The upcoming lineup features seven main season shows plus three optional add-ons, including fan favorites, new touring productions direct from Broadway, and several titles that could appeal to multi-generational audiences.

Subscription renewals opened Feb. 19, with new subscriptions expected to go on sale this spring.

A Season Filled with Big-Name Productions

The season kicks off late summer with the theatrical phenomenon “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (Aug. 22–Sept. 12, 2026), the Tony Award-winning stage sequel to the beloved book and film series. With its dazzling stage magic and time-traveling adventure, the production promises an immersive theatrical experience for fans of the wizarding world.

Fall highlights include “Water for Elephants” (Oct. 6–11, 2026), a visually imaginative musical adaptation of the bestselling novel, followed by “The Outsiders” (Nov. 27–Dec. 6, 2026), the Tony Award-winning coming-of-age musical based on S.E. Hinton’s classic story.

Families may especially want to mark their calendars for the holiday run of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (Dec. 22, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027), returning to touring stages with an all-new production featuring iconic songs and elaborate costumes.

Winter and spring bring additional variety, including the rock opera revival “The Who’s Tommy” (March 16–21, 2027) and the return of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless classic “The Sound of Music” (June 1–6, 2027).

The season closes with “The Great Gatsby” (July 6–11, 2027), a Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Roaring Twenties tale.

Optional Add-ons and Returning Favorites

Three shows will be offered as Season Options, meaning they require an additional purchase beyond the standard subscription:

• “Oh, Mary!” (Nov. 3–8, 2026), a critically acclaimed dark comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln
• “Hadestown” (Jan. 19–24, 2027), the Tony Award-winning musical blending mythology and modern storytelling
• “Six” (April 20–25, 2027), the pop-powered musical retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII (Read our review the last time it was in town)

Planning Ahead

Season subscriptions are currently available for renewal, with new subscriptions opening later this spring. Signing up early allows folks access to priority seating and the option to add Season Option shows.

For families interested in introducing kids to live theater, holiday productions like “Beauty and the Beast” and classic titles like “The Sound of Music” may offer particularly accessible entry points.

Find more details or join the subscription priority waitlist at STGPresents.org/Broadway.

The post Broadway at The Paramount’s 2026-2027 lineup announced appeared first on Seattle's Child.

(Image: Truman Buffett)

A STEM-filled Synopsis

Whether your little aspiring scientist has read the series of children’s picture books or watched the Netflix series adaptation going on four seasons, Ada Twist (Donnalesly Fondjo) is brought to dazzling life on stage and in all its singing grandeur with this uncomplicated musical that explores the curiosity of childhood. Ada Twist, scientist, and her friends Rosie Revere (Madelyn Casey), engineer, and Iggy Peck (Carson Merrick), architect, are excited to start second grade. Their instructor, Ms. Lila Greer (Karis Knierim), is equally as anxious for her very first day of teaching.

While everyone has good intentions, the first day unfolds into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) chaos. Ada, Rosie, and Iggy have big ideas about the things they want to learn, and their classroom experiments go awry, particularly Rosie’s cheese-powered flying hat, which inadvertently sprays in her teacher’s face, a comical moment that also highlights the frequency of failure in STEM experiments.

Curious about nature and all that the outdoors has to offer, Ms. Greer takes her class on a field trip where they find themselves stuck on an island without a bridge. What are three inquisitive second graders supposed to do? Waiting around for help to come is certainly not the answer. Ada, Rosie and Iggy, along with Rosie’s Great Great Aunt Rose (Jeane Cummins), put their minds, skills and specialized know-how to the task of saving the class and proving to themselves that thinking problems through and outside of the box makes a difference in real-life dilemmas.

(Image: Truman Buffett)

Failure (is Essential) to Launch

As a mother to two young girls, I absolutely adore the underlying messages in “Ada Twist.” For one, Ada is a young girl of color, but her gender and race have no bearing on the incredible things she can do and the confidence with which she does them. Her relationship with her friends is pure, and their propensity for understanding important concepts like teamwork, resilience in the face of surmounting obstacles and problem-solving are admirable qualities to have expressed on stage for impressionable viewers.

The set design for this production is simple, yet effective. Grid paper covers the primary backdrop, and STEM iconography, like the planets, equations, numbers, and letters, are sprinkled around the set. There are some comical moments that my kids found truly hysterical, namely the cheese hat squirting a stream of canned cheese into the face of the already-frantic teacher. But the many ingenious creations the characters come up with also entranced my young theater companions.

But what I found to be the story’s most pivotal message is about failing. Failing is as important in this production as succeeding, and the message to young minds that failing is an essential part of being a scientist, engineer, or anyone working in STEM is a reassuring inclusion for a parent hoping to nurture my children’s interests. This means allowing them to experience failure and to ensure they understand that it often takes time, trial and error and perseverance to succeed. Ada and her friends never give up, and they are bright, positive role models to lead young viewers on a journey in this sweet, hour-long production.

(Image: Truman Buffett)

Know Before You Go

• Dates: The show runs through February 22, with a variety of showtimes spanning the morning and
  evening.
• Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes without an intermission.
• Recommended Age: 5+.
• Access/Audio Described Performance: Sunday, February 15 at 11 a.m.
• Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, February 7 at 1 p.m.
• Spotlight Performance: Engineering Day is Sunday, February 22 at 1 p.m. at the Pacific Science Center and will feature a spotlight performance of “Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends” as well as hands-on, interactive exhibits led by local engineers.
• Address: Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, Seattle 98109
• Parking: Garage and street parking are available with payment. Give yourself ample time if there is
  an event at Climate Pledge Arena.

The post Parent Review: Inside Seattle Children’s Theatre’s ‘Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends’ appeared first on Seattle's Child.

(Image: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

“The [Synopsis] That Goes Like This”

King Arthur (Major Attaway) comes coconut shell-clopping through drab and dreary medieval England with his servant Patsy (Blake Segal). He is on a mission to assemble his Knights of the Round Table, travel to Camelot and, what else, find the Holy Grail. What ensues are consecutive slapstick, absurdist gags that generally support Arthur’s end goal, though to fully summarize all of the ludicrous plot points of this comedy would be a fool’s errand.

