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.
Peabody, A Musical Comedy for Intrepid Young Scientists
April 22-May 22, 2022
- Address: The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $25/ages 12 and up, $19/under 12
See the S.T.E.M.-themed performance of Peabody, A Musical Comedy for Intrepid Young Scientists. The story is about 11-year-old, Alyssa Peabody and her inquisitive spirit.
Carmela Full of Wishes
April 23-May 22, 2022
- Address: Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $32
Based on the book, the play is about a little girl named Carmela. She is celebrating her birthday by running errands with her brother when she spots a lone dandelion and must make a wish. Recommended for all ages.
Into the Woods
April 29-May 15, 2022
- Address: Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines
- Cost: $30/adults, $25/seniors (65+) and students, $16/children 12 and under
The show is basked on the book by James Lapine and the music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Your favorite fairy tales hit the stage for an epic musical mashup about family, wishes and the choices we make. The show has dark themes present despite fairy tale material. Recommended for ages 10-plus.
Lookingglass Alice
April 30-July 31, 2022
- Address: Lookingglass Theatre, 821 Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $50
Lookingglass Alice returns for a circus-infused spin on the classic hit. Adapted and directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin. It has toured the country and now it’s coming back home to Lookingglass Theatre for a new generation to discover.
Baby Shark Live
May 1, 2022
- Address: Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
- Cost: $35+
The live show is based on Pinkfong’s viral earworm and global dance phenomenon, Baby Shark. Fans of all ages will delight as Baby Shark joins up with his friend Pinkfong to take an adventure into the sea, singing and dancing through new and classic songs, including Five Little Monkeys, Wheels on the Bus, Jungle Boogie, Monkey Banana Dance and of course, Baby Shark.
SHOUT! The Mod Musical
May 5-June 11, 2022
- Address: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights
- Cost: $40
This musical transports viewers into the 1960s with an array of powerhouse songs, far out fashion and groovy dance moves. SHOUT! follows five British women as they navigate the decade.
Rapunzel at the Beverly Arts Center
Through May 6, 2022
- Address: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W 111th St., Chicago
- Cost: $14+
Rapunzel is a one-hour musical based on the original fairy tale. It features a hilarious script adapted by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. It’s about a girl who is locked away at the top of a tower where she grows into a young woman with a beautiful singing voice and long flowing hair.
The Ugly Duckling at the Stahl Family Theatre
Through May 6, 2022
- Address: Stahl Family Theatre, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $14+
The Ugly Duckling is a one-hour musical based on the original fairy tale. It features a hilarious script written by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. It celebrates uniqueness and teaches an important (and age-appropriate) lesson about bullying.
Rapunzel at the Stahl Family Theatre
May 11-Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: Stahl Family Theatre, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $14+
Rapunzel is a one-hour musical based on the original fairy tale. It features a hilarious script adapted by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. It’s about a girl who is locked away at the top of a tower where she grows into a young woman with a beautiful singing voice and long flowing hair.
The Ugly Duckling at the Beverly Arts Center
May 12-Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W 111th St., Chicago
- Cost: $14+
The Ugly Duckling is a one-hour musical based on the original fairy tale. It features a hilarious script written by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. It celebrates uniqueness and teaches an important (and age-appropriate) lesson about bullying.
A&A Presents Carnival of the Animals and Firebird
May 14, 2022
- Address: Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $25-$55
A&A Ballet will debut their take on the internationally acclaimed “Carnival of the Animals” and a world premiere of “The Firebird.” The show features new choreography by Kremnev and sand art animation by Anastasia Antropova. Additional choreography for “The Firebird” will be done by Braeden Barnes. Recommended for ages 3 and older.
The Dreamer by The School of Ballet 5:8
May 28-29, 2022
- Address: Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 Gougar Road, New Lenox
- Cost: $25/adults, $15/children 15 and under
The Dreamer is an original, full-length ballet with a cast of more than 300 dancers that will enchant audiences through breathtaking dancing and innovative story-telling. The story is a comedic adaptation from the ancient tale of Joseph and his fabled coat of many colors.
Blue Man Group Chicago
Through May 29, 2022
- Address: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: $49+
A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective. It’s a family-friendly performance appropriate for kids, teens and adults. Children will enjoy sitting in the “poncho” section to get splashed with materials. For ages 3 and up.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live
June 5, 2022
- Address: Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
- Cost: $33+
This live production is based on the top-rated PBS series from Fred Rogers Productions, which uses musical strategies grounded in Fred Rogers’ landmark social-emotional curriculum. Through imagination, creativity and music, Daniel and his friends learn the key social skills necessary for success in school and in life.
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert
June 18, 2022
- Address: Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago
- Cost: $79.50+
Marvel fans will enjoy seeing Black Panther all while the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live to picture. Massamba Diop will be joining the orchestra for the concert. He is the tama drummer who recorded and co-created many parts of the movie score with composer Göransson. Rated PG-13.
Disney’s Winnie the Pooh
Through June 22, 2022
- Address: Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $38+
The show is inspired by the beloved books by A. A. Milne. Winnie the Pooh has life sized puppets, music and retelling of stories.
Six
Through July 3, 2022
- Address: Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago
- Cost: $39+
Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived. On the heels of its popular run at Chicago Shakespeare, the ex-wives of Henry VIII join forces for an electrifying pop-concert spectacle—shining a spotlight on these six women as never before. Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Kidz Bop World Tour 2022
July 31, 2022
- Address: Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park
- Cost: Tickets go on sale April 22, 2022
Children and their parents will listen to live performances of today’s biggest hits, including “Good 4 U” and “Dance Monkey.”
Jurassic World Live Tour
Nov. 3-6, 2022
- Address: Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont
- Cost: Tickets go on sale April 26, 2022
See a live entertainment dinosaur experience. The show has 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs including fan-fav Velociraptor Blue and a T-rex more than 40 feet in length.
This post is updated regularly.
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