Remember the TV shows and movies you loved as a kid? Pop culture continues to make a big impact on the younger set, keeping children engaged with lively music, colorful animation and compelling characters. Life lessons about friendship, sharing, patience and understanding often are part of the mix, but the best children’s entertainment also makes sure to provide a massive dose of fun.

Here’s a guide to five events coming to Birmingham this year, all based on popular entertainment franchises for kids. (Note to parents and grandparents: Admission to live stage shows isn’t cheap, as a rule, but could be just the ticket for a family splurge outing.)