From puppet shows to musicals and kid-friendly Broadway productions, the Kansas City summer theater scene is packed with family-friendly entertainment. Moms looking for fun, enriching activities will find plenty of options to keep kids engaged while creating lasting memories. Plan your summer outings with the best kid-friendly theater in Kansas City, featuring shows the whole family can enjoy together.
Summer Theater in Kansas City
First Act Theatre
Featuring the talents of children from ages 8-18, these are shows you won’t want to miss!
- Seussical (May 7-10)
- The Addams Family (May 21-24)
Mrs. Doubtfire (June 2-7)
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to you in this internationally acclaimed hit musical. Based on the beloved film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. Recommended for ages 8+
Mobile Music Box Concerts by the KC Symphony (All Summer Long)
Your KC Symphony musicians perform free outdoor Chamber Music concerts across the metro (weather permitting). Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. Concerts will be performed all around the Metro – check online for one near you!
Pete the Cat (June 10-August 2)
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So, the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!
Good for all ages, 60 minutes. Get your tickets here!
Disney’s Frozen at The White Theatre (July 8-26)
In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.
Wicked (August 12-30)
So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” Recommended for ages 8+, no kids under 5 admitted. Get Tickets.
First Act Theatre
Featuring the talents of children from ages 8-18, these are shows you won’t want to miss!
- Seussical (May 7-10)
- The Addams Family (May 21-24)
Giggle Time Children’s Program – Overland Park
- May 6 – Kevin Dolan at Tomahawk Community Center
- June 4 – Mr. Stinky Feet at Roe Park
- August 5 – Musician Janie Christinson at Roe Park
Starlight Theatre
Starlight Theatre is Kansas City’s home for the best Broadway musicals, concerts and unique theatrical shows in an outdoor setting. Their summer line-up is full of family friendly shows. Find a full line-up here.
- Hadestown, June 9-14
- A Beautiful Noise, July 7-12
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Spamalot, August 4-9
Theatre in the Park – Gladstone
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs (designated sections) for Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park. Shows begin at 8:30 p.m.
Featured performances: Addams Family (June 26-28), Bye Bye Birdie (August 7-9)
Theatre in the Park – Shawnee Mission Park
The Theatre in the Park is the largest outdoor community theatre in the country. Each summer they present a season of Broadway musicals – check the ratings to see if they are best for the whole family or teens.
Shows include:
- Shrek the Musical (May 22-30)
- Oklahoma (June 5-13)
- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (July 24-August 1)
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame (August 14-22)
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs (designated sections) to Shawnee Mission Park; outside food is permitted. Tickets are $12, $7 for kids 4-10; ages 3 and under free but require a ticket. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are valid for ANY outdoor performance.
Kid Friendly Shows at Theatre for Young America
The Theatre for Young America performs on the City Stage at Union Station. This summer’s shows include Snoopy (June 9-27) and King Arthur and the Magic Sword (July 14-25). Tickets are available here.