The musical opens in “Finland” with “Fisch Schlapping Song,” a kitschy parody that sets the tone for the ensuing 2.5 hours. The musical number, “He is Not Dead Yet”, finds plague-ridden peasants vying to stay out of the corpse wagon. But the production’s  farcical timbre finds its stride when Arthur beckons the Lady of the Lake (Amanda Robles) to authenticate his sword Excalibur and confess their generic love (“The Song That Goes Like This”). She brings along her Laker Girls, scantily clad dancers with pom poms. The mockery train finds fantastically preposterous speed and is completely runaway when the group of nincompoops make it to Camelot, a medieval Vegas, where they party (“Knights of the Round Table”) until God commands them to find the Holy Grail.

(Image: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

The second act is far easier to settle into, given the first act’s chaotic preparation. Arthur and Patsy must find a shrubbery for the barbaric Knights Who Say Ni, leading to the production’s most well-known number “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” When the group is then forced to put on a Broadway musical to appease the creatures, “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” laments the necessity that they find Jewish people in order to fulfill the tall order, an inside joke for SPAMALOT-admirers that doesn’t quite land for those of us new to the musical.

“You Won’t Succeed on [Common Sense Media]”

There is a nuance that requires some explanation to younger viewers about this particular sequence, which goes on to depict “Jewish” cultural moments, like a spoof of Fiddler on the Roof and a drag Barbra Streisand. The production wants to capture the zeitgeist of their cultural relevance, but the sequences could come off as cliché and offensive. The comedic quality of the joke only works because it is done with love and admiration, not explicit antisemitism, but this is a difficult concept to explain to a young person who has no context for it. As a mid-30s viewer who isn’t a Pythonite, I found myself uncomfortable with their implications, but reassured by the reaction of those in the theater that this was a friendly joke made with love.

(Image: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

There are jokes personalized to Seattle audiences throughout. (A Seahawks jersey may have found its way into the costume racks.) But for impressionable audience goers, there are some moments of inappropriate allusions. They are often quick – a character makes a crude, sexually charged gesture with his hands and mouth on a broomstick – though some are more intrinsic, like the lack of women in the production.

The Lady of the Lake is the only female presence, apart from her Laker girl back-up dancers. When she is ignored for much of the second half, her solo “Diva’s Lament” pokes fun at it, but highlights the fact that this is a man’s show with predominantly male-leaning and male-centric skits.

Overall, I think many of the inappropriate jokes would fly over the heads of younger viewers. Even I missed many of them; the cast speeds from one to the next without slowing down for the punchline to hit. I couldn’t imagine, however, that there is anything for anyone under 13 to enjoy.

(Image: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Even the silly, idiotic jokes are a bit too smart or mature or require context for viewers under that age to fully understand, and while the physical comedy provides much of the musical’s laughs, even that may get old over nearly two and a half hours of sitting.

“[Dissenter’s] Lament”

As I sat quietly through the inane routines and absurd skits in “Monty Python’s SPAMALOT,” fellow theater-goers around me cackled and cheered, laughing and quoting along with the glorified fart jokes (and a few literal flatulent punchlines too). At first, I thought perhaps the affected British accents were losing me in translation. As the production progressed well into the second half, the sketch-based absurdity never quite grew on me.

A quote by Michael Scott kept flitting through my thoughts: “I love inside jokes. I’d love to be a part of one someday.” The inside jokes in “SPAMALOT” are almost imperative to enjoying the scattered premise that contains no urgency or interest in even a semblance of plot, conflict, and resolution. The musical doesn’t want to be confined by an arc, both in terms of premise and character, and this is evident for the entire show, which moves from punchline to punchline as cheaply as it can.

(Image: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

The disparity between my thoughts on the musical and the obvious reaction of others in the theater leads me to the conclusion: you are either a fan of Monty Python’s humor, or you are not. Do yourself a favor before seeing “SPAMALOT”: watch or rewatch “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” to get a sense of whether or not you will be able to stomach it.

Know Before You Go

• Dates: The show runs through February 15, with times in the afternoon and evening
• Runtime: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one 15-minute intermission
• Recommended Age: 13+.
• Special Performances
  • The ASL Interpreted and Open Captioned Performance is Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Audio Described Performance is Saturday, February 14 at 1:30 p.m.
• Location: The 5th Avenue Theatre is located at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

The post Parent Review: You’re either a fan of ‘Monty Python’s SPAMALOT,’ or not appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Both Lou’s parents work for Cirque du Soleil Echo, and she was born on tour in 2024. Her dad, Clément Malin, is one of two clowns in the Double Trouble act. Her mom, Mylie Maury, is a wardrobe technician. The family moves every two months with the circus. Lou has spent her entire life on the road.

Next stop is Redmond, where Cirque du Soleil Echo runs Jan. 30 to March 22 in Marymoor Park. Echo is Cirque du Soleil’s new touring production that debuted in 2023, and this year will be its first staging in the Seattle area.

Clément Malin, Mylie Maury, and their daughter, Lou Malin. (Image courtesy Clément Malin and Mylie Maury)

Cirque du Soleil is essentially a mobile village with a blue-and-white big top. The 158 people traveling with the show include professional acrobats, musicians, clowns — plus nine kids, ranging from 3 months old to age 11, growing up surrounded by this circus family.

“The most stable thing [Lou] knows is a tent. Home is a tent,” Malin said. “When she comes back here, it’s the only thing that hasn’t moved inside.”

Lou was born during Cirque du Soleil’s Miami stopover. Two weeks later, her family hopped in the car and drove to their next show, in Toronto. The biggest challenge? Taking a passport photo of a newborn with her eyes open.

Mylie Maury with her daughter, Lou Malin. (Image courtesy Clément Malin and Mylie Maury)

“Everything was so quick, we didn’t have time to think that much,” Maury said. “We didn’t have time to question ourselves.”
(Two weeks post-partum, and a cross-continental road trip with a newborn? I don’t know about you, but when I was a new mom, going to the mailbox was the big adventure of my day.)

Bianca Kalvesmaki, Olli Torkkel and their 5-year-old daughter, Lumi Torkkel, also tour with Cirque du Soleil Echo. Kalvesmaki is the guest experience director; Torkkel is a swing technician and a former artist. Between the three of them, they own 10 suitcases, two bikes and a bed for Lumi. That’s it.

