Northwest Puppet Center

One of the best places to take young kids on a rainy day, the Northwest Puppet Center is located in the residential Maple Leaf neighborhood. The building is a converted church, with a playground in front for kids to play on while they wait for a show. Founded by Chris and Stephen Carter, the center is now run by their kids Dmitri and Heather, who perform shows with their own company, the Carter Family Marionettes, as well as bring in puppeteers from around the country, including Paul Mesner, Oregon Shadow Theatre, and Spyglass Theater. Ticket prices are some of the most affordable in Seattle, and they are accommodating to all kinds of groups, seniors, and handicapped audience members. Check their website for show information!

This place is so magical. We have seen many wonderful shows. It feels like a Swiss Chalet inside. It feels like visiting Europe with beautiful hand made puppets and masterful productions that appeal to children and adults. Definitely check out the beautiful museum of puppets.

This was such a fun time.

Great place for an entertaining afternoon with kids — the shows are well-​paced and visually engaging.

My favorite theater space in Seattle. Intimate, with pint-​sized fixtures to match the smaller-​than-​life stars. A converted church in a neighborhood of 60’s era houses.
When you go, make sure to check out the museum/​library. Hundreds of puppets and antique books about puppets. Just ask — the Carters will be happy to show you, and are likely to talk your ear off.
And if you think that puppet shows are just for kids, you are dead wrong. Some of them are, but check out the annual puppet opera, which comes complete with off-​color jokes and high-​quality musical accompaniment!

Pleasantly surprises at what a great time my kids had here! My 5 year old was laughing hysterically and my 2 year old was entertained. Will definitely go back.

We took school groups here for puppet shows.
I was not sure how it would go.
It was marvelous.
The production was very engaging and interesting for the students. Afterwards staff answered questions fo rthe kids. It was clear that they enjoy having groups of children in and that in answering the questions they took care to explain so the children could understand them

While cruising around my employee assistance plan’s website I came across the Northwest Puppet Center and forwarded it on to a friend who has a kid. We went this past Sunday to a show called SCUBA. It was really interesting and fun!
The show was really educational and didn’t dumb down the vocab for the kids. The puppets were amazing as was the effect of the blacklight with the fishes (teaching the concept of bioluminescence). None of the kids in the audience seemed scared, even though it was pretty dark in the theater. The puppets were all very well crafted.
As other Unilocalers have noted there is a playground out front to help burn off some of that extra kid energy as well as picnic tables under an awning for snacks. It was really fun and now my friend is thinking of getting a season ticket for next year.
They also have a marionette opera at the end of the season for grown-​ups.

The Northwest Puppet Center is a fun place to take the kids. The kids love the puppet show and it’ s a bonus that they can meet the ‘puppets’ after the show. They also like to play in the playground before and after the show when the weather is decent.
NPC has public shows on the weekdays but on the weekend if you can get a group together and they have available space you can join the school groups for a reduced price.

I have only seen fabulous shows at this unique puppet theater tucked into a North Seattle neighborhood. Watch for programs but tickets should be available day of. Small playground for kids to romp around before or after the show. Very casual. Shows will feature a variety of puppets and casts. My kids love it. They also do birthday parties.