Best Children's Theaters & Kids Shows in Chicago

Midnight Circus seeks to engage and inspire the community through their world-class circus shows and long-term commitment to the community groups with which they partner. Founded in 2007, they have raised almost a million dollars for community groups, play-lot renovations, and park programs! Performances take place at different Chicago parks each weekend during their season.

CSO for Kids is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s family-friendly concert series designed to introduce children to the joy of live classical music. With engaging performances, interactive elements, and kid-focused themes, these concerts make the symphony fun and accessible for young audiences. Programs are tailored for families with children as young as age 3, and often include pre-concert activities to spark curiosity and creativity.

The Chicago Children's Theatre is a community-focused theater that offers a year-round lineup of plays for children, plus acting classes. Check out their Walkie Talkies, audio experiences recorded by local theater artists that families can listen to while strolling different Chicago neighborhoods.

Mudlark Theater in Evanston is a youth-focused theater company where kids take center stage. With original productions, summer camps, and after-school programs, Mudlark helps children build confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Filament Theatre in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood offers immersive, hands-on performances designed especially for kids and families. Their interactive shows invite young audiences to play, build, and co-create the story in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Chicago Kids Company is a professional children’s theater in Chicago that brings classic fairy tales to life with fun, colorful musicals designed for kids ages 2 to 10. With engaging performances, sing-along songs, and friendly characters, it's a great first theater experience for young children. They also offer classes and camps that let kids explore acting and musical theater in a supportive, creative environment. Performances take place in different venues in and around Chicago.

Drury Lane Theatre offers a dedicated Theatre for Young Audiences series alongside its main-stage productions, making it a welcoming choice for families. The children's lineup features both classic kid-friendly productions and new works.

AlphaBet Soup Productions puts on fun, high-energy plays for kids, bringing favorite stories and fairy tales to life on stage. Their shows take place in theaters around the Chicago area, making it easy for families to catch a performance. It’s a great way to get kids excited about live theater in a relaxed, kid-friendly setting.

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire offers a top-quality theater experience for families in the Chicago suburbs, with professional productions that are engaging and age-appropriate for kids. Their beloved children’s theater series features shorter, interactive shows designed specifically for young audiences, including original works, classic stories and fairy tales.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights offers a range of engaging opportunities for kids, including performing arts classes, summer camps, and after-school programs through its School of Performing Arts (SOPA). Their "Stories in Action" initiative brings literature to life on stage for young audiences, while the main stage season often includes family-friendly productions perfect for introducing kids to live theater.