If you love the drama of theatre (dance, music, plays, art, multimedia performances) and have a special child in your life, now’s the time to introduce them to this fabulous world. Theatre provides an outlet for imagination, illustrates the wonder of art, presents passionate performers and proves that being different is OK. But I don’t have to convince you of that.

Theatrical performances can be expensive and it’s difficult to discover child-friendly theatre built around a hands-on experience — which appeals to children in a way observation alone cannot. This kind of entertainment allows them to explore their exuberance and means you don’t need to struggle to keep them in their seats, creating a more pleasurable experience for you, too. Lucky for you, the Arsht Center, a Knight Arts grantee, has you in mind.

“Family Fest,” a series featuring family friendly outdoor activities and performances, introduces children to theatre. “The activities will provide engaging opportunities for parents to share with their children, while introducing ‘up-close’ involvement in the performing arts.” And if your little ones (or you) are hungry from all the culture, food and drinks are available for purchase.

In a difficult economy and a society that downplays the Arts, especially in schools, where art and music are often the first to feel the heat of lost funding, Family Fest at the Arsht Center fills in the gap. I took my nephews last year and I had to drag them away when the event ended, which isn’t such a bad thing considering it was an enriching cultural event. A bit of advice: let the kids run wild and wear sunscreen.

Family Fest is coming up next weekend on Saturday. The outdoor activities will take place at Thomson Plaza for the Arts from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Immediately following the activities will be the performance “Magic and Enchantment,” featuring Miami City Ballet’s Coppélia at the Knight Concert Hall. Visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/familyfest/ for more information or to register for e-mail reminders about the upcoming schedule.