As the leaves change, the days darken, and families settle back into a comfortable routine, plenty of magic can be found inside the hallowed halls of the Emerald City’s finest museums and theaters. From family-friendly theater productions and kid-friendly shows to cultural exhibits and musicals, Seattle’s fall and winter family theater scene is full of reasons to get out and enjoy the season.
Family-friendly musicals and kid-friendly shows this season
The Play That Goes Wrong (August-September)
- Date: September 3 – September 28, 2025 (Returning summer 2026)
- Location: Bagley Wright Theater, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 8+
- Runtime: Approx. two hours and 10 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission
Hot off runs in London and Broadway, “The Play That Goes Wrong”, presented by Seattle Rep, finds its first-ever professional Seattle production. On opening night, one drama society endures mishaps and mayhem, from malfunctioning props to unexpected performers. The show goes on to raucous effect. Young viewers will love the engaging physical comedy, and older viewers will likely appreciate the technical craftsmanship required by such a production. For sensitive viewers, it is worth noting that this production utilizes strobe lights, smoke and fire effects, gunshot effects, and other loud noises. The show offers special dates for ASL and audio-described performances. Read our parent review about this must-see play.
Chaos and comedy collide in Seattle Rep’s production of The Play That Goes Wrong. (Image courtesy Bronwen Houck)
Annie (September-October)
- Date: September 12 – October 5, 2025
- Location: Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma
- Ages: Recommended for ages 6+
- Tickets: $25-$35
It’s a great time to visit the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, a regional theater specializing in productions geared towards families and young audiences. “Annie” is the beloved musical about the little orphan girl who may find a loving home, but who refuses to leave her hard-knocks crew behind. It’s hard to go wrong with a classic like “Annie”!
Brigadoon (September-November)
- Date: September 16 – October 19, 2025 (Issaquah) and October 25 – November 16, 2025 (Everett)
- Location:
- Ages: Recommended for ages 8+
- Runtime: Approx. two hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission
- Tickets: $33-$143
Considered by many as one of the most romantic musicals ever written, “Brigadoon”, presented by Village Theatre, will make a new generation fall in love with the Scottish Highlands where, for only one day every 100 years, the dreamlike village of Brigadoon makes its appearance. Featuring the music and lyrics of Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner, the 1947 musical explores themes of community and love, as well as a celebration of Scottish culture. The show offers special dates for ASL-interpreted and captioned performances.
Fancy Dancer (September-November)
- Date: September 18 – November 2, 2025
- Location: Leo K. Theatre, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 8+
- Runtime: Approx. 95 minutes, no intermission
- Tickets: $53-$89
In a co-production between Seattle Children’s Theatre and Seattle Rep, “Fancy Dancer” is an autobiographical coming-of-age drama by writer Larissa FastHorse. Raised in South Dakota, her lead Lara is half Lakota and half white, but she can’t seem to fit in anywhere. Lara finds inspiration and community when she takes her first ballet class and learns the stirring story of an Osage prima ballerina. A world premiere, “Fancy Dancer” is suitable for multigenerational audiences or anyone who appreciates the power of perseverance.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical (September-October)
- Date: September 18 – October 12, 2025
- Location: Charlotte Martin Theatre, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 3+
- Runtime: Approx. 55 minutes, no intermission
- Tickets: $22-$62
Seattle Children’s Theatre presents “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical”. The brightly colored board book by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault has been delighting parents and children alike since its publication in 1989. Over 35 years later, the coconut tree and the anthropomorphic lowercase alphabet have found an unexpected adaptation in this musical of letters, words, and unbridled creativity. The production offers special dates for access, ASL-interpreted, audio-described, and sensory-sensitive performances.
A Wrinkle in Time (October)
- Date: October 9 – 26, 2025
- Location: Olympia Family Theater, Olympia
- Tickets: $20-$25
Based on Madeleine L’Engle’s young adult novel, “A Wrinkle in Time,” presented by the Olympia Family Theater, this production transports viewers through a tesseract on a wild adventure. Meg Murray, an otherwise ordinary girl, joins forces with her genius younger brother Charles Wallace and popular classmate Calvin O’Keefe to save her father from the forces of evil. The production offers special dates for masked and pay-what-you-can performances.
