Your Guide to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's New Season of Concerts for Kids and Families

There’s something magical that fills a concert hall the moment the musicians take their positions and the tuning process begins, signaling something exciting to come. Even the most active of kids settle in their seats, waiting with anticipation as the lights dim and the conductor raises their baton.

It’s this sense of wonder that brings generations of music fans back to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) year after year for its annual Concert for All Ages series. From the stage at Powell Hall, world-renowned musicians take families on a memorable musical journey. Whether kids are exploring the savannahs of Simba’s kingdom or traveling through the Marvel Universe, their adventures are set to an incredible live soundtrack that inspires a lifelong love of music.

“When we design our experiences, the focus is really on entertainment and fun,” said Jessica Ingraham, senior director of education for SLSO. “But we also know there’s an educational value that comes along with them. The idea of learning through play is really what we try to embody in all of our programming.”

This year’s series promises to be another unforgettable one for families. Not only has the SLSO announced an amazing lineup of performances, but every show will be performed at the renovated Powell Hall in the newly created Jack C. Taylor Music Center, which opened to worldwide acclaim this September, offering more opportunities for kids to enjoy the power of music.

Concerts for Kids (And the Concerts for Teens!)

SLSO’s Concert for Kids introduces young fans to orchestral music through playful experiences that encourage audience participation and feedback. Upcoming shows this season include:

Howl at Powell
Sunday, October 19 at 3 p.m.
Recommended for children ages 6+

Toss on your Halloween costume and head to Powell Hall for a spooky musical adventure. This creepy concert features playful melodies, ghostly tunes, and hauntingly fun surprises. Singing with the orchestra will be soprano and Make-A-Wish recipient Holly Connor whose dream is to perform alongside the SLSO.

Music Without Boundaries
Sunday, March 1 at 3 p.m.
Recommended for children ages 6+

Take a trip around the world to discover how the power of music connects us all. Kids will discover different cultures’ rhythm, music, and instruments and learn how they inspire their favorite music today.

Giraffes Can’t Dance
May 16 at 10:15 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Recommended for children ages 3-6

With his thin legs and crooked knees, dancing doesn’t come easy to Gerald the Giraffe. But with the support of the kids in the crowd and the sounds of the SLSO, Gerald just may be able to shine on the dance floor.

This year, SLSO is also launching a special performance just for teens! Cinematic Symphony on April 26 at 3 p.m. is designed for music lovers and movie buffs alike, taking the film scores that have become part of pop culture and bringing them to the SLSO stage.

Said Ingraham, “With the Concert for Kids series, children can see so many people working together to create something beautiful – something that is really the epitome of human expression and emotion. That experience is incredibly unique, and I think one that is really important for kids to share.”

In addition to the performances themselves, Concerts for Kids features pre-show activities as well as post-concert talkbacks with the artists themselves. For instance, Howl at Powell goes high-tech, giving kids the chance to create their own eerie tunes using micro:bit processors that mimic a theremin, an electric musical instrument that is controlled without physical contact.

Performances for the Whole Family

In addition to its kid-centered performances, the SLSO is once again offering its cinematic-themed and holiday concerts for children and adults alike.

“One of the things I love to see in the concert hall are the cross-generations enjoying these performances,” Ingraham shared. “With the diversity of concerts the SLSO offers, there’s a show for every age, and it’s what keeps families coming back again and again.”

The Lion King in Concert
Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 16 at 2 p.m.

Experience the original animated classic roaring from the big screen, as your SLSO performs Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score live. The afternoon concert on November 15 will be a special sensory-friendly performance, ensuring all children can experience the symphony how they’re most comfortable.

Mercy Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 23 at 2 p.m.

St. Louis native and The Voice alum Kennedy Holmes returns to the SLSO stage for this annual holiday performance. Already a seasonal tradition for many families, the Mercy Holiday Celebration includes beloved classics and twists on your festive favorites.

Home Alone in Concert
Saturday, December 27 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 28 at 2 p.m.

Like hanging stockings and baking Christmas cookies, watching Home Alone is always a holiday must-do. Watch Kevin McCallister’s adventures unfold as the SLSO performs John Williams’ delightful and heartwarming score.

The Wizard of Oz in Concert
Friday, January 30 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 31 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m.

The yellow brick road leads guests right to the doors of Powell Hall. Follow Dorothy, the Tin Man, and all of their friends on their saga to the Emerald City while singing along with classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.”

Marvel Infinity Saga in Concert
Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m.

Relive every iconic moment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this epic on-screen journey that includes 23 films in one momentous concert experience. The SLSO brings the excitement of Earth’s mightiest defenders to life with each character’s unforgettable heroic music.

More Options for Families

To make attending multiple performances more affordable for families and encourage return visits to Powell Hall, this year, SLSO launched its new SLSO Kids Club for concertgoers between the ages of five and 14.

Parents can pick up a free punch card at the SLSO box office to receive a 15% off discount on upcoming performances. After attending three concerts in 2025 and 2026, their kiddos can earn a free concert ticket and a special SLSO gift.

In addition, to reintroduce families to the renovated Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, the SLSO invites everyone to Community Day, a free open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 8.  Throughout the event, families can enjoy performances from the SLSO Youth Orchestra as well as community partners such as The Black Rep, St. Louis Children’s Choirs, and the Saint Louis Story Stitchers. Between musical acts, check out the Family Fun Zone, grab a snack from a food truck, or tour the Center’s new 3,600-square-foot education and learning center.

For the education team at SLSO, creating a community for children is what motivates them to continue expanding family programming and introduce new options for experiencing different music in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

“The symphony is a great catalyst for wonder and inspiration. When kids are exposed to live music, it increases their interest in the arts,” said Ingraham. “And we know that when kids participate in music, whether they play an instrument or sing on stage, they gain valuable skills they need to be successful in life. That’s why giving them the outlet is so important. If my own dad hadn’t taken me to a Baltimore Symphony family concert, I wouldn’t be sitting where I am today. It’s really exciting to give other kids the same opportunity.”