This has got to be one of the best kept secrets in town. Fortunately for us, this is the third year my parents have treated us to tickets to the Phoenix Symphony Family Series, and the kids have thoroughly enjoyed it. I know the idea of taking young children to the Symphony may seem a bit ambitious, but the shows in this series are truly geared toward the kids. The series kicked off this weekend with The Music Man, and my 4 year old said it was the best symphony show yet. In the past, there have been a mix of shows featuring mostly symphony music, as well as some featuring plays with music in the background. The Music Man was a full musical, and I think my kids especially liked that there were kids in the show.

We usually go for the pre-show activities too, which vary from show to show. I believe a musical “petting zoo” is always featured, as well as my kids’ favorite, the balloon lady or man that makes them balloon swords, animals, flowers, or whatever they can dream up.

Target sponsors this series, so for every adult series ticket purchase, you get a child’s subscription included. This makes these shows a real deal. Prices are $60, $80 or $100 per subscription, so for a family of 2 kids and 2 adults, the cost would be either $120, $160 or $200 for 4 tickets to 6 shows.  Make that 5 shows, since the first one already happened. (sorry for not telling you about this sooner!)

The remaining four shows are:

Enchanted Tales (Brundibar and Peter and the Wolf) – Sunday, October 10 at 2:30

Hocus Pocus Pops – Saturday, October 30 at 2:30 (The October concerts are always fun because the kids can come in costumes and there’s a costume contest)

Orchestra from Planet X (featuring Magic Circle Mime Company) – Saturday, January 29 at 2:30

Cirque de la Symphonie – Saturday, February 26 at 2:30

The Rhythms of the Earth – Saturday, March 19 at 2:30

For more info on the Phoenix Symphony Family Series, and to purchase tickets, visit www.phoenixsymphony.org or call (602)495-1999.