Taking in a live show isn’t something that only adults can enjoy. The lights, the sounds and the fellowship with other audience members can be an exciting experience for all ages. There are many productions that are made just for kids or are family-friendly. And, you can experience many types of live performances right in your own backyard—no need to venture to Broadway. Northeast Ohio boasts an array of performing arts venues, offering everything from community productions to hit Broadway titles to music concerts and other performances.
If your child is interested in going to a show, here are a few helpful tips to make the most of their experience.
Pick an age-appropriate show. Look for shows that have familiar characters or have a storyline that is appropriate for a child.
Look for shows that have a shorter duration and/or are interactive such as encouraging children to sing along or dance in their seats to keep their attention.
Prepare for the show ahead of time by talking about it, listening to songs that may be part of the production, or even watching videos so children know what to expect.
Check the venue’s website for parking information, find out when doors open, food and drink options and other accommodations. Some family-friendly productions might offer showtimes with special accessibility or are sensory -friendly.
Practice theater etiquette at home. Watch a movie together or stream a theatrical performance or concert. Dim the lights, sit quietly and show your child to clap when appropriate.
Here’s a look at some of the family-friendly live performances and programs scheduled in 2024.
January 2024
Jan. 10-14
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars. Featuring the most Disney characters in one show including the on-ice debuts of Frozen 2 and Raya and the Last Dragon. The all-star cast includes 56 of your favorite Disney stars, including Mirabel, Woody and Buzz, Tiana, Moana, and more. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Now through Jan. 14
3D Movie: Titanosaur. Discover the majesty and magnificence of the largest animal ever to walk the Earth. Titanosaur takes you on a journey to the Southern Hemisphere during the Late Cretaceous Period to explore the life history and environment of these long-necked sauropods—from egg to towering titan. Murch Auditorium at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. cmnh.org
Eclipse Fever. This show is the perfect way to kick off the excitement for the total solar eclipse set to occur on April 8, 2024. This event only occurs in a given location about once every 375 years—and on April 8, the city of Cleveland will lie within the path of totality, experiencing nearly four minutes of darkness. Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. cmnh.org
Jan. 11, 12, 14 & 15
Barbie. See one of the year’s top award nominated films on Canton’s largest screen. Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence. Canton Palace Theater. cantonpalacetheatre.org
Jan. 14
Weathervane Musical Theatre Concert Showcase. This program consists of talented students who gain competitive musical theatre training to better prepare them for college auditions and the professional theatre world. Weathervane Playhouse. weathervaneplayhouse.com
Jan. 20-21
“The Frozen Realm.” This story follows a young girl named Bianca as she journeys through a peculiar forest with an evil witch. She sees many fascinating things while in the forest before a warm-hearted fairy saves her and takes her to a magical castle. Canton Palace Theatre. cantonpalacetheatre.org
Jan. 27-28
Shen Yun. A brilliant artistic revival and celebration of China’s rich cultural heritage. Each performance consists of about 20 pieces, quickly moving from one legend, region, or dynasty to the next. *Children age 3 and younger are not permitted. The State Theatre at Playhouse Square. shenyun.com
Jan. 27-28
The Rainbow Fish. The Rainbow Fish will enchant even the youngest child with his silver scales and heart of gold in this award-winning book about the beautiful fish who learned to share his most prized possession. Mimi Ohio Theatre. playhousesquare.org
February 2024
February 10-19
School of Fish. Children and families will join a school of fish and explore the ocean and get to know its creatures in this immersive, interactive play for our youngest audiences. Ideal for children ages 0-5. Accessible performances are during the second weekend of each production. Talespinner Children’s Theatre, talespinnercle.org
Feb. 16-18
Monster Jam. This fun-filled experience is the only place to get an insider’s look at how these 12,000-pound trucks are built to stand up to the competition. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. monsterjam.com
Feb. 24
The Peking Acrobats.
The Peking Acrobats have revitalized Chinese acrobatics, fusing ancient athletic discipline with modern special effects to create a kaleidoscopic marvel for all ages. These world-class gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers provide a gravity-defying spectacle with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. Akron Civic Theatre. akroncivic.com
Now through Feb 22
Sea Lions. Enjoy a classic coming-of-age tale filled with hope, humor, and wonder told through a vast ocean that connects us all. Between a jagged cliff face and a roaring ocean lives one of the rarest marine mammals on the planet, the Australian Sea Lion, and one very special pup named Otto. Cleveland Clinic DOME theater at the Great Lakes Science Center. greatscience.com
The Arctic: Our last great wilderness. Experience a world that has evolved intact and untamed since the beginning of time. Journey with Florian Schulz on his five-year quest to film the elusive 200,000 strong Porcupine Caribou herd as it migrates to the Arctic Coastal Plain, one of the longest animal migrations on earth. Cleveland Clinic DOME theater at the Great Lakes Science Center. greatscience.com
March 2024
March 1
The Price is Right Live. A hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. If you’re a fan of The Price Is Right on TV, you’ll no doubt love this exciting, live (non-televised), on-stage version of the show. All ages are welcome to attend but only 18 and older are eligible to be a contestant. KeyBank State Theatre. playhousesquare.org
March 9
Ballet Excel Ohio Presents: Snow White and Miss Spider’s Tea Party. See these stories spring to life on stage through costumes, sets and dance choreography. Akron Civic Theatre. akroncivic.com
March 9-10
Paw Patrol Live!: The Great Pirate Adventure. X marks the spot. It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration, But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. KeyBank State Theatre. pawpatrollive.com
Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends.
