Photo: Coaster Theatre Playhouse
Photo: Coaster Theatre Playhouse
Photo: Mary Kaye O'Brien
Coaster Theatre Playhouse
★4.7(189 reviews)$Theater
🕑 2-2.5 hours including intermission👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Younger elementary-aged children will enjoy the colorful musicals and comedic productions, while tweens and teens appreciate the quality acting and storytelling. Shows typically run 90-120 minutes, so children should be able to sit through a performance.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Coaster Theatre Playhouse brings the magic of live theater to families in an intimate, welcoming community setting right in the heart of Cannon Beach. This beloved local venue stages high-quality musicals, comedies, and family-friendly productions that introduce children to the performing arts without the big-city price tag or intimidating atmosphere. With excellent reviews and a reputation for engaging performances, it's a wonderful rainy-day activity or evening entertainment option during your coastal vacation.
Highlights
- ✓Intimate 150-seat theater where every seat offers great views and connection to performers
- ✓High-quality community productions featuring talented local actors and directors
- ✓Family-friendly musicals and comedies perfect for introducing kids to live theater
- ✓Charming historic venue with character and small-town coastal atmosphere
- ✓Affordable ticket prices compared to big-city theater experiences
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead or check their website before your visit to see what's currently playing and whether it's appropriate for your children's ages,some productions are more adult-oriented than others
- 2.Box office hours are limited (12:30-4:00 PM weekdays), so purchase tickets online in advance or arrive early on show day to avoid disappointment
- 3.The theater is intimate with only 150 seats, which means there's not a bad seat in the house, but arrive 15-20 minutes early for best selection
- 4.Combine your theater visit with exploring downtown Cannon Beach,the venue is just blocks from the beach and surrounded by kid-friendly shops and restaurants
- 5.Consider attending a matinee performance if available, as they're often easier for families with younger children than evening shows
Best Time to Visit
Evening and weekend performances are most common, though matinee shows (when available) work best for families with younger children. Visit during the off-season (fall through spring) when Cannon Beach is quieter and you can make theater the centerpiece of a cozy coastal getaway.
What to Know
Ticket prices are reasonable for community theater (typically $20-30 per person). Street parking is available nearby on Hemlock Street. The intimate venue means limited concessions, so plan accordingly, though there are plenty of nearby restaurants for pre- or post-show dining.
Seasonal Notes
The theater operates year-round with a rotating schedule of productions. Performance schedules vary by show, so check their calendar before planning your visit. This is an especially great activity during Oregon coast's rainy season (November-March) when outdoor activities are limited.
Nearby Eats
The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge (a block away) offers casual family dining with ocean views, or grab pizza at Pizza a'fetta on Hemlock Street for a quick pre-show meal kids will love.
More Activities Near Cannon Beach
Adventure
Saddle Mountain State Natural Area
Free
Saddle Mountain offers an achievable challenge for adventurous families, with a 5.2-mile round-trip trail that climbs through wildflower meadows to Oregon's third-highest peak. The summit rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cannon Beach, and the Coast Range,a memory-making experience that active kids will talk about for years.
Restaurant
Newman's 98 French Restaurant
$$$
Newman's 98 French Restaurant offers families a rare opportunity to enjoy upscale French dining with kids in the heart of Cannon Beach. With stunning ocean views and an accommodating atmosphere during early dining hours, this is the perfect spot for celebrating special occasions or treating the family to an elevated culinary experience without the usual fine-dining stress.
Activity
Cannon Beach
Free❤️5
Cannon Beach offers families an unforgettable Oregon Coast experience centered around the iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock, one of the most photographed landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. Kids can explore magical tide pools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs, build elaborate sandcastles on the wide sandy shores, and watch for puffins nesting on the rock during summer months. The gentle beach slope and relatively calm waters make it ideal for wading and beachcombing.
Museum
Newman Art Gallery
★5.0$❤️15
Newman Art Gallery offers a wonderful introduction to contemporary art for creative-minded families visiting Cannon Beach. With rotating exhibits featuring Pacific Northwest artists, children can discover diverse artistic styles and mediums in an intimate, non-intimidating gallery setting that encourages curiosity and conversation about what they see.