We often drive along 520, heading to and from Redmond, and every time the Big Top rises at Marymoor Park, it sparks excitement in our car. It’s the unmistakable sign that Cirque du Soleil is back in town. This year’s show, Echo (runs through March 22), gave us plenty to look forward to. I brought my 12- and 14-year-olds, and from the moment we arrived, we were completely drawn in.
There are shows you watch and then there are shows you feel. Echo is firmly in the second category. The energy begins building before you even take your seat: drums pulse, violins weave through the tent, and the atmosphere hums with anticipation. My kids, and plenty of adults,were already tapping their feet before the performance began. Large screens inside the tent share behind-the-scenes glimpses of costume design and the construction of the Big Top itself, a smart touch that keeps curious kids engaged while waiting for the doors to open.
Performers hang upside down and show off their strength. Photo by Jasmin Thankachen
The Show: Big Risk, Bigger Wow
The show’s theme is about how small actions can create big ripples. It was a bit abstract for my kids, but Echo doesn’t rely on narrative alone. Its magic lies in the performances and the breathtaking set design.
At the center of it all is a massive, moving cube that transforms the stage. At times it felt like a giant Tetris piece unfolding in real time-rotating, opening, and reshaping the space in ways that heighten every acrobatic moment, making each performace thrilling.
And “thrilling” is exactly the right word. We held our breath more than once as performers soared high above the stage, releasing at just the right moment before the ground rushed up to meet them. The moment my kids couldn’t stop talking about? Acrobats suspended by their hair. My 12-year-old, Simon, leaned over wide-eyed and whispered, “Ooooh… that must hurt! That’s their hair!”
Acrobats dance in the air, by their hair! Photo provided by Cirque du Soleil
Humor is woven throughout, too, thanks to the crowd-favorite duo, Double Trouble, who keep the audience laughing and engaged between acts. Slap-stick humor and debauchery left my kids smiling, ear-to-ear.
How high can the stack of boxes go?! Photo by Jasmin Thankachen
One of my favorite moments was the giant marionette that emerges dramatically from the cube itself, moving in perfect rhythm with the music, equal parts eerie and beautiful. At one point a human performer flies to the marionette, cradled in his hand, then onto his shoulder- stunning!
A spectacular display of artistry, the marionette took my breath away. Photo provided by Jasmin Thankachen
What It’s Like Attending Cirque du Soleil With Kids
Cirque does a great job making the experience family-friendly, and it shows in the details.
Pre-show entertainment outside the tent offers photo opportunities and space for kids to move around before showtime. Booster seats are available near the entrance (a huge help for younger kids), and stroller parking is conveniently located just outside the theater doors.
Food options are plentiful, with several stations offering kid-friendly snacks as well as heartier items like chicken tenders and nachos. There are tables both inside and outside, making it easy to eat before the show or during the 25-minute intermission.
Bathrooms are larger, cleaner porta-potties located outside the tent. Lines can get long during intermission, so plan ahead or go early.
The merchandise shop inside the tent is tempting (and a bit pricey), but it’s a fun stop if you’re looking for a special keepsake.
Tight rope walkers perform inside the hollowed out cube. Photo by Jasmin Thankachen
Parent Tips Before You Go
- Seats are snug. Expect to sit close to your neighbors, like elbow-touching close. Prepare your kids for tight quarters.
- Skip messy snacks. There’s nowhere to place food (no trays or cup holders), so eat outside first.
- Have a bathroom plan. Lines during the 25-minute intermission move slowly. Bring a jacket for the cooler weather.
- Look into seat upgrades. Starting around $10, they’re available first-come, first-served.
- Budget for parking. Parking is about $25, in addition to ticket costs.
If you’re looking for a special family night out, one that feels immersive, imaginative, and genuinely awe-inspiring. Cirque du Soliel’s Echo is absolutely worth it. It’s the kind of experience your kids will talk about long after the tent comes down.