At the end of each city, Lumi tries on her clothes, and anything that doesn’t fit gets donated. Santa came, of course, and they made room for the new toys. One bag is filled with books in English and Finnish; Lumi was born in Finland, her dad’s home country.

Bianca Kalvesmaki and Olli Torkkel with their daughter Lumi Torkkel. (Photo courtesy Bianca Kalvesmaki Olli Torkkel)

“We often think kids need stability and a routine,” Torkkel said. “I think kids need parents. That’s the only thing they need. That’s what we’re able to offer her, nonstop. There’s no time we would be away from each other.”

‘It’s like a big family’

It was in Montreal, at the start of the Cirque du Soleil Echo tour, when Maury, who is French, found out she was pregnant. The first doctor she saw said, “Oh no, you can’t go on tour. What are you going to do? Are you going back to France or are you staying in Canada?”

“I think I got quite afraid at the beginning,” Maury said. “Having a baby is a huge change in your life. Even if I was at home, I would have gotten stressed.”

Malin is one of two clowns in the Double Trouble act. (Image courtesy Clément Malin and Mylie Maury)

Fortunately, Maury had an easy pregnancy. With each new city, she brought a pile of documents from the previous doctor. She wrestled with morning sickness while cleaning costumes at work. Then Lou was born, and Lou slept backstage with baby headphones, and Maury would come nurse her between shows.

“Everybody is understanding and helped us out,” Maury said.

“It’s like a big family,” Malin added. “We feel really supported.”

With their 5-year-old, the challenge now for Kalvesmaki and Torkkel is getting Lumi into activities and hobbies. It’ll take planning and carving out the time, then restarting with every new city.

Guest experience director Bianca Kalvesmaki with her daughter Lumi Torkkel. (Image courtesy Bianca Kalvesmaki and Olli Torkkel)

Torkkel, after all, started gymnastics when he was 5 or 6. He was a professional gymnast before being scouted by Cirque du Soleil, and performed as an acrobat on a previous tour. (Yes, he does get some funny looks from moms when he and Lumi are at the gym.)

“There’s all kinds of different people of different backgrounds, 150 people on tour who we are friends with,” Torkkel said. “That makes the community really different. The opportunity to learn from all those people. We really wanted to give that experience to our child.”

“She sees the creative world constantly,” Kalvesmaki added. “It’ll be interesting to see what she lands on as she gets older. I don’t know if she wants to be an acrobat. But she’s definitely dramatic.”

If You Go

See Lou Malin and Lumi Torkkel’s parents at work!

• Cirque du Soleil Echo
• Where: Marymoor Park, Redmond
• When: January 30 to March 22, with shows Wednesday through Sunday
• Cost: Tickets start at $59

The post Home is Where the Big Top Is: Raising a family on tour with Cirque du Soleil appeared first on Seattle's Child.

Below, you’ll find 20+ midwinter break camps around Seattle, including arts, science, sports, theatre, and outdoor programs. Whether you need a full-day option or a half-day specialty camp, these February break camps make planning easier.

Midwinter break typically takes place in February, though exact dates vary by school district. For Seattle Public Schools this year, the 2026 Midwinter Break is February 16-20, 2026. 

Seattle-Area Camps

Blue Ribbon Cooking, Eastlake

Date: February 17-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Location: Blue Ribbon Cooking | Ages/grades: ages 7-12 | Cost: $200 per day

Blue Ribbon Cooking, located in Seattle, offers world-class culinary camps for beginner to advanced students. Kids are invited to join in the kitchen for an opportunity to learn new recipes and culinary techniques. Each lesson will teach kitchen safety and proper techniques while also inviting creativity and exploration of ingredients. You can sign up for just one day or all four.

Kids Science Labs, Green Lake 

Date: Feb. 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Location: KidsScience Labs Green Lake, 405 NE 71st St, Seattle, WA 98115 | Ages/grades: Pre K-8th grade | Cost: $550, discount with membership

This February, give your child an unforgettable mid-winter break filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on science at KSL. Each day, our instructors guide campers through engaging experiments and projects designed to spark curiosity and inspire teamwork.

Kids Carpentry, Seattle

Date: Feb. 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Location: Kids Carpentry Seattle | Ages/grades: Grades K-5 | Cost: $500

Kids’ Carpentry is a hands-on toy building experience designed to teach kids practical woodworking skills with an emphasis on the safe use of hand tools. While kids construct fun and exciting projects, they are also empowered to become independent thinkers during this camp.

Kong Academy, Phinneywood

Date: Feb. 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Location: Phinney Neighborhood Association | Ages/grades: Ages 6-10 | Cost: $80 per day, $340 for full week

Ninja Parkour Training Camp will involve movement with social-emotional learning for kids. They will learn to navigate obstacle courses that are designed to test speed, agility, and precision at this half-day camp.

Neo Art School, Fremont

Date: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Location: Neo Art School | Ages/grades: Ages 6+ | Cost: $105 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), $125 per day (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ) $10 registration fee each time you send in registration.

The art school offers day-to-day camps during the midwinter break. Every camp is different, with new projects to keep the kids’ excitement levels high.

SANCA Circus Camp, South Seattle

Date: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Location: SANCA | Ages/grades: Ages 6-15 | Cost: $595

SANCA will offer three different circus camps this mid-winter break.

• Ring 1: Ages 6-8 | An introduction to the wonders of circus arts for our youngest aspiring circus artists! Campers will develop increased body awareness through tumbling and balancing their bodies, work collaboratively in a small group learning interpersonal skills, resilience, and kindness. We’ll explore many circus disciplines, such as trampoline, aerial fabric, static trapeze, object manipulation, tightwire and German Wheel.
• Ring 2: Ages 9-12 | Campers will be presented with a wonderful introduction to many different circus disciplines while working together in their groups to explore the joys of everything that SANCA has to offer! From juggling to tumbling, aerial fabric to static trapeze, there is so much to enjoy about circus camp. We’ll also explore trampoline, German Wheel, object manipulation, and juggling.
• Circus Menagerie: Ages 7-15 | An exciting opportunity for campers who are ready to take their circus training to the next level. Campers will practice on aerial fabric, static trapeze, German wheel, juggling, trampoline, tightwire, object manipulation, and tumbling with an emphasis on excellent technique and safety. Through careful progressions and building success one step at a time, this camp is designed to create success for those continuing to develop their fundamentals. This camp integrates valuable cross-training in flexibility, conditioning, and handstands to encourage proactive injury prevention and strength-building.

Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle

Date: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: varies by camp | Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre | Ages/grades: Ages 4-11 | Cost: $380+

Each day, students discover new ways to use voices, bodies, and imaginations to create and tell a story. This creative drama camp is a great starting point for students who are curious about theatre.

Stone Soup Theatre, Wallingford

Date: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Location: Wallingford Presbyterian Church | Ages/grades: K – 8 | Cost: $495 (aftercare is offered for an added cost)

Children with the passion to act and perform can channel their inner thespian at this theatre camp. Older kids in grades 3-8 can learn storytelling on the fly, creating captivating characters, silly scenarios, and hilarious hijinks in the “Comedy! Comedy! Improv!” camp. Kids in grades K-2 can embark on a fun-filled adventure of theatre, magic, and a sprinkle of pixie dust in “Peter Pan with Music.”

Taproot Theatre Acting Studio, Phinney Ridge

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Times: Two options for K-3rd grade, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 4th-12th graders camp is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Location: Taproot Isaac Studio & Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church | Ages/grades: K-12 grade | Cost: $275 and $360 for K-3rd grade and $475 4th-12th grade

Taproot Theatre will offer acting studio midwinter break camps for kids & teens. Camp ends with a final performance on the last day. Classes are taught by Taproots’ experienced teaching artists and theatre professionals. They offer two camp options. For K-3, Taproot is running a camp based on the Masai story “Who’s in Rabbit’s House?” Students will retell the story and create their own costumes, sets, and props for a performance on Friday afternoon. For grades 4-12, there is a showcase camp at Taproot, where students will rehearse and perform a script on the Taproot studio stage, entirely produced with costumes, props, sets, lighting, and sound.

Tilth Alliance, Rainier Beach & Wallingford

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. & 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Locations: Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands & Good Shepherd Center | Ages/grades: Grades 2-8 | Cost: $310-$450

Tilth Alliance is offering four mid-winter break camps this year, each site will offer a camp for grades 2-5, plus a Junior Counselor Camp for grades 6-8: “Cozy Cooking: Winter Cooking Camp” (full-day) at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands and “Garden Cookbook: Kale Five Ways” (half-day) located at the Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford. In these multi-day camps, kids will learn to cook from seasonal produce, work in the garden, and explore the outdoors while learning stewardship of the garden.

West Seattle Art Nest, West Seattle

Dates: February 17-19, 2026 | Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Location: Lincoln Park | Ages/grades: School-aged children | Cost: $195

During this 3-day mid-winter break camp, children will get the opportunity to explore a large variety of art mediums and techniques. This camp will focus on working outdoors, inside heated canopy tents, so they recommend that kids dress in art-friendly clothing and bundle up. Bring a water bottle and a snack or lunch.

Eastside Camps

Arena Sports, Issaquah

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Times: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 – 4 p.m., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Location: Arena Sports Issaquah | Ages/Grades: Ages 5 to 12 | Cost: varies

Our soccer training camps are the ideal program for developing young players in the Seattle area. Each morning, our dedicated coaches guide players through targeted drills and scrimmages to sharpen their technical and tactical fundamentals. By the end of each day, your child will walk away with improved skills and a greater understanding of the game. Sign up today to maximize your child’s growth and love for soccer!

Chess 4 Life, Bellevue & Issaquah

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Times: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Location: Bellevue & Issaquah | Ages/grades: 6-12 | Cost: $425-$507

There are various options at this camp for students to choose from. They offer day chess camps, including regular camp, Lego and chess camp, and table tennis and chess camp. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced players are welcome and can learn and improve.

Edgeworks Climbing Camp, Bellevue

Dates: February 16-20 | Times: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Location: Bellevue Edgeworks (there are also Seattle and Tacoma locations) | Ages: 6-12 | Cost: $110 per day for members, $125 per day for nonmembers

Edgeworks Climbing will offer two mid-winter break camps, one for ages 6-9 and another for ages 9-12. No experience is needed, and rental gear is included. Camps are daily, attend the day or days you choose.

Sit and Kit Camp, Bellevue & Lake Washington

Two camps for mid-winter break will be offered, one for the Lake Washington School District and one for the Bellevue School District. They do not have the theme yet, but they promise it will be out of this world! Pack lunch, snack, and a water bottle, and dress for mess.

• Lake Washington School District Camp | Dates: February 12, 13 & 16, 2026 | Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Location: Sit and Kit | Ages/grades: K-5 | Cost: $225 per child
• Bellevue School District Camp | Dates: February 16-18, 2026 | Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Location: Sit and Kit | Grades: K-5 | Cost $225 per child

Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Location: 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island | Ages/grades: K-5 | Cost: $86-$95 per day (varies by membership) Extended care until 6 p.m. is $19-$21.

School’s out, but the fun + exploration continue! From holidays to conference days, we provide a J Camp experience all year long. Parents enjoy uninterrupted routines while kids enjoy special activities, games, crafts, and swimming!

Youth Theatre Northwest, Mercer Island

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Location: Youth Theatre Northwest | Ages/grades: 2nd-5th grade | Cost: $525

You’re late, you’re late – for a very important date!  From painting the roses red to enjoying a cup of tea with the Mad Hatter, the world of Wonderland is a lush world of imagination ready to be explored. In this camp, students will study acting, movement, and character development based around familiar characters, settings, and stories from Alice’s beloved adventures in Wonderland. Script analysis, character study, blocking, and scene partnering are just some of the valuable acting skills that we will build on in this week of fun!

North of Seattle 

Cedar Springs Camp, Lake Stevens

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Location: Lake Stevens, WA | Ages/grades: ages 5-12 | Cost: $59 per day for each camper, $49 per day for 2 days, and $39 per day for 3 days

This is a day camp where your kids can enjoy a week of camp activities such as laser tag, rock wall climbing, nature hikes, and campfires. Camp will take place at Lake Stevens. Bus transportation is available for $9 additional per day, and a hot lunch can be added on for $9 additional per day.

