Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

The Playground: Family Friendly Theatres & Shows

Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families. I’m always on the lookout for fun stuff to do, so if there’s something happening that you think I should know about, don't hesitate to contact me .

Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families. I’m always on the lookout for fun stuff to do, so if there’s something happening that you think I should know about, don't hesitate to contact me.

Sadie gets a drum lesson while checking out the pit at the Metro Theatre.

Some of my favourite memories as a child was seeing Karen Kain and Ross Petty in the annual Christmas pantos and seeing every Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that came to Vancouver. Going to the theatre is a tradition that I like to share with Sadie but will admit that it is too easy forget that there are shows and productions for kids in this city that don't star Yo Gabba Gabba or Elmo.  When Sadie's idols come to town I am happy to oblige, but something extra special happens when we take her to see a play.

Here is a list of upcoming shows in the Lower Mainland the will be sure to trigger your child's imagination and hopefully spark a life long love of theatre:

Wolfie, Syd, Barry and Harriet invite you into their magical world where anything is possible when you use your imagination. Whether it’s The Tortoise and the Hare or The Boy Who Cried Wolf, everyone knows at least one of Aesop’s classic fables. In this charming production, storytellers use music, movement and drama to bring these famous fables to life!   Ages 3+

Thumbelina

February 26th

Centennial Theatre (North Vancouver)

An original shadow play based on the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.  While the plot of the play follows Andersen's story, the script supports a comic sub text linking music of the 1960's and '70s to Thumbelina's desire to find her home in  the land of flowers. The live music is performed on hammer dulcimer, electric guitar, and an assortment of percussion and sound effects.

WALL TO WALL PERCUSSION

March 4th, 2pm

Orpheum Theatre

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Principal Percussionist Vern Griffiths plays everything including the kitchen sink! This spectacular concert that shows kids that music can be found anywhere – from professional orchestral instruments to everyday household items.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

April 22nd, 2pm

Centennial Theatre (North Vancouver)

Based on adaptations of favourite fairy tales or Shakespearean classics, the stories are brought to life with tremendous wit and humour, and with a unique twist. Volunteers from the audience are invited to come up on stage and join in the story. Presented by DuffleBag Theatre which has become one of the most celebrated Canadian companies performing for young audiences.

EMILY SAVES THE ORCHESTRA

May 13th, 2pm

Orpheum Theatre

Award-winning Platypus Theatre presents a theatrical introduction to the instruments of the orchestra and the basic elements of music – melody, harmony, dynamics, rhythm and tone – in a concert that tells the story of a young girl's battle to save music.