If your kiddo has run out of things to watch, try out these 17 kids’ TV shows on YouTube that they can watch for free

Have you exhausted the kid-friendly content on your family’s face streaming service? Before you start a round of repeats, check out the free fun with our ultimate list of free kids shows on YouTube. From nostalgic shows from your own childhood to contemporary cartoons, these YouTube shows for kids are imaginative, entertaining, and maybe even educational too! As if that wasn’t enough, there are free movies on YouTube and our ultimate list of YouTube channels for kids is filled with fun and educational entertainment.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a kids tv show you can find on YouTube
Disney Junior

"Oh, Toodles!" Did you know you can watch Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and the gang on YouTube? Yup, this show has been entertaining tots for years, and you can get full episodes of this kids' show by checking out the Disney Junior channel

Bluey

Bluey is a kids show you can find on YouTube
Bluey TV

Everyone's favorite Blue Heeler pup is on YouTube! Subscribe to the official Bluey channel for full episodes, bonus bits, and fun family segments. 

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit is a free kids show on youtube

Based on Beatrix Potter's beloved character, this animated series on YouTube follows that curious rabbit and his friends (think Benjamin, Mr. Fisher, and other iconic Potter animals) through the woods, into Mr. MacGregor's garden, and much more. 

Blippi

Blippi is a free kids show on YouTube
Blippi via YouTube

Blippi is an original free kids' show on YouTube that's super popular with the little ones. If you haven't heard of him, just wait.

Related: ’90’s TV Shows to Watch with the Kids

PAW Patrol

kids shows on youtube

Everyone's favorite pup heroes can be found on YouTube! Head to their official channel and find hundreds of your kids' favorite episodes and seasons. There are also live streams and compilations. 

Pinkalicious and Peterrific

PBS Kids via YouTube

Catch full-length episodes of this PBS Kids pick on YouTube. If your child is a fan, they can watch the show whenever they want—and for free. 

The New Adventures of He-Man

He Man is a free kids show on YouTube
He Man via YouTube

This classic cartoon brings a definite sense of nostalgia. The free kids show on YouTube  The New Adventures of He-Man, brings the animated awesomeness to a whole new generation. 

Tyler Perry's Young Dylan

Young Dylan is a free kids show on YouTube
Nickelodeon via YouTube

Tyler Perry brings rapper Young Dylan to this perfect-for-your-tween Nickelodeon show. Check out the full free episodes on the Nickelodeon YouTube channel.

Related: 100+ Movies Every Kid Needs to See Before They Grow Up

Read-Along with PBS Kids

kids shows on youtube
PBS Kids via YouTube

You can't get to the local library for an IRL story time. Don't worry, PBS Kids has you covered. Hear stories read by beloved authors, such as Marc Brown and Victoria Kann. 

Arthur

PBS Kids via YouTube

The adventurous aardvark brings full-length episodes to your laptop, tablet, or smartphone screen via the PBS Kids YouTube channel. 

It's Okay to Be Smart

It's Okay to Be Smart is a free kids tv show on YouTube
It's Okay to Be Smart via YouTube

Joe Hanson, Ph.D. explains why we're ticklish, how trees can fight climate change, and other science topics in this PBS Digital Studios show. While the content is probably over your tot's head, it's perfect for older kids and tweens.

Related: 40 YouTube Channels Just for Kids

Sabrina the Animated Series

Sabrina the Animated Series is a free kids tv show on YouTube
Sabrina the Animated Series via YouTube

WildBrain brings your family animated full-length episodes featuring 12-year-old Sabrina Spellman and the rest of the gang. While it's not the same as the Melissa Joan Hart version, your older kiddo will get a kick out of it.

Star Wars Kids

Star Wars Kids via YouTube

Would your young Jedi sit in front of a Star Wars-themed screen for hours? If you're looking for a way to get in some galactic entertainment, minus a day-long binge-fest, the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel features under five-minute looks at fan fave films!

Blaze and the Monster Machines

Blaze and the Monster Machines is a free kids show on YouTube
Blaze and the Monster Machines via YouTube

If your child is a fan of this Nick Jr. show, they can watch full-length Blaze and the Monster Machines episodes on YouTube. Along with the show, kids can also catch monster truck madness sing-alongs and learn through Blaze's latest adventure activities.