Creative Hands Studio, Bothell

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (half day), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (full day) Half days offered for art camp | Location: Creative Hands Studio | Ages/grades: Ages 4-14, recommended age 6+ for pottery | Cost: $150-$595

Students will work on various projects and in different art mediums each day. Every day and every week, there will be different projects, with time to play. Kids can choose between a pottery-based camp or an art-based camp.

PlayWell (Lego), Shoreline 

Dates: February 17-20, 2026 | Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Location: Spartan Recreation Center | Ages: Ages 5-10 | Cost: $178 for residents, $214 for non-residents

Bundle up, we’re creating a spectacular Winter Wonderland! Build bobsleds, design snowmobiles, and take a ride on the Polar Express. Explore your snowiest ideas and learn STEM concepts with tens of thousands of LEGO® pieces at your mitten-tips and the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor.

South of Seattle

City of Auburn Camp, Auburn

Dates: February 17-20, 2026 | Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Early drop off and late pick up available.) | Location: Auburn Community & Event Center | Ages/grades: 6-10 years old | Cost: $230 for residents, $287 for nonresidents

Join us for an exciting week during your mid-winter break! Our camp offers projects centered around crafts, sports, games, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. We’ll also enjoy a special one-time outing to the roller skating rink (subject to venue availability; an additional outing will be offered in case of changes).

Sing Out Seattle Musical Theatre, South Seattle 

Dates: February 16-20, 2026 | Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Location: Westside School | Ages/grades: 7-14 years old | Cost: $395

Sing Out offers a mid-winter break camp where your kids will perform songs and scenes from Broadway musicals. On the last day of the camp, the students will have a final camp performance. An extended day is not available.

Read more:

• 20 fun things to do for midwinter break in the Seattle Area
• 18 places for your kids to paint, sculpt, and create art

The post 2026 Guide: Midwinter Break Camps Around Seattle appeared first on Seattle's Child.

In other words: Not. For. Kids.

A recent visit to the all-ages ComedySportz show at CSz Seattle, however, offered a different image. It was an evening of fast-paced, fast-thinking, family-friendly fun — still no-holds-barred, but without cursing, adult innuendo, or shaming.

As the actor-referee stressed: “We are all about keepin’ it clean.”

Clean content (almost always)

It is “all ages,” but really best for grades 3 and up

Parents in the audience weren’t too worried that things would go awry on stage or that adult content would somehow sneak into the program.

“We’ve been coming to these shows for a few years now,” said Jenn, a Seattle mom, before the show. She and her husband, Dave, had their sons along, ages 12, 14, and 16. The family requested their last names not be used.

“I think they all get what’s going on and we have a great time together,” Jenn added.

Seattle dad Adam Feld, who attended the show with kids ages 11 and 15, felt confident about the show’s all-ages designation: “We had been to an all-ages performance before we had brought the kids and the performers did a good job keeping things PG and making sure kids were included in the process,” Feld said.

University Place mom Tiffany Nance’s family almost filled the front row of the theater for their first improv theater experience.

“We brought our kids, ages 14 and 9, because at that age we knew they would understand the context of the show,” Nance said. “[But] I believe that as young as 7, they could attend and understand if they have the attention span to sit for a two-hour show. The intermission helped.”

What happened at the improv show?

As the lights dimmed, the referee ran onstage like a cheerleader, spelled out the “clean show” rules and primed the audience for their role in the interactive improv environment: clapping and cheering. The strength of audience response determines which team of actors “wins.” Throughout the performance, audience members provide input: naming objects, situations, animals, and other elements that the actors integrate into their improvisations.

At this performance, the audience howled during the “Spotify” game, in which a mom was pulled onto the stage and actors tried to woo her with their ballads. And they thundered after each player demonstrated “Whatchu got?” in a dance competition based on audience themes.

In the “human prop” game, the audience was asked for ideas for scene props. The players then improvised scenes, with one brave actor contorting their body into the named object. Imagine a human lawnmower here.

Good fun, good lessons for kids

All this silliness, parents say, is not only entertaining, but may also be a growth opportunity for kids. On stage, the actors showed the spontaneity, risk-taking, and goofiness that great improv theater — and much of life — is built upon. They demonstrated three important lessons for the kids in the audience: Trust is key to collaboration. Mistakes have value. There are no bad ideas.

In improv, coming up with on-the-spot responses and going with your fumbles is what keeps the audience in stitches.

“I think the kids can learn from the commitment, bravery, and resilience that these talented amateur improv actors bring to every performance,” said Dave. “They are willing to get out in front of an audience and take chances, knowing that . . . they aren’t always going to get the reaction from the audience that they want.”

Nance agreed, adding “learning to go with the flow” and “accepting imperfection” to her list of gold nuggets to be extracted from watching improv as a family.

Yes, and ….

What did the kids in the audience think of their improv experience?

They all said they would “highly recommend” it. But next time they’d like to bring their friends. Most said they had little difficulty understanding the ideas and antics onstage. Most, but not all.

“For example, in one of the games, called “four things,” the audience suggests an emotion for the actors to try to convey using only miming and gibberish,” Feld said. “We’ve seen emotions like ennui and existential dread come up. These required some explanation.”

As Nance said about explaining some humor to kids or addressing uncomfortable content if it shows up onstage, “Isn’t this being a parent every day? People say and do things daily that require conversation. Talk about it. Always. That’s how we handle it. What did that mean to you? Did you understand what was being said? How do you feel about it?”

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“The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise,” here for a brief run at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, is full of song, dance, drama, and emotion. It is very lively, and occasionally heavy. For that reason, while I wholeheartedly endorse it for any Neil Diamond fan or music lover of a certain age, I can’t really say it’s a good fit for kids.

Some teens will certainly recognize “Sweet Caroline,” which has become popular to play at sports events. In addition, “I’m a Believer,” which Diamond wrote for the Monkees in 1966, got a second wind in 1999 when Smash Mouth recorded it for the “Shrek” soundtrack.

Beyond this, I think most kids would prefer to do something else for 2 1/2 hours in the evening.

