Family-Friendly Shows Coming to Boston in 2018

1/26/18 - By Kelley Heyworth

From splashy musicals to TV-inspired celebrations, Boston is a hub of special performances suitable for all ages. Live shows are a fun way to get out of the house, learn something new, and experience the arts. Whether you've got a preschooler or a preteen, there are some great shows happening in the area this year, from Paw Patrol to—yes, it's really happening!—Hamilton. To help you plan ahead, we’ve rounded up this list of shows coming to the area this winter, spring, and fall.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Disney on Ice: Dream Big—Manchester, NH
January 25-28, 2018
With Peter Pan's Tinkerbell as your guide, see characters from The Little Mermaid, Frozen, Snow White, and Finding Dory seek their dreams on the ice.

Dare to Dream features all the favorite Disney princesses. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream—Boston
February 16-25, 2018
Celebrating 75 years of Disney princesses, Dare to Dream features Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana and more skating through challenges and triumphs on the ice.

Beauty and the Beast—Boston
Feburary 2-March 4, 2018
The story of misfit Belle and the Beast, a cursed prince, is based on the Academy Award-winning animated film.


Kids' Tonka toys come to life. Photo courtesy of Monster Jam

Monster Jam—Worcester
February 16-18, 2018
​Monster Jam features high octane spontaneous entertainment and intense competition, featuring the most recognizable trucks in the world—Grave Digger, Bounty Hunter, and more.

Harlem Globetrotters—Lowell and Worcester
February 18, 2018 (Lowell) and March 9, 10, and 31 (Worcester)
Whether you're a basketball fan or not, you and your child are sure to enjoy the amazing tricks and stunts during this entertaining exhibition game.


This year's Paw Patrol show is an exciting, pirate-themed adventure. Photo courtesy of the Boch Center

Paw Patrol Live!-The Great Pirate Adventure!—Boston
March 10-11, 2018
Mayor Goodway is preparing for a big Pirate Day celebration in Adventure Bay, but need the pups' help to locate a secret treasure, first.

Stuart Little—Boston
April 13-May 13, 2018
E.B. White's classic tale of the Manhattan-bred mouse is full of adventures and fantasy.

Sesame Street Live: Let's Party!—Boston
April 20-22, 2018
Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and other characters lead guests in song, dance, and other interactive activities during this high-energy show.

STOMP!—Boston
April 20-21, 2018
This eight-member percussion troup uses a variety of materials, from matchboxes to hubcaps, to create soul-stirring beats and rhythms, and this year, some choreographed routines involving tires and paint cans.


Introduce your kids to the classic, stirring story of the singing Von Trapps. Photo courtesy of the show

Sound of Music—Boston
May 1-13, 2018
This new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical about the Von Trapp family includes all the beloved songs, including "Do-Re-Mi" and "My Favorite Things."

Peppa Pig Live! Peppa's Surprise—Worcester
May 11, 2018
Join Peppa and her friends for singing, dancing, and games during her first theatrical tour of the United States.

Aladdin—Boston
July 5-August 5, 2018
From the producer of Disney's Lion King comes Aladdin, the classic story in which one magic lamp and three wishes make for exciting possibilities.

Hamilton will likely be the hottest ticket in Boston in years. Photo by Joan Marcus

Hamilton—Boston
September 18-November 18, 2018
As you well know, Hamilton has been the hottest ticket in the U.S. for the past couple years—and it's coming to Boston. This high-energy tale of Alexander Hamilton's role in the American Revolution is best for older kids. As of press time, Broadway in Boston still hadn't released the dates when individual tickets will be sold, but sign up here for updates...tickets will go fast!