13: The Musical (October)
- Date: October 10 – 19, 2025
- Location: Studio East, Kirkland
Part of Studio East’s Young Performers program, featuring students aged 9 to 15, “13 the Musical” is a timely coming-of-age story about a middle schooler uprooted from Manhattan to Indiana following his parents’ divorce. Accompanied by a powerful rock score by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, this kid-led performance is an empowering take on modern adolescence.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (November-December)
- Date: November 21 – December 14, 2025
- Location: The Wade James Theater, Edmonds
- Runtime: Approx. two hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
- Tickets: $28-$31
This is not the “Cinderella” you may remember. Presented by Edmonds Driftwood Players and Concord Theatricals, this play is a contemporary adaptation of the classic tale, featuring beloved music from Rodgers and Hammerstein, set to an updated story. Ella and a dragon-slaying prince must transform a kingdom and its disenfranchised people, saving the day and making the world a better place. Filled with humor and magic – and with a bit of aid from a fairy godmother – “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” is sure to be a hit.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (December)
- Date: December 12 – 21, 2025
- Location: Studio East, Kirkland
Part of the Ensemble program, which features students aged 9 to 19, Studio East’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella retains the charm and magic of the original story, adding extra humor and heart. It’s a modern take meant to empower young audiences with a familiar fairytale about a young girl, a Fairy Godmother, a prince, and the glass slipper that unites them all.
Dance performances and ballets to inspire kids and adults
Jewels (September-October)
- Date: September 26 – October 5, 2025
- Location: McCaw Hall, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 12+
- Runtime: Two hours and 11 minutes, including two 20-minute intermissions
- Tickets: $36-$248
Though it has been described as the world’s first full-length plotless ballet, the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Jewels” has been a favorite amongst ballet patrons since it premiered in 1967. Consisting of three acts with no continuous storyline, “Jewels” by George Balanchine, famed choreographer and founder of the NYC Ballet, will charm growing ballet enthusiasts with “Emeralds”, “Rubies” and “Diamonds”, three ballets separated by intermissions, but each featuring elaborate, bejeweled costumes and talented performers.
Sparkling costumes and timeless choreography bring Jewels to life at McCaw Hall. (© The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling, 2017)
KHANKANĀ: The Sound of Dancing Feet (October)
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Location: Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds
- Tickets: $20-$84
The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble presents “KHANKANĀ: The Sound of Dancing Feet”, a collection of highly acclaimed pieces created over the last 30 years by Odissi artist Surupa Sen.. Performed as far back as 200 BC, Odissi relays the spiritual and poetic connection between humans and the divine. The performance features live musical accompaniment and mesmerizing Indian dance, transporting audiences to the magic and spiritual world of Odissi traditions. A post-show Q&A will follow the performance.
The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble presents KHANKANĀ: The Sound of Dancing Feet. (Image courtesy The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble)
Grand Kyiv Ballet – Don Quixote (October)
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Location: Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds
- Runtime: Approx. 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission
- Tickets: $43-$88
Known for its vibrant Spanish flair, “Don Quixote” is a ballet in three acts, presented by Grand Kyiv Ballet, and is based on parts of Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel “Don Quixote de la Mancha”. A love story between two star-crossed lovers, kept apart by a protective father, “Don Quixote” is an energetic, romantic, and magical ballet featuring strong technical talent, including the audience-favorite 32 fouette, and a happy ending that everyone will love.
Holiday favorites and family-friendly theater events in Seattle
Sesame Street Live: Elmo and Friends Say Hello (October)
- Date: October 17 and 19, 2025
- Location:
- Ages: Recommended for ages 1 to 7
- Runtime: One hour and 20 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission
- Tickets: $40-$156
Seattle Theatre Group and Tacoma City Theatres invite you Sesame Street! The gangs all here. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster are stopping in Seattle to sing, dance, and meet their new friends in the Emerald City. This all-new celebration will feature some classic favorites, as well as some fun surprises. A separate ticket for the Photo Experience is required, an exclusive post-show visit with their favorite Sesame Street friends.
Elmo and friends bring the magic of Sesame Street Live to Seattle. (Image courtesy Seattle Theatre Group)
Ninja Kidz: Infinite Possibilities (October)
- Date: October 23, 2025
- Location: The Paramount Theatre, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for all ages
- Tickets: $80
If your child is always ready for adventure, “Ninja Kidz: Infinite Possibilities” brings the exhilaration of its live-action elements and interactive audience participation. Seattle Theatre Group presents a show that features physical challenges, games, and epic battles, the audience shapes the story and dictates its outcome. There are – no shock here – infinite possibilities in a thrilling production for kids of all ages. VIP packages are available for purchase and include a pre-show Q&A and photo op.
