Going to a show can be an incredible experience for children at any age and Chicago’s theater scene has always offered so many kid-friendly performances.
From performances based on television shows or books to unique dance shows, we’ve gathered up a list of the best family-approved shows in Chicagoland.
Note: We’re updating our website as quickly as we can, but changes may occur due to COVID-19. Please double check before heading out for the most updated information on safety precautions, vaccine requirements and any last-minute cancellations.
Chicago
Jan. 17-29, 2023
- Address: CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago
- Cost: $26.50-plus
Ages 13 and up elebrate the broadway show, Chicago’s 25th anniversary and see a tale about fame, fortune and all that jazz.
Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
Jan. 19-22, Feb. 2-5, 2023
- Address: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
- Cost: $25-plus
At this show, families will enjoy seeing Mirabel, her sisters, Isabela and Luisa, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven and more.
Las Wavys
Jan. 19-Feb. 11, 2023 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays-Sundays)
- Address: DePaul University – Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $12/ticket
See a performance about four students from the South Side of Chicago band that together to become Las Wavys, crimefighters and DJ Superheroes.
Music House School of Performing Arts Presents: The Nutcracker and the Magic Carousel
Jan. 21-22, 2023
- Address: Chicago High School for the Arts, 2714 Augusta Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: $25/ticket
Join Music House School of Performing Arts in experiencing their version of the Nutcracker, which is an adapted non-traditional, non-sectarian story intended to be inclusive for all.
Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago Presents Avant Garden
Jan. 22, 2023
- Address: Holtschneider Performance Center, 2330 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: $22/adult, free/child ages 7-17
This concert is the launch of Avant Garden, created with composer/curator Thomas Nickell, aiming to provide the Oistrakh audience with a variety of unique musical experiences.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
Jan. 28-29, 2023
- Address: NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
- Cost: $33-plus
See Mega Wrex™, Bigfoot®, Bone Shaker™, Tiger Shark, plus the all-new Gunkster™ light up the floor as they smash, crash and compete in epic monster truck battles! Spectacular laser light shows and Hot Wheels toy giveaways, too.
The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago Presents Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Feb. 4-26, 2023 (Saturdays-Sundays)
- Address: The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $25/ages 12 and up, $19/ages 11 and under
See the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago’s premiere performance of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, adapted from the book by Mo Willems.
Chicago Kids Company presents THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE
Through Feb. 17, 2023
- Address: Stahl Family Theatre, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $15-$20
A one-hour musical adaptation which features a cast composed of professional actors, colorful costumes and scenery, sing-a-long songs and audience participation. For ages 2-10.
Cats
Feb. 21-26, 2023
- Address: James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: $26.50-plus
See the award-winning musical with original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, but with new chorography and all-new lighting design.
Imagine U: The Snowy Day and Other Stories By Ezra Jack Keats
Feb. 24-March 12, 2023 (Fridays-Sundays)
- Address: Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston
- Cost: $15/general admission, $10/kids
Enjoy this performance based on the book by Ezra Jack Keats. It is packed with humor and fun for ages 3-plus.
Once Upon a Symphony: Stone Soup
Feb. 25, 2023
- Address: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $20/standard, $10/youth
In partnership with the Chicago Children’s Theatre, families can enjoy hearing the story, Stone Soup, while accompanied by the symphony.
Chicago Kids Company presents THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Through March 10, 2022
- Address: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago
- Cost: $15-$20
A one-hour musical adaptation which features three sister piggies who set out to build their own houses. Features plenty of audience participation. For ages 2-10.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
April 15-May 14, 2023 (Saturdays-Sundays)
- Address: Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $35.25
The performance of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is based on author/illustrator Eric Carle’s beloved book. Each show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets. For all ages.
This post is updated regularly.
