How to Take Your Kids to Fun Shows

Summer is a great time to take kids to see some fun shows. If you look carefully, many of them are free or almost free.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer with internet access
• calendar
• folding chairs and/or blanket to sit on
• snacks and drinks for before or during the show

1. I save a couple of extra wall calendars for the current year, and I write down possible activities to help plan outings for my kids. If you have a calendar handy for the following steps, you can easily make note of things you might want to try.
   
   Sometimes I even use a calendar to record things that we have done, especially during school breaks or while on vacation. Since space is so limited, I find it easier to just jot down a very short note about which museum, exhibit, show or playground we went to on a particular day. Since digital photo files usually have the date attached to them, I can go back and look up where we took a certain photo if I forgot.

2. The first place I look for fun shows and activities for my kids is the local library and nearby libraries even if we can't borrow books (though I warn my kids in advance). Many bring in professional performers and the shows are usually free to the public.

3. Next I look for community programs, often in outdoor amphitheaters. These are often free and sometimes special programs that cater to kids are available. Look for listings in nearby communities as well as your own. For instance, Fairfax County, Virginia has some great summer performances for kids in their parks.

4. Finally, some malls offer performances, some of which are geared toward children. Mall performances are often free. For instance, we saw some fun performances at the Washingtonian Mall in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

5. Then I look for professional theaters that have children's performances. Some theaters have a series of summer performances for kids. These are usually not free.

6. If I see a performance that I think my kids would like, but the time or location is not convenient, I look for a schedule of shows on the performer's website. Depending on the venue, the cost of the ticket to see the performance can vary. The same show may be free at one location and cost $5-$10/ticket or more at another location. Looking at performers websites has also introduced me to new locations that offer childrens' theater series.

Tips & Warnings

• I am not including web resources because you need to find information for your own neighborhood.
• I usually try for weekday shows if we have time because they tend to be less crowded.
• You often need to arrive early to get the best seats.
• Don't forget to bring something to sit on and snacks and drinks for the kids.
• You might want to bring some entertainment for before the show starts. If the performance is in a park, a playground might be available for pre-show entertainment.