Blue Man Group: Charles Playhouse
Sure, taking your kids to see three bald, blue men might seem like an odd choice, until you consider the live rock band, the custom instruments, the funny gags, and interactive floating objects. 35 million people in 20 countries have already been to see Blue Man Group, so why not join them?

Cirque de Soleil Ovo is all about bugs.

Cirque de Soleil Ovo: Agannis Arena, September 6­–10
Your kids will love Ovo, and Cirque de Soleil’s vibrant colors and physical feats. Ovo features the work and play of insects, and the science angle is a cool bonus for kids. Watch the excitement as they discover a mysterious egg that represents the cycles of their lives.

Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!: Orpheum Theatre, September 21
If your kids love Shopkins, then you’re in luck. Shopkins make their theatrical debut in this new live show featuring musical performances by Shoppies characters in an ensemble cast performing urban music, song and dance.

BSO and Boston Pops Free Concert in Franklin Park: Franklin Park, October 1
Come to the concert in Franklin Park—the first time the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops have performed together in a free outdoor venue. The performance will feature music from Star Wars and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone along with Mahler and Shostakovich.

PJ Masks Live! Time to be a Hero: Wang Theatre, October 7-8
Fans of The PJ Masks characters will be thrilled about this new live show about the trio from the TV series. The show stars Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko as they try to outwit the villains Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl, with beloved and new music.

Peppa Pig crosses the pond (splashing all the way).

Peppa Pig Live: Orpheum Theater, October 8
Peppa Pig is making her way across the pond for her new production. The show features Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and all their friends in a fun performance with singing, dancing and more.

Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium: Boston Children’s Theatre, Larcom Theatre, Beverly, MA, October 20-November 7
Kids ages 7 to 16 will love the Goosebumps musical about a phantom disrupting a school’s production of a play about a phantom. Goosebumps will get families into the Halloween spirit as they watch their favorite storybook characters in this spooky tale.

In the Heights: Wheelock Family Theatre, October 27-November 19
Like Hamilton? Then you’ll love In The Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning Best Musical about a multi-generational family living in New York City’s Washington Heights, recommended for kids over 10.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Watertown Children’s Theatre, October 27-29
Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts as they travel through Wonderland in this classic tale for the whole family.

KidzBop Kids: Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, October 28
The KidzBop Kids are coming to Boston as part of their live tour: Grant, Sela, Matt and Ashlynn will come to town to sing and dance some of hits that have helped them to sell more than 13 million albums.

The Nightmare Before Christmas: Boston Pops, Symphony Hall, October 30-31
Celebrate Halloween as the Boston Pops perform the entire score of Tim Burton’s film The Nightmare Before Christmas alongside a screening of the full feature film on Halloween and Halloween Eve.

Peter and the Wolf: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, November 4
Come along to the BSO's Family Concert Series, age-appropriate educational orchestral concert experiences designed for children ages 3­ to 8 and their families. Families will love the symphonic fairy tale—one of three Family Concerts by the BSO.

Watch ordinary house cats and more perform feats of wonder in a "Pet Theater."

World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater: John Hancock Hall, November 11
What’s a Pet Theater? World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a family show featuring the comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich and his furry costars. The show stars more than 30 pets, each rescued from an animal shelter, performing skills and stunts.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Arlington Children’s Theatre, November 17-19
Come see the theatrical performance of Roald Dahl’s hilarious book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Charlie, Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas as they create mischief and mayhem in the magical chocolate factory.

Disney Live!: Mickey and Minnie’s Gateway to Magic: UMass Lowell, November 18
Walt Disney Fans will delight in DisneyLive!, as classic Disney characters recreate cherished childhood moments. The show stars Mickey and Minnie Mouse, alongside Cinderella, the Toy Story cast, Rapunzel and more in a magical evening.

Brain Candy Live: Wang Theatre, November 18
MythBusters’ Adam Savage joins forces with YouTube’s Michael Stevens for an evening with toys, tools and demonstrations designed to blow your mind. Described as "a two-hour play date with Walt Disney, Willy Wonka and Albert Einstein,” Brain Candy Live is ideal for curious older kids.

Going to The Nutcracker at holiday time is a tradition for many families. Photo by Liza Voll Photography

The Nutcracker: Boston Ballet, November 24-December 31
The holiday classic ballet by Tchaikovsky, performed by the Boston Ballet, is a performance not to be missed. Beautiful dancing combined with elegant sets and breathtaking music is enchanting every time.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Boston Children’s Theatre Nov 25-Dec 31 BCT
Even Charlie Brown’s spirits will be lightened by this theatrical production of the classic TV special. Join the Peanuts gang as they try to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Elf is a hoot. Photo by Matt Kopac

Elf: Wang Theatre, November 28-December 10
Travel with Buddy, the human who thinks he’s an elf, as he journeys from the North Pole to Manhattan to find his biological father. This theatrical performance of the favorite film features funny jokes and bright colors that make it a winner for children young and old.

Top photo: Cirque de Soleil's Ovo; All photos courtesy of the shows