Related: 12 YouTube Workouts for New Moms (They’re Free & Fun!)

Sesame Street

Sesame Street via YouTube

For more than 50 years, Sesame Street has entertained and educated children across the globe. Catch full episodes featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, and all your little one's favorite friends when you subscribe to the childhood classic on YouTube.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

You can find full episodes of this popular preschool show inspired by the original Mr. Roger's Neighborhood on PBS's YouTube channel

Sid the Science Kid

Sid the Science Kid via Youtube

Enjoy videos about Sid the Science Kid from the Jim Henson Company. Kids can enjoy episodes that teach about washing their hands and growing up. 

 

 

If you thought last summer was happening, you better brace yourself for the wild ride that is Summer 2022 in NYC. It’s hard to hit all the “hot” spots during a typical summer, this year it’s gonna be downright impossible. (Which is just how we like it.) Bonus: tons of activities are free. Buckle up: here’s our list of things to do with kids in NYC, summer 2022 edition. Now slather on some sunscreen and get busy! (Looking to make an escape at some point this summer? Try these weekend getaways from NYC, these mellow beach towns, and these kid-friendly international destinations.)

Check Out Summer For the City at Lincoln Center Events, lots of them free, are happening across the Center's Campus. Think: dance parties under a giant disco ball, musical performances, poetry readings, Pride events, theater and many events and activities just for kids and families

Dive-in to NYC's free public pools. The city's free, often humongous, outdoor pools are open again as of Saturday, June 28.  Find your pool here, and be sure to read the rules before heading out! 

Tour and taste at a brewery or a winery. We found both that are kid-friendly. See where you can get sipping them here!

Pick All the Things

A toddler eats a strawberry
iStock

Cherries are the first crop of the season. Here's where to pick your own!

Peak summer means it's time to pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and more. Here are our favorite places to pick near NYC!

There's nothing quite like a bouquet of flowers you pick yourself. Here's where you can do just that!

Shore Fire Media/Getty

Hit Up a Roller Rink
There are so many this summer! Check out DiscOasis in Central Park, Flipper's Roller Rink in Rockefeller Center and the Roll-a-Rama at the TWA Hotel's Runway Rink

children on slide hill on governors island
Mimi O'Connor

Visit Governors Island. This summer getaway in the harbor is back in a big way for 2022. Click here to see what's in store!

Feel the wind in your hair on a zipline, or traverse a ropes course. These are our favorites.

Celebrate Pride! Events are happening all over the city. See our picks for Pride with kids here.

Visit the CAMP's new collab: Disney's Mickey and Friends: An Extra Big Adventure. You'll find it at CAMP's Flatiron store. 

LEGOLAND

Visit LEGOLAND
Haven't made it to the brick-tastic attraction upstate? The park includes seven LEGO-themed lands, with attractions such as Miniland, Ninja Training Camp, Build and Test, Robotic LEGO play, LEGO Creative workshops and tons of LEGO-themed rides for thrills, spins and more. ( The "Driving School" experience is a must and the NYC Miniland will blow your mind. Trust us.) For the full experience, stay overnight in the LEGOland Hotel, which offers LEGO-themed suites (ninja, LEGO Friends, pirate, etc.) with a separate bunk area for kids. Plus: the elevators are mini discos!

Day passes start at $68 with advance purchase; room rates start at $169.
1 LEGOland Blvd. 
Goshen, NY
Online:  legoland.com

Little Island @ Pier 55

 Visit Little Island at Pier 55. The undulating park on the west side offers programming (much of it free) all summer long. 

Play all day at one of our favorite Manhattan playgrounds

Explore Brooklyn's best playgrounds. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Domino Park, the playgrounds in Park Slope and Prospect Park—Find them here!

Need more spots to play? These are our favorite playgrounds in Queens!

Visit a sprayground to cool off. (That's a playground with water features.) These are our favorites to beat the heat! And don't forget: you can always seek out a playground with shade.

