We know that many of Atlanta's kiddo-friendly attractions offer fun for adults on special occasions. The reverse is also true. Atlanta's treasured performing arts centers offer an assortment of exciting programs for the entire family. Below are four venues where kids are welcome with open arms.
Atlanta Ballet. The 2015/2016 season begins in December with the much beloved "Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker." This two-hour performance is suitable for children four years and older. Surprise them with seats in the snowline for a magical holiday treat. February's "Sleeping Beauty" also promises to be spectacular. Tickets for the world premier go on sale Sept. 1 and is ideal for audience members 12 years old and younger. Finally, stay alert for more information about the new season of Kids In Step, where school children see an abbreviated one-hour performance of select shows and then take a special behind-the-scenes backstage tour.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Introduce your kids to music through a varied mix of new sounds and classical favorites during the Family Concert Series. For fall this year, kids will love the "Halloween Spooktacular" with favorites from Harry Potter. Don't miss the costume contest in the lobby before the show. "My Funny Valentine" features sounds from the great fairy tales, and "Symphony Safari" excites little imaginations with music inspired by the animal kingdom.
Alliance Theatre. Alliance is hosting epic programming this year, for kids of all ages. The Delta Family Series includes the world premiere of "Tell Me My Dream", specially written for middle-schoolers by Alliance Playwright in Residence Pearl Cleage. Children 5 years and older will enjoy "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" in March 2016, based on the much-loved novel by C. S. Lewis. Finally, don't miss a moment of this season's Theatre for the Very Young. "Blub Blub," Play the Play with Cat the Cat," "A Bucket of Blessings" and "The Lizard & El Sol" will capture the hearts of Alliances youngest fans.
Alliance, in partnership with the ASO, High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center, hosts CREATE ATL every Sunday. This free event features live music, play spaces, pop-up theater performances, story times and more. The next family festival is Nov. 8.
High Museum of Art. While Knuffle Bunny is no longer showing at Alliance, the magic lives on at High Museum's exhibit "Seriously Silly! The art & whimsy of Mo Willems. During your visit, be sure to take a spin on Los Trompos in Sifly Piazza. On Thursdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. little ones get in free with admission. Take the opportunity to discuss a featured art piece, make an art project or listen to a story.
Additional family resources include the hands-on activity area called Greene Family Learning Gallery, free Discovery Packs for use while visiting and family-friendly Art Trek Scavenger Hunts that you can download for use during your visit. New programs and free admission also beckon every second Sunday during Second Sunday Fundays.
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