Photo: Gregory Burnett
Photo: Ashwin Prabhu
Photo: David Moore
Walters Cultural Arts Center
★4.7(287 reviews)$Theater
🕑 1-2 hours for most theater productions; art classes vary from 1-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger elementary kids love the interactive theater productions and beginner art classes, while tweens and teens can explore more advanced workshops and youth theater programs. Preschoolers may enjoy shorter performances but check show lengths before attending.🧡 Saved by 13 families
About
The Walters Cultural Arts Center brings the magic of live theater and arts to families in historic downtown Hillsboro. This welcoming community venue offers family-friendly theater productions, concerts, and hands-on art classes in a beautifully restored building that makes culture accessible and fun for all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Family-friendly live theater productions throughout the year
- ✓Drop-in art classes and workshops for various age groups
- ✓Beautiful historic building with rotating art gallery exhibits
- ✓Intimate theater setting where kids can see performers up close
- ✓Summer art camps and special cultural events
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their website ahead of time for family-specific show times and age recommendations for each production
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early for theater performances to find parking and let kids use the restroom before showtime
- 3.Sign up for their email list to get early notification about summer art camps and special family events
- 4.Street parking fills up quickly during evening shows, so consider the public lot on SE 2nd Avenue just a short walk away
- 5.Ask about their multi-class discount if you're enrolling kids in art classes
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday evenings (10 AM - 9 PM) offer the most flexibility for browsing the gallery and catching classes. Saturday mornings (9 AM - 1 PM) are perfect for drop-in art activities. Family theater shows typically run on weekend afternoons.
What to Know
Tickets for family shows typically range from $10-25 per person, with art classes priced separately. Street parking is available downtown with some metered spots. The historic building is accessible with accommodations available upon request.
Seasonal Notes
Summer features popular kids' theater camps and outdoor cultural events in downtown Hillsboro. Holiday season brings festive family productions. Some programming may be reduced during summer months, so check the calendar online before visiting.
Nearby Eats
Insomnia Coffee Company is a short walk away with kid-friendly treats and light lunch options. Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant nearby offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids menu.
More Activities Near Hillsboro
Activity
Hillsboro Saturday Market
Free❤️18
Hillsboro Saturday Market transforms into a vibrant family outing destination where kids can explore colorful vendor booths, sample fresh local treats, and enjoy live music in an open-air setting. The relaxed outdoor atmosphere makes it easy for little ones to roam while parents browse locally-made crafts, seasonal produce, and artisan goods from community vendors.
Park
Orenco Nature Trail
Free
Orenco Nature Trail offers families a peaceful escape into nature without leaving Hillsboro. This wooded gem combines easy hiking trails through lush forest with playground equipment and picnic spots, making it perfect for families who want both active exploration and outdoor play. The natural setting provides opportunities for kids to discover wildlife, collect leaves, and experience the tranquility of Pacific Northwest woodlands.
Museum
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
★4.8$❤️61
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals transforms geology into a treasure hunt for curious kids, housed in a charming historic ranch house filled with sparkling crystals, glowing fluorescent minerals, and real meteorites from space. With its manageable size and stunning displays that look like nature's jewelry boxes, this hidden gem keeps children engaged without overwhelming them.
Library
Hillsboro Brookwood Library
★4.8Free❤️220
Hillsboro Brookwood Library is a modern, family-friendly library that goes far beyond books with its extensive children's section, hands-on STEM programs, and engaging storytimes. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 570 parents, this community hub offers educational entertainment for kids of all ages, from toddlers exploring board books to teens enjoying dedicated hangout spaces.