Shows

50 Cool Things to Do Indoors With NYC Kids on Hot Summer Days

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Sun, 08/04/2019 - 2:08pm

If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, even just for a few hours during an especially steamy afternoon, check out one of these 50 activities to help you and your kiddos chill. We’re all for loading up on the SPF and heading outdoors when the sun is shining, but once the humidity and heat start to get the best of everyone, it’s time to seek out indoor summer activities with air conditioning. So after you’ve hit every playground, zoo, and water feature in town, here's where to take the tribe indoors for some cool fun.

Baby Shark Live! Tour Hits the Stage This Fall

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on Thu, 08/01/2019 - 2:08pm

Baby Shark Live!, a stage show based on that viral earworm of a song, is gearing up for a U.S. tour, hitting a city near your family this fall. Just in time for shark week, tickets for this fully-immersive concert are now on sale. We suspect seats will be going fast in cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, and NYC.

So what are you and your kiddos doo doo doo doo doo doo-ing this fall? The very first Baby Shark Live! tour will initially stop in over 30 cities and eventually 100. It's presented by the geniuses behind the sensational song, South Korean educational brand Pinkfong, and Round Room Live, the company behind Yo Gabba Gabba Live and PJ Masks Live. As if we all didn’t already have the insanely catchy song permanently stuck in our heads, there's definitely no hope for us now!

What's Great About the New Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 8:30pm

It was a sad day for Angelenos when the Bob Baker Marionette Theater recently closed its doors after 55 years in its Downtown LA location. But the show must go on, and the puppet troupe has now found a new home in Highland Park that is even better than the original. The theater is planning an official grand opening in November, but this summer you can catch a show during Bob Baker's 'preview season.' Here is why now is a great time to experience this local treasure—and what's new and different at the new venue.

Free Outdoor Summer Music Concerts and Shows for Kids and Families on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 06/20/2019 - 5:00pm

Not all summer entertainment on Long Island comes with a hefty price tag. In fact, some music shows and outdoor concerts don't come with a price tag at all.

We've rounded up a host of FREE summer outdoor community concerts ideal for kids and families: All parents need is to grab a lawn chair or picnic blanket and get ready to shimmy, shake, smile, and sing with the little ones.

Outdoor concerts are a Long Island summer tradition. And for more seasonal fun, check out our ideas for outdoor summer games and our picks for the best beaches for Long Island families. Our summer fun guide offers more ideas for getting the best out of the warm-weather months. Enjoy.

Best Off-Broadway Shows for Kids: Affordable Children's Theater in NYC

Submitted by Raven Snook on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 1:30pm

Taking kids to a Broadway show is an exciting and memorable experience. It's also a pricey one. That's why it's worth looking beyond Broadway, where you'll find some long-running, kid-friendly shows that are less expensive, more offbeat, but just as special.

From a surefire toddler hit to a Harry Potter parody for tweens to those world-famous blue dudes, there are options for all ages and interests. We've even shared ways you can snag deeply discounted tickets. All of these Off-Broadway productions make great birthday party activities, too.

Kids' Summer Theater Guide 2019: The Best Shows for NYC Families This Summer

Submitted by Raven Snook on Tue, 06/11/2019 - 4:00pm

Think the dog days of summer are a cultural wasteland? That's not the case when it comes to the stage—New York City's family theater scene is hotter than an unshaded sandbox during the summer months, and this year is no exception.

There are shows for all ages, interests, and budgets throughout the summer season, including FREE options such as high-quality Shakespeare, a stage adaptation of Disney's beloved animated movie Hercules, and a puppet show touring to parks throughout the five boroughs. Best of all, most tickets cost less than $25 per seat. Read on for our complete guide to the best summer shows in NYC for kids and families.

Mostly Free Outdoor Summer Concerts for LA Families

Submitted by Toby B on Mon, 06/10/2019 - 12:45am

They say music soothes the savage beast, but it's also pretty good at entertaining the easily bored child. Free (or almost free) outdoor concert series fill Los Angeles and Orange County parks and open spaces all summer long, so odds are you won't have to travel far to find an under-the-stars event. Throw down a blanket, spread out the snacks, uncork the wine, and watch the kids boogie the evening away as you sway to breezy melodies.

This year offers many returning favorites, plus a few changes: The Downtown Stage concerts in Pershing Square are still free, but now they are limited to 21 and older (excuse for a Moms Night out perhaps?); Santa Monica's Twlight on the Pier series doesn't kick in until near the end of the summer this year, but the Tiny Porch series anticipates returning to Peter Strauss Ranch in spite of damage from last fall's Woolsey Fires.

Once again Arcadia Summer Concerts and Summer Movies are joining for a combined event, and of course there are plenty of standalone free outdoor movie series all summer as well.

Click through for complete details, including dates and bands. And check back often, because we continue adding and updating concerts throughout the season!

Free Outdoor Summer Family Concerts in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/02/2019 - 12:00pm

Grab a blanket, picnic dinner, and family and friends: A free outdoor concert is just the thing to end your day on a relaxing note.

This summer, many towns and villages are hosting bands playing everything from rock and jazz to country and swing. Some concerts are even dedicated specifically to the younger set, with local kid-bop stars piling on the entertainment. While some events involve a modest fee for parking and perhaps the optional food purchase, admission is our favorite price: FREE.

Looking for more summer fun? We've also rounded up FREE outdoor movies for yet more ways to soak up the season. Also consult our Event Calendar and Summer Activity Guide, 'cause there's loads more in store. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of more great ways to rock this summer!