Plan ahead to take kids to the theatre! We love finding kid-friendly theater, music and all the performing arts. We also recognize live shows can take some pre-planning. We’ll keep a running list of current and upcoming performances on this page so you can peruse ahead and pick your favorites. The lovely thing about children’s theater is that there are almost always books to go along with the performance, so we have added reading recommendations. We’ve also noticed that kids love to dress up for these special occasions. When appropriate, we’ve added links to dress-up ideas.
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Table of Contents
Read It First!
Great Children’s Theater is often based on classic books. Prep ahead! Add these books to your library list or buy them through our Bookshop and select an independent bookstore to support with your purchase.
This article includes an affiliate link to Bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission on books ordered through our link. If you want to find a specific local bookstore to support, find them on this map and they’ll receive the full profit off your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even those that don’t use Bookshop). Learn more here.
JUNE 2023
Flint Hills Family Festival
An American Tail
• Now-June 18, 2023
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
The musical based on the movie about Fievel Mousekewitz, who immigrates to New York from Russia by boat. • All Ages • Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap Passes available for kids 3 and under.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Ordway Inside Out presents St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
• Sunday, June 9, 2023 @ 8pm
Rice Park, 109 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
View a FREE Livestream of SPCO’s season finale featuring Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. • All Ages • FREE
The Ordway Inside Out is an initiative to bring Ordway performances to a wider audience by streaming videos onto a giant video wall in Rice Park.
• June 9-July 2, 2023
Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Join Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and Merry Men in this swashbuckling Adventure • Ages 8+ • Tickets: $20-$25/pp.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Night @ 7:30pm; June 19, 2023 (Suggested price $10)
• June 9-July 16, 2023
Twin Cities Parks & Driveways
“Tucker is a bright but self-doubting young boy who must go back in time to learn how to face his fears. How do you go back in time? With a time-traveling robot of course! Together, Tucker and his robot discover the importance of friendship on the journey to boldly being yourself!”
• All Ages • FREE. Find a Show Near You.
Tiny Thumbelina
• June 15-18, 2023
Northern Starz Center, 5300 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
Follow Thumbelina on her beloved fairy tale adventures. • Family-Friendly • Save with Online Presale Tickets.
Peter and the Starcatcher
• June 15-18, 2023
Hanifl Performing Arts Center Black Box, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Peter Pan, pirates, mermaids, and orphans • Family-Friendly • Tickets $16/pp or Pay-What-You-Can.
Classical Actors Ensemble presents Much Ado About Nothing
• June 16-July 16, 2023
Parks throughout the Twin Cities.
Shakespeare in the Parks. All shows are 7:00 p.m. unless noted. Registration is encouraged to receive updates and weather cancellations.
- Friday, June 16, 2023: Lake Harriet Rose Garden (Lyndale Park), Minneapolis
- Saturday, June 17, 2023: Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis
- Sunday, June 18, 2023: Matthews Park, Minneapolis
- Thursday, June 22, 2023:- Tony Schmidt Regional Park, Arden Hills
- Friday, June 23, 2023:- Harriet Island Target Stage, St. Paul
- Saturday, June 24, 2023:- Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis
- Sunday, June 25, 2023: Cedar Lake East Beach, Minneapolis – 3pm Performance
- Thursday, June 29, 2023: Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer, MN
- Friday, June 30, 2023: Newell Park, St. Paul
- Saturday, July 1, 2023: Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis
- Sunday, July 2, 2023: Water Works Park, Minneapolis
- Thursday, July 6, 2023: Town Green Park, Maple Grove
- Friday, July 7, 2023: Como Lakeside Pavilion, St. Paul
- Saturday, July 8, 2023: Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis
- Sunday, July 9, 2023: Normandale Lake Bandshell, Bloomington (Note that the City of Bloomington lists 4-6:30. Register to get updates)
- Thursday, July 13, 2023: St. Clement’s Church, St. Paul
- Friday, July 14, 2023: Wolfe Park Amphitheater, St. Louis Park
- Saturday, July 15, 2023: Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis
- Sunday, July 16, 2023: MN Humanities Center, St. Paul
Descendants - The Musical
• June 16-July 30, 2023
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
A Disney favorite. All Ages. • Tickets $17-$24.
Heathers, The Musical
• June 22-25, 2023
Children’s Performing Arts, Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
More details coming. Note that the movie this musical is based on was Rated R and had mature themes. The musical is suggested for ages 14+. • Tickets $14-$22/pp.
Discounts: Pay-What-You-Can Tickets available for any performance.
Loch Mess
• June 23, 2023
The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55416
Open Eye Figure Theater presents a musical featuring shipwrecks, a lake monster, lots of real water. Ages 6+. • Tickets $20-$30/pp.
