Photo: Missoula Children's Theatre
Photo: Laura Haacke
Photo: Michelle
Missoula Children's Theatre
★4.5(191 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 Performances typically run 60-75 minutes; week-long camps involve 2-3 hours daily for 5 days👶 Best for ages 5-18. The performance workshops and camps are designed for elementary through high school students, with roles tailored to different skill levels. Younger children (3-5) will enjoy attending performances as audience members, though participation programs work best for kids who can focus for rehearsals.🧡 Saved by 19 families
About
Missoula Children's Theatre is a nationally-renowned interactive theater venue where kids don't just watch performances,they become the stars! This creative hub offers professional productions featuring young performers, plus week-long theater camps where children audition, rehearse, and perform in a full-scale musical in just five days. It's an incredible confidence-building experience that introduces kids to the magic of live theater.
Highlights
- ✓Week-long theater camps where kids audition, rehearse, and perform a complete musical in just 5 days
- ✓Professional-quality productions featuring all-youth casts
- ✓Interactive performances that engage young audiences
- ✓National touring company that brings quality theater education to communities everywhere
- ✓Confidence-building programs that welcome all skill levels,no experience necessary
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early for performances,seating is often first-come, first-served and shows can sell out quickly
- 2.If your child wants to participate in a residency program, watch for announcements when MCT tours to nearby communities as slots fill fast
- 3.Check their website for summer camp schedules well in advance, as popular sessions book up months ahead
- 4.Bring a camera for after-show photo opportunities with the young performers in costume
- 5.Park in the nearby public lots on Ryman or Front Street for easiest access to the venue
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoon office hours (12-5 PM) are perfect for inquiries and registration, but attend performances on scheduled show nights (typically weekends). Summer is peak season for camps and touring productions, while the academic year offers more local programming.
What to Know
Show ticket prices are very family-friendly, typically under $15 per person. Week-long camp residencies have participation fees. Street parking is available nearby, and the downtown location means plenty of dining options within walking distance.
Seasonal Notes
Summer camps are the busiest time with multiple sessions offered. The touring season typically runs August through May when MCT teams visit communities nationwide. Holiday-themed performances and special productions are often scheduled around Christmas and spring break.
Nearby Eats
The downtown Missoula location offers endless options,try The Camino for kid-friendly tacos just two blocks away, or grab pizza at Biga Pizza on Higgins Avenue, perfect for a post-show family dinner.
More Activities Near Missoula
Playground
Dragon Hollow Playground
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Dragon Hollow Playground is a beloved community treasure in Missoula, featuring an enchanting castle theme that sparks imagination and adventure. With its unique wooden structures, creative climbing towers, winding slides, and whimsical design elements, this playground transforms ordinary playtime into a medieval quest that keeps kids engaged for hours.
Restaurant
Garcias Incorporados
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Garcias Incorporados is a beloved Missoula establishment serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in generous family-sized portions that make dining with kids both easy and affordable. The vibrant, colorful atmosphere and welcoming vibe create a relaxed environment where children feel comfortable, and parents appreciate the quick service and menu options that appeal to even picky eaters.
Adventure
Riverfront Trail
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The Riverfront Trail offers families an easy, scenic outdoor escape right through the heart of Missoula. This well-maintained paved path winds alongside the Clark Fork River for miles, connecting multiple parks, playgrounds, and picnic spots that make perfect stopping points for kids. Whether you're biking, scootering, walking the dog, or pushing a stroller, the flat terrain and beautiful river views make this a stress-free adventure for all ages.
Restaurant
Sonora Shack
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Sonora Shack is a beloved Missoula breakfast spot that hits all the right notes for families. Known for creative pancakes and generous kid-friendly portions, this casual eatery combines Mexican-inspired flavors with breakfast classics in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where parents don't have to stress about noise or mess.