Chicago, known for its vibrant cultural scene, offers a rich variety of live music events that are perfect for children and families. From kid-friendly concerts to interactive musical experiences, the city’s diverse music landscape offers something for children of all ages. In this guide, we’ll explore the best live music events for kids in Chicago, highlighting the venues, genres, and unique offerings that make these events special. As you plan your musical adventures, don’t forget to check out resources and recommendations from The Kids Point to enhance your family outings.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concerts
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is renowned worldwide for its excellence, and it doesn’t forget the younger audience. The CSO’s Family Concerts, held throughout the year, are specially designed to engage children and introduce them to classical music in an interactive and enjoyable way.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Interactive Performances: The concerts often feature musical storytelling, where characters and musicians narrate the pieces, making it easy for kids to follow along.
- Educational Component: Children are encouraged to learn about different instruments, composers, and the elements of music, making it an enriching experience.
- Pre-Concert Activities: Before the concert, the Symphony Center hosts family-friendly activities like musical instrument “petting zoos” where children can try out instruments, coloring stations, and musical games.
Old Town School of Folk Music
The Old Town School of Folk Music is a Chicago institution, offering music education and live performances. The school regularly hosts concerts and music events for families, making it an ideal place for introducing children to folk, world music, and other genres.
Highlights for Kids:
- Wiggleworms Concerts: These concerts are designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. The Wiggleworms program is known for its fun and energetic songs that get kids moving and singing along.
- Global Dance Parties: A perfect introduction to world music, these events allow children and families to experience live music and dancing from different cultures.
- Family Jam Sessions: Old Town School also hosts jam sessions where kids can bring their own instruments (or borrow from the school) and play along with professional musicians.
Ravinia’s Kids Concerts
Ravinia, one of Chicago’s most beloved outdoor music venues, offers a variety of summer concerts tailored for families. Located just outside the city in Highland Park, Ravinia’s Kids Concerts are a wonderful way to enjoy music in a scenic, outdoor setting.
Family-Friendly Features:
- Interactive Performances: The Kids Concerts feature live performances that are designed to captivate young audiences with humor, storytelling, and participation.
- Lawn Seating: Families can bring blankets, picnics, and even games to enjoy before or after the concert, making it a relaxed and fun experience for all.
- Diverse Musical Offerings: From classical and jazz to world music and rock, Ravinia offers a wide variety of genres, ensuring that there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Grant Park Music Festival Family Concerts
Held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the Grant Park Music Festival is a free summer concert series featuring the Grant Park Orchestra. The festival includes special family-friendly performances designed to engage young audiences with classical music.
Why Kids Love It:
- Beautiful Setting: The open-air pavilion provides a relaxed atmosphere where kids can run and play while enjoying live music.
- Free and Accessible: These concerts are free, making them accessible to all families, and they provide a great opportunity to introduce children to classical music without any financial barrier.
- Engaging Programs: The family concerts often feature shorter, more dynamic pieces that hold children’s attention, along with visual elements like projections or dance performances to complement the music.
ChiME (Chicago Center for Music Education) Concerts
ChiME offers concerts and musical experiences tailored specifically for children, focusing on early childhood music education. They hold regular live performances that allow kids to experience music firsthand.
Key Features:
- Sensory-Friendly Performances: ChiME’s concerts are designed to be inclusive, with sensory-friendly accommodations that make them accessible to children with sensory sensitivities or special needs.
- Hands-On Music: Many concerts include interactive segments where children can play along with instruments provided by the musicians.
- Diverse Genres: The concerts cover a variety of musical styles, from classical and jazz to rock and world music, ensuring there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Navy Pier’s Wiggleworms Performances
Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s top tourist attractions, is also home to several kid-friendly live music events, including Wiggleworms performances from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
What Makes It Fun for Kids:
- Location: Set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan, these performances are part of Navy Pier’s year-round family programming, offering a fun day out for the whole family.
