Music is such a magical thing, it can flip your mood, inspire you and even help you to learn about yourself. When kids fall in love with music, it’s a beautiful thing and we naturally want to encourage that, but how?
Here are our picks for the best musical experiences for children in Chicago. From birth to their teenage years, there’s something to encourage creativity in every child. Whether they’re neurotypical or struggle with sensory issues, there’s an experience in this city tailored to them.
Enjoy live classical music with your baby in a cozy, wiggle-friendly setting. Candlelight Babies offers 45-minute, baby-friendly classical concerts (0–36 months) featuring works by Bach, Vivaldi, Debussy and Mozart performed by a string duo at reduced volumes in a cozy, movement-friendly space. Babies can marvel at thousands of electric candles, making it perfectly safe for them to scoot around whilst they listen.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is touring Earth to Kenzie, a one-act children’s opera co-commissioned with Seattle Opera that targets kids ages 7 to 12. Featuring a video game-inspired score by Frances Pollock and a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo, the story follows Kenzie (soprano Brianna Murray), a fifth-grader who escapes into a virtual world after moving into a family shelter, sparking conversations about housing insecurity, technology, and resilience.
The production includes 11 free student shows this fall. Families can attend two public performances on Saturday, October 24, at 3:00 p.m. (Music Institute of Chicago) and Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 p.m. (Logan Center for the Arts). Reservations are available on Lyric’s website, with spring 2027 dates to be announced.
The Old Town School of Folk Music’s Wiggleworms program is practically a rite of passage. These hugely popular early-childhood classes are built entirely around live, acoustic music, with experienced teaching artists leading rooms full of families in energetic singing, dancing, and hands-on instrument play.
It’s an incredibly joyful and welcoming environment that introduces little ones to the fundamentals of rhythm and melody while doubling as a fantastic community space for parents to connect. Offered at both their Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations, it stands out as an essential weekly staple for young families looking to spark an early, tactile love of music.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s “CSO for Kids” program offers one of the most enriching and accessible ways to introduce children to the magic of classical music. Taking place at the historic Symphony Center, the programming is thoughtfully divided by age to ensure maximum engagement. “Once Upon a Symphony” caters to little ones ages 3 to 5 by blending storytelling, costumes, and small instrumental ensembles in a relaxed, intimate setting where moving around and reacting to the music is perfectly fine.
For older children ages 5 to 12, the “Family Concerts” series brings the full power of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to the main stage with fun, thematic performances—like “Symphonic Superheroes”—and often includes interactive pre-concert activities, ensuring a dynamic and unforgettable family outing.
For a truly magical theatrical experience, head over to the West Loop to visit the highly rated Chicago Children’s Theatre. Dedicated exclusively to young audiences, this performing arts venue produces awe-inspiring shows that are inherently musical.
Their critically acclaimed plays frequently feature original scores, live singing, and imaginative puppetry that captivate kids and parents alike. Beyond the exceptional entertainment, the theater is widely celebrated for its deep commitment to inclusive programming, ensuring the joy of live performance is accessible to everyone through sensory-friendly shows and specialized programs thoughtfully designed for children on the autism spectrum.
