Creative Stages

Family-friendly plays and concerts let even the littlest ones delight in the magic of the spotlight.

Seattle Children’s Theatre

Enjoy an immersive experience at Seattle Children’s Theatre (201 Thomas St; sct.org), where beloved books are brought to life on stage. Shows range from classic tales like The Velveteen Rabbit to world premiere productions of stories that let the imagination soar, many with audience participation heartily encouraged.

Pacific Northwest Ballet

Beyond theater, Seattle’s performing arts scene has plenty for everyone. Ballerinas in training love the family-friendly shows from Pacific Northwest Ballet (*301 Mercer St; pnb.org), presenting iconic stories like The Nutcracker and Snow White, which feature performances by the company’s school-age students.

StoryBook Theater

The young—and young at heart—adore StoryBook Theater (multiple locations; storybooktheater.org), with plays that put a twist on oft-told fairy tales using catchy songs and a healthy dose of humor. StoryBook also offers sensory-friendly performances with reduced sound levels, light adjustments, and a quiet space for taking a break from the show.

Seattle Symphony

Whether you have a mini Mozart on your hands or are introducing your child to music for the first time, Seattle Symphony’s (*200 University St; seattlesymphony.org) weekend Family Concerts and Tiny Tots performances weave music and story together to entertain and inspire. Arrive early for pre-concert activities including a percussion play area, instrument exploration, and musical games.

Thistle Theatre

For a little diversity, try centuries-old Japanese Bunraku puppetry at Thistle Theatre (multiple locations; thistletheatre.org). Shows on the docket range from familiar yarns to cultural explorations, with plenty of action to engage audiences of all ages and the opportunity to visit with puppets and puppeteers after the show.

*Visit Seattle Partner

“Kindie Rock”

Given Seattle’s illustrious music scene, it’s no surprise there’s a “kindie rock” movement, with a number of concerts for kids around town including Caspar Babypants (babypantsmusic.com)—aka former Presidents of the United States of America frontman Chris Ballew—known for his interactive sets beloved by parents and kids alike.