Screens are everywhere, and for most families, they’ve become the easiest form of entertainment, but the fact is that live shows – the kind with real people, music, lights, and audience energy – offer something no screen can match. Of course, getting kids excited about live entertainment isn’t always easy, especially if they’re used to watching from the sofa, but it’s absolutely worth the effort because the memories they make will stay with them long after the curtain closes. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.

Photo by Monica Silvestre

Start With Something They Already Love 

If your child has a favourite film, story, or character, that’s the perfect place to begin because a lot of stage shows, concerts, and performances are inspired by popular kids’ favourites, from Disney classics to storybook adaptations. Choosing something familiar helps them feel more engaged and comfortable, especially if it’s their first time seeing a live show.

Before you go, talk about what to expect and explain that the performers are right there in front of them, not on a screen, and that the audience plays an important role too. Building up a sense of anticipation makes the experience feel special before it even begins.

Look For Family-Friendly Events 

There’s more going on locally than most people realise, and plenty of theatres, outdoor venues, and community spaces run family days, children’s shows, or interactive performances designed for younger audiences. Checking whats on in your area can uncover brilliant, age-appropriate options that don’t mean you have to travel too far. 

Outdoor theatre, circus performances, and local festivals are often great starting points because they feel relaxed and fun, and there’s space to move around, and kids can react naturally without worrying about being too loud or restless.

Make It A Day Out, Not Just A Show

The excitement doesn’t have to start and end at the performance – turning it into a full day out helps build the sense of adventure, so maybe you stop for lunch beforehand, pick out a small souvenir, or chat afterwards about their favourite part.

Encouraging kids to talk about what they saw, like what surprised them, what made them laugh, or what characters they liked most, for example helps deepen their connection to the experience, and it turns it from a one-off event into a lasting memory.

Encourage Curiosity And Creativity 

Live entertainment can do more than entertain – it can spark imagination. Kids often come home from a show wanting to act out scenes, sing songs, or create their own performances, so supporting that curiosity keeps the magic alive.

It doesn’t have to mean enrolling them in drama lessons (unless they want to) – it can be as simple as setting up a home stage for fun performances or encouraging them to write their own stories.

Final Thoughts 

In a world where entertainment is often instant and digital, live shows remind kids what it feels like to be part of something real because they see creativity, teamwork, and emotion right in front of them, and that can inspire them in ways a screen never could.

So next time you’re wondering how to spend a weekend, take a look at what’s happening nearby – you might find something wonderful waiting behind the curtain.