Playhouse Square, one of the premier arts districts in the world and known as one of the top tour partners for Broadway’s blockbuster, award-winning theater, is equally popular for its children’s theater.

In fact, organizers are gearing up for the 2025-2026 Children's Theater Series, which launches Saturday, Oct. 18 and runs through Sunday, March 8.

"The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System"Season tickets for the four-production series are already sold out, although there is a waiting list and tickets to all of the individual shows are still available (but selling out fast), or by calling (216) 241-6000. A sign language interpreter will be at specific shows. Interactive educational workshops, led by professional teaching artists, are also available with each performance for an additional $7.

Playhouse Square vice president of education Daniel Hahn says this season will deliver beloved classics, cultural celebrations, and innovative productions for young audiences.

"They're all special, I think, in unique ways," he says.

The season kicks off with "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System," a musical adaptation of the popular Scholastic book series, on Saturday Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19.

"I told my son, who is 20 years old, we were going to do this show, and he went, 'Oh, Ms. Frizzle!' and started singing the songs from it," Hahn says. Popularity of “The Magic School Bus” stems, at least in part, from nostalgic childhood memories of Scholastic Book Fairs and the book series. Purchase tickets, although availability is limited.

"Sugar Skull: A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure"Hahn says a coincidental timing bonus allows Playhouse Square to present "Sugar Skull: A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure" on Saturday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 2, coinciding with the actual Día de Muertos observations.

"We're the only performing arts center in the country that is going to actually present this musical on the holiday itself," Hahn boasts.

The production celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, which Hahn describes as a joyful celebration of family and ancestry. "As opposed to being a scary thing, it's a celebration of family and ancestry. It's joyful, it's jubilant," he explains. Purchase tickets.

Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia produces On Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1, Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia returns with "Billy Goats Gruff," presenting a show for younger audiences that features handcrafted puppets and gentle storytelling that weaves together three classic fables.

A sensory-friendly performance of “Billy Goats” will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 11:30 a.m.

Sensor-friendly accommodations include dimmed lights, reduced sound levels, and support from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

"We'll have quiet rooms set up, tents in the lobby for kids, and fidget toys," Hahn says. "It's just a special non-judgmental performance for folks who need that." Purchase tickets.

The series concludes on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 with "The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen," a modern take on the classic fable that fast-forwards 10 years to explore contemporary themes. The production features innovative electroluminescent wire costumes that Hahn describes as “puppetry meets dance meets costume design in a really unique way." Purchase tickets.

Season tickets for the four-production series are already sold out, although there is a waiting list and tickets to all of the individual shows are still available (but selling out fast), or by calling (216) 241-6000. A sign language interpreter will be at specific shows. Interactive educational workshops, led by professional teaching artists, are also available with each performance for an additional $7.

"Tortoise and the Hare" with electroluminescent wire costumes by Lightwire Theater CompanySeason tickets for the four-production series are already sold out, although there is a waiting list and tickets to all of the individual shows are still available (but selling out fast), or by calling (216) 241-6000. A sign language interpreter will be at specific shows. Interactive educational workshops, led by professional teaching artists, are also available with each performance for an additional $7.

"We're really thrilled to be able to bring kids to live theater—for some of these kids, it'll be the very first field trip,” says Hahn. “These children are making great memories with their family at Playhouse Square."