A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect, and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, spotlighting the STEM curriculum. Miami Ohio Theatre. The 11 a.m. performance on March 9 will have a sign language interpreter. Recommended for ages 4-9. playhousesquare.org
March 9-17
Last Stop on Market Street. Six-year-old CJ is staying with his Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to. This is a hip-hop, eclectic, heart-thumpin’, toe-tapppin’ joy ride. For ages 6 and up. *Accessible performances during the second weekend of each production. Talespinner Children’s Theatre. talespinnercle.org
March 17
Puppy Pals Live!
Puppy Pals is a family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as we lead the puppies and audience through challenging and comical tricks as the pooches show everyone who is really boss! Akron Civic Theatre. akroncivic.com
March 19-24
Annie. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production–just as you remember it and just when we need it most. Connor Palace, playhousesquare.org
March 21-23
Who Ate the Sun? This play will entertain and educate audiences of all ages about the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Stocker Arts Center, lorainccc.edu/stocker
March 28
Blippi Live. Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Akron Civic Theatre. blippithewonderfulworldtour.com
April 2024
April 24
Sesame Street Live! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello. Sing and dance with your favorite furry friends while enjoying fun surprises along the way. KeyBank State Theatre, sesamestreetlive.com
May 2024
May 3-11
Judy Moody and the Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt. Pirates! Hidden clues! Secret codes and tricky puzzles! A hilarious adventure as the very moody Judy Moody and her little brother Stink embark on a crazy treasure hunt. Most enjoyed by families ages 6 and up. Magical Theatre Co. magicaltheatre.org
May 4-5
Beauty and the Beast. Ballet Theatre of Ohio presents the company premiere. Glistening costumes, breathtaking choreography, and sweeping sets have this new, full-length ballet promising to be a visual delight for all. Akron Civic Theatre. akroncivic.com
May 10-19
The Wizard of Oz. This charming musical features students ages 6-19, with Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas who dreams of what lies beyond the rainbow. Together they learn about friendship, bravery, and ultimately, that There’s No Place Like Home. Beck Center for the Arts. beckcenter.org
May 18-26
The Toothpaste Millionaire. Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is aghast when he sees that the price of toothpaste has gone up. He and his friends try to solve this real-life math problem. For kids 8 and older. Accessible performances during the second weekend of each production. Talespinner Children’s Theatre. talespinnercle.org
June 7-9
The Little Mermaid. This Disney favorite features a cast and musicians made up of our area’s most talented high school aged performers and supported by a professional creative team and crew. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Akron Civic Theatre. akroncivic.com
June 11- July 7
Back to the Future Musical. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown. For children ages 6 and up. KeyBank State Theatre. playhousesquare.org
Performances for Tweens, Teens and Young Adults
(Best for ages 12 and older )
Jan 12-28
Legally Blonde the Musical. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Akron Civic Theatre. akroncivic.com
Feb. 2-4
Twelve Angry Jurors. What begins as an open-and-shut murder case evolves into a tense exploration of personal prejudices as jurors clash and tangle to reach what they perceive as justice. Perhaps more relevant now than it ever has been. Magical Theatre Co. magicaltheatre.org
March 15-24
Mean Girls (High School Version). Follow Cady Heron as she navigates the transition from growing up on an African savanna, to the wild and vicious ways of suburban Illinois. She takes on The Plastics, led by the vicious and beautiful Regina George. Senney Theater. beckcenter.org
Feb 3 & May 4
Chili Con Comedy. This teen improv troupe delivers a different performance each time you see them. Responding to prompts from the audience, this group of trained improvisers create scenes in front of your very eyes. Fine Arts Association. fineartsassociation.org
Feb 9-25
Cats. Based on T.S. Eliot’s whimsical collection of poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical brings together a tribe of Jellicle Cats on a moonlit evening, who must make the “Jellicle choice” Fine Arts Association. fineartsassociation.org
Check out these venues around Northeast Ohio for additional shows and programs in 2024.
Mentor Rocks – mentorrocks.info
Cain Park – cainpark.com
Lock 3 Park Downtown Akron – akronohio.gov
Jacobs Pavilion – jacobspavilion.com
Blossom Music Center clevelandamphitheater.com
Cleveland Pops Orchestra – clevelandpops.com
Cleveland Orchestra – clevelandorchestra.com
Akron Symphony Orchestra- akronsymphony.org
Dobama Theater – dobama.org
Maltz Museum – maltzmuseum.org
Cleveland History Center – wrhs.org
Local high school or city theater clubs