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Best Upcoming Children's Shows In Chicago

This summer, broaden your child's horizons and take in a show in the Chicago area. By selecting a kid-friendly play, you can encourage your child to gain an interest in theatrical productions. Whether it's a musical or a short play for small children, there's a show for your child. To get started in finding upcoming children's shows in the Chicago area, keep the following plays in mind. For a list of Chicago-area theaters with shows for kids, check out this article.
Charlottes Web
(Photo Credit: emeraldcitytheatre.com)

'Charlotte's Web' Performed By Emerald City Playhouse
Broadway Playhouse
Water Tower Place
175 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(773) 529-2690
www.emeraldcitytheatre.com

Date: July 11 - Aug. 17, 2014Share the classic story of the friendship between a pig and a spider by taking your child to a performance of "Charlotte's Web" at Broadway Playhouse. The play is based on the timeless tale by E.B. White and is suitable for all ages. Performances begin at 10 a.m., making the show a great way to start your day together. As the Broadway Playhouse is located right in Chicago's downtown, there is no shortage of restaurants and other attractions for you and your child to visit after the performance. You can also park at Water Tower Place, or you can leave your car at home and take public transportation.

'Little Red Riding Hood' Performed By Chicago Kids Company
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
111 W. Campbell St.
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 577-2121
www.metropolisarts.com

Date: July 14-19, 2014If you're in Chicago's northwest suburbs, then consider taking in a production of "Little Red Riding Hood" performed by the Chicago Kids Company at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center. The musical performance offers a new take on the beloved classic story, and is recommended for children between preschool and third grade. Group discounts are also available. With its location in downtown Arlington Heights, the theater is easily accessible by both car and public transportation, as it is just a quick walk from the Metra station. It's also near a number of unique restaurants, making it the perfect after-performance spot.
Chicago
(Photo Credit: chicagoshakes.com)

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Performed By Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Various Parks
Chicago, IL
(312) 595-5600
www.chicagoshakes.com

Date: July 18 - Aug. 17, 2014Who ever said you need to spend a fortune on a ticket to a Shakespeare play? This summer, you and your child can catch a performance of the the Chicago Shakespeare Theater performance of the Bard of Avon's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for free. The performances are scheduled for 18 different parks throughout the Chicago Park District and are suitable for all ages. For a complete schedule and addresses of parks participating, check out the theater's website. Pack a picnic and enjoy a performance by professional actors with your child.

Related: Best Cheap Activities To Do With Kids In Chicago

'Chicken Little' Performed By Chicago Kids Company
Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th St.
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 445-3838
www.beverlyartcenter.org

Date: Through Aug. 15, 2014If your child has never seen live theater before, then consider grabbing tickets to a performance of "Chicken Little" by the Chicago Kids Company. The production will be held at the Beverly Arts Center, a mainstay of the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods. The classic tale is geared specifically for children between the ages of two and 12, making it the perfect option for spending the day with your child. Performances are held on select weekdays, with the curtain rising at 10:30 a.m., and run approximately one hour, making it the perfect length to hold the attention span of a little one.
'Seussical'
Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Courtyard Theater
Navy Pier
800 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-5600
www.chicagoshakes.com

Date: Through Aug. 17, 2014When you think of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, you likely think of productions of the Bard's works. But this summer, the venue's Courtyard Theater will take a turn for the whimsical with the production of "Seussical." The play incorporates many of the famous works of Dr. Seuss, including "Horton Hears a Who!," "The Lorax" and "Green Eggs and Ham." The play runs approximately 75 minutes and is recommended for children ages five and up. After the performance, make time to explore the other attractions at Navy Pier, including the Ferris wheel and the Chicago Children's Museum.

Related: Best Theatre For Kids And Young Adults In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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