Children’s Theater
Local companies use actors, puppets and acrobats to make theater fun for kids.
Oregon Arts Watch
Kids can take a little convincing that people in costume aren’t scary, but fun — and Portland’s rich collection of children’s theater companies offer just the introduction they need. Kids already under the spell of the stage will delight in fantastical productions featuring acrobats, puppets and more.
Kids will delight in fantastical productions featuring acrobats, puppets and more.
Northwest Children’s Theater offers vibrant, accessible productions, often based on classic books, that can be enjoyed by kids as young as four. Oregon Children’s Theatre aims a bit older, dabbling in rock opera and exploring world affairs. Both of these companies also offer summer camps for blossoming performers.
The beloved kids’ shows at Imago Theatre feature acrobatic actors dressed as frogs, cats and a menagerie of other creatures who dance, mime, delight and surprise. These wordless performances are equally appropriate for viewers who don’t speak English. And don’t underestimate puppets; Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre productions are well outside the box, with large, articulated marionettes that often overtake the whole stage and act alongside people.
More Family Friendly Activities
Enjoy these kid-friendly things to do in and around Portland.
Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions
Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.
Portland Children’s Museum
Dreaming of a family-friendly afternoon full of hands-on learning? Head to the Portland Children’s Museum, in attraction-packed Washington Park.
When I Grow Up: Portland Attractions for Career-Oriented Kids
At these family-friendly Portland attractions, kids can walk in the shoes of the heroes they idolize: police officers, firefighters, astronauts, airplane pilots and sailors.
Theater for Kids
Head to these upcoming kid-centered theater performances around Portland.
Jungle Book
The Northwest Children’s Theater’s original adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling classic returns for an encore performance. Telling the story of a mischievous young boy and his adventures in the jungles of India, The Jungle Book comes to life through traditional Indian dance and a dash of Bollywood. This family favorite is created in partnership with…
The Journal of Ben Uchida: Citizen 13559
“I’d never thought I looked different from the other kids at school, even though most of them were Caucasian. But when I went to school the day after Pearl Harbor, I realized I did look different. My hair was black, my skin was darker and my eyes were almond-shaped. My face was the face of…
Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play!
Meet “bestus friends” Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig. Together, they tackle friendship’s big questions: What happens when two friends want to play with one toy? What do you wear to party? And will anyone say “Banana?” Most enjoyed by ages 3 and up.
Elephant & Piggie: We are in a Play!
Meet “bestus friends” Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig. Together, they tackle friendship’s big questions: What happens when two friends want to play with one toy? What do you wear to party? And will anyone say “Banana?” Most enjoyed by ages 3 and up.
Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play!
Meet “bestus friends” Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig. Together, they tackle friendship’s big questions: What happens when two friends want to play with one toy? What do you wear to party? And will anyone say “Banana?” Most enjoyed by ages 3 and up.