Discounts: A limited number of $15 Economic Accessibility tickets will be available. If the show does not sold out, pay-as-able tickets will be available at the door..
The Pirates of Treasure Island
• June 27-August 11, 2023
Sidekick Theatre, 11411 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437
A musical version of the story of Treasure Island. All Ages. • Tickets $14-$19.
• Now through September 3, 2023
Lighthouse Minneapolis, 1517 NE Central Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413,
“Disney Animation: Immersive Experience” is an innovative celebration that takes you inside the greatest films of Walt Disney Animation Studios, from their very earliest groundbreaking features, to the beloved hit movies of today. Imagine stepping into the Casita with Mirabel from “Encanto”, being at Pride Rock as Rafiki presents Simba, surrounded by the animal kingdom as the sun rises. Imagine hopping on a train with Judy Hopps and going into “Zootopia” or taking a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and Jasmine, and so much more … Now you can! Step into the art and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios and celebrate the music, artistry and animation from the creators of “Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Big Hero 6” and many more. • Premium Plus Prime Tickets: $61.87 $72.79.
JULY 2023
• July 13-16, 2023
Xcel Energy Center, 199 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
Clowns have gotten a bad rap, pop culture-wise, in the last few years. But the lovable character at the center of “Cirque du Soleil: Corteo” is definitely not “It”. Instead, he’s a beloved entertainer who imagines his own funeral procession in the form of a festive and lavish parade, accompanied by flying angels. As he passes from this life, the comedian’s reverie blends past reality with heavenly fantasy, creating a spellbinding world brought to life under the bigtop by dazzling costumes and sets. The drama of the real lives of traveling performers merges with the surreal to create “Cirque du Soleil’s” trademark visuals and a mysterious journey you can’t forget. This amazing show is packed with “Cirque”‘s seemingly impossible acrobatics, “for a display of human physicality that defies the laws of physics” (“LA Weekly”), as well as lyrical and playful music that will fill the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. •
Ordway Inside Out presents Taiko Drumming,
• July 15, 2023 @ 7:30pm
Rice Park, 109 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Watch a FREE 20-minute live presentation of Taiko Drumming, followed by a screening of Finding Her Beat documentary • All Ages • FREE
The Ordway Inside Out is an initiative to bring Ordway performances to a wider audience by streaming videos onto a giant video wall in Rice Park.
• July 19-August 27, 2023 @ 8pm
Twin Cities Parks & Driveways
“Molly is excited to spend a whole week at Grandma’s farm, but events on the journey there leave her without her gadgets. With the help of a Magic Boot and a cast of new farm friends, Molly’s time with Grandma becomes a summer to remember.”
• All Ages • FREE. Find a Show Near You.
Tuck Everlasting
• July 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, & 29, 2023
Bogle Backyard, 11350 Dallas Lane, Dayton MN 55369
A Bunce Performing Arts backyard production. Free outdoor musical. Please bring a blanket or chair and plan to arrive early for good seating. These shows can get up to 800 people per performance. • All Ages • All Shows at 7pm • FREE.
Honk Jr.
• July 20-23, 2023
Northern Starz Center, 5300 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
An Ugly Duckling Story. • Ages 3+ • Save with Online Presale Tickets.
Time Travel
• July 26 – August 13, 2023
Circus Juventas, 1270 Montreal Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55116
Arthurian legends come to life in the summer of 2023. All Ages. • Tickets on Sale March 2023.
AUGUST 2023
Beauty and the Beast
• August 5-13, 2023
Children’s Performing Arts, Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Stay tuned for more details about this “Tale as Old as Time”. • Tickets On Sale June 12, 2023.
Discounts: Pay-What-You-Can Tickets available for any performance.
Galactic Wonders - A Space Adventure
• August 2-20, 2023
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Theatre for the Very Young. Ages 0-5. • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance August 6, 2023.
Ordway Inside Out presents MN Opera performance of The Song Poet
• August 11, 2023 @ 7:30pm
Rice Park, 109 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Watch a FREE stream of the world premiere of The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang. • All Ages • FREE
The Ordway Inside Out is an initiative to bring Ordway performances to a wider audience by streaming videos onto a giant video wall in Rice Park.
2023-2024 Theater Reading List
Get ready for a new season of live performances based on classic lit. The 2023-2024 season offers some old favorites and new books to add to our family reading list.
September 2023
Bluey’s Big Play
• September 2-3, 2023
State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show perfect for a date with your tot. • All Ages • Tickets $33.75-$76.75.
