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Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts performing arts theater in Brookfield, WI
Photo: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
View of Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, WI
Photo: sriram somanchi
View of Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, WI
Photo: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts

4.8(678 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours including pre-show arrival time and intermission👶 Best for ages 3-14. Preschoolers and early elementary kids especially love the children's theater productions tailored to shorter attention spans, while tweens and teens appreciate the broader concert offerings and youth arts programs. Many shows are designed specifically for family audiences with content appropriate for multiple age groups.

About

The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts is a premier family entertainment destination in Brookfield, offering captivating children's theater productions, interactive concerts, and engaging arts education programs in a beautiful, professionally-equipped venue. With an impressive 4.8-star rating, this performing arts center creates magical experiences that introduce young audiences to theater, music, and the arts in age-appropriate, entertaining ways.

Highlights

  • High-quality children's theater productions featuring beloved stories and characters
  • Family-friendly concerts ranging from classical music to contemporary performances
  • Professional-grade sound and lighting that creates memorable theater experiences
  • Arts education programs and workshops for kids throughout the year
  • Rotating art gallery exhibits in the lobby areas

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Book tickets early for popular children's shows as family performances often sell out weeks in advance, especially weekend matinees
  2. 2.Arrive 20-30 minutes before showtime to allow for parking, finding your seats, and letting kids use the restroom without stress
  3. 3.Check their calendar for free or low-cost community events and open houses that offer great introductions to the venue
  4. 4.Consider season passes or membership if you plan multiple visits,they often include discounted tickets and priority seating
  5. 5.The venue has excellent acoustics and sightlines, but aisle seats are helpful for families with wiggly young ones who might need bathroom breaks

Best Time to Visit

Weekend matinee performances (typically Saturday and Sunday afternoons) are specifically designed for families with age-appropriate show times and content. Weekday visits during office hours allow you to explore the art gallery and pick up tickets without crowds, though performances are evening or weekend events.

What to Know

Ticket prices vary by performance but are generally affordable for families, with many children's shows priced under $20 per ticket. The venue is fully accessible, offers free parking on-site, and has a small concession area, though eating and drinking in the theater is typically restricted.

Seasonal Notes

The performance season typically runs September through May with reduced programming in summer months. Holiday-themed shows in November and December are especially popular with families and book quickly. Check the calendar in advance as the venue is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays for office visits, though performances may be scheduled during these times.

Nearby Eats

Culver's is just a few minutes away on Bluemound Road for kid-friendly burgers and frozen custard, or head to Noodles & Company on Moorland Road for quick, customizable pasta bowls that please picky eaters before or after a show.

More Activities Near Brookfield

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Wirth Park Playground

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Wirth Park Playground in Brookfield is a neighborhood gem that goes above and beyond typical playgrounds with its impressive array of swings and inclusive equipment that welcomes children of all abilities. Families appreciate the thoughtful design featuring plenty of shade for hot summer days and dedicated picnic areas perfect for packing a lunch and making an afternoon of it.

Activity

Brookfield Senior Community

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Brookfield Senior Community appears to be primarily a senior-focused facility, though the description mentions family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, youth sports leagues, camps, and family activity classes. While this venue may have limited regular programming specifically designed for children, families might find seasonal camps or specific youth sports offerings worth exploring.

Nature

Wehr Nature Center

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Wehr Nature Center offers 220 acres of pristine nature preserve where kids can explore wooded trails, spot wildlife, and get hands-on with environmental learning. The center features interactive exhibits, observation areas for watching birds and other animals, and engaging educational programs that make learning about nature fun and accessible for young explorers.

Park

Fox Brook Park

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Fox Brook Park is Brookfield's crown jewel for family fun, sprawling across acres of well-maintained grounds that offer something for every season. From fishing at the stocked pond in summer to racing down the area's best sledding hills in winter, this highly-rated park delivers year-round adventure with excellent playgrounds, winding trails, and plenty of open space for kids to roam freely.