Chicago's top children's theaters are back with a brand-new season of incredible plays and musicals, perfect for a memorable family outing. From beloved storybook adaptations to high-energy, interactive shows, our guide to the best family-friendly theater in the Chicago area will help you find the perfect performance for your little ones. Discover the magic of live theater and create unforgettable memories with our roundup of the can't-miss kids' shows happening in Chicago this fall.

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September 27 – October 19
Elephant and Piggie's "We Are In A Play!"
Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago
It's fun to sing and dance with your bestus friend ever! Mo Willems is back, adapting his own best-selling book series into a rollicking musical that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and the glorious fun of being in a musical!! Get your tickets early! See the website for the schedule. Tickets start at $32.50 for adults and $21.50 for ages 12 and under. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
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September 28 – November 16
Leo Lionni's Frederick
Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S. Racine Avenue, Chicago
While other mice are gathering food for the winter, Frederick daydreams the summer away. But when fall weather comes, it is Frederick who has stored up something special for the long cold winter in a celebration of the idea that there is a place for all of us in this world. This charming musical, based on Leo Lionni’s classic, much-loved Caldecott Award-winning book, features a spirited folk and rock blues music score performed live by a talented cast of six actor-musicians. Public performances are on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30am & 11:30am. General admission is $47.25 with fees. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
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October 3 – November 25
Little Red Riding Hood's Big Adventure
Various Theaters, Multiple Locations
At the ripe old age of 10, Little Red is ready for an adventure! Unaware of the danger in the woods, she and her trusted friend, Bonkers the squirrel, set out to deliver goodies to Granny. The Big Bad Wolf, who is near retirement, and his reluctant son JR, are on the prowl. Ranger Reba is in hot pursuit to foil any hijinks by the furry duo. Add Bo Peep and all the lovable characters that only Alphabet Soup can create and you have "Little Red's Big Adventure!" See the website for the schedule. Tickets are $12. The show is for Preschool-4th Grade.
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October 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Disney's Finding Nemo
Marriott Theatre In Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
The Theatre for Young Audiences adaptation of the beloved Pixar movie FINDING NEMO, with music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Frozen). Marlin, an anxious clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. When Nemo is captured, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure with the help of lovable characters like Dory and Crush. Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other. See the website for the schedule. Tickets are $22. All ages.
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October 23 – November 2
Imagine U: Doctor De Soto
Northwestern's Wirtz Center, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston
Award-winning playwright Idris Goodwin brings William Steig’s tale of wit, wisdom, and whimsy to the stage with an eye-popping blend of live-action, puppetry, music, and rhyme. Despite the sign outside stating they do not treat predators, the De Soto family dentist practice takes pity on a suffering fox with a rotten tooth. But once he opens his jaws, they begin to rethink their decision. This modern-day fable proves that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference with kindness and quick thinking. See the listing for times. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for students and children. A service charge will be added. Ages 4-10.
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October 24
Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends
TheaterWorksUSA at McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn
Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture, and Ada Twist’s curiosity can drive her teacher crazy. On a field trip gone awry, they are faced with the ultimate test of their problem-solving skills that can only be conquered with teamwork. This fun musical is based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty. See the website for the schedule. $17 Youth | $19 Adult | $24 Gold Circle. Grades k-4.
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October 24 - November 26
Peter Pan
Chicago Kids Company at Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago
Follow Peter Pan and Tinkerbell to Neverland! The adventures are endless in a world of pirates and mayhem. Let your imagination fly to a place that allows you to NEVER GROW UP! All CKC productions feature professional actors, colorful scenery and costumes, sing-along songs, and plenty of audience participation. Ages 2 to 10. From $18. See web site for schedule.
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October 29 – November 26
Chicken Little
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th, Chicago
The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling! Join Chicken Little and her friends -- Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurkey and others-- as she journeys to tell The King the news! All CKC shows feature plenty of audience participation and run for one hour with no intermission. Chicken Little is targeted for children from 2 to 10 years old. See the website for the schedule. $18.00-$22.00 each, and lap children under 2 years old are FREE. Ages 2-10.
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November 1 – November 2
Romeo and Juliet | Cinderella
McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn
A candlelit symphony of love! Tchaikovsky composes our first tale of love, the overture-fantasy based on Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. This melodious theme of tragic love is one of the most splendid in Western Classical music. Step into the enchanted music of Prokofiev’s Cinderella where a fairy godmother sets true love’s destiny in motion. Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $57. All ages.
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November 29 – December 21
A Year With Frog and Toad
The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Get ready for some hopping good holiday fun when Arnold Lobel’s beloved amphibians jump from page to stage in a family holiday show the NY Times called “bright, bouncy and altogether lovable!” Whether baking cookies, planting a garden, flying kites or celebrating the holidays in style, Frog and Toad discover that life is more fun when it’s shared with a friend! Frog and Toad share seasons of adventures in a jazzy, upbeat, Tony-nominated musical. See the website for the schedule. Tickets start at $32.50 for adults and $24.50 for ages 12 and under. Best for everybody 4+.
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Stay up to date on all of the family-friendly theater productions on our Theater page.