Amber Waves Farm

Head to the Hamptons. But don't go without checking out our list of things to do with the kids in the Hamptons

Go to a drive-in movie. In the city, upstate, and beyond, here's where you can see a movie outdoors this summer!

Slip and slide at an outdoor waterpark. Click here to see our favorites!

Or opt for a climate-controlled, indoor waterparks. (Where you can often stay over and make a weekend of it.) Click here to get booking!

kids petting goats in riverside park
Riverside Park Conservancy

Visit the Goats in Riverside Park
The goats are back to help control the invasive weeds in the park. The "Running of the Goats" (when they enter the park) happens on June 29 at 11 a.m. at Riverside Park and 120th Street. But you can stop by and say "hello! all summer long!

birdhouses at bbg
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

See Artist-created Birdhouses of All Kinds at "For the Birds" at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
For the Birds is a multimedia exhibit centered around a Garden-wide outdoor exhibition of dozens of site-specific birdhouses created by artists of international renown. 

Enjoy Free Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater
The Public Theater marks its 60th season with Richard III (June 21-July 17) and As You Like It (Aug. 10-Sept. 11) (We're guessing the latter is probably a better choice.) 

mom and child with a goat at Point Defiance Zoo petting farms and zoo
Dean Koepfler

Check Out the Grand Re-opening of the New York Aquarium
It's the first time it's been fully open in more than 10 years! 

Take a hike! We love these kid-friendly walks in the city, and these treks a little further afield

Have an animal encounter. At one of NYC amazing zoos, at an aquarium, at a petting zoo! Find all of them here!

Tentrr

Go glamping. You've got lots of options to sleep in the great outdoors but still have some creature comforts. Try these glamping spots in and around NYC. For luxury tents, check out Tentrr—we did!

Try a farm stay. Get out of the city and down on the farm. We love these places that will host your family for a farm stay!

Pile in and hit the road.  RV curious? Check out these trips for a maiden voyage with kids. 

kids in dumbo
Noemie Trusty

Head to DUMBO for Music, Art & Fun
The Live at the Archway series is back with free music, see inspired performance and art pieces at Six-foot Platform and take part in special family events.

Rock Out, Groove, Chill at Summerstage
Some shows are ticketed, but many are free!  (See the full lineup here.)

See Free Outdoor Movies All Over the City
So, so, so many movies to see outside this summer. The Parks Department's "Movies Under the Stars" series screens movies throughout the city. See the full lineup here. The Queens Botanical Garden welcomes families for kid-friendly Movie Nights this summer. Bryant Park's popular film series returns started June 13, and FYI, Brooklyn Bridge Park's Movies with a View is back in July.

Visit Prospect Park for BRIC's Celebrate Brooklyn!
Another favorite place to see incredible free shows in the summer, including this year's Celebrate Brooklyn! Family Show of Montreal-based Cirque Kalabanté with an opening performance by Natu Camra.

Mimi O'Connor

Get your licks in. NYC's cone runneth over when it comes to ice cream. Classic, crazy, hip-hop inspired, Big & Gay. Click here to see the best ice cream shops for kids in NYC!

Go the beach! NYC public beaches are free, and they are open through September 11. Here's our guide to visiting NYC beaches.(You  can get to all of these using public transportation. Note that if you drive, parking is not free, and often pricey.) See all of NYC public beaches here. 

Visit Coney Island. Coney Island is open, with the famous Cyclone celebrating 95 years, and the planned debut of a new family-friendly rollercoaster, log flume and ropes course at Luna Park. Deno's Wonder Wheel's new family thrill coaster, The Phoenix is now open. The world-famous Mermaid Day Parade, celebrating 40 years, is June 18. Don't forget: Deno's puts on a free firework show every night at 9:45 p.m. Friday starting July 8 through September 2. 

Wikimedia

Walk the Highline. This free, elevated park is a one-of-a-kind destination filled with native plantings and thought-provoking art. (It's also right by the Whitney Museum and Little Island @Pier 55.) See hours, art and programming info at the park here.

