Photo: Zack Curvin
Photo: Brittany Ledger
Photo: Bryan Laue
Center For Puppetry Arts
★4.8(2,972 reviews)$$Entertainment
🕑 2.5-3 hours (including a 45-60 minute show and museum exploration)👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are mesmerized by the colorful puppets and familiar Sesame Street characters, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the theater performances and can participate in the Create-A-Puppet workshops where they design and take home their own puppet.🧡 Saved by 34 families
About
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a one-of-a-kind destination that combines live puppet theater, an incredible museum featuring over 200 Sesame Street and Muppet characters, and hands-on workshops. With more than 600 performances annually and interactive exhibits that bring puppetry magic to life, it's a captivating experience that sparks creativity and wonder in children while delighting nostalgic parents.
Highlights
- ✓Original Jim Henson Muppets including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Big Bird on display
- ✓Live puppet theater performances with professional puppeteers presenting classic tales and original stories
- ✓Create-A-Puppet workshops where kids design and build their own puppet to take home
- ✓Interactive exhibits where children can try puppeteering themselves behind mini stages
- ✓Global puppet collection featuring intricate shadow puppets, marionettes, and cultural treasures from around the world
Pro Tips
- 1.Book show tickets online in advance as popular performances sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during school breaks
- 2.Arrive 30-45 minutes early to explore the museum before your show time,admission to the museum is included with performance tickets
- 3.Visit the museum-only option on non-show days for a less crowded, more relaxed experience where kids can take their time
- 4.Don't skip the Global Collection gallery,kids love seeing giant puppets from around the world and learning how different cultures use puppetry
- 5.Check if workshops are available during your visit; the hands-on puppet-making sessions are incredibly popular and require separate reservations
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings offer the quietest museum experience, while Saturday matinee shows are perfect for families. The center is closed Mondays, and Sunday afternoon shows tend to be busiest with local families.
What to Know
General admission tickets range from $10-25 depending on whether you're seeing a show or just the museum. Free parking is available in the attached lot. There's no cafe on-site, but you can bring snacks, and the Midtown location has numerous nearby dining options.
Seasonal Notes
The center offers special holiday-themed performances around Christmas and features summer camps during school breaks. Performance schedules vary by season, with more show options during summer and holiday periods. Check the calendar online as some weeks have limited show availability.
Real Experiences
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Nearby Eats
Walk to Figo Pasta (5 minutes away) for casual Italian with a kids menu, or head to Mellow Mushroom on Peachtree Street for pizza in a funky, kid-welcoming atmosphere with coloring sheets and a relaxed vibe.
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