A type of choose-your-own-adventure, Ninja Kids lets the audience participate in all the onstage action. (Image courtesy Seattle Theatre Group)
The Pirates of Penzance (October-November)
- Date: October 18 – November 1, 2025
- Location: McCaw Hall, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for children who can sit comfortably for at least an hour at a time
- Runtime: Two hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission
- Tickets: $25-$463
Who said opera had to be boring? Making its Seattle Opera debut, “The Pirates of Penzance” is a Gilbert and Sullivan classic that fuses comedy, romance and pirates for a light-hearted, swashbuckling adventure. Young Frederic, an accidental apprentice to a band of buccaneers, must bridge the gap in cultural differences between his captors and the British police fresh on the scene in this chaotically humorous opera. The show offers special dates for audio-described performances and discounted tickets for Family Day.
Comedy and adventure take the stage in Seattle Opera’s The Pirates of Penzance. (Image courtesy Seattle Opera)
The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! (November-January)
- Date: November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Location: Charlotte Martin Theatre, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 5+
- Runtime: Approx. 80 minutes with a brief intermission
- Tickets: $25-$44
Seattle Children’s Theatre presents “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza,” sure to excite kids of all ages. Based on the books and characters of Mo Willems, the play is the Christmas crossover we’ve been waiting for. The brand-new musical features catchy songs, ridiculous tales, and familiar characters, like Elephant, Piggie, and the Unlimited Squirrels, just in time to prepare audiences for Santa’s big night. The production offers special dates for access, ASL-interpreted, audio-described, and sensory-sensitive performances.
Elf – The Musical (November-December)
- Date: November 28 – December 28, 2025
- Location: The 5th Avenue Theater, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 8+
- Runtime: Approx. two hours and 25 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
The Seattle Theatre Group brings “Elf – The Musical” to Seattle. The play promises to bring humor, heart, and festive cheer just like the 2003 holiday classic film. Buddy the Elf has been Santa’s helper for most of his life. He’s never let his differences – his extreme height and inefficient toy-making abilities – get him down. When he finds out he’s actually human, Buddy travels to NYC to meet his family and teach the city a thing or two about the Christmas spirit. The show offers special dates for ASL, open-captioned, and audio-described performances.
The Nutcracker (November-December)
- Date: November 28 – December 28, 2025
- Location: McCaw Hall, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 5+
- Runtime: Two hours and three minutes, including one 25-minute intermission
- Tickets: $39-$246
A Christmas tradition for many families, Pacific Northwest Ballet presents “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” a sparkly, wondrous rendition of the much-loved tale that finds a young girl named Clara on a dream-like voyage through the Land of Sweets, dancing with the Sugar Plum Fairy and finding endless entertainment in the Nutcracker, her prince in disguise. This version of the timeless tale is sumptuous and sweet, a visual feast for young theater-goers and their chaperones.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker dazzles at McCaw Hall this holiday season. (Image courtesy Pacific Northwest Ballet)
The Lightning Thief (November)
- Date: November 14 – 15, 2025
- Location: Katherine L White Hall, Vashon
- Tickets: $23-$25
Performed by students from Vashon Center of the Arts Youth Musical Theatre program, “The Lightning Thief” is an exciting musical based on Rick Riordan’s popular young adult series that follows Percy Jackson, half-blood son of a Greek god, as he uncovers his powers and is thrown into a whirlwind of conspiracy and mythology. When Zeus’ lightning bolt is brazenly stolen, Percy must find the culprit to prove his innocence and find the place where he belongs. The show offers a sensory-friendly performance.
The Snow Queen (December)
- Date: December 4 – 28, 2025
- Location: Olympia Family Theater, Olympia
- Ages: Recommended for 5+
- Runtime: Approx. 90 minutes with no intermission
- Tickets: $20-$25
In collaboration with the talented artists of String and Shadow Puppet Theater, Olympia Family Theater presents “The Snow Queen”, an enchanting adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale that has bewitched readers for nearly 200 years. Young Gerda must travel through enchanted lands to rescue her best friend from the enigmatic Snow Queen. The production offers special dates for masked and pay-what-you-can performances.
The Lion King (December-January)
- Date: December 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Location: Paramount Theatre, Seattle
- Ages: Recommended for ages 6+
- Runtime: two hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission
- Tickets: $49-$170
The highest-grossing Broadway show of all time, “The Lion King,” presented by Seattle Theatre Group, is roaring through the Paramount Theatre, just in time for the holidays. Be prepared to gasp as the birds fly and the elephants strut down the aisles toward Pride Rock. Winner of six Tony Awards, the show has captivated audiences since 1997 with its inventive costumes and set designs and its classic tale of hope and adventure. The production offers special dates for ASL-interpreted, audio-described, and sensory-friendly performances, as well as open-captioned and closed-captioned performances.
