We’re all excited for summer (when it finally comes!), so why not celebrate early by making concert plans? From free family concert series to slime-tastic music fests, here are some kid-approved concerts you don’t want to miss this summer.
Dancin’ Sprouts
When: June 5 to Aug. 28
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Cost: Free ($30 for parking)
Every Wednesday night, the Chicago Botanic Garden provides free family entertainment from 5:30-7:30 p.m. With musicians like Mary Macaroni and the Impastas and Miss Jamie on the Farm, you can guarantee it’s going to be a fun time.
PJ Masks Live: Save the Day!
When: June 7-9
Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Cost: Tickets start at $18.50
Join Catboy, Owlette and Gekko save the day at this all-new, live musical show. Your “PJ Masks” fans will even have the chance to listen to some brand new songs.
Nickelodeon SlimeFest
When: June 8-9
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion, 1300 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago
Cost: Tickets start at $55
What can make a concert even better? Slime. All the slime! Nickelodeon SlimeFest is back on Northerly Island with your favorite stars and performers like JoJo Siwa and Pitbull. Don’t forget all the slime fun as well from Slime Central and Slime Maze to Slime Disco.
Kids Concerts at Ravinia Festival
When: June 8-Sept. 15
Where: 418 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park
Cost: Free-$20 (varies by concert)
The Ravinia Festival is an iconic summer staple and the kids can join in on the fun, too. Its kids concerts series features a variety of entertainment including drummers, puppets and a performance of Rogers and Hammerstein‘s “Cinderella.”
Thursday Family Nights at Morton Arboretum
When: June 13 to Aug. 13
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. 53, Lisle
Cost: $5 arboretum admission after 4:30 p.m., free for members
The Morton Arboretum brings back its popular summer music program with special events like a Family Pride Night (June 20) and a Bilingual Sing-along (July 18).
The Rock and Roll Playhouse at Gallagher Way
When: June 15, July 7, Aug. 11
Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
Cost: Free
While you’ve probably seen The Rock and Roll Playhouse at Thalia Hall, the music series for tots will rock out outdoors this summer. Some of the music featured includes the Grateful Dead, The Beatles and Bob Marley.
WBEZ’s Podcast Passport Presents Wow in the World Pop Up Party
When: July 6
Where: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago
Cost: Tickets start $25
Here’s one podcast curious kids (and all grown-ups) should listen to. WBEZ’s Podcast Passport hits the stage with a live show filled with music, wonder, science and so much imagination.
Kidzapalooza at Lollapalooza
When: Aug. 1-4
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
Cost: Kids 10 and under get in free with parent
If you’ve scored tickets for Lollapalooza this summer, don’t hesitate to bring the kids along. The Kidzapalooza section features family-friendly music and other fun activities like hip hop workshops and rockstar hairdos to keep them entertained all day long.
The Wiggles
When: Aug. 24
Where: Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont
Cost: Tickets start at $40
The Wiggles are back! We all have a soft spot for this Australian children’s music group. Tickets are already selling fast, so you better wiggle over and grab some before they’re gone.
Kidz Bop World Tour 2019
When: Aug. 25
Where: Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Do you listen to Kidz Bop all the time at your household? Now that’s a reason to head down to Tinley Park and watch your favorite kid artists sing today’s biggest hits live.
Wiggleworms at Gallager Way Chicago
When: Through Sept. 24
Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
Cost: Free
Old Town School of Folk Music is back for another season with performances every Tuesday at 10 a.m. this summer. It’s a great way to get a taste of their amazing music classes for free!
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