What to do with the kids this weekend

If the best things in life are really free, then this weekend's going to be a great one. Saturday, May 15 Chicago Waldorf School May Fair Family Festival Chicago Waldorf School, 1300 W Loyola Ave (at Albion Ave). 773-828-8461, chicagowaldorf.org. El: Red to Loyola. 10am4pm. This annual fair has a little bit of everything: a traditional maypole dance, live entertainment from Mariachi Mexico Vivo and the Licorice Sticks, African drumming and dance, plus puppet shows, a rummage sale, games, crafts, activities and food. Go to chicagowaldorf.org for the full schedule. Kidical Mass Bike Ride Warren Park, 6601 N Western Ave (at Pratt Ave). 773-262-6314. Bus: 49B, 96, 155. 10:30am1pm. This offshoot of Critical Mass, the organization that rallies and rides to keep city streets bike-friendly, offers a kids' ride winding around Warren Park, followed by treks around nearby Indian Boundary Park and Rogers Park. Pre-ride festivities include face painting, bike and helmet decorating. Meet at the ice-rink parking lot in Warren Park. Call 773-269-2129 more info. La Leche League Family Picnic Taylor Park, 400 W Division, Oak Park. 708-383-0002. 11am-2pm. The Oak Park/River Forest outpost of the support group hosts a community picnic, with a silent auction, raffle, pot luck and kids' activities. All families welcome (read: you don't have to be preggers or breast-feeding to attend.) MusiCorps Chamber Concert North Park Village Nature Center. 5801 N Pulaski Rd (between Bryn Mawr and Peterson Aves). Bus: 53, 84. 11am. The Civic Orchestra of Chicago gives an interactive performance for ages 5 and up. YEA! Young Evanston Artists Festival Chicago and Dempster Sts, Evanston. 847-866-6766. 10am4pm. FREE. For the 23rd year, the arts nonprof hosts this sidewalk festival, where kid-created artwork by students from more than 40 schools is for sale. Go to yeaevanston.org for info and a performance art schedule. In case of rain, the fest will be held at Dawes Elementary School (440 Dodge Ave). Sunday, May 16 Elmhurst Museum Day Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave, as well as other museums listed below; Elmhurst. Metra: Union Pacific W to Elmhurst. 1pm5pm. In honor of International Museum Day, the Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst Historical Museum, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and the Theatre Historical Society of America are all having free admission, crafts and activitieswith gratis trolley rides among them all to boot. Family Studio Sunday Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S Michigan Ave (at Jackson Blvd). El: Orange, Green, Pink, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Adams; Red, Blue to Jackson. Bus: 3, 4, 6, 14, 26, 28, 126, 145, 147. Metra: Elec Main to Van Buren. File in, because this is the last of the family Sunday workshops offered before the program goes on summer hiatus. These drop-in sessions are designed for families with kids ages 312 to learn about architecture together through tours and building projects. Stick around for one activity or stay for the entire program. Go to architecture.org or call 312-922-3432 for more info. Music Institute Audition Festival Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave, Evanston. 847-905-1500. El: Purple to Davis. Noon6pm. Bring your budding Bachs to this fest, where kids can play music with others, learn new musical skills, and participate in crafts and overall merrymaking. Register by calling 847-905-1500, ext. 180, or by visiting musicinst.org. MYA Music and Fun Fest MYA Center, 878 Lyster Rd, Highwood. 847-926-9898. Noon7pm. MYA (Midwest Young Artists) is holding its free outdoor fest, which celebrates its youth orchestra, choral and jazz programs with live performances by the groups, carnival games and food.