March concerts for families around Chicago

There are a number of places to take your kids to hear a wide variety of music in and around Chicago. Here are some of our favorites.

Around the World with Quintet AttaccaFREE

Driehaus Museum | Chicago
February 25 - March 10 (Saturday) , 10-10:45 a.m.

Each week, a new theme introduces young music enthusiasts and their adult companions to basic musical concepts and helps them get to know the woodwind family by solving The Mystery of the Missing Musical Clock (Feb. 25), choosing a Quintet Idol winner (March 3), and playing Where in the World is Quintet Attacca? (March 10). After the concert, a special treasure hunt is available for families to explore the Museum together.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Chicago
March 3 - March 17 (Saturday) , 10 and 11:45 a.m.

Program for families with children age 3-5 includes a performance by a small group of CSO performers, and a storyteller with puppets and props to give children an introduction to music. Pre-concert activities begin 45 minutes before each performance. Performances on March 3 and 17.

Wake Up & Boogie Down Family Festival

Neighborhood Parents Network | Chicago
March 3, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Includes live musical performances by The Happiness Club and Bubbles Academy, rock 'n' roll makeovers, arts & crafts and games, healthy snacks, activities with K Grace Childcare, Little Gems International, Multilingual Chicago and Shedd Aquarium, dancing with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago teaching artists, tot activities zone, raffles and giveaways and a chance to "walk the red carpet" and be photographed.

Musical Journey Through Latin America: A Concert for Families with Young Children

Family Network Parent/Child Center | Highland Park
March 3, 10-11 a.m.

Families with young children join Marieth Quintero, musician and educator, for a delightful, interactive concert featuring songs and instruments from Central and South America. Call for information and directions.

The Fresh Beat Band

Akoo Theatre | Rosemont
March 4, 2 p.m.

The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon's preschool music group and stars of the TV series of the same name, will perform. Tickets can be purchased at the Rosemont box office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.

Musical Merit-ocracy

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall | Evanston
March 10, 10:30 a.m.

Chicago's Merit School of Music Symphony Orchestra will bring the story of "Peter and the Wolf" to life. The beloved tale, accompanied by music, demonstrates the distinct sounds of the instruments of the orchestra.

Tiny Great Performances Series: The Sundown Serenaders

DuPage Children's Museum | Naperville
March 10, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Kids enjoy upbeat fiddle tunes, fun western numbers and fast tails of the trails from The Sundown Serenaders, who offer beautiful vocals and harmonies, fiddle, mandolin and guitar all held together by a thumping stand up bass.

Family Concert: Introducing: Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry

Music Institute of ChicagoMarch 17, 10 a.m.

Performance created by and featuring musician Rami Vamos, that introduces children to the instrumentation and textures of the string quartet as well as the compositional process. The mediocre genius, Schmutzinberry, creates his masterpiece to the sounds of a live string quartet. Ludwig van Beethoven even makes a cameo.

Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Naptime Players

Old Town School of Folk Music | Chicago
March 18, Noon and 3 p.m.

Kids concert at noon and 3 p.m.

The Boogers in Concert

Wonder Works | Oak Park
March 18, 4-5 p.m.

The full band, including Crusty, Greenie and Sticky on drums, perform original and classic children's music in their now famous rock 'n' roll style. Children and parents alike will enjoy a rocking performance of original songs such as "This Song's About Transportation" and "I Don't Need to be Worried." For more information, visit www.meet-the-boogers.com.