Critic's picks

“STARS ON ICE’’ You loved them in Vancouver, and now you can see their artistry and athleticism up close. Among those scheduled to hit the ice include Olympic gold medal winner and “Dancing With the Stars’’ contender Evan Lysacek and 2006 silver medalist Sasha Cohen. 4 p.m., April 11, $25-$140, TD Garden. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

NEW PHILARMONIA ORCHESTRA: FAMILY CONCERT On the docket for the well-regarded Newton-based orchestra is “Lyle Lyle Crocodile,’’ a children’s book by Bernard Waber set to music by John Tarrh, the orchestra’s composer in residence. The string section will also shine a light on the local talent being groomed at the Suzuki School of Newton. 3 p.m., April 11, $13-$44, First Baptist Church (Newton). 617-527-9717, Newphil.org

“ALLEGRO PRESENTS: MUSIC AND DANCE FROM MY CHILDHOOD’’ The Allegro Music School and the Children’s Dance Theatre join forces to bring favorite classical pieces and fairy tale stories to life. 2 p.m., April 11, $9, The Center for the Arts in Natick. 508-647-0097, www.natickarts.org

STRAIGHT NO CHASER Ten voices, endless possibilities. This a cappella troupe — which scored a holiday hit last year with “The Twelve Days of Christmas’’ — is definitely something that can be appreciated by all ages. 8 p.m., April 14, $27, Wilbur Theatre. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

BEN RUDNICK AND FRIENDS This troupe of rockers knows that appreciation starts young, hence their latest tagline: “Jamming for the next generation.’’ With a deep love for American roots music and improv rock, the busy group plays this event for the North Suburban Family Network and Community Partnership For Children. 10 a.m., April 24, free, Stoneham Theatre. 781-662-2722, www.benrudnick.com

“NICKELODEON PRESENTS STORY TIME LIVE!’’ Kids who can’t get enough of “Dora the Explorer’’ and “The Backyardigans’’ will dance with delight to this musical touring production of those and other favorite Nick shows. 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m., May 22 and 23, $15-$56, Citi Wang Theatre. 800-432-7250, www.telecharge.com

BILL HARLEY Checking out this Grammy-winning musician-storyteller-author is highly recommended. Not only is he funny, smart, and unafraid to examine all of life’s facets, the Bay State artist can hold a crowd of kids’ attention like few others. May 8, Lincoln School, Providence.

BEATLEJUICE AND FRIENDS If you’re looking for can’t-miss entertainment for the whole family, look no further than this premiere Beatles cover band. Many do the Fab Four well but few have as much fun as these guys while doing it. 8 p.m., May 15, $20, the Center for the Arts in Natick. 508-647-0097, www.natickarts.org

RICK GOLDIN There are strings attached to seeing Goldin, but they’re the good kind: He’s a manipulator of musical puppets who sing, joke, and encourage interaction with the audience. 2 p.m., May 15, $8, Amazing Things Arts Center, Framingham. 508-405-2787, www.amazingthings.org

SARAH RODMAN

HOURGLASS This genre-bending quintet offers a family program it calls a “musical time machine,’’ promising new works inspired by centuries of traditional sources. 2 p.m., April 11, $10, Pickman Concert Hall, Longy School, 27 Garden St., Cambridge. 617-876-0956, www.longy.edu or www.hourglassmusic2005.com

NEW PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA At today’s family concert, the orchestra introduces a new piece by John Tarrh that sets to music Bernard Waber’s book “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.’’ Ronald Knudsen conducts. 3 p.m., April 11, $10-$15, First Baptist Church, Newton Center. 617-527-9717, www.newphil.org

BOSTON PHILHARMONIC Conductor Benjamin Zander’s pre-concert talks open up the music for first-timers and veteran listeners alike. The group’s season-closing program includes Ginastera’s Harp Concerto, with a young Dutch virtuoso Gwyneth Wentink, and Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring’’ — a work likely to demolish your kids’ preconceived assumptions about classical music. April 22 and 25 in Sanders Theatre, April 24 in Jordan Hall, $15-$78. 617-236-0999, www.bostonphil.org

RADIUS ENSEMBLE The versatile locally based chamber troupe offers a free family concert that includes Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.’’ 10:30 a.m., May 1, Cambridge Public Library in Central Square, 45 Pearl St. 617-792-7234, www.radiusensemble.org

FIRST MONDAY This is not specifically aimed at families, but it is free, which, for parents, can go a long way. The long-running series showcases New England Conservatory faculty in eclectic chamber programs — in this case music by Wolf, Beethoven, and Gunther Schuller, with the Borromeo String Quartet among the performers. 8 p.m., May 3, Jordan Hall. 617-585-1260, www.necmusic.edu

BOSTON POPS The annual evenings of film music conducted by John Williams are favorites for many families. This year “Hooray for Hollywood’’ runs May 11-14, 8 p.m., $30-$99, Symphony Hall. 617-266-1200, www.bso.org FROM THE TOP The popular public radio show spotlighting kids in music caps its 10th season with a live taping at the Pops, with Keith Lockhart conducting and Christopher O’Riley as host. 8 p.m., June 8, $20-$89, Symphony Hall. 617-266-1200, www.bso.org

