A New Home for a Beloved Family Tradition
For decades, families traveled to West Yellowstone to see a show at the Playmill Theatre.
In 2026, the Playmill began a new chapter with the opening of its new theatre in Island Park, Idaho.
The move gives the company more room for larger choreography, expanded production elements and a bigger audience while preserving the warmth, energy, and personal connection that have made Playmill a family tradition.
A Bigger Theatre That Still Feels Like Playmill
The new Playmill opened July 1 near Mack’s Inn.
The new facility is larger and more polished, but the experience still feels personal.
The performers greet the audience with the enthusiasm and hospitality longtime Playmill patrons expect, and the productions remain accessible for families without sacrificing quality.
The 2026 season includes Disney’s Frozen, Newsies and Les Misérables, with The Foreigner scheduled for the fall.
We saw Frozen and loved it.
The outstanding vocals, detailed costumes, fantastic puppeteering, and high energy captured the magic children hope for, while the new stage gave the performers room to make the musical numbers feel even bigger.
Pair the Show with a Scenic Float
One of the best things about the new location is how easy it is to pair a performance with outdoor activities.
After our matinee, we took a scenic float down the North Fork of the Snake River, starting at Big Springs and ending at Mack’s Inn.
The float was calm, beautiful and relaxing, the perfect contrast to the energy of the show and made it special for the setting we were in.
It gave us time to enjoy the water, trees, and scenery without needing a complicated excursion.
Stop at Café Sabor
When in Island Park, we also like visiting Café Sabor near Mack’s Inn. As Cache Valley locals, it is fun to see a familiar restaurant spread its wings in Island Park.
It makes an easy stop before or after the show and adds a perfect little connection to home.
A Good Value for a Full Family Day
A Playmill performance feels like a major event, but it can also become part of a larger, affordable Island Park itinerary.
Combine a show with a river float, picnic, short hike or drive through the surrounding area.
Families visiting Yellowstone can also use the theatre as an evening activity away from the busiest park crowds.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Best for ages: If you’re bringing younger children, consider a matinee, but the Playmill is used to hosting families of all ages.
Time to allow: Island Park is just 3.5 hours from Cache Valley, but plan to spend then night and enjoy two days.
What to bring: Casual dress if fine for the theatre, but be sure to bring along clothing for an outdoor adventure.
Reservations: Tickets available at https://www.playmill.com.
Good to know: Buy tickets in advance, especially for popular shows and weekend performances. Double-check the address before leaving because longtime patrons may instinctively navigate toward the former West Yellowstone location. You can rent tubes to float at Macks Inn or consider renting from the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Recreation Center in Rexburg, less than an hour away for a lower price. Plan extra time to see other Island Park highlights like Mesa Falls and Johnny Sack Cabin near Big Springs (where you will start your float).
Our family was hosted for this experience. As always, the experiences and opinions shared are our own.