Sample the best of NYC food at an outdoor market. Take your pick of where to nosh: Smorgasburg in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, Jersey City, FiDi, or Queens Night Market in Flushing Meadows Corona Park or Rockefeller Center. You'll find lots of options in Time Out New York Market in DUMBO's Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's inside, but you can sit down or take it to go. 

Fight Summer Slide at the Liberty Science Center. Read our guide before you go! 

Visit a National Park Near NYC. Click here for our suggestions!

RELATED STORIES:
Things To Do With Kids in the Hamptons, Summer 2022 Edition
101 Things to Do With Kids in NYC
Things You Have to Do in NYC Before Baby Turns One

Looking for a fun show to share with your little ones? A new collection of shorts produced in partnership with the Sesame Workshop have premiered for free on Apple TV+. Starring Cody, the enthusiastic leader of the Helpsters each mini-episode is created to provide emotional support for preschoolers and parents living in the time of COVID-19.  

Helpsters Help You

The first episode of Helpsters Help You is now streaming, and new episodes will continue to roll out for free every Friday.  Helpsters Help You is inspired by Apple’s Parents’ Choice and Common Sense Media Award-winning series Helpsters.  Each short will be broadcast from inside the Helpsters’ shop, and will feature Cody giving out helpful tips and songs. 

In the first episode, Cody wants to visit her favorite tree but the park is closed, so she makes a new plan. With families around the world staying at home Apple is featuring curated collections of free shows, movies, music, podcasts, books, apps and games for families and kids of all ages.

The new shorts join an award-winning lineup of shows  that are now streaming for free on Apple TV+, including Fraggle Rock: Rock On! from the Jim Henson Company”; Helpsters and Ghostwriter from Sesame Workshop; and the Annie and DGA Award-winning Snoopy in Space, from Peanuts.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Apple TV+

RELATED STORIES

 

The Wharf has earned a reputation as one of DC’s best playgrounds… for adults. But there is plenty to see and do with little ones in tow. And the best part? Most of these family-friendly activities are cheap or free! We’ve sussed out the top 25 ways to have fun in DC’s hottest new neighborhood because, really, who doesn’t love to spend a day by the water?

 

photo: Wharf Jitney via Yelp

1. Cruise the Potomac River for free on the Water Jitney from March to December. The boat shuttles 6 passengers at a time from the floating dock at East Potomac Park to Recreation Pier. Check the schedule for daily hours.

photo: Gail B. via Yelp

2. Grab a rocking horse (yes, rocking horse) and enjoy a child-like moment with your kids at 7th Street Park.

3. Skip the playground and snuggle up on the family-sized swings that overlook the water.

4. Snap a selfie or take a family fall photo in front of Blair Alley’s picture-perfect fountain. Get in on the fun and tag your image #wharfdc.

5. Go for a waterfront tour by bike. BYOT (bring-your-own-tricycle) or rent a two-wheeler at Capital Bikeshare. (A single, 30-minute trip costs $2).

6. Pack a picnic (or stop in Shake Shack) for cheap, river-side dining. There are over 10 acres of public space, so take your time finding the perfect picnic spot!

photo: Sarah Warren via Willow Warren Photography

7. Head to the oldest fish market in the United States for a fresh caught dinner or grab some cooked crabs or shrimp for a picnic on the pier. The seafood isn’t the only steal here; patrons of Maine Avenue Fish Market get $2 parking for the first hour (with a valid receipt).

8. Bring family game night to the next level at Recreation Pier with oversized games like Connect 4 and Scrabble.

photo: Teresa C. via Yelp

9. Camp out with Camp Wharf. Or at least get your s’mores on. Try gourmet flavors, like Peanut Butter Cup or Cookies and Cream, or bring your own kit for some fireside fun. S’mores happen nightly at the District Pier Firepit.

photo: Chris H. via Yelp

10. Go restaurant hopping at nearly 35 eateries — from quick service to fine dining, even picky eaters will find their fill. Save time to stand in the line at Milk Bar; Cereal Milk is worth the wait!

11. Kids 8 & up will enjoy exploring the Washington Channel by paddle board or kayak. Rentals at The Wharf Boathouse start at $16/hr.

photo: Fire by Design

12. Spend an iconic evening around Torch, a 14 foot outdoor firepit. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.

