Welcome to Kids on the Block!

Our mission is to use the power of puppetry to inspire children to appreciate differences, say no to all forms of prejudice, and develop skills to grow up healthy and safe.

This is knowledge that will not only serve them well now, but throughout their lives, making children - and our whole community - stronger.

We believe kids learn best by example. Puppets can teach in ways that textbooks and lectures cannot. For some children, the Kids on the Block puppets model how to ask for help. Our hope, however, is to prevent children from ever having to face the problems we address.

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Puppet Programs
Kids on the Block performances reflect the many challenges kids encounter today. 

Our programs address important topics such as preventing child abuse and school violence, making healthy choices about eating and physical activity, and appreciating cultural diversity and people with different abilities.

Shows are performed by highly trained volunteer puppeteers, who know both the art of puppetry as well as the subject matter being presented.

More on our Program Topics

New Program Urges Kids to Turn Off the Screen & Play!

The latest Powerful Puppetry program, Watch Less, Play More, helps kids become more aware of how much time they're spending on the computer, watching TV or playing video games -- and how that time can affect health and well-being.  It also inspires families to find fun and simple alternatives.  Many thanks to Kaiser Permanente for supporting this important topic!  

Check out screen time information/activities for parents and teachers, or for kids. 

Donate

Thanks to the support of our dedicated volunteers, along with generous sponsors and staff, Kids on the Block has made growing up a little easier for hundreds of thousands of children in the Portland-Vancouver metro area to date. With your help, we hope to empower even more kids to make life-enhancing choices.  Please consider making a donation TODAY! 

More about ways to Donate

Volunteer

Since Kids on the Block puppeteers are all volunteers, we’re able to keep costs down and reach thousands of kids each year.

All at no cost to schools. 

Volunteers have the satisfaction of seeing firsthand how our programs enrich children's lives. 

If you're looking for a fun and meaningful way to help kids in our community, whether as a puppeteer or behind the scenes, we have an opportunity that is right for you.

More on Volunteering