What kinds of shows are family-friendly at this venue?

Broadway touring productions, Disney shows, ballet performances, and holiday spectaculars are among the most popular family-friendly options. Check the current season calendar for shows rated for general audiences.

How much do tickets typically cost?

Tickets range widely depending on the show and seat location — generally USD 30-150 per person. Matinee and group pricing can reduce costs significantly.

Is the venue accessible for strollers?

The venue is accessible, but strollers typically must be checked or stored during performances. Contact the box office for specific accessibility accommodations.

Where should we eat before a show?

San Pedro Square Market is a short walk away and has a wide variety of food options for families. Downtown San Jose has dozens of restaurants within easy walking distance.

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

Name: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
Address: San José, Costa Rica, US
Telephone: (408) 792-4542
Rating: 4.5

Rating

4.5(2,966)

Family of 4

USD 120-300 depending on show and seat selection

Duration

2-3 hours (performance dependent)

Best Ages

5-18

About

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts is the crown jewel of downtown San Jose's cultural life, a 2,600-seat venue that hosts touring Broadway productions, ballet, opera, and major performing arts events throughout the year. For families looking to introduce children to the magic of live performance, there is no better stage in the South Bay.

Kid-friendly productions rotate through regularly — think Disney musicals, beloved family classics brought to life by professional touring companies, and holiday spectaculars that become annual traditions for many local families. The scale of the productions here is impressive: full orchestras, elaborate sets, and performances that transport audiences in a way that no screen can replicate. The moment a child experiences live theater for the first time in a venue like this tends to be genuinely memorable.

The center is located in the heart of downtown, within easy walking distance of San Pedro Square Market, numerous restaurants, and the rest of San Jose's cultural district. Parking is available in nearby garages. While tickets for major productions carry a premium, family matinees and select community programming offer more accessible price points.

For a special occasion — a birthday, a holiday treat, or simply a Friday night out — the Performing Arts Center delivers an experience that's hard to match.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

true

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Evening performances or weekend matinees; check the current season calendar

Wait Times

15-30 minutes before curtain for entry

Nearby Food

Downtown San Jose has dozens of restaurants within walking distance. San Pedro Square Market is a short walk away and a great pre-show dining option for families.

Why Kids Love It

Live theater here is the real deal — big productions with dazzling sets, professional performers, and that magical moment when the lights go down and the curtain goes up.

Pro Tips from Parents

Broadway San Jose and other touring productions frequently play here — check for kid-friendly shows like Disney productions or beloved musicals.
Dress up a little — it adds to the specialness of the experience and kids respond to that energy.
Arrive 20-30 minutes early to explore the lobby, find restrooms, and get settled before the show.