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Central Park Performing Arts Center event venue in Largo, FL
Photo: Central Park Performing Arts Center
View of Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo, FL
Photo: Lou Tenner
View of Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo, FL
Photo: Sherry Efford

Central Park Performing Arts Center

4.7(840 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 Most children's performances run 60-90 minutes including intermission. Plan for 2-2.5 hours total including arrival time and post-show activities.👶 Best for ages 4-14. Preschoolers and early elementary kids will love the colorful children's theater productions, while tweens can appreciate the concerts and more sophisticated performances. Most shows are designed with young attention spans in mind.

About

Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo is a wonderful destination for introducing children to live theater and the performing arts. With a calendar filled with children's theater productions, family concerts, and educational performances, this venue makes cultural experiences accessible and entertaining for young audiences in a professional theater setting.

Highlights

  • Professional-quality children's theater productions throughout the year
  • Educational performances that bring stories and history to life
  • Family concerts featuring various musical genres
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned theater with excellent sightlines
  • Special holiday-themed performances during festive seasons

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Call ahead or check their website for the current performance schedule, as show times vary and the box office is only open weekdays 10am-4pm
  2. 2.Arrive 20-30 minutes early to allow time for parking, restroom visits, and getting kids settled before the show starts
  3. 3.Request aisle seats when booking if you have younger children who may need a quick exit for bathroom breaks
  4. 4.Many productions offer meet-and-greet opportunities with performers after the show,stick around if your kids would enjoy meeting the cast
  5. 5.Pack a small quiet activity or coloring book for younger kids to use before the performance begins

Best Time to Visit

Evening and weekend matinee performances are most popular for families. Weekday school performances also occur during the academic year. Check their seasonal schedule as family-friendly shows are often concentrated during school breaks and holiday periods.

What to Know

Ticket prices vary by performance, typically ranging from $15-30 per person. Free parking is available on-site. The venue has modern facilities including accessible seating and air conditioning. Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the theater.

Seasonal Notes

The performance calendar is most active during the school year (September-May) with special holiday shows in November-December. Summer camps and special summer productions also occur. The box office is closed weekends, so plan ticket purchases for weekdays or purchase online in advance.

Nearby Eats

Central Park itself has picnic areas perfect for a pre-show meal. For sit-down options, head to nearby Ulmerton Road where you'll find family favorites like Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread within a 5-minute drive, ideal for a quick bite before an evening performance.

More Activities Near Largo

Adventure

Pinellas Trail

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The Pinellas Trail in Largo offers families 47 miles of smooth, paved pathway perfect for introducing kids to biking adventures or enjoying leisurely stroller walks. This multi-use trail winds through shaded neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas, providing a safe, car-free environment where kids can ride bikes, rollerblade, or scooter while parents enjoy the scenic Florida landscape.

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Bonnie Brae Drive

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Bonnie Brae Drive Park is a classic neighborhood park in Largo that offers the perfect mix of active play and relaxation for families. With sports courts for energetic kids, playground equipment for the little ones, and shaded picnic areas where parents can unwind, it's an ideal spot for a casual afternoon outdoors without the crowds of larger parks.

Ice Cream

Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck

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Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck is a classic mobile ice cream experience that brings joy to kids throughout the Largo area. This isn't just any ice cream stop,it's the nostalgic sound of the jingle, the excitement of choosing from colorful truck windows, and enjoying soft serve treats in your own neighborhood or at local parks and events.

Park

Largo Central Park

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