Cookin’
• September 12-October 22, 2023
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
A percussion-heavy story of a chef and his kitchen staff racing to finish a wedding feast on time. • All Ages • Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap Passes may be available.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Little Women
• September 29-October 15, 2023
The Conn Theatre, 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Based on the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott, step into the world of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth. All Ages • Tickets $15.
Discounts: Sign up for YPC’s newsletter to get announcements for discount nights.
The Day You Begin
• September 29-October 22, 2023
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
A story about new beginnings, making new friends and finding your own magic in the world. All Ages • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance October 1, 2023 @ 4pm.
OCTOBER 2023
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
• October 6-29, 2023
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Spookley has become a Halloween classic at Stages Theatre. All Ages • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance October 8, 2023 @ 4pm.
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
• October 10-November 19, 2023
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Morris likes to play dress up in a tangerine dress at playtime. • Ages 4+• Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap Passes may be available.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
NOVEMBER 2023
Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (To Cross the Face of the Moon)
• November 4-12 2023
Minnesota Opera @ Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
The World’s first mariachi opera follows three generations of the Velásquez family, who are separated by the U.S./Mexican border. A modern story that “reminds us that family knows no borders”. • Read more about age recommendations, length/intermissions & language here • Get Tickets.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
• November 7, 2023-January 7, 2024
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
The Grinch is back to make your holiday complete. • Ages 4+• Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap Passes may be available.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Wild Kratts Live 2.0 – Activate Creature Power
• Thursday, November 16, 2023; 6:30 pm.
State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Chris and Martin will activate new Creature Powers and go “off to the creature rescue!” Bring your own animal knowledge and participate in the action by calling out answers. All Ages. Tickets $29-$154 available beginning May 5th.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.
• November 17- December 27, 2023
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
A tale as old as time for the Holiday Season. All Ages • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance November 19, 2023 @ 4pm.
• November 20-December 29, 2023
Sidekick Theatre, 11411 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437
A musical version of the Cinderella fairy tale. All Ages. • Tickets $14-$19.
December 3rd: Waffles with Santa – 11am-12:45pm prior to 1pm Cinderella.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
• November 30-December 2, 2023
Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Larger than life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Ages 6+. Tickets $34-$104.
DECEMBER 2023
ELF The Musical
• December 1-17, 2023
The Conn Theatre, 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
A modern-day holiday classic that is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. All Ages • Tickets $15.
Discounts: Sign up for YPC’s newsletter to get announcements for discount nights.
Disney's Aladdin
• December 5-10, 2023
Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Part of Broadway on Hennepin. See a whole new world just in time for the Holidays. • Recommended for 6+. Tickets.
Peter Pan
• December 5-31, 2023
Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
The Broadway classic based on JM Barrie’s book
The Christmas Bus
• December 7-17, 2023
Northern Starz Center, 5300 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
A Christmas Comedy for the family • Save with Online Presale Tickets.
JANUARY 2024
The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories
• January 16-February 18, 2024
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
A collection of fables and folktales from Japan and Okinawa • Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap Passes may be available.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Dragons Love Tacos: The Musical
• January 26-February 25, 2024
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
An adaptation of the book by the same name. All Ages • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance January 28, 2024 @ 4pm.
The Elixir of Love
• January 27–February 4, 2024
Minnesota Opera @ Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Young Nemorino drinks a love potion to try to win the heart of the beautiful Adina • Read more about age recommendations, length/intermissions & language here • Get Tickets.
FEBRUARY 2024
Freedom Riders
• December 2-18, 2024
The Conn Theatre, 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
This Youth Performance Company original returns for the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer Project. All Ages • Tickets $15.
Discounts: Sign up for YPC’s newsletter to get announcements for discount nights.
Alice in Wonderland
• February 13-March 31, 2024
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Take a trip down the rabbit hole to meet the Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, The Cheshire Cat and all the quirky characters of Wonderland • Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap Passes may be available.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
MARCH 2024
Babble Lab
• March 9-April 14, 2024
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Another pre-k show perfect for toddlers created by the wonderful Autumn Ness • Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Trouble in Tahiti & Service Provider
• March 9-23, 2024
Minnesota Opera @ Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Two short operas with themes that make this show best for teens & tweens. • Read more about age recommendations, length/intermissions & language here • Get Tickets.
The Name Jar
• March 22-April 14, 2024
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Unhei’s classmates try to help her find a new name when she moves from Korea to America. Ages 5+ • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance March 24, 2024 @ 4pm.
Disney's The Lion King
• March 27-April 28, 2024
Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Part of Broadway on Hennepin. A breathtaking production featuring favorite songs like, Circle of Life and I Just Can’t Wait to Be King. • Recommended for 6+. Tickets.
