Don't Miss The Best Family Friendly Performances in Indianapolis
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When my kids are belting out my musical theater favorites and putting together at-home performances (complete with costume changes, props, and their own choreography, yes-please), I couldn’t be more proud.
Whether you’re raising a future Broadway star, a tiny tutu-wearing twirler, or just looking for a new way to replace screen time with something a little more magical, Indianapolis is full of live performance experiences perfect for families. From interactive shows built just for littles to Broadway-style productions that keep everyone engaged, Indy’s Art scene makes it easy to introduce your kids to the joy of live theater and music.
Here are our top picks for family friendly performances in Indianapolis worth adding to your calendar:
1. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
With engaging programming that welcomes even the squirmiest audience members, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra makes classical music completely accessible for families. Their Teddy Bear Series is perfect for young kids, pairing storytelling and music in short, interactive shows. For all-ages experiences, look for their themed concerts throughout the year, some even feature animated visuals, sing-alongs, or character-inspired performances.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra brings music to summer nights with their Symphony on the Prairie series. Each year, they transform Conner Prairie into the ultimate outdoor concert spot, filling the air with sounds of iconic film scores and Broadway favorites to rock and roll classics. It’s a summer tradition Indy families look forward to.
During the holidays, we recommend checking out the Yuletide Celebration! This should be a family tradition, if it isn’t already.
From holiday magic to movie scores under the stars, this is a symphony that meets families where they are and brings the joy of live music into the hearts of every age.
2. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Dinner and a show without needing a babysitter? We love that for us. Beef & Boards offers family-friendly performances in a relaxed environment, often featuring musicals like The Little Mermaid, The Sound of Music, and other favorites your kids already know and love. The buffet keeps little bellies full (no complaints of hunger is a win for sure), and the cozy theater setup makes it feel extra special without feeling intimidating.
Bonus: Kids love the novelty of dinner and live theater happening in the same space. And so do we!
3. Indiana Repertory Theatre
Looking to raise thoughtful, curious theatergoers? The Indiana Repertory Theatre has a long-standing reputation for beautiful, story-driven productions. Each season typically includes family-friendly classics and seasonal shows (like their beloved A Christmas Carol).
This is a great pick for school-age kids and tweens who are ready to dive into more meaningful storytelling, with top-tier acting and immersive sets.
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4. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Lilly Theater
Tucked inside the world’s largest children’s museum is a hidden gem: Lilly Theater, offering live performances included with museum admission. These short, interactive plays are designed for younger audiences and often tie into rotating museum exhibits. A favorite for us is Aesop's Fables and Tales, but check to see what’s playing when you go and look at the times so you don’t miss your chance to watch the performance!
Visiting Lilly Theater is a great way to build theater exposure in a low-pressure, totally kid-friendly space. Plus, you can follow it up with a carousel ride.
5. Arts for Lawrence – Theater at the Fort
Located on the east side of Indy, this vibrant arts organization offers diverse programming for all ages. From youth-led performances to family-friendly musicals and multicultural storytelling events, Theater at the Fort offers kids the opportunity to experience live performance in a community-driven space.
They also host camps and workshops for kids interested in the performing arts, making it a great hub for families year-round.
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MORE INFO: We love everything about the Indianapolis Symphony and highly recommend it as your go-to. Click here for their event lineup.
Any other Indy performance locations that you would add to this list? Let us know @thecitymoms on Instagram.
