Is “Do-Re-Mi” the anthem in your minivan? Does your child reenact Hamilton with a hairbrush mic? If your household sings in show tunes and dreams in jazz hands, you’re not alone. For families who love musicals, these five fun and educational theater-themed activities are perfect for keeping kids engaged, entertained—and maybe even a little star-struck.
1. Sing-Along Central: Find All the Lyrics
From Annie to The Sound of Music, the songs you love are just a click away.
Visit Musicals & Lyrics to find the words to your favorite Broadway numbers.
Need something special? Try the patter song challenge with Rock Island from The Music Man!
️ See full lyrics on Genius
2. Behind the Curtain: Discover How Musicals Are Made
Ever wonder how a musical comes together? What comes first—the script or the song?
Listen to this NPR segment on Fiddler on the Roof lyricist Sheldon Harnick.
It’s like Broadway outtakes: songs written for shows that never made the final cut. Did you know Lazar the butcher once had a solo?
3. Game Time: Broadway Anagrams
Ready for a mental warm-up before showtime?
Test your family’s theater knowledge with the Sporcle Musical Anagram Quiz.
Turn it into a parent-vs-kid challenge: you’ll ace Oklahoma!, they’ll get Dear Evan Hansen.
4. Watch & Learn: Sondheim’s Masterclass
What makes a musical number unforgettable?
Watch the legendary Stephen Sondheim teach “Send in the Clowns”.
It’s a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into musical storytelling—and a chance for your kids to learn from the best.
5. Take the Ultimate Musical Challenge
How many musicals have you seen together as a family?
Check off your favorites from this Top 100 Greatest Musicals List.
Don’t agree with the rankings? Neither do we. (The Sound of Music below Mary Poppins?? Blasphemy.)
✨ Bonus: Create Your Own Mini Musical
Feeling ambitious? Have your child write a short musical scene—dialogue, lyrics, and all—and act it out together.
Costumes optional, applause mandatory.
Quick Safety Note for Parents
Before your next musical road trip, download the free Kars4Kids Safety App to prevent hot car tragedies:
Get it here
About Varda EpsteinVarda Meyers Epstein serves as editor in chief of Kars4Kids Parenting. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Varda is the mother of 12 children and is also a grandmother of 12. Her work has been published in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, The Learning Site, The eLearning Site, and Internet4Classrooms.