Live music is a fantastic experience, no matter your age! Who doesn’t remember the excitement of seeing a band perform live on stage for the first time? Taking your kids to a concert can be a bit tricky, though. There is only so much Kidz Bop a parent can take. But is a “real” concert going to be family friendly?
Based on an unofficial poll of some music-loving, concert-going Boston Moms friends, here are a few bands that put on great shows that will be loved by both parents and kids alike!
Ed Sheeran
May 24, 2024
Boston Calling Music Festival, Harvard Athletic Complex
His smooth voice, trendy lyrics, and melodic guitar playing are sure to entertain both you and your kids alike! Everyone will recognize Ed’s more than 37 hit singles. You’ve got to admit — even the family dog bops along to “Shape of You” when it comes on the radio.
Niall Horan
June 15, 2024
Xfinity Center :: Mansfield
Niall Horan may have started out as one fifth of the pop phenomenon One Direction, but he is now making a successful run as a solo artist! Straight from his venture as a judge on “The Voice,” Niall is bringing his new music on the road (and we are hoping he will mix in a few of the 1D hits we all know and love!).
Hootie and the Blowfish with Barenaked Ladies
June 21, 2024
Fenway Park :: Boston
Is this the concert of our 1990s dreams?! Why yes, yes it is. Hootie and the Blowfish and Barenaked Ladies are touring together this summer, and we are here for it! You and your kids will have a blast singing along with these (cough, cough) old songs at this funny, family-friendly show. Collective Soul and Edwin McCain will also be in the line up.
Imagine Dragons
August 6, 2024
Xfinity Center, Mansfield
You know their songs from the radio, and your kids probably found them on the soundtracks of the Paw Patrol movie, “The Croods,” the Transformers movie, or a host of other places where the catchy tunes have popped up! Parents across the board have reviewed their concerts as fun, upbeat, and family friendly, with little to no swearing. You’ll definitely leave this show feeling On Top of the World!
Walk Off the Earth
August 13, 2024
MGM Music Hall, Boston
You (along with 186 million of your closest friends) know them from their viral “5 Peeps, 1 Guitar” cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Their fun YouTube videos are a hit with the kids, and the energy in their live show is amazing. Get ready for flying ukeleles, confetti, giant balloons, and popular songs played on household items you didn’t even realize could be played like musical instruments. A bonus – this tour includes famed violinist Lindsey Stirling, who you will remember from her amazing, theatrical performances on America’s Got Talent!
P!nk
August 21, 2024
Gilette Stadium, Foxboro
There may be some language, but if you don’t mind a few swears, this concert experience will be epic for you and your kiddos! This amazing stage show will wow the audience, and little girls everywhere (and their moms) will relish in the message that you are “Perfect.”
A Few of Our Other Favorite Kid-Friendly Bands
These bands aren’t currently touring near Boston, but they are definitely ones to put on your must-see list for future concerts with your kids!
Taylor Swift
Were you lucky enough to get through that endless que and secure tickets to the Eras tour? Either way, you don’t need to be a Swiftie to appreciate a Taylor Swift concert! Taylor presents an amazing theatrical experience in her high-energy shows that are full of the hits we know and love. It is the perfect experience for parents to share with their kids, no matter their age.
Olivia Rodrigo
Admit it — you had “Drivers License” stuck in your head on an endless loop for months. The “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” star’s highly anticipated GUTS world tour hits Boston in April, and it will be an awesome opportunity to rock out to some girl-power anthems with your kids. (Keep in mind that there will be some language — there are swears in the non-radio edits of her songs).
Pentatonix
Since their time on “The Sing-Off,” this five-person acapella group has skyrocketed to fame, for good reason! Their amazing harmonies and vocal orchestrations will leave you wondering where they hid the band! (Hint — it is nowhere; everything you hear comes from the mouths of five insanely talented singers!).
They Might Be Giants
OK, so this one may be a blast from the past for the parents — don’t be ashamed, we are all currently bopping our heads to the tune of “Istanbul (not Constantinople).” Who knew that in our adulthood, we would still be listening to this band every single day? Don’t believe me? Rock out to their biggest hit song with me. (Hint: It’s the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song.)