Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Got the Moves!

Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Got the Moves!

If your toddler or preschooler lights up when Elmo comes on screen, seeing him in person is a whole different level. Sesame Street Live is coming to Capital One Hall in Tysons this June, and the show is built around getting kids (and let's be honest, parents too) up on their feet. Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and the rest of the gang are all there performing songs your kids already know by heart. The performers come out into the aisles, the music is loud enough to feel but not so loud it scares the little ones, and there are moments throughout where the whole audience is clapping and stomping together. My kids were completely locked in from the opening number, which almost never happens at live shows.

There are two showtimes on Friday, June 5: a 2pm matinee and a 6pm evening show. The matinee works better for younger kids who crash early, while the 6pm show is solid if you want to make an after-school outing of it. The show itself runs about an hour and fifteen minutes with no intermission, so you don't have to worry about keeping a toddler entertained during a long break. Capital One Hall is a newer venue and the seats are comfortable with good sightlines from almost every section. Even the upper level feels close to the stage. Tickets start at $47, which is reasonable compared to other touring kids' shows in the area. If you can, grab seats in the first 10 rows or along an aisle, because the characters walk right past those spots during the show.

One thing I really appreciated is how well the show holds the attention of younger kids. The pacing moves quickly between songs, dance numbers, and little story segments, so there's always something new happening. Cookie Monster doing his thing with cookies had my two-year-old cracking up. Abby Cadabby's flying scene got audible gasps from the kids around us. And the finale is basically a dance party where everyone stands up and moves together. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early so you can grab snacks at the concession stand and let your kids take in the venue before the lights go down. The merchandise table will be right at the entrance. Fair warning, your kid will spot Elmo everything the second you walk in.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Pick the 2pm show for younger kids. Toddlers do better at matinees when they're not already tired from a full day.
• ✓Grab aisle seats if you can. Characters walk through the aisles during the show, and kids along the edges get high-fives and close-up moments.
• ✓No intermission. The show runs about 75 minutes straight through, so make sure everyone uses the restroom before the lights go down.
• ✓Bring ear protection for sensitive toddlers. The volume is kid-friendly but still arena-level. Noise-reducing headphones help for kids under 3.
• ✓Budget for the merch table. Elmo plushies and light-up toys are right at the entrance. Decide before you walk in whether you're buying or steering past it quickly.
• ✓Arrive 30 minutes early. Gives you time for snacks, bathroom, and settling in without rushing.