Outdoor productions of Shakespeare and other plays are a fun way to experience the arts in the summer time. Bring a picnic, spread a blanket out on the grass, and enjoy! (If you prefer sitting in a chair to the ground, be sure it’s a low profile chair so you don’t block anyone’s view.) 

Outdoor theater is a good venue for kids because it gives more leeway for squirming and wiggling than an indoor performance with theater rules. However, you should still endeavor to keep kids quiet and well-behaved. Most of the shows listed here are good for ages 8 and up. We have brought preschoolers to shows, but we don’t expect them to pay full attention – we brought snacks, toys, and sticker books to entertain them quietly. Also understand that during outdoor productions, at times your experience may be interrupted by unexpected events like Frisbee players in the distance, dogs sniffing by, airplanes flying overhead, and the ice cream truck in the parking lot.

Seattle Area:

Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park is presenting Much Ado and Richard III. They also have smaller 4-actor adaptations of plays, called Backyard Bard that are an hour long. Midsummer Night’s Dream and Taming of the Shrew. (These are better choices for kids than the other two) Fridays – Sundays from July 11 – August 16 in Seattle, Lynnwood, Vashon, Fall City. Free, but please donate!

Wooden O, from Seattle Shakespeare.  Presenting As You Like It, Thursdays thru Sundays, July 10 – August 17. By donation. Mercer Island, Seattle, Everett, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Issaquah, Des Moines. Free, please donate!

The Seattle Outdoor Theatre Festival is July 12 and 13 at Volunteer Park in Seattle. Typically includes some of the Greenstage and Wooden O shows, plus more.

Day Trips or Overnights

Island Shakespeare Festival – Langley. Will present Much Ado and Anima. Thurs – Sun at 6 pm and Sunday matinees, from July 18 – August 31. Pay what you will, $0 to $50. (recommended average of $30)

Kitsap Forest Theatre – near Bremerton. Annie May 25 – June 15, Big Fish July 26 – Aug 17, and Midsummer Night’s Dream 9/6 – 21. $23 adults, $10 youth.

Leavenworth Summer Theatre has shows on Tuesdays – Satudays July 15 – August 30. Sound of Music, Carousel and Little Mermaid. $14 – 40. Children under 5 not permitted.

Bainbridge Performing Arts: MacBeth at Bloedel Reserve, Thursdays – Sundays. June 27-July 13. 7 pm. $25 – 30.

Activities for Kids in the Seattle area:

If you’re looking for other fun ideas for the summer, check out: Summer Movies 2025 (includes indoor and outdoor movies), my series on “Cheap Dates with Toddlers and Young Kids”,  or reviews of Eastside Parks or find hands-on STEM enrichment activities for kids age 3 – 7 at www.InventorsOfTomorrow.com.

For school year activities, if you have kids age birth to 7, check out info about info about fabulous classes at local community colleges that are great for kids AND include parent education for you,- register now before they fill up!!