A Whimsical Visit to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Tucked into the creative heart of Highland Park, California, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater is one of those magical places that feels like stepping into a living storybook. Whether you’re visiting with kids or simply embracing your inner child, this charming puppet show delivers a joyful, nostalgic experience that’s unlike anything else in Los Angeles.

Guide to Visiting the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Highland Park, California

Table of Contents show

About

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is the oldest children’s theater company in Los Angeles, dedicated entirely to the art of puppetry. Inside, you’ll find a whimsical stage, colorful sets, and a cast of 3,000 handcrafted marionettes that come to life through music, storytelling, and incredible craftsmanship. Shows range from classic fairy tales to seasonal productions, all filled with humor, heart, and a ton of vintage, kitschy charm.

History

Founded in 1963 by master puppeteer Bob Baker, the theater has been a beloved institution for generations. Originally located in downtown Los Angeles, it moved to Highland Park in 2019, preserving its legacy while introducing its magic to a new neighborhood.

Bob Baker himself trained under legendary puppeteers and worked on Hollywood productions before dedicating his life to creating a space where puppetry could shine. Today, his legacy continues through a talented and passionate team committed to keeping this unique art form alive.

You can learn more about the Bob Baker history here.

I caught an amazing museum exhibit about the Bob Baker Marionette Theater at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Museum (yes, it’s an awesome museum at a cemetery!) a couple years ago and learned so much about Bob Baker and his Marionette Theater. Here’s some photo of the exhibit:

Watching a Show

Seeing a performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater is pure joy, and a little different from your typical theater experience in the best way.

Ticketed front-row seating is “criss-cross applesauce”: Kids (and some adventurous adults) can sit up front on the floor, making it an immersive experience. You can see the little numbered “cushions” in some of the photos on this post.

Interactive moments: Don’t be surprised if a puppet comes right up to say hello. Sitting in the front means you might be part of the show.
Birthday add-ons: Celebrating something special? The theater offers fun birthday packages that make the day even more memorable.
Sensory-friendly performances: They also host special sensory shows designed to be more accessible for guests with different needs.

After the curtain closes, the fun isn’t over:

Ice cream for everyone: A beloved tradition. Guests are invited to enjoy a sweet treat after the show.
Meet-and-greet: A few of the puppets usually stick around, giving kids (and adults) the chance to get up close and snap a photo.

Backstage Tour

If you’re curious about how the magic happens, a backstage tour is a must. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the marionettes are made, maintained, and brought to life.

We were lucky to catch a backstage tour to check out preparations for the theater’s brand new production, “Choo Choo Revue.” (Tickets are on sale NOW!) From design details to intricate string systems, it’s fascinating to see all the artistry and care that goes into every puppet and every performance.

Bob Baker Day

Each year, fans gather to celebrate Bob Baker Day, a lively tribute to the theater’s founder and his enduring legacy. It’s a free festival event held at LA State Historic Park where you can expect special performances, community festivities, an art marketplace, and plenty of puppet-filled fun.

I haven’t been because I’m not a fan of how crowded free events can be in Los Angeles, but it looks amazing!

Educating Kids and the General Public

Beyond performances, the theater plays an important role in arts education. Through workshops, tours, and outreach programs, they introduce audiences of all ages to the craft of puppetry. It’s not just entertainment, it’s a way of preserving a unique artistic tradition and inspiring creativity in future generations.

We were so lucky to have two members of the BBMT present to my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop. To my surprise, they even brought a couple puppets and original designs to show the girls how the puppets were created and how they work! It was so incredibly generous and the girls all enjoyed learning about the puppets!

If you would like to donate to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in order to continue their educational workshops to local schools and beyond, you can support BBMT right here with a donation, membership, or naming an Ice Cream Parlor chair or spoon (we have a spoon!).

Nearby in Highland Park

Make a day of your visit by exploring Highland Park, one of LA’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Just steps away from the theater, you’ll find:

A playground directly across the street
Trendy coffee shops and bakeries perfect for a pre- or post-show treat
Vintage stores and boutiques along York Boulevard
Casual eateries and local favorites that give the area its laid-back charm

Highland Park has that perfect mix of artsy and relaxed, making it an ideal complement to the whimsical experience of the theater.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater isn’t just a show, it’s a tradition, a piece of Los Angeles history, and a reminder of the simple magic of storytelling. Between the charming performances, interactive moments, and that sweet scoop of ice cream at the end, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Copyright Notice

All images and content are copyright-protected. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you would like to share this story, please only use one image, use proper credit, and link directly back to this post and linking with my post title. Thank you!

Land Acknowledgement

Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California.

I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate at least $1 to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.