Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
About
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is Virginia Beach's premier destination for introducing children to live theater, music, and cultural performances in a professional yet welcoming environment. With its excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, this modern venue regularly features Broadway-style children's shows, youth orchestras, dance performances, and family concerts that captivate young audiences while providing quality entertainment parents will appreciate too.
Highlights
- ✓Professional-quality children's theater productions featuring beloved stories and characters
- ✓Comfortable, modern theater with excellent sightlines from nearly every seat
- ✓Educational performances including symphony concerts designed specifically for young listeners
- ✓Special meet-and-greet opportunities with performers after select shows
- ✓Air-conditioned comfort and accessible seating options for all families
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their calendar online well in advance and book tickets early for popular children's shows, as family-friendly performances often sell out quickly
- 2.Arrive 20-30 minutes before showtime to pick up tickets, use restrooms, and get settled without rushing,this helps anxious kids feel more comfortable
- 3.The box office hours are limited (closing at 4 PM weekdays and 2 PM Saturday), so purchase tickets online if you can't visit during those times
- 4.For a child's first theater experience, choose aisle seats near the back for easy exits if needed, or splurge on center orchestra seats for the full immersive experience
- 5.Pack a small quiet toy or activity book for lobby time before the show, but remember all electronic devices must be turned off during performances
Best Time to Visit
Weekend matinee performances are ideal for families, typically scheduled in the afternoon when kids are alert and engaged. School break periods (winter, spring, and summer) feature more frequent family programming, making these excellent times to catch multiple shows.
What to Know
Ticket prices vary by performance, typically ranging from $15-40 for children's shows. The venue is located in the Town Center area with ample parking in nearby garages and surface lots. No outside food is permitted, but concessions are available during performances.
Seasonal Notes
The performance calendar is most robust during fall, winter, and spring when families are looking for indoor entertainment. Summer programming includes select shows but with a lighter schedule. Holiday performances in November and December (Nutcracker, holiday concerts) are extremely popular and require early booking.
Nearby Eats
Town Center Virginia Beach surrounds the venue with numerous family-friendly options including Chipotle, Panera Bread, and RedBrick Pizza Company, all within a 5-minute walk. For a sit-down meal, try Wasserhund Brewing Company which offers a kids menu and casual atmosphere.
More Activities Near Virginia Beach
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Marsh Pavilion)
The Virginia Aquarium's Marsh Pavilion offers an exciting hands-on marine adventure where kids can touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs, marvel at graceful sea turtles gliding overhead, and watch mesmerizing jellyfish displays. With daily animal encounters, feeding demonstrations, and knowledgeable educators stationed throughout, children get up-close experiences that spark curiosity about ocean life in ways books simply can't match.
Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum houses one of the world's largest private collections of historic military aircraft, with many planes still in flying condition. Kids will be mesmerized by the massive warbirds spanning WWI through WWII, and on select days, they can actually watch these vintage aircraft take to the skies during thrilling flight demonstrations.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers families an incredible opportunity to explore over 9,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat along Virginia Beach's southern shoreline. Kids can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and hundreds of bird species while hiking easy trails through maritime forests, dunes, and freshwater marshes. The visitor center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks that bring local ecosystems to life for young naturalists.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park offers families 500 acres of coastal adventure where kids can explore maritime forests, play on sandy beaches, and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. With easy hiking trails winding through cypress swamps and dunes, plus nature centers packed with educational exhibits, this park combines outdoor fun with learning opportunities that keep children engaged for hours.