One of my favorite memories from growing up was going to the ballet. We’d always go in December to watch The Nutcracker. It was so much fun and it exposes you to a different art form! It was also fun exploring the city a little with my parents and sister. I went to see a symphony a few times as well. It was still fun (since I liked classical music) but you don’t have the added visuals, so it can be a lot harder to get kids to focus– especially fidgety ones. This post by Carly at Africa To America has some tips on how to take your kids to symphonies, operas, and ballets while getting the most out of the experience:
Before: Talk about this music with your child before the performance to both build excitement and to help make the experience relevant and accessible. Prepare your child for what he will see. Talk about the different instruments that make up an orchestra and what music families they belong to. Explain symphony etiquette.
Arrive early! You’ll have a chance to walk around the symphony hall a bit and check out the musicians warming up.
Afterward, talk! Does the music sound scary, happy, peaceful or exciting to your child? How does it make him feel? Ask your child which piece was his favorite and why?