Activities for Kids

Give Them a Hand: NYC’s Best Puppet Shows

It's not your imagination: these things are everywhere lately. Here's where to catch the best ones in town!

By Rachel Sokol September 25, 2017

If you haven’t noticed, puppets are kind of a big deal right now. From a permanent exhibit celebrating one of the masters of the form, to tons of new productions, and perennial favorites, NYC is a real puppet town this season. No matter your child’s age or puppet preferences — colorful and fuzzy, classic marionettes, funky and fun — there’s a place to catch a high quality show. Click through to see some of NYC’s top spots for puppets!

Best for your budget Penny Jones & Co. Puppets

Also known as The Early Childhood Puppet Theatre, this non-profit theater run by puppeteer Penny Jones has been performing shows in New York since the 70s, and is currently based at the Westbeth Artists Complex.The theater's repertory season runs from fall to spring and specializes in shows for the youngest audiences. Kids and adults alike can see both adaptations of classics and original stories here, and you’ll find plenty of charm in the sweet, 45-minute productions created for kids ages 3 to 8. The shows always include lots of audience participation and are a great way to introduce your kiddies to the power of theatre. (Also good to know: stroller parking is available.) Shows run on Sundays at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm for just $10 a pop (order online or bring cash and pay at the door).

Penny Jones & Co. Puppets
Westbeth Home to the Arts
155 Bank St.
West Village
212-924-0525
Online: pennypuppets.org

photo: Penny Jones

Have a favorite puppet show we missed? Let us know in the comments!

— Rachel Sokol