Photo:
Kaleidoscope Dance Co. Photo courtesy of creativedance.org
Springtime in Seattle is as full of rainy days as it is sunny ones. So enjoy those sunny days outside when you can, but don’t miss out on these great family-friendly arts experiences. Whatever your family’s taste, this spring, you are sure to find a new show or exhibit that you won’t want to miss.
March shows and events
“Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei”
For the first time in its history, Seattle Art Museum is simultaneously presenting the work of one artist at all three of its locations. In the largest U.S. exhibition of Ai Weiwei’s work to date, the downtown location will host a major 40-year retrospective. Seattle Asian Art Museum will display “Ai Weiwei: Water Lilies,” a Lego reinterpretation of Claude Monet’s famed series of paintings; and Olympic Sculpture Park will present 12 monumental bronze sculptures titled “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads.” Kids will love Ai’s rebellious spirit, but parental opinions of age appropriateness will vary. Free with museum admission.
Location: Seattle
Dates: Opening March 12 with timed entry downtown; March 19 in Volunteer Park; and May 17 at Olympic Sculpture Park.
“Big Fish”
Parents might be familiar with the 2003 Tim Burton movie starring Billy Crudup as protagonist William Bloom, who tries to figure out whether there is any truth in his father’s tall tales, and in the process, comes to understand his father better. This elaborate work of musical theater will feature a huge ensemble. $20–$30
Location: Studio East, Kirkland
Dates: March 14–23
“Clue: The Musical”
It’s kind of weird that a board game about murder would become a cult movie with intergenerational appeal, but kids seem to love “Clue.” This season, Edmonds Driftwood Players are presenting an interactive musical version in which audience members not only help solve the crime, they determine the outcome (one of 216 possible solutions) by choosing from cards representing the potential murderers, weapons, and rooms. Recommended for ages 14+. $25–$28
Location: Wade James Theatre, Edmonds
Dates: March 14–April 6
“Wild Fire and the Bird Scouts”
In a story about ingenuity and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, in this case environmental damage, the fledglings of Bird Scout Troop No. 7 get separated from their flock on their first migration and must find their way back from a burned forest. For ages 5+. $20
Location: Olympia Family Theater, Olympia
Dates: March 14–30
Moisture Festival
Moisture Festival is a variety show featuring aerialists, jugglers, magicians, comedians, dancers, bubble acts, clowns, acrobats, musicians, the weird and the wonderful — all keeping the vaudeville tradition alive. Matinees are specifically family-focused fun, but save the “Frisky Friday” evening shows for date night. $10–$60
Location: Broadway Performance Hall, Seattle
Dates: March 20–April 13
Bruce Wells’ “Beauty and the Beast”
Introduce the family to classical ballet at this all ages, hour-long, narrated production of the fairy tale. Performances feature students from the Pacific Northwest Ballet School (some of whom you may see on the main stage next year). $15–$69
Location: McCaw Hall, Seattle
Dates: March 22, 29 and 30
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
Taking place on the other side of the lake, this premiere from International Ballet Theatre for Children is specially designed to make classical ballet accessible to kids. Talented and experienced student dancers from the International Ballet Academy are featured in this choreographed adaptation of the classic fairy tale. $34–$49
Location: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Dates: March 22–23
“The Little Prince”
Bellevue Youth Theatre presents Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved classic about a pilot whose plane crashes in the desert, where he meets a strange little prince. Together, they talk and draw pictures in a shared exploration of the beauty of life. $13
Location: Bellevue Youth Theatre, Bellevue
Dates: March 28–April 6
April shows and events
“Dolly”
Everybody loves Dolly Parton. This year, Seattle Men’s Chorus celebrates the country music icon and actress with a full concert of Dolly’s greatest singles and soundtrack hits. Big hair and rhinestones are encouraged. Prices vary by location.
