Photo by Darin Kamnetz for MPR
Families can dance, explore, and celebrate music together when Rock the Cradle returns to Minneapolis on June 14.
Presented by The Current, the annual free event for kids (and their grownups) takes over the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) with a full day of live music, hands-on activities and performances geared toward children. (Although the event is open to kids of all ages, organizers say it’s best suited for ages 10 and under.)
The popular event will feature returning favorites including the Kids’ Disco, interactive performances, and live music from Will Sings Songs, The Laamartians, and Koo Koo.
“Rock the Cradle has always been about the littlest listeners and fostering a love of music, art, and community—and having fun doing it,” said Lindsay Kimball, programming director at The Current, in a recent release. “It’s so delightful to see kids get inspired by music. The joy on their faces is priceless! But secretly, I think the grownups have the most fun sharing their love of music with the next generation. And that’s what makes Rock the Cradle so magical.”
Photo by Darin Kamnetz for MPR
Activities will take place throughout the Mia campus and at CTC beginning at 10 a.m. Mia’s galleries and museum spaces will remain open until 5 p.m., offering families a chance to step inside between performances. The museum’s Reception Hall will also serve as a quieter, sensory-friendly space with soft background music for children who may need a break from the outdoor excitement.
“There is something special about seeing families fill Mia’s courtyard with music, movement, creativity, and play,” said Jenny Rydeen, Mia’s head of visitor experience. “Rock the Cradle gives visitors a chance to experience live music, visual art, and performance in a fun environment designed for exploration and connection.”
At Children’s Theatre Company, families can participate in Music in Motion sessions led by CTC teaching artists and dance along at the Kids’ Disco featuring DJs from The Current.
Photo by Darin Kamnetz for MPR
“We’re excited to welcome families to CTC for Rock the Cradle,” said Ryan French, managing director of Children’s Theatre Company. “We can’t wait to see kids learning from our incredible teaching artists during Music in Motion and rocking out to the Kids’ Disco on our Cargill Stage.”
Additional activities include yoga from the YMCA, “floss breaks” from Delta Dental, and sponsor experiences throughout the event.
Find more information, including the full schedule and accessibility details, at thecurrent.org.
