Lincoln Square’s Family-Friendly Performances

This season, Lincoln Square offers an exciting lineup of family-friendly performances that bring magic and wonder to the stage. From high-flying circus acts to interactive theater and immersive installations to classical ballet and opera, there’s something for every young arts lover. Bring your kids to experience these unique shows and make lasting memories.

The Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park brings back its thrilling display of trapeze artists, clowns, and astonishing feats that will leave your little ones wide-eyed and cheering. This year’s theme, “Hometown Playground,” celebrates the joy, wonder, and amazement of New York City. This year’s acts, which include The Cartoon Poodles, The world-famous Flying Poemas, and The Human Fountains of America’s Got Talent fame, will take audiences on a journey to iconic New York City destinations during each performance. The circus runs through January 5, but don’t wait to purchase your tickets. This is sure to be a memorable experience for kids and adults of all ages.

Lincoln Center Presents is offering a variety of unique experiences for young children this November and December in the Clark Studio Theater (165 West 65th Street at Amsterdam Avenue) that are pay-what-you-choose (but be sure to book tickets). For two weekends (November 15–17 and November 22–24), the Italian company Compagnia TPO presents +ERBA: A Forest in the City, an immersive, interactive performance for kids ages 4 and up. In this show, children are invited to use their bodies as paintbrushes to create an imaginary city where nature and humans coexist in harmony.

Then, in December, the Argentinian-Mexican theatrical collective Teatro Al Vacío offers two different performances for some of the youngest audiences. Are You There?, designed for children ages 1–4, invites little ones to explore presence and connection through organic physicality, movement, sound, props, and music, running December 6–8. The following weekend, December 13–15, Close is a light-hearted show for ages 3–6, exploring themes of relationships, distance, and closeness in the company’s signature style of physicality and movement. These performances create an engaging atmosphere perfect for introducing young audiences to the world of live theater.

Synonymous with the holiday season, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® returns to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center (20 Lincoln Center Plaza) from November 29 through January 5. If your child isn’t already a fan of the ballet, this is the production that might enchant them. With its magical story, exquisite music, choreography, elaborate costumes, and iconic characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King, The Nutcracker offers a wonderful introduction to the beauty of ballet for young audiences and is a must-see tradition for families every winter. Adding to the magic, more than 125 children from the School of American Ballet join the New York City Ballet in two alternating casts. Be sure to secure tickets before they sell out. If your child feels inspired to try ballet, the New York City Ballet offers workshops throughout the year for children ages 5–7, with three sessions available in December. They also provide autism-friendly workshops for kids ages 4–12 with autism and sensory needs, with two sessions offered in December. Sign up before it’s too late!

Experience The Metropolitan Opera's annual holiday production of Mozart's classic opera, The Magic Flute, presented in a family-friendly, abridged format. This beloved holiday production is crafted to captivate young audiences and inspire a love for opera through its whimsical characters, vibrant costumes, dazzling puppets, and colorful setting. Get your tickets to this musical fairy tale, running from December 12 through January 4 at the Metropolitan Opera House (30 Lincoln Center Plaza). For an extra-special treat, consider the December 14 matinee, which begins with a Holiday Open House at 10:00am, featuring behind-the-scenes demonstrations by the Met’s backstage and artistic staff. Ticketholders—especially children and families—are invited to enjoy this unique opportunity before the performance.

With such a rich lineup, Lincoln Square is the perfect spot to introduce children to the performing arts this season. Don't miss the opportunity to spark their imagination and create cherished family memories!

Photo Credit: Erin Baiano for the New York City Ballet