The 5TH ANNUAL PARENT-CHILD FAIR features informational exhibits that are fun because of balloons, magicians, crafts, family activities, door prizes and refreshments. The free event is sponsored by the Education Service Network, a not-for-profit agency that serves families in Will, Grundy and Kendall Counties. Exhibitors featured during the fair include toy manufacturers, booksellers, local park districts, Catholic Charities and local police. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Pershing School, 251 N. Midland, Joliet. 815-941-3231.
Hear about Mark Twain’s life on the Mississippi when actor Warren Brown takes on the author’s character in a show sponsored by the Tinley Park Park District. 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets $7, $5.50 students. The Landmark Museum, 6727 W. 174th St., Tinley Park. 708-532-8698.
The Joliet Park District’s annual Spring Ice Show is this weekend. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets $4 adults, $3 children. Inwood Ice Arena, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. 815-741-7275.
“Black Beauty,” the story of a courageous horse and his adventures, will be presented at 11 a.m. Friday. Tickets $7. The Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Stuenkel Road and Governors Highway, University Park. 708-235-2222.
What would happen if Larry, the cat, was accidentally shipped off to space? His possible adventures are explored in a program for children 3-6. 6:30 p.m. March 25. Free. Herbert Trackman Planetarium, F-Building, Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet. 815-729-9020, ext. 2115.
Find out what it’s like to be a doctor for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians at the zoo. A zoo veterinarian will lead a tour of work behind the scenes at Lincoln Park Zoo. For adults and families with children 10 and older. 10 a.m.-noonSunday. $19 non-members, $15 members. Tour of the new C.H. “Doc” Searle, M.D., Animal Hospital. Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive. 312-742-2053.
Visitors will need to fasten their seat belts when they climb inside the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet, the plane piloted by members of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. The acrobatic pilots will maneuver the machine for an amazing Omnimax film, “The Magic of Flight,” now showing at the Museum of Science and Industry. Show times are scheduled at alternating times with “Mysteries of Egypt,” which explores the Nile River, the great Pyramids of Giza, 40-story-high ancient burial grounds, the Valley of the Kings and the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Show times are 45 minutes long and run throughout the day Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $5. Museum of Science and Industry’s Henry Crown Space Center Omnimax Theater, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive; 773-684-1414. Regular museum hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekends. Museum admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors; $3.50 children 3-11; children under 3 free. 773-684-1414.
