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Children's Theatre Company summer camp organizer in Minneapolis, MN
Photo: Children's Theatre Company
View of Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN
Photo: Mark Nelson
View of Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN
Photo: Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company

4.8(1,404 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours total (including arrival time and the show itself)👶 Best for ages 3-14, though specific shows vary. Preschoolers (3-5) enjoy shorter productions with familiar stories, elementary-aged kids (6-11) connect with adventurous tales and chapter book adaptations, while tweens and teens appreciate more complex narratives and sophisticated stagecraft. Check individual show recommendations when booking.

About

The Children's Theatre Company is one of the nation's premier professional theaters dedicated entirely to young audiences, bringing beloved stories to life with Broadway-quality productions, innovative staging, and age-appropriate storytelling. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 1,400 families, this Minneapolis gem offers everything from classic fairy tales to contemporary stories, ensuring kids experience the magic of live theater at its finest.

Highlights

  • Professional Broadway-caliber productions with stunning sets, costumes, and special effects
  • Stories specifically adapted and staged for young audiences with age-appropriate themes
  • Interactive pre-show activities and post-show discussions for select performances
  • Beautiful, kid-friendly theater space designed to make children feel welcome
  • Educational programs and summer camps for aspiring young performers

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Book tickets early for popular shows as weekend performances sell out quickly, especially during school breaks and holidays.
  2. 2.Arrive 20-30 minutes early to explore the colorful lobby, use restrooms, and let kids get settled before the show starts,they also sometimes offer pre-show activities.
  3. 3.Sit in the mezzanine if you have wigglier kids; it's easier to step out if needed without disturbing others.
  4. 4.Take advantage of their summer camps and theater education programs if your child shows interest in performing arts.
  5. 5.Many productions run 60-90 minutes without intermission, perfect for younger attention spans,check show length when booking.

Best Time to Visit

Saturday matinees (11 AM-3 PM operating hours) are most popular with families. Weekday afternoon performances during school breaks tend to be less crowded. The office hours listed are for ticket purchases and inquiries; actual show times vary by production, so check their performance schedule online.

What to Know

Tickets typically range from $15-75 depending on seating and production. Parking is available in nearby lots and street parking around the Minneapolis Institute of Art neighborhood. The theater is fully accessible with wheelchair seating options and assistive listening devices available.

Seasonal Notes

The theater runs productions year-round with different shows rotating throughout the season (typically September through June). Holiday productions in November-December are especially popular and book up fast. Summer programming includes camps and occasional performances. Check their seasonal schedule as show offerings change approximately every 6-8 weeks.

Nearby Eats

The nearby Minneapolis Institute of Art has Provisions café with kid-friendly options, or head to Anchor Fish & Chips (10 minutes away) for a casual family meal. Sun Street Breads bakery café offers sandwiches and treats perfect for pre-show dining.

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