The Centre in Vancouver For Performing Arts

The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts is an 1,800-seat theater on Homer Street that hosts major touring Broadway productions and other large-scale performances. If your family enjoys live theater, this is where you'll see the biggest shows that come through Vancouver.

The venue has hosted touring productions of shows like Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, and other blockbuster musicals. For kids who are into musical theater, seeing a professional touring production here is a memorable experience. The theater itself is gorgeous — a Moshe Safdie-designed building with excellent sightlines from most seats.

This is a big-ticket outing. Tickets for touring Broadway shows typically run $40-$100+ per person depending on the seat and show. A family of four can easily spend $150-$400. That said, upper balcony seats are often available at lower prices and the theater's design means you'll still see and hear well.

The venue is not ideal for young kids. Shows run 2-3 hours with an intermission, and the audience expectations are full-theater etiquette — quiet during the performance. Most kids under 8 will struggle with the length and format. For kids 8 and up who love theater, it's a special treat.

The building is fully accessible with elevator access to all levels. Concessions are available in the lobby. The Homer Street location is well-served by transit, and several parking garages are within a block.

Check the season schedule on their website. Not every show is family-appropriate, so read the show description before buying tickets for kids.