Leave the fun, and the emotion, of “A Beautiful Noise” to the distinctly middle-aged crowd that loved every minute of it earlier this week.

As our seatmates settled in, one enthusiastically predicted, “I’m going to sing and cry; just letting you know.”

She did both of those things, plus lively swaying and chair-dancing. She was not alone.

(Image: Jeremy Daniel)

About the ‘Neil Diamond Musical’

When I go to the theater with my daughter, I get on her case for being on her phone as we await the opening curtain. “Read the program!” I insist. “You’ll learn things.” And to her credit, she has often enjoyed reading the actor bios and finding their Instagram accounts.

In this case, the program contained a “Letter from Neil,” which explained so much. He reveals that, were it not for a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, he would still be touring in his mid-80s. He talks about the process of turning his life into a Broadway musical and the reason for its unique framing: the story is told in the context of a therapy session. “I loved the idea and never shied away from talking about my years of psychoanalysis,” Diamond writes. He goes on to thank his wives, children and grandchildren — and his longtime therapist — and to say that seeing his life told on stage has been “therapeutic.”

Reading the program also yields the tidbit that Nick Fradiani, who plays Diamond, saw him in concert when he was 3. Fradiani is also a past “American Idol” winner (2015). The program does not reveal how or why Fradiani’s voice is so uncannily similar to Diamond’s.

“The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise” is at the Paramount through Sunday, Jan. 18. Tickets information here.

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A joy for all, not just certain belief systems

That is all to say, if you take your family to see Intiman Theatre’s “Black Nativity” this holiday season, expect to sway, clap, and sing. The presentation directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton with music direction by Sam L. Townsend, Jr., and choreography by Vania C. Bynum offers a pause from the dreary challenges of the year to step into a moment of joy.

You might also want to take a moment to prepare kids for what they will be seeing, advises the show’s Associate Director Faith Bennet Russell: “Talk to them about what they may see and experience. Talk to them about what they may know about the Christmas story, and then let them know what they’ll see may be a little different. There’ll be music, which might be loud at times. There’ll be a stage, there’ll be dancing and singing, and there’ll be a lot of joy and fun.”

If your crew is non-Christian, non-religious, or simply unfamiliar with the traditional Christmas tale, here it is in a nutshell: As foretold by prophets, a baby (Jesus) is miraculously born of a virgin mother in a barn in the town of Bethlehem. His birth is announced to faraway kings and shepherds by angels. The kings and shepherds follow a guiding star to the barn where they find the baby lying in a manger. A review of those basics, whether you present it as truth or story, will definitely help younger audience members understand what they are seeing and hearing.

Ann Bergman did just that with her granddaughters, Fiona, 10, and Clara, 7.

“We went over the meaning of nativity at dinner before the show,” Bergman said. Both girls agreed the primer helped them follow what was happening.

‘Black Nativity’ (Image: Joe Moore

A ‘re-imagined’ production that’s also all tradition

That said, expect to hear, see, and sing the words Jesus, savior, lord, king, and Christ many times in this two-hour production now onstage at Capitol Hill’s Broadway Performance Hall.

“Black Nativity” retells the Christian foundational story through the lens of Black gospel music and choreography. It is presented here as a theatrical celebration and a community‑centered musical experience. The production features 30 performers, a live band, and a citywide gospel choir, and invites the audience to sing along in parts.

“I really liked it,” Fiona told me, “especially because they told the story with singing, acting, and dancing.” In fact, both Fiona and Clara said they enjoyed the colorfully costumed, storytelling first half of the production the most.

The second half turns into a plainclothes sing-along that includes both familiar Christmas carols, like “Silent Night” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and traditional gospel songs. It’s enjoyable as the music conductor invites the audience to really belt out the tunes. Still, some may find it overly preachy, what with all the hand-raising, praising, and “Yes, Lord” ing in the audience and on stage.

Cultural connection

“Black Nativity is an invitation to experience an important aspect of Black culture — faith. The show holds all the moving energy and evangelism of a Black gospel church service, right down to the passing of the basket mid-show (in this case, to help fund Intiman Theatre’s free seats program and a local food bank rather than tithe a specific religion). And yet, even with its decided focus on Jesus, it is also a rich theater experience and comes with no expectation of conversion.

As a parent who found value in exposing my kids to myriad cultural traditions, I appreciated that the second half of ‘Black Nativity’ started with a explanation of Kwanzaa, the annual seven-day celebration African-American and Pan-African heritage observed from December 26 to January 1, and with the naming Kwanzaa’s seven principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity)and Imani (Faith). 

I should mention here too that “Black Nativity” has become part of Seattle’s broader holiday culture. Intiman first staged the show in 1998 to rave reviews, and it became an annual tradition until 2012, when it went silent before being revived in 2023.

I first saw “Black Nativity” with my kids in 2004, when they were 6 and 9 years old. We returned several years in a row at their request. And although this year’s production offers some new elements, I noticed the same riveted interest and attention in the young people in the audience on opening night as I saw in my own kids.

A post-show smiles in front of the Kwanzaa candles and Christmas tree. (Image: Cheryl Murfin)

Key to kid enjoyment? Participate!

Along with a story primer, Russell says that engagement is key to kids’ enjoyment of the show.

“One of the ways younger audience members can get the most out of [it] is by being participants as well as spectators,” Russel said. “The show is interactive and is designed for the audience to partake in the celebration. Where with typical plays or musicals, younger audiences may have a harder time with being quiet and still, with ‘Black Nativity’ they can clap, laugh, dance, use their voice, and be involved with the story as it unfolds.”

You may want to simply tell your kids, Russell adds. “It’s another way to celebrate the holiday season.”

The show definitely proves that, a glittery, rousing birthday celebration for the Christ child, followed by a joyous choral party. In that regard, the show saves the best for last. Soloist Josephine Howell’s rendition of”Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (often called “A Merry Little Christmas”) is a heart-stopper and the most secular standout moment.

Family-friendly but best for kids aged 7 or 8 and up

By the end of the 7:30 p.m. show, Clara and Fiona were having a hard time staying awake, but seemed happy to have attended. I also ran into another mom who brought her kids, ages 6 and 4. The 6-year-old “is loving it,” she told me, but she felt it was a bit much for her younger child. They decided to head out at the intermission.