13. Buy a book at indie institution Politics and Prose. Crack the spine at the near-by fountain and waterfall.

14. Bend and stretch every Saturday morning from 9 to 10 a.m at a free, all-age yoga class at Transit Pier. Be sure to bring your own mat. Refreshments are complimentary after the class.

photo: Norah C. via Yelp

15. Go birding by the water. Don’t forget the kid-friendly binocular, Kidnoculars, for close-up views.

photo: Hyatt House Washington DC

16. Hop on the Potomac Water Taxi to discover more waterfront fun at National Harbor, Alexandria Marina and Georgetown.

17. Play tourist in your own town and explore the National Mall before or after a trip to The Wharf. Burn off end-of-the-day energy on this 20 minute walk or hop the free shuttle to points of interest downtown.

photo: Mohammed H. via Yelp

18. Challenge your kids to a photo scavenger hunt—How many boats can you get in one picture? Who can find a bald eagle? The water’s edge provides endless opportunities for budding photographers.

photo: DC Scooter

19. On your mark, get set…. Scoot! Kids 6 & up can zip and zag around The Wharf for an epic adventure. Four riders can race around the water’s edge for $70/hr.

20. Enjoy the four seasons at Transit Pier. Summers bring free shows at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. In the winter, break out the skates: From Nov. 20 to late Feb., enjoy ice skating at the pier.

photo: Blak B. via Yelp

21. Skip the adult-focused concert venues and catch a free live show on the pier by one of the curated street performers.

photo: Hyatt House Washington DC 

22. Take a staycation and dive into a heated rooftop pool (open Memorial Day-Labor Day) at the Hyatt House Washington DC. The whole family can stay the night; pets are welcome here, too!

photo: Mohammed H. via Yelp

23. Throw some jammies on the kids and go for an evening stroll under the twinkling lights at Pearl Street.

photo: Rosanna C. via Yelp

24. Get festive at the waterfront. If there is a holiday, there is a celebration at The Wharf. From the district’s Holiday Boat Parade to a Mardi Gras extravaganza, you’ll find seasonal fun by the Potomac River year round.

photo: National Cherry Blossom Festival

25. Let your night shimmer and sparkle with one of DC’s best displays of fireworks.  Pyrotechnics illuminate the waterfront on July 4th, at the start of the winter holiday season and at the end of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

RELATED STORIES:

Kid Activities at The Wharf

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Potomac River

We’ve officially entered the dog days of summer. If your kiddo is totally over the splash park but still wants to eek out a little more fun as the school year inches closer, check out the late summer line-up at one of these family friendly venues.

Photo: Wolftrap Children’s Theater via Facebook

Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre- in- the- Woods
A longtime tradition at the area’s premiere outdoor venue, Wolf Trap’s Theatre-in-the-Woods brings high caliber performers to a cool wooded setting.
See now: Mil’s Trills on Aug. 6 and 7
Shaking up kids’ music like a snow globe full of snippets from childhood and world travel experiences, composer and multi-instrumentalist Amelia Robinson of Mil’s Trills is dedicated to keeping adult toes tapping, if not up and dancing along with the little ones. A recent artist in residence at New York City’s Lincoln Center and a featured performer on the First Lady’s Partnership for a Healthier America childrens’ album, Mil’s Trills makes everyone a member of the band with a personal vibe, and all-inclusiveness themes that run throughout the upcoming new album “Now that We’re Friends.”
See later: Dan Zanes Song Gusto Hour on Aug. 8

Online: wolftrap.org

Photo: The Strathmore via Facebook

Strathmore
With a mansion as the backdrop off busy Rockville Pike, families relax together at free shows with a community feel.
See now: Ukelele Festival on Aug. 19
Performers from Hawaii to the mainland play this annual festival headlined by locally based childrens’ and folk artists Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink. This free concert is the last of the Strathmore summer concerts and well-attended, so fans of this little instrument are cautioned to come early and bring your uke!
See later: Next summer’s Backyard Theater for Children, a weekday morning series in June and July that welcomes a range of performing artists dedicated to their young audiences.