- Interactive Music: The Wiggleworms shows feature catchy tunes that encourage kids to sing, dance, and move, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
- Free and Open to the Public: As part of Navy Pier’s free programming, families can enjoy live music without spending a dime, making it a budget-friendly activity.
Juicebox Concerts at the Chicago Cultural Center
The Juicebox series is an ongoing program designed specifically for toddlers and young children, offering free interactive concerts at the Chicago Cultural Center and other locations throughout the city.
Why It’s Perfect for Kids:
- Engaging Performances: The concerts are designed to be interactive and movement-based, allowing children to sing and dance along with the performers.
- Variety of Genres: Juicebox features diverse musical genres, from jazz and blues to world music, exposing children to different musical cultures.
- Free Admission: Like many of Chicago’s cultural offerings, Juicebox concerts are free, making it a great option for families looking to experience live music without financial constraints.
Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Music Series
The Lincoln Park Zoo is not only a great place to see animals, but it also hosts a summer music series featuring live performances in a family-friendly setting. These concerts are free and take place outdoors in the zoo’s gardens.
Why Kids Enjoy It:
- Animal-Themed Music: Many performances include songs related to animals, nature, and conservation, tying in with the zoo’s mission and sparking kids’ curiosity.
- Interactive Elements: Some concerts feature opportunities for kids to participate by singing, clapping, or dancing along with the performers.
- A Day at the Zoo: Families can combine a fun day at the zoo with an evening of live music, making it a full day of entertainment for kids.
The Chicago Children’s Choir Performances
The Chicago Children’s Choir is an internationally acclaimed youth ensemble that offers numerous public performances throughout the year. Attending one of their concerts is a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of vocal music and choral traditions.
Why It’s Inspiring for Kids:
- Youth Performers: Seeing other children perform at such a high level can be incredibly inspiring for young audience members, motivating them to pursue their own musical interests.
- Diverse Repertoire: The choir performs a wide variety of music, from classical and gospel to contemporary and multicultural pieces, offering a broad musical education.
- Community Engagement: Many performances are free or low-cost, and the choir often partners with community organizations to bring music to underserved areas, making it an accessible option for all families.
Kid-Friendly Jazz Concerts at the Green Mill
The Green Mill is one of Chicago’s most famous jazz clubs, and while it’s traditionally known for its late-night shows, it also hosts occasional family-friendly jazz performances during the day.
Highlights for Kids:
- Live Jazz in a Historic Setting: Children can experience the magic of live jazz music in one of the city’s most iconic venues, giving them a taste of Chicago’s rich musical heritage.
- Engaging Musicians: Jazz musicians often interact with the audience, introducing kids to the instruments, improvisation, and the creative process behind jazz music.
- Daytime Shows: The family-friendly performances are held during the day, making them accessible and appropriate for younger audiences.
Kidzapalooza at Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, Chicago’s biggest music festival, isn’t just for adults. Kidzapalooza is a special area within the festival dedicated to children, offering live performances, workshops, and interactive musical activities designed specifically for kids.
What Makes It a Hit with Families:
- Live Performances: Kidzapalooza features child-friendly performances from artists across a wide range of genres, giving kids a chance to enjoy live music in a festival setting.
- Interactive Workshops: In addition to concerts, kids can participate in hands-on workshops where they can learn to play instruments, write songs, and even record their own music.
- Fun and Safe Environment: Kidzapalooza is a designated area where families can relax and enjoy the festival without the crowds and noise of the main stages.
A Musical City for All Ages
Chicago offers a wealth of live music events perfect for kids and families. From classical concerts to lively folk performances and even rock festivals, there’s no shortage of opportunities to introduce your children to the world of music. The Kids Point is excited to see families enjoy these enriching experiences together, creating lasting memories and a love of music that will stay with them for years to come.
As you explore the vibrant sounds of Chicago’s live music scene, don’t forget to pack your family’s favorite snacks, bring a blanket, and be ready to dance! The joy of music is not only about listening; it’s about participation and connection. So grab your kids, hit the city, and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer in live music!