Children’s Shows at Place des Arts: A Wonderful Opportunity to Build Precious Memories

More than ever in 2026-27, Place des Arts is your go-to family destination. With a rich and varied program for young audiences, it offers families much more than just entertainment… Get ready for a truly cultural, engaging, and formative experience!

According to professor and researcher Marie-Christine Beaudry, who specializes in cultural activities in the school context, live performances play an essential role in a child’s development. They stimulate the imagination, nurture curiosity, and expose children to cultural diversity, allowing them to learn something about themselves and others.

The Benefits of the Performing Arts for Children

“Seeing a play means experiencing emotions, analyzing, and asking questions,” says Beaudry. Even if children don’t like everything, they learn to better understand their tastes, their emotions, what resonates with them and what doesn’t. Research also shows that going to the theatre strengthens empathy, tolerance, and the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes—all of which are essential skills for a child’s overall development.

To help parents and grandparents navigate the 2026–2027 season, several shows stand out. To spark the imagination of little ones, Le jardin d’Alice et Théo (October 25, 2026) offers a warm and engaging sensory journey. For a fresh take on a classic, Peter and the Wolf on the Organ (March 2, 2027) invites audiences to rediscover Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved musical tale in an original version for four-hand organ.

With Mokatek et l’étoile disparue (November 15, 2026), families are transported into an Indigenous tale celebrating wisdom and courage. In the mood for some laughs? Les p’tites polisses (January 31, 2027) delivers a hilarious show blending clowning, acrobatics, vocal harmonies, stunts, pratfalls and slapstick comedy.

For those who enjoy being part of the action, Opéra-Bonbon: The Gourmet Adventure of Hansel and Gretel (September 27, 2026) offers a playful introduction to operatic singing. Holiday magic will also be in the air with Le grand bal de Noël (December 6, 2026) and Dans nos maisons.

Finally, preschool favourites Nicolas Noël, Arthur L’aventurier and Ari Cui Cui will also be making a stop at Place des Arts over the coming year.

A 2026-27 Program to Fuel the Family’s Imagination

But beyond the shows, the whole family experience plays a central role. “Going out as a family means building shared memories, an emotional point of reference you can talk about later,” emphasizes Marie-Christine Beaudry. Post-show discussions can be simple and enriching: “What did you like?” and “What surprised you?” are enough to nurture the imagination and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

For Beaudry, giving a child a chance to attend a live performance is like “opening a door to the world, to possibilities.”

Place des Arts is offering families invaluable cultural experiences that awaken curiosity, forge memories, and strengthen lasting bonds. Discover the programming!