Photo: Mesquite Arts Center
Photo: Lenny Flores
Photo: Carol Riedel
Mesquite Arts Center
★4.7(409 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on the performance, including time to view art exhibitions before the show👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger elementary-aged children particularly enjoy the interactive children's theater productions, while tweens and teens appreciate the concerts and more sophisticated theatrical performances. Visual arts exhibitions appeal to all ages, making it perfect for families with mixed age groups.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
The Mesquite Arts Center brings the magic of live performance to families with an impressive lineup of theater productions, concerts, and children's shows in a welcoming, professional venue. With its excellent 4.7-star rating, this cultural gem offers everything from Broadway-style musicals to interactive children's performances, plus rotating visual arts exhibitions that spark creativity in young minds.
Highlights
- ✓Professional-quality children's theater productions with colorful sets and engaging storylines
- ✓Live concerts featuring family-friendly music across various genres
- ✓Rotating visual arts exhibitions in the gallery spaces
- ✓Comfortable theater seating with good sightlines for children
- ✓Special holiday performances and seasonal programming
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their online calendar in advance and book tickets early for popular children's shows, as family-friendly performances often sell out quickly
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to explore the visual arts exhibitions in the lobby and give kids time to use restrooms before the show starts
- 3.Office hours are Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM for ticket purchases and inquiries, but evening and weekend performances are common,call ahead to confirm show times
- 4.Pack small snacks for young children to have before the show, as concessions may be limited during some performances
- 5.Request aisle seats when booking if you have fidgety younger children for easier restroom access during performances
Best Time to Visit
Evening performances (typically 7-8 PM) work well for school-aged children, while weekend matinee shows are ideal for younger kids. Visit during fall and spring seasons when the arts center hosts the most family-oriented programming and special children's theater series.
What to Know
Ticket prices vary by performance type, typically ranging from $10-30 for children's shows. The venue offers accessible seating and ample free parking in the adjacent lot, making arrival stress-free for families.
Seasonal Notes
The arts center features special holiday shows during November and December, including Christmas productions that are family favorites. Summer programming may be lighter, so check the schedule in advance. School break periods often feature special children's matinee performances.
Nearby Eats
Town East Mall is just a few minutes away with multiple kid-friendly chain restaurants. For a local favorite, try Napoli's Italian Restaurant (about 2 miles away) which offers pizza and pasta that appeals to children, or stop by Chick-fil-A on Gus Thomasson Road for a quick pre-show meal.
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