Online: https://www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/free-concert-uke-2015

Photo: Main Street Takoma

Takoma Park Gazebo
Set on a still leafy street in burgeoning Takoma Park’s downtown, the Town Gazebo is a great gathering spot for family and friends.
See now: Furia Flamenco on Aug. 7
Takoma Park, Md. takes the “Main Street” concept and flips it a little on its side with an eclectic array of events derived from anywhere but the heartland, taking place at the gazebo where little ones are sure to be fascinated by performances from groups like the Spanish dance troupe Furia Flamenco.
See later: Marimba Concert on Aug. 29

Online: mainstreettakoma.org

Photo: Kennedy Center via Facebook

Kennedy Center
No longer just a showcase for adults-only performances, this marble memorial on the Potomac, is now a dynamic go-to place for families offering everything from kids- only concerts by members of the National Symphony Orchestra to free shows in the lobby.
See now: Finding a Line: Skateboarding, Music, and Media on Sept. 11 and 12
Skateboarding for some is like poetry in motion, and in this unique performance, live musicians join with daredevil skaters on the Kennedy Center’s outdoor plaza to shred a ramp and fuse together two art forms you never thought you and your teenager could both appreciate.
See later: A full calender of Performances for Young Audiences this Fall, and a continuing calendar of free Millenium Stage performances.

Online: kennedy-center.org

Photo: National Air and Space Museum via Facebook

National Air and Space Museum
Take kiddo to the moon and back at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum Summer Concert Series on three Fridays in August with musicians in uniform from the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army. 
See now: U.S. Navy Band Brass Quintet and Saxophone Quartet on Aug. 14
Introduce your budding trumpeter to the big sounds of brass horns or the saxophone with a 20 minute concert that rewards his short attention span and gives you a reason to smile on the hour from 11 am to 2 pm.
See later: Army Field Band’s Six String Soldiers on Aug. 30, 5 pm at the museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center location
What is your favorite family-friendly performance venue? Tell us in the comments below. 

—Carolyn Ross

Opera (noun): A super boring performance where very large people screech in a foreign language. See also: interminable, nap time, old-fashioned.  If that’s your definition of opera, it’s time to change that! Under the direction of Placido Domingo, LA Opera is hosting a Family Day on March 8 with a vibrant and exciting production that makes opera come to life for kids—and parents, too.

Opera + Kids = Disaster. Right? Wrong!
Opera and kids sounds a bit like oil and water, but more expensive and potentially more embarrassing, when you have to abandon your seats after fifteen minutes because they clamor (loudly) that “this is boring.” That seems like an obvious conclusion—until you actually take your kids to the opera. Opera is loud, dramatic, musical, and the sets and scenes are busy and ever changing. It’s perfect entertainment for your little A.D.D. drama addict. None other than Placido Domingo knows this: Opera is for everyone. So this year he has created the Domingo Family Days. For kid friendly operas (not an oxymoron!), the LA Opera has a matinee show book-ended by themed activities for the whole family to enjoy, while learning more about the opera.

Even Elmer Fudd Likes It
The Family Day opera this spring is The Barber of Seville (yes, the one you know from watching Bugs Bunny). It’s the story of the dashing Count Almaviva who has lost his heart to the beautiful Rosina, who has a mean guardian determined to marry her himself. Figaro comes to the rescue, and the barber conjures up wacky schemes to unite the young lovers.  And it’s got a score you can’t get out of your head.  (In a good way, unlike say, The Doc McStuffins theme song.)

First, There’s The Pre-Show
Before the show, you’ll head up to the 5th Floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. A teaching artist leads fun acting workshops that explore themes from the opera and help kids understand the elements of theater. There will be tables of props from the Opera that kids can play with, as well a kite making workshop. With a stunning view of the city and hills and popcorn, drinks and cookies to tide you till intermission, it’s a perfect way to start the day.

