try making a circus balance toy or dress up like a clown.

A visually explosive journey of discovery that weighs the solutions aimed at restoring our planet's orbits. Visitors experience mind-boggling collisions in time lapse sequences captured with the magical imagery of 3D.

Through the discovery of exoplanets, we have learned our solar system is not alone in the universe. IN this new space show, learn how, with new instruments like the Kepler Telescope and rapidly improving technologies, the discovery of exoplanets puts us one step closer to finding an Earth-like world.

New space show gives audiences the chance to see the sun up close in dazzling, high-definition 3D. Stand above the Arctic Circle and witness brilliant auroras. Take a ride on a solar blast from the Sun's surface to Earth's Magnetosphere. Witness the most powerful explosions in the solar system - equal to the force of a billion megaton nuclear bombs.

View more than 20 mummified humans and animals from Egypt and Peru. The Field Museum obtained most of these remains from the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, and many have not been on display since. The mummies are shown along with detailed scan images, allowing visitors to see pointers to the methods used for mummification, signs of serious injuries and illnesses, and offerings and jewelry placed inside the wrappings.

Visitors go on an interactive journey through the world of ancient Greece, where they can meet the gods, experience ancient Greek daily life and interact with the epic poem The Odyssey through more than 25 engaging interactive components, including climbing into a 13-foot tall Trojan Horse. Kids play and learn as they navigate rocky caves and open seas on "The Odyssey: A Hero's Journey" and e-mail home their Hero Record, belt tunes in the Sirens Karaoke Cave, discover which Greek god they are most like, match wits with Aristotle in a game of 20 questions, test their arm wrestling prowess in the Gymnasium and marvel at a working replica of the Antikythera Mechanism, believed to be the world's oldest computer.

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.

From superheroes to undersea adventures, princesses to dinosaurs, Storytown takes children on an interactive, improvised adventure. The actors use kids' suggestions and ideas to create a different story each week. Kids design the setting and help shapes the story. Runs through the end of February 2013, then moves to Stage 773 in Chicago.

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.