The Boston area offers a fantastic variety of family-friendly theater venues. From bigger Broadway performances at the Opera House to smaller stages like Wheelock Family Theatre, you will surely find a show your family will enjoy! Whether your children love being in the audience or want to be up on stage, here are some Boston theaters to check out.
Wheelock Family Theatre
Family Theatre offers Broadway-quality productions for a fraction of the price. Their performances feature intergenerational casts that resonate with adults and children. They also have a theater education program to provide opportunities for students of different ages and stages to grow theater and life skills. The theater is situated on the campus of Wheelock College, so the casts are comprised of both exceptionally talented college and high school students from all over the Boston area, as well as professional actors. Not far from Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts, you could easily make a fun day in the Fenway area when you attend a production at Wheelock.
Northshore Music Theatre
Since 1955, Northshore Music Theatre has become one of the most attended theaters in New England. It is known for its unique arena-style theater and high-quality musicals. They have dedicated “kids shows” that children of any age can attend, and these shows run just over an hour. They also provide year-round theater education programs for children in grades K-12.
Greater Boston Stage Company
The Greater Boston Stage Company is a not-for-profit regional theater that produces many shows annually. They create high-quality theater with professional actors, directors, and designers. They offer matinees for school field trips and public performances for families. Their education program, The Young Company, provides year-round training and performance opportunities to students in grades 1-12, along with voice lessons.
Arlington Children’s Theatre
Arlington Children’s Theatre provides quality theatrical events and workshops that educate and inspire children of various ages, their families, and the community. They produce a variety of plays and musicals each season and one “all-ages” production a year that includes actors ages 8-18. The theater also offers workshops and vacation week programs.
Boch Center
The Boch Center is home to Boston’s iconic Wang and Shubert Theatres, which have been a part of Boston’s historic Theater District for 100 years. Their inclusive programming includes classical and popular music, dance, musicals, plays, comedy, and family programs.
Citizens Opera House
The Citizens Opera House was built in 1927 and has since been restored to its original beauty. The theater showcases a few family-friendly Broadway musicals each year that are appropriate for children ages six and up. Plus, seeing The Nutcracker at the Boston Opera House is a time-honored Christmas tradition!
Charles Playhouse
The Charles Playhouse has a long history in Boston’s Theater District. They showcase a variety of kid-friendly Broadway shows throughout the year.
Emerson Colonial Theatre
Emerson Colonial Theatre is Boston’s oldest continuously operated theater. They offer a variety of Broadway shows throughout the year, including some family-friendly options.
Watertown Children’s Theatre
For those near Newton or Watertown, Watertown Children’s Theatre offers productions performed by and geared toward a variety of ages — and these performances star children! If your child is interested in getting involved in theatre, this company offers many opportunities, including weekend workshops, after-school programs, and summer classes. If you simply want to attend their productions, they have seven to choose from throughout the year, making it a great year-round activity.
Your local community theater
There are many opportunities for children to see theater and get involved in the Boston area, but don’t forget to take a look at the theaters in your neighborhood — there may be some great organizations just around the corner from you!
This article was originally published in 2015 by Caitlin Hynes.