Then, Your Seat. And Their Seat, Too.
Something is already waiting for you—a booster. You can reserve one beforehand, and the opera staff will have it waiting in your child’s seat. And here’s one more thing you can reserve: intermission drinks and snacks. Your little one doesn’t want to wait in line when the break rolls around. So pre-order & pay and your treat (a little champers for you, a big bag o’ gummy bears for them) is ready and waiting. Then it’s showtime. And because you’ve accessed the special website (you’ll get access when you get family package tickets) with description and kid friendly activities, you all know the plot.  But just in case you forget, the words, in English, are displayed to the sides of the stage throughout the show.

There’s More Show After The Show
Post-show it’s time to meet the cast. Back to the 5th floor you go, where a whole new table of treats await, so you can nosh and nibble and pick up your kites while you wait to have your program signed by these singing sensations, who are happy to meet and talk with the next generation of opera lovers.  It’s a thrill for kids to meet the stars, and you can tell that it’s exciting for the singers as well.  They really take their time with the kids, answering all questions as well as asking what the kids enjoyed.

More Opera…
Now that your little one is a fan (and your fear is banished), be sure to check out the other family shows that the LA Opera stages for kids across the city:
Opera Tales Tour  – Free shows in public libraries.
Saturday Mornings at the Opera – Twice a year shows just for kids.
Community Opera – Free community opera performances.

And before we say, “That’s all folks,” one last link to get you in the mood. Click here to hear a little of the music, courtesy of everyone’s favorite bunny.

Domingo Family Day is March 8, family pre-show activities start at 12:30 p.m., curtain is at 2 p.m.
The show is best for kids 5 & up.
Tickets start at $17, get tickets to Family Day by calling the box office.

Dorothy Chandler Concert Hall
Grand Ave, Downtown LA
Phone: 213-972-8001
Online: laopera.org/tickets

Have you taken your kids to the opera? What did they think? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

-Meghan Rose

 All photos courtesy of Meghan Rose and the LA Opera.

 

Leave your pocketbook at home. All you will need for these no-cost outings is a camera to capture the fun that your family is having. These happenings prove that more bang for zero bucks is totally doable.

#1 Kids Euro Festival
If your little bit is a star-in-the-making, D.C.’s Kids Euro Festival, the country’s larges performing arts festivals for the under 12 set, is just for them. They’ll be able to check out more than 200 free shows featuring performers with acts that range from bubble blowing to virtual orchestra.

When: Oct. 24-Nov.9
Online: kidseurofestival.org

#2 Rock Creek Park Nature Center
Surprise, surprise—Rock Creek Park, contrary to popular belief, is a year-round destination in D.C. Duck into the park’s Nature Center when temps drop where kids can meet and mingle with live turtles, fish, snakes, and birds. If your crew can handle the chill in the air, stroll the half-mile self-guided interpretive trail, starting at the Nature Center.

Open: Mon.-Sun., 9 am-5 pm
Rock Creek Park Nature Center
5200 Glover Rd., NW
Online: nps.gov/rocr

#3 Marine Corps Marathon
There’s no doubt that this annual 26.2 mile race brings out the athletic types, but it’s also an awesome family-friendly event. Not only are there multiple opportunities to cheer your heads off, there’s also a Kids Run (additional cost) and a free Finish Line Festival.

When: Oct. 26 Start Time: 7:55 am
Online: marinemarathon.com

#4 Story Time at the National Postal Museum
This new program caters to tots ages 2-3 with readings, crafts, and songs (that often lead to dancing). The activities help pre-pre-schoolers explore shapes, colors and sizes. Afterwards let them wander the museum halls, which is full of hands-on exhibits, until the eye rubbing starts.

When: First Monday of every month (10:30 am-11 am)
National Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave., NE (Union Station)
202-633-5555
Online: postalmuseum.si.edu

#5 GORGEOUS Foliage
One of the coolest things to do during the fall also happens to be absolutely free. Take a drive (or a hike) down a fall foliage lane—think: Seneca Creek State Park, Skyline Drive, or Blue Ridge Parkway—and ohh and ahh your way through a beautiful rainbow of leaves. If you’re lucky you may even run into piles of fallen foliage to leap into and over.

