Photo: Puppet Showplace Theater
Photo: Anna Bracewell
Photo: Keith Moore
Puppet Showplace Theater
★4.8(173 reviews)$Theater
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (most shows run 45-60 minutes, plus pre-show time and optional post-show meet-and-greets)👶 Best for ages 2-10. Toddlers and preschoolers are mesmerized by the colorful puppets and engaging stories told at their level, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the artistry and enjoy the interactive workshops where they can create and perform with their own puppets.🧡 Saved by 28 families
About
Puppet Showplace Theater is a charming, intimate venue that brings the magic of professional puppetry to life for young audiences. With rotating performances featuring talented puppeteers from around the country, plus hands-on workshops where kids can try puppetry themselves, this beloved Brookline gem offers a unique theatrical experience that captivates children and sparks their imagination in ways traditional theater can't match.
Highlights
- ✓Professional puppetry performances featuring diverse styles from shadow puppets to marionettes to hand puppets
- ✓Rotating show schedule with new performances throughout the year, so repeat visits offer fresh experiences
- ✓Hands-on puppetry workshops where kids create and perform with their own puppets
- ✓Intimate setting where children feel connected to the performers and can truly see the magic up close
- ✓Post-show opportunities to meet puppeteers and see puppets up close
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure the best seats in this small theater,the intimate setting means every seat has a good view, but younger kids will appreciate being closer to the stage action.
- 2.Check their website ahead of time for show descriptions and age recommendations, as some performances are geared toward specific age groups and themes vary from fairy tales to educational shows.
- 3.Sign up for their workshop offerings if you have time,kids absolutely love the chance to make their own puppets and perform a mini-show.
- 4.Street parking is available on Station Street and nearby residential streets, but can fill up quickly on weekends, so plan to arrive with extra time.
- 5.The theater is small and cozy, so if you have a very active toddler, consider bringing a quiet toy for any pre-show waiting time.
Best Time to Visit
Weekend mornings (Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM) are when shows are scheduled. Arrive for the first show of the day if you prefer a less crowded experience, though most performances sell out, so booking tickets in advance is essential regardless of timing.
What to Know
Tickets typically range from $12-15 per person and should be purchased online in advance as shows often sell out. The theater is small and intimate with limited seating, and street parking in the Brookline Village area is free on weekends but can be competitive.
Seasonal Notes
The theater operates year-round with shows on weekends. Special holiday-themed performances are offered during winter holidays and often include extended schedules. Summer sometimes features special camps and intensive workshops. Check their seasonal calendar as they occasionally close for brief periods between show rotations.
Nearby Eats
Brookline Village offers several family-friendly options within walking distance, including The Abbey Restaurant & Tavern with a kids' menu and casual atmosphere, or grab bagels and treats at Kupel's Bakery, a local favorite perfect for a post-show snack.
More Activities Near Brookline
Playground
Amory Playground
Free
Amory Playground is a beloved Brookline gem that offers something for every age, from its refreshing spray pool perfect for hot summer days to modern climbing structures that challenge active kids. Located steps from Coolidge Corner, families can easily combine playground time with shopping or grabbing a bite, making it an ideal destination for a full morning or afternoon out.
Park
Larz Anderson Park
Free
Larz Anderson Park is Brookline's crown jewel for family outdoor fun, spanning 64 acres of rolling hills with activities for every season. From winter sledding and ice skating to summer picnics and playground adventures, this park offers spectacular Boston skyline views and even houses the Larz Anderson Auto Museum,America's oldest car collection,right on the grounds.
Playground
Waldstein Playground
Free
Waldstein Playground is a beloved Brookline neighborhood gem that offers something for every member of the family. With its diverse mix of climbing structures, swings, sandbox play, refreshing spray features for hot days, and adjacent tennis courts, this well-kept playground provides hours of active fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Playground
Playground
★4.9Free
This beloved Brookline community playground on Harvard Street offers something for everyone with its modern, well-maintained equipment, spacious open fields for running around, and basketball courts for older kids. The friendly atmosphere makes it a neighborhood favorite where families naturally gather on weekends, creating a welcoming environment for both regulars and first-time visitors.