Indy With Kids: 10 cool arts and cultural events

Stuffed animals are welcome in the audience at the ISO Teddy Bear Series, 11 a.m. March 6 and April 14 at Central Library. Five string players will bring preschoolers into the tale of "The Giant's Violin," with live music, storytelling and movement. Admission is free.

Families can also experience live chamber music with ISO musicians during the free Classical Concerts at Central, 2 p.m. April 26, at the Downtown library. Info: www.imcpl.org.

SymFUNy Sundays transforms the otherwise formal Hilbert Circle Theatre into a spontaneous kid-friendly environment. During "The Orchestra: Working and Playing Together," ISO musicians explain music and the stories behind them, and introduce instruments. The next show is 3 p.m. March 15 at 45 Monument Circle; get there an hour earlier to interact with the musicians and their instruments.

Tickets start at $12 for children and $25 for adults; info at www.indianapolissymphony.org.

Families with young children will find the perfect musical play date during the monthly Kids Day at Indy CD & Vinyl, 806 Broad Ripple Ave. There's an interactive show by Mr. Daniel and music-inspired arts and crafts. This month's event takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. March 29, but call ahead as times can change. Admission is free but donations will be accepted for Girls Rock! Indy. Info: www.indycdandvinyl.com.

Indy's top jazz musicians give free performances for families during Hot Jazz for Cool Kids!, a series presented by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and Indy Jazz Fest. The next show is 3 p.m. March 8 at Central Library. Info: http://www.imcpl.org/events.

You can wear your pajamas to Cereal Cinema, a throwback to Saturday morning cartoons. Presented by Indy Film Fest, the monthly event lets families take in a classic movie while eating a cereal buffet. Events are 10 a.m. the first Saturday, alternating between the Athenaeum, 407 E. Michigan St., and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road.

Next up: "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo," March 7 at the IMA. Admission is $5 per person, cereal included. Info: indyfilmfest.org.

"Star Midnight" sets Snow White to a hip-hop beat at Asante Children's Theatre. The young actors present their shows at the Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave. Take advantage of $5 admission during Community Night, 8 p.m. March 5. Otherwise, tickets cost $12-$18 at regularly scheduled performances: 8 p.m. March 6-7, 12-14 and at 4 p.m. March 8 and 15. Info: www.asantechildrenstheatre.org.

Watch a free performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, presented by Young Actors Theatre, at 2 p.m. March 21 and 22 at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.) YAT is presenting some of the most innovative children's theater in the Midwest; learn more about upcoming performances at upcoming www.yatkids.org/upcoming-shows.

Grammy winner Sylvia McNair will join the Indianapolis Children's Choir for an afternoon and an evening performance March 22 at Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. The choir will perform George Gershwin and Cole Porter songs. The youngest choir members will present Tapestry of Song at 3 p.m. and the advanced performers will entertain at 7 p.m. during "Voices of Youth." Tickets range from $12 to $15; info at icchoir.org.

"Charlotte's Web," a one-hour musical, is on stage through March 21 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Road. Shows are 10 a.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets are $15.50 and include a juice box and small snack. Info: www.beefandboards.com.

How are you getting your kids hooked on culture in Indy? Share with me on Instagram and Twitter @indywithkids.