Summer is here and parents across the country are looking for fun ways to fill their kids’ days. From theatre shows to sporting events, there are plenty of family-friendly summer activities to entertain all ages. Take a closer look at a few of our favorite suggestions below.
TV Favorites Come Alive
One exciting way to get your kids away from their screens might be a touring production that features the characters from their favorite shows like Paw Patrol Live, Bluey’s Big Play or Blippi Live. These touring productions often have mascot-sized costumed characters playing out new plots on stage. They are also great for creating fantastic photo opportunities if your kids are bold enough to ask for a hug or high-five. Touring shows like Paw Patrol Live are created to be easy for younger kids to enjoy, with clear stories and shorter run times. For current dates and cities, browse Paw Patrol Live tickets and Blippi Live tickets on TicketSmarter. Check listings at local theatres and arenas for these types of shows.
Classic Stories on Stage
Another entertaining and air-conditioned option is a local theatre production of fairy tales like Cinderella, or Disney classics like The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. There are two main types of kid-friendly theatre shows. The first is a story that is inherently age-appropriate but is successful with a wider audience. The second is a touring show that is adapted to be more kid-friendly with shorter run times. Those usually include a marker like “Jr.” to help you identify them easily like Annie Jr. They still include most of the hit songs but are a little more digestible for younger audiences. For a first Broadway show, many families love The Lion King for its colorful staging and music. You can find dates and seats with The Lion King musical tickets. A randomized field trial found that students who attended live theatre showed measurable gains in plot knowledge, vocabulary, tolerance, and ability to read emotions compared with controls, evidence that live performances can be especially engaging and educational for children (Education Next).
Fun Under the Big Top
Going to the circus is a classic family favorite and with companies like Garden Bros Nuclear Circus, you can enjoy it with a new twist that focuses on incredible human feats. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has also returned to touring this year with appearances in arenas around the country. Before you go, make sure to read TicketSmarter’s Family Guide to the Circus for answers to frequently asked questions and a few tips to help you all enjoy the trip. Talk to kids beforehand about bright lights and loud moments, and consider bringing noise protection if your child is sound sensitive.
High-Octane Adventures
For a slightly rowdier crowd, you might consider Monster Trucks. These high-powered vehicles are made for destruction. You will be amazed at what they can do. In addition to the trucks, there are often other performers like high-flying dirt bikes and carnival food if you are willing to splurge. Companies like Garden Motorsports, which presents Monster Truckz, offer free kids’ tickets to schools, daycare centers and large employers during their tour stops. Arrive early to explore pit parties, meet drivers for photos and autographs, and find your seats. Monster truck shows are extremely loud, so bring foam earplugs and headphones for younger kids; long or very loud exposures can permanently damage hearing, and agencies such as NIOSH at CDC advise that sustained levels at or above about 85 dBA are hazardous and that louder impulse sounds require shorter exposure times or double hearing protection. For schedules and cities, compare options on monster truck tickets.
An Afternoon at the Ballpark
Nothing says summer quite like baseball. Whether you are there for the action on the field or the snacks from the concession stand, baseball games are an activity the whole family can enjoy. In addition to the MLB, you can find local teams that play in other affiliated professional leagues like the Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter, American League, Frontier League and Atlantic League. Collegiate wooden bat and Minor League Baseball teams also play throughout the summer and often have a lower price tag. Look for family promotions, playground areas and postgame run-the-bases events. Minor League Baseball promotes itself as a budget-friendly family option and routinely cites low average ticket costs and family promotions, making minor-league or collegiate games a lower-cost summer outing compared with major league events (MiLB). Ready to browse games near you this week or on vacation dates ahead, start with MLB tickets.
A Soccer Match to Remember
With the upcoming FIFA World Cup, this will be a big year for women’s soccer in particular. Check out your local NWSL team’s upcoming schedule or see a men’s side squad in the MLS. Most stadiums have special family seating zones and activities in the concourse in case someone needs a break from the game’s action. The USL is another men’s league that has teams in smaller markets. Many venues offer ADA-accessible and family restrooms and some stadiums even feature kid zones or inclusive playgrounds. For match dates and prices, explore NWSL tickets.
Plan Your Family-Friendly Summer
TicketSmarter has tickets to more than 125,000 concerts, sporting events and theatre shows. Category pages will show local events first, making it easy to browse upcoming activities in your area or check for options on the road too. If you are heading out on a family vacation, check HotelPlanner for exclusive travel deals. Build a small budget buffer for souvenirs and snacks, review venue rules for outside food and bags, and identify exits near your seats when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kid-friendly touring theatre shows based on popular TV characters to see this summer?
Families love character tours like Paw Patrol Live tickets and Blippi Live tickets on TicketSmarter. These shows feature mascot-style costumes, simple plots, and interactive moments that keep young kids engaged and make great photo opportunities.
How can I find local kid-appropriate theatre productions and “Jr.” adaptations near me?
Use TicketSmarter search and filter by city or venue to see family events first. Look for titles labeled Jr., such as Annie Jr., or favorites like The Lion King musical tickets. Many children’s theater series publish show dates well in advance so you can plan field trips or weekend outings.
What should parents know before taking children to the circus?
Read TicketSmarter’s Family Guide to the Circus for tips on age suitability, noise expectations, and logistics. Arrive early, bring ear protection if your child is sensitive to sound, and choose seats that fit your family’s comfort level.
How do I choose between theatre, monster truck events, and sporting events for a family outing?
Consider noise levels, show length, and your child’s attention span. Theatre and Jr. shows are shorter and story driven. Monster truck tickets offer high-energy thrills but are loud, so pack headphones. Baseball and soccer provide flexible pacing with concourse breaks and family areas.
Where can I find affordable baseball games that are family-friendly?
Check MLB tickets for big-league options, and explore local Minor League or collegiate summer teams for lower prices. The Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter offers great value and fun promotions for families.
What family seating options and child-friendly activities are available at professional soccer matches?
Many NWSL, MLS, and USL venues feature family zones, nursing rooms, and kids clubs. Search by team on TicketSmarter and look for stadium guides that highlight playgrounds or concourse activities. Start with NWSL tickets to browse schedules.
How can I plan a toddler-friendly outing to a character show with good photo opportunities?
Pick touring titles like Paw Patrol Live or Blippi that include meet-and-greet moments. Arrive early, bring a favorite comfort item, and confirm camera policies on the event page. TicketSmarter listings note venue rules and any add-on experiences.
What are safety and entertainment considerations for high-energy events like monster trucks?
Bring foam earplugs and over-ear headphones for kids. Wear closed-toed shoes and plan for pit parties or autograph sessions. Arrive early to avoid lines and find your seats. Compare dates and cities on TicketSmarter’s monster truck tickets page.
How do I search for local family-friendly events across theatre, sports, and circus categories?
Start on TicketSmarter category pages and filter by location or date range. You will see local shows first, including character tours, baseball games, soccer matches, and circuses. Bookmark pages and set reminders before school breaks or travel weekends.
What travel and ticket planning tips help families combine lodging deals with kid-focused shows?
Bundle your plans: pick events first on TicketSmarter, then check HotelPlanner for nearby lodging. Travel during shoulder seasons for lighter crowds and consider weekday performances for better prices. Build a small budget buffer for parking, food, and souvenirs.
Author: TicketSmarter Family Entertainment Team
Updated: January 17, 2026porting events and theatre shows. Category pages will show local events first, making it easy to browse upcoming activities in your area or check for options on the road too. If you are heading out on a family vacation, check HotelPlanner for exclusive travel deals.
