Live Touring Shows That Bring Your Kids' Favorite Characters to Life

Kids' live shows tour the world to bring everyone from Big Bird to Buzz Lightyear to a city near you. Browse the list of kids' live shows to find out more about each one's storyline, ticket prices, and touring dates.

Sesame Street Live

Sesame street live cast
Jason Kempin / Getty Images

Several versions of Sesame Street Live run throughout the world. Storylines for the kids' live shows have covered everything from helping children learn about healthy eating habits to teaching them about the ecosystem. Kids' favorite Sesame Street characters can always be seen in the shows, no matter which stage production comes to your city.

Each musical show lasts an hour and a half with a 15-minute intermission built in. Ticket prices usually start around $15 but vary city to city and by seat preference. "Sunny Seats" is a VIP package that lets you meet two characters and have your picture taken.

Sesame Street Live's website has complete details on the current shows running and how to get tickets.

Disney on Ice

Donald and Daisy Duck performing at Disney on Ice

 Hubert Yu / fFlickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Generations of kids have watched their favorite Disney characters on ice. Formerly known as Walt Disney's World on Ice, the productions have been traveling the world since 1981. Several shows of different names run at once, and they usually travel all year long. Shows continually change to bring in fresh entertainment for the kids.

Shows last about 2 hours, plus there's a 15-minute intermission. Ticket prices range from $20 to more than $75 per person, depending on the venue and your preferred seats.

Visit Disney on Ice's website to find out more about the productions coming to your city and to buy tickets.

Day Out With Thomas

People gathered for a Day Out With Thomas Event

Yellowute / Wikimedia Commons

Kids who love Thomas the Tank Engine can climb aboard a life-size Thomas to go on a train ride. They can also meet Sir Topham Hatt. Activities vary from city to city, but crafts, face painting, magic shows, games, a petting zoo, and miniature golf are just some of the fun you'll find at various locations.

Typically, the train ride alone lasts about 30 minutes. A Day Out With Thomas was started in 1995 and tours the U.S. annually. Ticket prices vary at each location. Most are between $15 and $25 per person.

Visit the Day Out With Thomas website for tour dates and ticket information.

Marvel Universe Live

Marvel Universe Live cast

Hubert Yu / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 

More than 25 superheroes and villains fly into a city near you for this ultimate stunt show. The show features an original storyline and Marvel states its live performance is for kids of all ages. Do be aware, though, that each performance includes blackout periods, loud noises, and pyrotechnics.

The show lasts about two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Ticket price vary by venue and the seats you choose.

Visit the Marvel Universe Live website for more information on the show and tour dates.

Scooby-Doo Live

Kids meeting Scooby Doo Live characters

 Loren Javier / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Scooby-Dooby Doo, where are you? He's coming to a city near you, and he's bringing your other favorite crime-fighting characters with him to solve a musical mystery.

Scooby-Doo Live lasts about an hour and 20 minutes, which includes a brief intermission. Ticket price vary by city and the seats you choose.

Visit the Scooby-Doo Live website for more information on the show and tour dates.

Kidz Bop

Kidz Bop cast singing

Taylor Hill / Getty Images

Take in a concert of your favorite chart-topping songs with a twist. Kids sing the hot songs on the Kidz Bop tour. Just like the CDs you see advertised on TV, the Kidz Bop crew takes today's songs and turns them into family-friendly fun with child singers.

Kidz Bop continually tours around the country. Some ticket prices are for the concert only. Other venues, such as at certain fairs, include admission to the fair and the concert.

Visit the Kidz Bop tour website for more information on the show and tour dates.

Closed Shows

Barney the Dinosaur live in concert

 Themeplus / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

The following kids' live shows closed in the past decade. But since many shows are revamped and brought back, you may want to keep an eye out for these characters if you missed them the first time around.

The Fresh Beat Band

Kiki, Marina, Twist and Shout from Nickelodeon's "The Fresh Beat Band" show toured for several years. The show's most recent tour ended in February 2014.

The Wiggles

This musical production from the popular Aussie children's group also featured Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog. The Wiggles usually tour annually.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live

DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Plex, Muno and Toodee once hit the road annually with a special celebrity guest appearing on stage in each city.

The Backyardigans

Pablo the penguin, Tyrone the moose, Uniqua the purple-spotted creature, Tasha the hippo and Austin the kangaroo went on a musical quest for aliens. This show closed in December 2011.

Max & Ruby: Bunny Party

Brother and sister bunnies Max and Ruby hopped out of their cartoon and into real life in a "Bunny Party" musical. This show closed in early 2012.

Barney Live in Concert

Barney and friends went on a national birthday bash tour with an interactive stage tour that featured singing and dancing. This show closed in December 2011.

Curious George Live!

In this touring show, everyone's favorite monkey wanted to win the Golden Meatball Contest. This show closed in January 2011.

By Apryl Duncan
Apryl Duncan is a stay-at-home mom and internationally-published writer with years of experience providing advice to others like her.