Stunning costumes and music make Disney’s The Lion King a must-see at the Paramount. (Image courtesy Seattle Theatre Group)
Annie (December)
- Date: December 12 – 21, 2025
- Location: The Black Box Theatre, Edmonds College, Lynnwood
Co-produced between Ballyhoo Theatre and Seattle’s Performers, “Annie” features a cast of actors aged 6-10 and is the final product after months of hard work and rehearsals. Featuring well-known hits like “Maybe”, “Hard Knock Life”, “Little Girls”, and “Tomorrow”, the musical finds a cast of talented young actors holding their own against Miss Hannigan and her scheme to defraud the ever-dapper Daddy Warbucks.
The Magical Music of Harry Potter in Concert (December)
- Date: December 6, 2025
- Location: Rialto Theater, Tacoma
- Ages: Recommended for any Harry Potter fan
- Tickets: $60-$146
Presented by Star Entertainment USA and Tacoma City Theatres, relish in the Oscar-nominated music from the “Harry Potter” films with this one-night event that features the Magic Film Orchestra & Choir, magical illusions, and even a special guest from the movie. The event will showcase favorites like “Hedwig’s Theme,” “Double Trouble,” and “Dumbledore’s Farewell.” This concert is an independent tribute and not affiliated with Warner Bros. or the films.
Museum exhibits for history, culture, and sports fans
Seahawks 50: A Legacy in Blue and Green (September-January)
- Date: now – January 1, 2026
- Location: Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP)
- Ages: Recommended for all ages
- Tickets: $0-$37
MoPOP is renowned for its exceptional exhibits, and this one is sure to excite Seahawks fans, both young and old. In celebration of the team’s 50th anniversary, the museum has curated a collection spanning half a century of memorabilia. From Russell Wilson’s College Navy helmet to Marshawn Lynch’s iconic jersey, the display is meant to showcase the resilience and power of the team, the players, and the 12s. Admission to the exhibit is included with a general admission ticket.
Origin Stories (September-October)
- Date: Thru October 26, 2025
- Location: National Nordic Museum
- Ages: Recommended for all ages
- Tickets: $0-$20
Nina Katchadourian is an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist who has been inspired by her own genealogical roots for a five-project exhibition highlighting the history, tradition and mythology of her Scandinavian background. Installed through the National Nordic Museum and heavily inspired by the childhood summers she spent in the Finnish archipelago of Bodø, “Origin Stories” is multimedia art at its finest. Admission to the exhibition is included with a general admission ticket.
Selma is Now
- Date: Thru TBD
- Location: Northwest African American Museum
- Ages: Recommended for all ages
- Tickets: $0-$10
“Selma is Now: The March for Justice Continues” is a stirring collection of photographs taken by then-25-year-old James “Spider” Martin, a newspaper photographer assigned to a story that found him documenting one of the most important moments in American history: the march from Selma to Montgomery, protesting voting rights and police brutality. Shown at the Northwest African American Museum, through archival pigment print reproductions of his original negatives, “Selma is Now” is as important now as it has ever been. Admission to the exhibition is included with a general admission ticket.
The Things They Brought Home: Memories of Washington’s Vietnam Veterans (September-November)
- Date: now – November 16, 2025
- Location: Washington State History Museum
- Ages: Recommended for all ages
- Tickets: $0-$17
Washington State History Museum presents “The Things They Brought Home,” marking the 50th anniversary of the war’s end. It features personal stories and items from Washington’s 183,000 Vietnam veterans, as well as historical information and Washington’s connection to the conflict. Admission to the exhibit is included with a general admission ticket.
DISplace (September-January)
- Date: now – January 4, 2026
- Location: Wing Luke Museum
- Ages: Recommended for all ages
- Tickets: $0-$17
Featuring visual art by Native Hawaiian creators, photographs, and archival objects, “DISplace” encapsulates the Native Hawaiian diaspora and the long-established connection between Hawai’i and the Pacific Northwest. Presented by the Wing Luke Museum and co-curated by kapa-maker Lehuauakea and artist Kanani Miyamoto, “DISplace” fuses history, art and culture to connect the dots between the two places. Admission to the exhibit is included with a general admission ticket.
Tip: Many Seattle-area museums also offer monthly free admission days. Be sure to check our Seattle museums with free admission days guide if you want to pair one of these exhibits with a budget-friendly outing.
