If you don't have time to craft your own creations, why not start with these puppets and puppet theaters that offer ready-made fun? And for inspiration, don't miss our video classics about some of our favorite puppets and puppeteers.
Puppets Take Center Stage
Doorway Puppet Theater
Ages: 3 & Up
HearthSong, $49.95
Every doorway becomes a stage for the imagination with this magnificent fabric puppet theater that hangs from its own adjustable rod and fits securely into any doorway. Commendable details include a clear plastic pocket in front to hold a poster announcing the show, storage pockets in back for easy access to puppets and props, and a fold-out ledge to serve as stage.
Royal Treatment Theatre Set
Ages: 3 & Up
Manhattan Toy, $50.00
Guard the castle, save the queen and tell a joke all at once with our finger puppet theater that includes four finger puppets: king, queen, knight and jester.
Royal Castle Tabletop Theater
Ages: 4 & Up
HearthSong, $39.95
The colorful, easy-to-assemble theater features a rich velvet curtain, colorful backdrops with four different scenes, and a playbill pad of paper for children to customize for each play. King, queen, prince, princess, and winged horse puppets included.
Puppet Performers
Folkmanis Puppets in all shapes, sizes, and creatures ...
Ages 3 & UpFolkmanis, Prices Vary
Make-Your-Own™ Puppets
Ages: 4 & Up
Made By Hands, Inc., $17.95
Contains everything needed to create 12 unique puppets: 12 PuppetStix, 12 stands, over 600 Pop-Outs!TM ™ (fun and easy pop-out shapes) and a glue stick.
Making Shadow Puppets
Ages: 8 & Up
Author: Jill Bryant Illustrator: Catherine Heard
Kids Can Press, $12.95
Now kids can discover the secret to creating traditional shadow puppets based on designs from around the world. With instructions for nine beautifully crafted and decorated wooden rod puppets, portable screen setups, scenery and script ideas, this book will help them put on plays that are sure to astound their family and friends — without a shadow of a doubt! Book Description
Puppets on the Big Screen
Pinocchio
Ages: 6 - 14 yrs.
Manufacturer: Globalstage
VHS Price: $27.00
This historical and innovative movie about one of the most well-reknowned marionettes, Pinocchio, will appeal to children of all ages. Performed as a live musical, it is colorful, intimiate, and entertaining
The World of Jim Henson
Ages: 10 & Up
Producer: Thirteen/ WNET, $19.95 (VHS)
Enter the invigorating world of Jim Henson and see Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Kermit in an entirely new light. Children will enjoy learning about the creative process that went into developing some of their favorite characters as well as learning about the creator himself, Jim Henson.
Puppet Theaters in Your Area
See what's happening at a puppet theater in your area in our Special Events section.
photo by:
John Morgan 
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