The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is a cultural institution that isn’t just a fun date night. Introduce your kids to music from toddlerhood and inspire creativity that lasts a lifetime with the Tiny Tots and Young People’s Family Concerts programs at Orchestra Hall.
A family favorite of ours, we love a family visit to Orchestra Hall. Get tickets to a show and arrive early for free activites (9:30 am —11:00am). Kick off your day with hands-on fun—instrument try-outs, arts & crafts, and more!
Young People’s Family Concerts
Get to know the DSO and discover all the orchestra can do! Young People’s Family Concerts are an exciting introduction to classical music that often include dance, theater, storytelling, and video. Young People’s Concerts are designed for kids ages 6 and older and have introduced generations of children to classical music—a friendship that lasts a lifetime. Annual subscriptions start at $47.24 per person for 4 shows and you can also get single show performance tickets for $15.75.
- PIRATES! The Quest For Blackbeard’s Treasure (Saturday, October 25th at 11am): All hands on deck! When Captain Enrico and First Mate Pip discover a clue to the lost treasure of Captain Blackbeard, they recruit their audience of new sailors to sail the seven seas in search of this legendary prize. But the notorious Captain Guerrero and his salty crew of scallywags are also on the hunt and will stop at nothing to get to the treasure first.
- Winter Wonderland (Saturday, December 6th at 11am): Get ready for Winter Wonderland! The sleigh bells are ringing, the orchestra is swinging, and there’s plenty of festive holiday cheer to go around. Bundle up and enjoy a sparkling musical celebration with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra that’ll have you humming all the way home.
- Frederick’s Fales (Saturday,Febraury 28th at 11am): Experience the timeless stories of beloved children’s author and illustrator Leo Lionni brought to life through the vibrant music of composer-in-residence Michael Abels. These enchanting musical settings capture the heart and wonder of Lionni’s classic tales, making for a performance that will delight audiences of all ages.
- Tubby The Tuba (Saturday, May 2nd at 11am): Join Principal Tuba Dennis Nulty and the DSO for a special Young People’s Family concert as they bring Tubby the Tuba’s story to life!
Tiny Tots
Hear fun, imaginative, and interactive performances designed for children ages 2-6. Enjoy up-close and personal performances in the DSO’s CUBE as audiences sing, dance, and enjoy a morning full of musical fun—all before naptime! Annual subscriptions start at $43 per person for 4 shows and you can also get single show tickets for $13 per person.
- Miss Paula and The Candy Bandits (Saturday, October 25th at 10am): Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits is a family-friendly rock band. Go on a mellow musical journey with Miss Paula and friends as they perform a special acoustic set of candy-coated rock music for kids and adults alike, featuring a guitar, vocalists, and percussion. Join in the fun with movement and call back singing!
- Kris Johnson Group (Saturday, December 6th at 10am): Join the Kris Johnson Group for a fun morning of music where you and your kids can learn about the foundation of Detroit music: GROOVE. From swing, and blues to Motown and hip-hop, “What is Groove?” will get the audience to feel the beat in a whole new way. Led by trumpeter Kris Johnson, this presentation will introduce you to the role of various instruments in a band and how they work together to make music.
- Joe Reilly Music (Saturday, February 28th at 10am): Hear fun, imaginative, and interactive performances designed for children ages 2-6. Enjoy up-close and personal performances in the DSO’s Cube as audiences sing, dance, and enjoy a morning full of musical fun—all before naptime!
- Gemini (Saturday, May 2nd at 10am): A beloved family favorite at the DSO, Gemini brings joy to kids and parents alike with their warm, humorous, and toe-tapping acoustic music. Their concerts are packed with sing-alongs, lively folk tales, and melodies from around the world.
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