#6 Fairy Tea and Treats
Little Tinkerbells (ages 4+) will love dressing up with tutus, wands and wings for this kid-friendly high tea. They’ll talk tea and crumpets, and then tour Tudor Place’s fairy gardens and get crafty with a hands-on art project.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
1644 31st St., NW
202-965-0400
Online: tudorplace.org

What other free activities should we pencil  in this fall? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos courtesy of Kids Euro Festival via Facebook, Seth Lemmons via Flickr, Marine Corps Marathon via Facebook

In the midst of all the summer concert hullabaloo, there’s one music series you might miss, and later kick yourself for forgetting, especially because it’s completely free! Kicking off its 76th season, the Stern Grove Festival is returning to the stage for another summer full of free shows. Starting June 16th (that’s Father’s Day weekend) and running through mid August, Sunday afternoons in the Grove will be bustling with crowds of picnickers on the terraced lawns of this beautiful outdoor venue. As you walk through the park, you’ll find toddlers stretched out on blankets with their parents, friends pouring wine into paper cups, and food everywhere you look. Read on to find out all the details about how to make the most of this free summer series in the park.

Getting There
Parking is limited around Stern Grove, but if you’re going to find a spot, you might want to consider parking along one of the nearby avenues (20th Ave, 21st Ave, Wawona, etc.)

If possible, try taking public transportation to the Grove. Both the 23-Monterey and 28-19th Avenue stop right at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard at the park entrance. The M Ocean View or the K Ingleside both stop at St. Francis Circle. From there, walk west one block to 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard.

If you’re biking in, there’s a bike valet at the entrance to the Grove (19th Ave & Sloat Blvd). From there, it’s a beautiful walk down into the canyon surrounded by trees. The valet opens at 10:00 am and remains open until one hour after the end of the concert. No bikes are allowed on the festival grounds.

What to Bring
Blankets or lawn chairs are a necessity. Chances are you’ll be sitting on the terraced lawn, West Meadow, or hillside and you’ll be thankful you brought something along to sit on. Picnic tables are awarded to families by raffle and benches are reserved for seniors and the disabled and one guest. This leaves the grass, where you can stake an 8×10 claim, or the hillside.

Pack the sweaters. It’s summer, but after all, this is San Francisco. While the weather could be comfortable in the Grove, it definitely can get chilly towards the later afternoon.

Get there early
People show up as early as 10:00 am to stake out a spot for the 2:00 pm concert, so early birds definitely have the advantage here. As a reward for showing up beforehand, families have access to special activities just for kids from 12:00 pm -1:00 pm on the KidStage, with everything from art-making,  to Instrumental Petting Zoos to keep the little ones entertained.

The concerts begin at 2:00 pm and last until around 4:30 pm, with world-class acts bringing on the world music, classical, jazz beats, and more. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and introduce the kids to the arts – one of the reasons the festival was founded 76 years ago!

The Lineup
The Stern Grove Music Festival traditionally brings in some pretty big names, which makes the fact that the shows are free all the sweeter! Check out some of the performing acts for the 2013 season:

June 16 – The Big Picnic Starring Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs
July 7 – San Francisco Symphony
July 14 – Kronos Quartet
July 28 – The San Francisco Ballet
August 4 – Shuggie Otis, The Relatives
August 11 – Pink Martini, La Santa Cecilia
August 18 – The San Francisco Opera

Check out the complete lineup here.

Insider Tips:
– A large part of the oncoming crowd finds refuge up on the dirt hillside, so if you’re late (or even if you’re early) be prepared to walk up the slippery slope. (And back down again for a potty break.) You may not be able to see the performers close up on the stage from here, but you’ll be able to hear them beautifully. There’s also more access to shade in this area. If you prefer to remain lower to the ground, there’s also the less crowded West Meadow, but you won’t be able to see the main stage from here.

– Bathroom are located at the Trocadero Clubhouse, on the southeast end of esplanade, and west meadow entrance.

– You can bring your own picnic lunch to the concert, as well as beer and wine. No alcohol is sold at the event, but food is available on site at the Grove Café.

What concert are you most excited about seeing this summer?

–Renee Rutledge

all photos courtesy of the Stern Grove Festival facebook page