CHAMELEON ARTS ENSEMBLE The innovative Chameleon players offer their annual family concert promising tangos, waltzes, marches, and the chance to explore the musicians’ instruments. 2 p.m., June 6, $10, free for kids, Forsyth Chapel at Forest Hills Cemetery. 617-427-8200, www.chameleonarts.org

BOSTON YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS Federico Cortese leads the BYS in Brahms’s Second Symphony and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with two young competition winners as the violin and viola soloists. Joel Bard also conducts the Repertory Orchestra in works to be announced. 3 p.m., June 13, $25-$30, Sanders Theatre. 617-496-2222, www.bysoweb.org

JEREMY EICHLER

BIG APPLE CIRCUS “Bello Is Back!’’ — along with Grandma and other beloved features of the one-ring wonder. Through May 16, City Hall Plaza. 800-922-3772, www.bigapplecircus.org

BALANCING ACT: THE MUSICAL! The short plays on KidStage, full of audience participation and other enticements, are a great way to introduce the youngest tots to the footlights. The current feature adds a little nutritional info, courtesy of audience volunteers who sing and dance as Pasta, Carrots, Water, and Counting Sheep. Ongoing. Boston Children’s Museum. 617-426-6500, www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org

MY FAIR LADY Timothy John Smith teaches Robyn Elizabeth Lee where the rain falls in Spain, with enough classic songs to keep any music-loving grade-schooler in heaven. Through May 2, Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham. 781-279-2200, www.stonehamtheatre.org

A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE Bridget Beirne stars in Dean Reagan’s intimate musical tribute to the country legend, presented by Fiddlehead Theatre. Through April 17, John Hancock Hall. 877-548-3237, www.backbayeventscenter.com

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Boston Children’s Theatre presents Wendy Kesselman’s new adaptation of the historical classic. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Through April 18, Wimberly Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.bostontheatrescene.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS On Patriots’ Day eve, this retelling of the Battle of Lexington uses accounts of those who were there — just the ticket to set you up for the next day’s 6 a.m. reenactment on the Battle Green. April 18, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lexington. 781-862-1703, www.lexingtonhistory.org

FROM ORCHIDS TO OCTOPI: AN EVOLUTIONARY LOVE STORY Catalyst Collaborative@MIT presents the premiere of Melinda Lopez’s new play, a dazzling blend of science, art, and domestic life with a knockout muraled set by David Fichter. Tweens and up will love the mix of fact and fantasy. Through May 2, Central Square Theater, Cambridge. 866-811-4111, www.centralsquaretheater.org

TALL TALES AND LEGENDS First- through fifth-grade kids can register for this Watertown Children’s Theatre vacation-week program, in which they’ll explore the stories of Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, and more through drama, music, and art. April 19-23, Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown. 617-926-2787, www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org

BONNIE & CLYDE The subtitle, “The Two-Person, Six-Gun Musical,’’ hints at the tone of this colorfully theatrical glance at the lawless lovers. For younger kids, you might prefer “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’’ which closes April 18. May 13-June 13, Harwich Junior Theatre, Harwich. 866-811-4111, www.hjtcapecod.org

TIMON OF ATHENS For Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Bill Barclay directs an A-list cast in one of the less familiar works — great for older kids who know their Bard from a bodkin. May 19-June 13, Midway Studios, 15 Channel Center St. 866-811-4111, www.actorsshakespeareproject.org

LOUISE KENNEDY

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston, the legendary troupe performs three Boston premieres: Matthew Rushing’s Harlem Renaissance-inspired “Uptown’’; Ronald K. Brown’s “Dancing Spirit,’’ celebrating Judith Jamison’s 20th anniversary as the company’s artistic director; and Jamison’s own African/Indian dance-flavored “Among Us (Private Places: Public Spaces).’’ April 15-18, $35-$70, Citi Wang Theatre. 866-348-9738, www.celebrityseries.org

IPSWICH MOVING COMPANY For the company’s new “On the Edge,’’ Janet Taisey Craft, Jenny Carlson, and Julie Pike Edmond are experimenting with some new ideas, including audience participation. Their aerial work is visually compelling. April 16-18, $15-$20, Ipswich Moving Company Studio Theatre, Ipswich. 978-356-5565, www.ipswichmovingco.org

NORA CHIPAUMIRE Former associate artistic director of Urban Bush Women, the Zimbabwe-born Chipaumire explores the experience of exile in “Lions Will Roar, Swans Will Fly, Angels Will Wrestle Heaven, Rains Will Break: Gukurahundi,’’ accompanied by live music by Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited. April 23-25. $40, presented by World Music/CRASHarts at Institute of Contemporary Art. 617-876-4275, www.worldmusic.org

INDIA JAZZ SUITES: KATHAK MEETS TAP A cross-cultural collaboration between two rhythmic dance virtuosos: Kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das and Emmy Award—winning tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith of “Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk.’’ Live music comes from Indian classical musicians and a jazz trio. April 30-May 2, $40, presented by World Music/CRASHarts at ICA. 617-876-4275, www.worldmusic.org