This brings me to a suggestion: If you have kids under the age of 10, consider attending a 2 p.m. show on a Saturday or Sunday, or even a 6:30 p.m. show. You’re likely to see a lot more kids at those, which may be more fun for all.

If you go

• Where: Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, Seattle.
• When: Through Dec. 28.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday options with 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows depending on the date.
• Cost: Adults $41.50–$111.50; Discount options are availa for students, military, and anyone with need. Select your seat, then change the price using the dropdown menu.
• Tickets: Go to initman.org.

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Adele Lim, Noah Duffy, Katie J. Newbury, and Keola Kapulani Holt in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” (Image: Truman Buffett)

Synopsis

As the holidays approach, the animals are stirring, preparing for the festivities in their own way. Filled with original music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, script and lyrics by Mo Willems and Adam Tobin, and the eye-catching production design theater-goers have come to expect from SCT, “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza” follows three storylines:

The Pigeon (Noah Duffy) is not in the holiday spirit. They are not excited about the party that the Squirrels are planning. The exchanging of presents is too far away for their liking, and no one will let the Pigeon drive the sleigh! The cheer of those nearby does nothing but prove irksome to their curmudgeonly attitude. Even the Squirrels’ uplifting tune, “Catchy Holiday Song” (a song we’ve been singing for days in our household), does nothing to temper the bird’s grumpy disposition. The Pigeon goes on a solo trip to the North Pole, but the real journey is their own self-reflection and the realization that the holidays can be filled with joy if only we allow ourselves to soak up the love of those around us.

Noah Duffy in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!”(Image: Truman Buffett)

The Squirrels – Zoomy Squirrel (Keola Kapulani Holt), Zoopy Squirrel (Adele Lim), Flappy Squirrel (Katie J. Newbury), and Zappy Squirrel (Gabriel Zuniga) – are an energetic troupe eager to assemble a holiday party to remember. They assemble millions of pizza pies and all the decorations in the world, only to realize they’ve bitten off a bit more than they can chew, and their big plans cause major party-planning anxiety. As the details snowball into too much for them to keep up with, the squirrels learn the beauty of simplicity, condensing their celebration to what matters most.

Elephant Gerald and Piggie (Nate Tenenbaum, Cassi Q Kohl) are the best of friends, but even companions who know each other so well can have gift-giving anxiety. Each has a present for the other, but their nerves get the better of them. Will Piggie like the surprise Gerald has picked out? Will Gerald enjoy Piggie’s thoughtful holiday offering? As the sweet duo overanalyzes their choices, the real gift is the realization that it is the thought, not the items themselves,  that should be celebrated.

Cassi Q Kohl and Nate Tenenbaum in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” (Image: Truman Buffett)

Warmly Chaotic and Festively Playful

Mo Willems created characters that are easy to love and even more exciting to watch for fans of all ages. His picture book series, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” and early reader favorite, “Elephant & Piggie” series, have sold millions of copies. Seeing them live on stage was a particular delight for my two kids, ages 5 and 7. Though I thought maybe my older one would think the production was “too young” for her, she enjoyed it immensely and found the interactive moments to be particularly exciting.

SCT recommends the show for ages 5+, though there are no loud, overly chaotic, or scary moments that would intimidate or frighten younger audience members. There is also plenty of levity provided by the sometimes overly saccharine characters. The Pigeon is the most pessimistic of the bunch, but he also provides much of the musical’s engaging moments, traveling out to audience members and roaming in and out of the theater to the delight of the youngsters across the crowd.

The segmented storytelling is very reminiscent of SCT’s recent musical “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical.” Only by the end does a clear throughline and unifying message emerge. Its lessons about friendship, collaboration, and self-worth are important for parents and children alike, particularly during this time of year, as the pressure to create certain “perfect” experiences or “perform” a certain way is heightened for everyone. Let the Pigeon and friends usher in some holiday cheer.

Cassi Q Kohl and Adele Lim in “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” (Image: Truman Buffett)

Know Before You Go

• Dates: The show runs through January 4, with a variety of showtimes spanning the morning and
  evening.
• Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, Seattle 98109
• Getting There & Parking
  • Garage and street parking are available with payment. Give yourself ample time if there is
    an event at Climate Pledge Arena.
  • Numerous bus routes serve Seattle Center, including Metro routes 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 24, 29, 31, 33, and the Rapid Ride D Line. Rapid Ride E Line and routes 5 and 28 serve the Center along Aurora Ave N.
  • The Monorail departs approximately every ~10 minutes from Westlake Center and Seattle Center
• Length: Runtime is approximately 80 minutes with a brief intermission.
• Recommended Age: 5+.
• Special Performances
  • The ASL Interpreted Performance is Saturday, December 6, at 1 p.m.
  • The Sensory-Friendly Performance is Saturday, December 1,3 at 2 p.m.
  • The Access/Audio Described Performance is Sunday, December 28, at 1 p.m.

Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers. 

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The Story of ‘The Nutcracker’: A Kid-Friendly Overview

George Balanchine first staged “The Nutcracker” in 1954 for New York City Ballet, and his vision of dancing Sugar Plum Fairies and mischievous mice has been delighting ballet-goers ever since. Featuring the soothing music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the melody has become, for many, synonymous with the holidays. Balanchine’s rendition sticks closely to E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” upon which the ballet is based.

Clara is a young girl enjoying the dazzling activity swirling through her home at her family’s Christmas Eve party. Her home is decked to the brim for the holiday occasion, including a stunning Christmas tree that glitters from bottom to the golden angel at its top. As the children play, dance,  and fight over presents, the adults socialize in old-time elegance.

Paige Clark as Clara, with Pacific Northwest Ballet School students in the party scene. (Image: © Angela Sterling, 2025)

Clara’s godfather Drosselmeier enters the party with a unique gift in tow: a valiant wooden Nutcracker, which he gifts to his young goddaughter. The party ends. Clara falls to sleep and enters a dream world of incredible creatures and magical lands. Her nutcracker transforms into a life-size, animated soldier. A seven-headed Mouse King leads his rodent minions in a battle against her brother’s regiment of toy soldiers. After a gallant win, the Nutcracker leads Clara to a snowflake forest and transforms into a handsome Prince.