APRIL 2024
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR.
• April 19 – May 19, 2024
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Matilda finds her family as she navigates a world that isn’t always fair. Ages 5+ • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance April 21, 2024 @ 4pm.
A Year With Frog and Toad
• April 23-June 16, 2024
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Based on the Frog & Toad books by Arnold Lobel. This is a Broadway musical, so the music is pretty easy to find and learn before the show. • Tickets $15-$64.
Discounts: Rush Tickets are $15-$25/pp. Lap passes may be available.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
MAY 2024
La Bohème
• May 4–12, 2024
Minnesota Opera @ Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
A classic love story between to poor Bohemians in Paris. • Read more about age recommendations, length/intermissions & language here • Get Tickets.
JUNE 2024
Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.
• June 21 – August 4, 2024
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
A celebration of friendship and courage. All Ages • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance June 23, 2024 @ 4pm.
AUGUST 2024
The Dandelion Seed
• August 7 – 25, 2024
Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Theater for the very young. Ages 0-5 • Tickets $17-$24.
Discounts: Pay What You Can Performance August 11, 2024 @ 4pm.
Twin Cities Children's Theaters List
While there are certainly tons of theaters in the Twin Cities. There are a small handful of stages where we can consistently count on kid-friendly theatre in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Other Twin Cities Venues offer some children’s programming mixed with their adult programming, and we try to list those shows in our calendar above. What makes these theaters stand out is that they not only allow kids of all ages, they welcome and cater to families. This is our curated list of places to take kids for an age-appropriate theatre experience in the Twin Cities.
If you know of another theater with dependable children’s programming or you have a way to make a more adult-oriented theater kid-friendly, leave us a message and we’ll add your recommendation.
Bunce Performing Arts, Maple Grove
Bunce Performing Arts (f/k/a Bunce Backyard) is a family run
Children’s Performing Arts
Children’s Performing Arts is an educational theater that offers classes,
DanceCo – Dances for Young People
DanceCo is a Twin Cities professional dance company that specializes
Front Porch Theatre, Rogers
Begun by Tim and Linda Lindeen, Front Porch Theatre produces
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre
In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre
Merrill Arts Center, Woodbury
Incorporated in 1996, Merrill Arts Center in Woodbury is an
Open Eye Figure Theatre, Minneapolis
Open Eye Figure Theatre is nationally recognized for “bringing a
Open Window Theatre, Inver Grove Heights
Founded in 2011, Open Window Theatre is a Catholic theatre
Park Square Theatre, Saint Paul
Park Square Theatre’s website explains that the theatre “seeks to
SteppingStone Theatre – Youth Theatre
SteppingStone Theatre is a children’s theatre in Saint Paul with
Youth Performance Company, Minneapolis & St. Paul
Youth Performance Company is an award-winning youth theatre company located
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, Puppet Theater in Minneapolis
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz is a puppet theater located in Minneapolis
Find Discounts on Theater & Performing Arts:
- SmaRTpass: Check with your local library to see if there are any tickets available with the smARTpass program.
- Children’s Theater Discounts: ACT Pass Scholarship Program, Rush Tickets $15-$25.
- Minnesota Orchestra Discounts include Rush Tickets $25; 50% off if you bike, $20 under 40. – Their kid-friendly shows are usually reasonably priced.
- Open Eye Discounts include a limited amount of pay as you are able at the door and a limited number of $10 Economic Accessibility tickets available online.
- Stages Theatre Discounts: Open Door Scholarship Program; Up to 3 Pay What You Can Performances per year.
- Saint Paul Civic Symphony – Always FREE Concerts
- SteppingStone Theatre Discounts: Pay As You Are Able Shows
- SPCO – Kids tickets are free with paid adult; Look for Free Family Concerts – these kid-friendly shows are geared toward younger children.
- Youth Performance Company Discounts: Sign up for their newsletters to get announcements for $5 nights.
- Broadway Touring Plays through Hennepin Trust: Check your AAA benefits before ordering tickets, you could save up to 20%.
- For more ideas read Joy’s strategies in Free and Cheap: Family Fun on a Limited Income.
- Lisa from Twin Cities Frugal Mom keeps a running directory of discounts.
- Goldstar: Find the deals below from affiliate partner, Goldstar*. You can choose the “Family” category to find kid-friendly shows.
This page includes affiliate links to BookShop, Goldstar, Little Adventures Dress Up and Maestro Classics. Family Fun Twin Cities receives a commission on any sales through our site. We appreciate your consideration in making your purchases through our affiliate programs.
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