ULTIMATE BALANCHINE For budding dance lovers, it’s never too early to come under the spell of Balanchine, and Boston Ballet offers three of the legendary choreographer’s gems: the cool “Four Temperaments,’’ the Stravinsky-fueled “Apollo,’’ and the gorgeous “Theme and Variations,’’ set to the music of Tchaikovsky. May 6-16, $25-$132, Boston Opera House. 617-695-6955, www.bostonballet.org

POSTE RESTANTE This light-hearted show by former Snappy Dancers Bonnie Duncan and Tim Gallagher (a.k.a. They Gotta Be Secret Agents) uses puppetry, film, and partner acrobatics to explore the magic and mystery of an anonymous package, some hand-written letters, and a bicycle with wings. May 6-8, $18-$20, Charlestown Working Theatre, Charlestown. 866-811-4111, www.charlestownworkingtheater.org

MOMIX The fantastical multimedia dancescapes of this inventive company can be eye-popping delights. This World Music/CRASHarts engagement features the Boston premiere of the nature-inspired “Botanica,’’ set to a score ranging from Vivaldi to bird songs. May 7-9, $40-$65, Cutler Majestic Theatre. 617-876-4275, www.worldmusic.org

COLLAGE DANCE ENSEMBLE Known for its fusion of traditional dance forms and contemporary styling, the company offers the premiere of “Moments,’’ evoking the drama and sensuality of dances from South America. Live music is performed by the acclaimed Turkish music ensemble of composer Hasan Isakkut. May 15-16, $25-$30, Wimberly Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.collageusa.org

STREET TALK SUITE TALK In the world premiere of its full-length incarnation, Anna Myer and Dancers’ “rap opera’’ evokes the energy of contemporary urban life with a tapestry of movement, poetry, and music composed by Jakov Jakoulov. Performers include eight area street poets, Jakoulov on organ, Mark Berger on violin, and singers from several of Boston’s noted choirs, led by conductor Susan Davenny Wyner. May 14-15, $10-$15, Cathedral of St. Paul. 617-909-1358, www.annamyeranddancers.org

KAREN CAMPBELL

FUN FOR FAMILIES DAY AT THE GARDNER A day of puppets, music, art activities, and even a lion hunt at the Gardner, free with museum admission. April 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 617-566-1401, www.gardnermuseum.org

SOCCER ON FILM AT MASS MOCA Celebrate World Cup Fever with this two-day soccer film festival showcasing films about soccer. Includes a soccer juggling demonstration with Freestyle Soccer. April 23-24, festival pass $25 adults, $15 students and kids, individual events $8 adults, $5 kids, members 10 percent discount, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, North Adams. 413-662-2111, www.massmoca.org

FREE FAMILY DAY AT THE CLARK Fairy houses and gnomes will adorn the Clark’s beautiful campus; there will be a maze and opportunities to create clothespin people, build a miniature museum, and climb a wall. April 25, noon-4 p.m., admission free, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown. 413-458-2303, www.clarkart.edu

SPRING BREAK AT THE CURRIER Museum admission is free during school vacation week, April 26-30. Events will include story times in the gallery and talks about artworks of the day. The museum also hosts family events on the second Saturday of each month, and gallery talks for new parents on the third Thursday of each month. Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, N.H. 603-669-6144, www.currier.org.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Five artists who deal with the sensory properties of food fill Mass MoCA’s Art’s Kidspace with an exhibition aimed squarely at children, featuring Chandra Bocci’s 15-foot-wide installation of Gummi bears, worms, and other yummies. Through Sept. 6, Mass MoCA, North Adams. 413-662-2111, www.massmoca.org

FIERY POOL: THE MAYA AND THE MYTHIC SEA An exciting and enlightening show about the relationship between the Maya and the mythical creatures and gods of the sea. Through July 18, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 978-745-9500, www.pem.org

ARMED & DANGEROUS: ART OF THE ARSENAL A brilliant overview of arms and armor across cultures and time, with hands-on opportunities and a section devoted to animal armor. Through June 6, Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield. 413-443-7171, www.bershiremuseum.org

UNDER THE SKIN: TATTOOS IN JAPANESE PRINTS This show explores the phenomenon of tattoos in 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints. It’s full of superheroes and dragons. Through Jan. 2, Museum of Fine Arts. 617-267-9300, www.mfa.org

ART WITH A PAST A selection of famous and not-so-famous works by artists in the collection of the MFA, from Paul Gauguin to Paul Revere Jr., have been given wall texts explaining their unusual or dramatic provenance — how, in other words, they came into the collection. Pick up a map with their locations at the Sharf Visitor Center. Museum of Fine Arts. 617-267-9300, www.mfa.org

SEBASTIAN SMEE

Correction: Because of incorrect information provided to the Globe, the "Critics' picks" on Page N7 of today's Arts & Entertainment section, which was printed in advance, gives the wrong location for Bill Harley's May 8 concert. It is at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, R.I