In the second act, Clara and the Prince sail to the Land of Sweets where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy who dances with her golden angels and introduces Clara to exotic characters who represent delectable delights: Spanish chocolates, Arabian coffees, Mother Ginger and her tiny polinchinelles, teas from China, Russian candy canes, and German marzipan. The colors and flavors cap off a decadent journey for Clara and her valorous Nutcracker.

How the Show Plays for Kids

Adults will appreciate the design and set details of the first act, which is set predominantly in Clara’s family home, but younger viewers may be less interested in the magnificent vision of domestic life. After intermission, my 5- and 7-year-old kids were honed in on the Land of Sweets.

The vivid color palette captivated them. Appealing shades of mint and peach whirled as Dewdrop leads the Waltz of the Flowers. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier prance in royal purple and gold. Mother Ginger’s yellow striped circus-tent-sized dress skirt provides the most comedic relief and elicited many gasps and shrieks of delight from the audience.

Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers and PNB School students in the finale. (Image: © Angela Sterling, 2025)

Scenes That May Be Scary — Or Not

Though the mice and their Mouse King are certainly the closest characters to a villain in the production, their brief sword fight and antagonistic presence never crosses a line that would make audience members of any age nervous or unsettled. There are brief moments of dimming light, but nothing more than momentary near-darkness. The biggest hurdle for many families will be the length of the production, although the 25-minute intermission is very helpful in breaking it up for those with short attention spans.

Led by the Nutcracker (Pacific Northwest Ballet School student Maxwell Adams), Toy Soldiers go into battle with Mice. (Image: © Angela Sterling, 2025.)

Length, Intermission and Attention Span Tips

The full runtime is just over two hours, but the 25-minute intermission is genuinely helpful for families. Snacks and space to move around go a long way in resetting younger audiences.

Behind the Magic: Design, Music and Visuals

This production of Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” is a multi-media delight for the senses. The production opens with a scene-setting video that takes the audience through a snowy wood to Clara’s home. Multiple full-stage screens give the production depth as the characters flit between walls and rooms in Clara’s house. The colorful and romantic stage and costume designs, both created by the late artist Ian Falconer, bring the magic of the story to life. Snow sprinkles down over Clara and the snowflake dancers in a picturesque vision for a winter wonderland.

Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in the iconic snow scene. (Image: © Angela Sterling, 2025)

Essential Tips for Parents Attending PNB’s Nutcracker

Parking can be difficult with all of the events happening at and near Seattle Center. Purchasing pre-paid parking at Mercer Street Garage not only saves you from the headache and stress of looking for street parking, but also offers the easiest access to McCaw Hall. It’s connected to the venue via skybridge and costs $22.50 if you book at least 5 hours before your designated show time. Otherwise, purchasing at Mercer Street Garage in person will run you $30.

Be sure to get there early enough before showtime to pre-order food, drinks or treats at any of the concession stations. Your items will be waiting for you at intermission, and you will thank yourself by avoiding the long lines. There is a restaurant on the first level that will take your order and have a table ready for your party to enjoy a sit-down experience. We sat down at one such table for the 25-minute break, where my kids, who had not yet eaten lunch, were able to scarf down chicken tenders and a Nutcracker-themed cookie to tide them over for the final half of the performance. To say it was a clutch move is an understatement.

You’ll be shocked to learn that cookies at intermission were a highlight. (Image: Candice McMillan / Seattle’s Child)

Bringing little ones? Complimentary booster cushions are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will help them see the stage over taller heads in front of them.

Finally, McCaw Hall is decked out to the nines in Christmas cheer. There is a gigantic tree at the main entrance, along with a smattering of smaller ones posted up around the building. There are photo opportunities all over the first floor, including 2D versions of the characters in “The Nutcracker” (my girls loved crawling into the replica of Mother Ginger’s dress). Making an occasion of it by dressing up is a time-honored tradition that is exciting for attendees, young and old. My daughters felt so special in their holiday attire, and PNB was the perfect kick-off into the season.

There is something so special about “The Nutcracker” as a holiday-time tradition, and after this year, I think it will become one that we return to year after year.

Know Before You Go: Dates, Times and Ages

• Date: The show runs through December 28, with a variety of showtimes spanning the morning
  and evening.
• Location: McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
• Runtime: Approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes with one 25-minute intermission.
• Recommended Age: PNB does not give an explicit recommended age. This production is likely good for kids 4+
  who are able to sit in their seat for one-hour increments.
• Special Performances
  • The Sensory-Friendly Performance is on Friday, December 12, at 2 p.m.
  • The Audio Described Performances are on Friday, December 1,2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and
    Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m.

Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers and PNB School students. (Image: © Angela Sterling, 2025)

More Seattle Holiday Performances for Families

Seattle’s holiday arts season is packed with family-friendly magic, and if your crew loved PNB’s “Nutcracker,” there’s plenty more to explore.

• Other Nutcrackers Around the Sound. Looking for a smaller venue, a condensed performance, or a fresh take on the classic? Our roundup of local Nutcracker productions highlights options across Seattle, the Eastside, and the South Sound.
• Holiday Shows Guide: What to See This Season. Our Seattle Holiday Shows Guide features the full lineup of festive performances happening across the region. It’s a one-stop look at musicals, concerts, ballets, light-filled spectacles, and limited-run productions to help families plan.
• Parent Review: “Elf The Musical” at The 5th Avenue Theatre. “Elf The Musical” brings big laughs, colorful spectacle, and that signature Buddy-the-Elf joy to the stage. Our parent review walks through what kids will love, what may surprise you, and insider tips before you go.
• Parent Review: “The Lion King” at The Paramount Theatre. Disney’s “The Lion King” remains one of the most visually breathtaking touring productions today. Our behind-the-scenes parent review includes a special backstage look at the puppets and masks — plus details families need.
• Parent Review: “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza” at SCT. Seattle Children’s Theatre’s new Pigeon holiday musical is goofy, heartfelt, and perfectly tailored for young audiences. Our parent review covers the storyline, the humor kids respond to most, and why this show makes a gentle, joy-filled introduction to live theater for kids.

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