Location: Multiple venues; Seattle, Bellingham, Tacoma, Everett
Dates: April 6–May 18
“Athena”
Mary and Athena move from being competitors to confidantes in this coming-of-age story about two young fencers navigating adolescence. The production is presented in collaboration with Salle Auriol, so expect some impressive fight choreography. Recommended for teens. $46
Location: ArtsWest, Seattle
Dates: April 10–May 4
“Notes of Spring”
Presented by the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, this all-ages Family & Community Concert will showcase the world premiere of Jessi Harvey’s new work, “Notes of Spring,” a concerto featuring the winner of the 2024 Young Artists Competition; and Poulenc’s “L’histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant,” narrated by BPA Youth Theatre School students. $35
Location: Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Island
Dates: April 11–13
“Life of Pi”
This award-winning touring Broadway production is based on the bestselling book about a teenager who survives a shipwreck, only to find himself sharing a lifeboat with the remnants of his father’s zoo. Although the play uses amazing animal puppets, the story may be too intense for younger children. Starting at $35
Location: Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Dates: April 15–20
The Genius of John Williams
For one night only, Tacoma Concert Band presents film score music by the cinematic genius John Williams — composer for “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” “Jurassic Park” and more. This concert will deliver live performances of unforgettable movie themes that have defined our lives for generations. Adults $20 and up; children younger than 18 are free when you call or visit the box office in person.
Location: Pantages Theater, Tacoma
Date: April 19
“Squeeze”
Inspired by the antics of Buster Keaton and Samuel Beckett’s absurdism, and with a cast composed of five clowns and two acrobats, this show promises to be high energy and visually appealing, while the heavier thematic elements exploring life and the issues of today’s world keep it grounded. Recommended for teens and mature tweens. Ticket cost on a sliding scale.
Location: Seattle Public Theater, Seattle
Dates: April 4–13
May shows and events
“The Pa‘akai We Bring”
Seattle Children’s Theatre hosts a one-of-a-kind production from Honolulu Theatre for Youth that’s steeped in history, culture and healing. “The Pa‘akai We Bring” tells a multigenerational story that mixes ancient legends, hula, live music, original songs and audience participation into a tasty potluck of performance, joyously served up with aloha. $30
Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle
Dates: May 7–June 1
“The Sound of Music” Youth Edition
Youth Edition In one of the most beloved musicals of all time, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis take power in Austria. This adaptation has been edited to better suit younger attention spans but preserves the cherished songs. $8–$22
Location: Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon Island
Dates: May 9–10
Kaleidoscope Spring Concert
An evening of contemporary dance is an intimidating prospect for a lot of people, but when the dancers are ages 7–17 and the dances are created by professional choreographers, it instantly becomes accessible. Adults will be impressed by the young dancers’ skill, while kids might be inspired to try dancing themselves.
Location: Broadway Performance Hall, Seattle
Dates: May 9–11
“Coppélia”
Equal parts mischief and magic, “Coppélia” is a family-friendly ballet in which sweethearts Franz and Swanhilda sneak into the workshop of Dr. Coppélius to investigate his mysterious life-like doll. High jinks ensue. Presented by Olympic Ballet Theatre. $29–$52
Location: Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds
Dates: May 10–11
“Alice by Heart”
This young adult version of “Alice in Wonderland” is set in wartime London. Can the nonsense world of Wonderland help Alice keep the outside world at bay? $8–$15
Location: Black Box Theatre at Edmonds College, Edmonds
Dates: May 15–18
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
This musical comedy explores the lives of six tweens fighting for victory in the biggest battle of their young lives — the county spelling bee. Recommended for all ages. $25
Location: Olympia Family Theater, Olympia
Dates: May 16–June 8
June shows and events
“Earth to Kenzie”
This one-act opera created specifically for kids explores themes of empathy and finding strength despite adversity. It tells the story of Kenzie, a fifth-grader who escapes into video games when her family loses their home. The fully staged and costumed opera, performed by professional singers and with live piano accompaniment, lasts only one hour, including the post-show Q&A. $10–$25
Location: Tagney Jones Hall at the Opera Center, Seattle
Date: June 7, three performances
“Be More Chill”
This energetic sci-fi musical with a pop-rock score explores the cost of popularity as awkward teen Jeremy Heere relies on a supercomputer to help him be more chill. Its themes of identity, friendship and the dangers of conformity make it a coming-of-age story you’ll never grow out of. $30
Location: SecondStory Repertory, Redmond
Dates: June 20–July 13
TeenTix
Encourage your 13- to 19-year-olds to explore the arts on their own with a free membership to TeenTix. Members can purchase $5 day-of-show tickets at more than 100 partner organizations in the greater Puget Sound region, including museums, movie theaters, stage theaters, dance companies and symphonies.
More way to entertain and delight the whole family: |
Editor’s note: This article was first published last year and was updated most recently in February 2025 by the author. New information was added for the 2025 spring arts season.
