Visitors to the new exhibit “Bringing the Heavens to Earth” at the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum will discover the significance of stargazing in cultures around the world. In the gallery called “Surviving” they can dress up as an Assyrian king, a Peruvian peasant or an Egyptian pharaoh. They will learn how the stars were used to figure out when to plant and harvest crops and will try to use a star to navigate a Polynesian canoe to an island. In the “Living in Community” section they will find out how people looked to the skies to help them make decisions about politics and everyday life. In “Finding Meaning,” visitors can do activities that illuminate how ancient people looked to the skies to explain the creation of the universe and life itself. A new sky show, “Skywatchers of Africa,” adds another dimension to the exhibit. Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, $13 adults, $11 children for admission and sky show; 312-922-STAR.
— Nancy Maes
Here comes Peter
Peter Cottontail will be on hand as children try to find as many plastic eggs as they can at the Egg Hunt sponsored by the Park District of Highland Park. Although more than 7,000 plastic eggs filled with a toy or a piece of candy will be hidden, it doesn’t take long for kids to find them all. As an added treat, when the search is over they can watch a magic show. Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sunset Woods Park, 1801 Sunset Rd., Highland Park; Magic Show, after the hunt, Karger Recreation Center, 1850 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park, free; 847-831-3810.
— Nancy Maes
Pooh and friends
Beloved storybook characters take to the stage this weekend in a play based on Winnie the Pooh stories. Directed by Charlie Misovye, the adventures of A.A. Milne’s collection of animal pals will tell a story to delight all ages. “Winnie the Pooh & Friends: A Birthday Tail,” 9 a.m. and noon Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday, The Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights, $6; 708-755-3444.
— Pat Harper
Bunny brunch
Families can join the Easter Bunny for Saturday brunch in New Lenox. They may share a festive breakfast, create an Easter craft, hunt for eggs and have their pictures taken with the bunny. Brunch with the Easter Bunny, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, New Lenox Park District Lions Community Center, 1 W. Manor Drive, New Lenox, $5 children, $2 parents; 815-485-3584.
— Pat Harper
Trinity dancers
The spirit of the green continues Friday as the Trinity Academy Irish Dancers step their way to the Woodstock Opera House. The Trinity Dancers deliver a toe-tapping Irish dance performance featuring intricate steps, aerial grace and elaborate choreography. Trinity Academy Irish Dancers, 8 p.m. Friday, Woodstock Opera House,121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, $14-$26; 815-338-5300.
— Stephanie Price
