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.
In The Heights at Marriott Theatre
Jan. 24-March 17, 2024
- Address: Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
- Cost: $58-plus | Get tickets
In The Heights is a 2008 Tony Award Winning musical about a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. It was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was also the creator of Hamilton.
Billy Elliot The Musical at Paramount Theatre
Feb. 7-March 24, 2024
- Address: 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
- Cost: $45-plus | Get tickets
See the musical about an 11-year-old English boy named Billy Elliot who stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. Hear music by Elton John at this performance.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at Glen Art Movie Theater
Feb. 10-11, 2024
- Address: 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- Cost: Free; fees for concessions
Families can watch Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Glen Art Movie Theater. Then, head Downtown Glen Ellyn for their Wonka Walk. Seats at the theater are first come, first serve. No outside food and drinks will be allowed.
Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach
Feb. 16-March 30, 2024
- Address: Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
- Cost: $15.75-plus | Get tickets
See the adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure, James and the Giant Peach at Marriott Theatre. It’s about a boy that finds himself in a gigantic peach.
The Diary of Anne Frank at The Greenhouse Theater Center
Feb. 16-March 24, 2024
- Address: 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $25/ages 12-plus, $19/ages 11 and under | Get tickets
Ages 10 and up can see the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago’s new one-act adaptation based on Anne Frank’s diary entries. Also, view the lobby exhibit from the Anne Frank Center free of charge.
Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Feb. 24; March 2, 9, 16, 2024
- Address: 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $42/adult, $26/ages 18 and under | Get tickets
This 75-minute adaptation of Romeo and Juliet will be told in Shakespeare’s own words and speaks to today’s youth about their own lives. The ASL and Open Caption performance will take place on March 9.
Dog Man: The Musical at the Studebaker Theater
Through Feb. 25, 2024
- Address: 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $44.50-plus | Get tickets
This family-friendly musical is based on the bestselling Dog Man book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man is the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. Use code READ25DMCHI to receive 25% off all sections for all 7 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday performances.
Paw Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” at The Chicago Theatre
March 16-17, 2024
- Address: 175 N. State St., Chicago
- Cost: $45-plus | Get tickets
Join Skye, Chase, Marshall and all their heroic pups to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger.
Peter Pan at James M. Nederlander Theatre
March 26-April 7, 2024 (Tuesdays-Sundays)
- Address: 24 W Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: $36.50-plus | Get tickets
Enjoy this high-flying musical in which Tinker Bell visits the bedroom of the Darling children late one night to take them on a magical journey.
Blue Man Group Chicago at Briar Street Theatre
Through March 31, 2024
- Address: 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: $49-$69 | Get tickets
Experience new instruments, technologies and audience participation at the Blue Man Group Chicago. This family-friendly performance is great for ages 3 and up.
This post is updated regularly.
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