Tag Archives: Fun Things to do with Kids in Maryland

May 25, 2023 · 5:19 pm

Show Time: Live Entertainment on Local Stages this Summer

Nate the Great (the non-cartoon one) is coming to Imagination Stage this summer!

 

Summer brings a whole new lineup of shows to local stages. And the timing couldn’t be better — it’s a perfect way to keep cool during long hot days and, at some venues, enjoy the outdoors on nice ones. Here’s where you catch all the live entertainment coming to the area over the next few months.  Happy Viewing!

Outdoor Summer Concert Series
Where: Throughout the area
When: Various day and times
Tickets: Almost always FREE
Free music in the fresh air has become a staple of the season, and there are opportunities to enjoy just about every genre regularly at outdoor venues all around the DC-Metro. From Jazz on the National Mall to riverside entertainment to music amid the nature of local parks to shows in local shopping centers, the 2022 KFDC Summer Guide has a round-up of where and when you can enjoy the sounds of summer.

DinoRock presents Dinosaur Babies
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: June 1 – July 9
Tickets: $15
DinoRock returns to the Puppet Co. with their life-sized, colorful prehistoric puppet friends. The show is sure to delight little ones who love dinos and musical fun! Run time approximately 45 minutes. Recommended for ages 5+.

New Squid on the Block
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: June 1-2
Tickets: $3-9
This brand new show from Barefoot Puppets celebrates creative thinking, problem-solving, friendship, and fun! Featuring penguins, a submarine, MORE PENGUINS, orcas, and a curious squid, this show takes the audience on an epic journey to Antarctica. On the way, we encounter unusual creatures in the depths of the ocean. Featuring beautifully handcrafted puppets, a magical set, and an original score by Ned Haskins, this comedic, wordless performance celebrates the ability to create connections despite our differences. Recommended for Ages 4-8

Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Most Saturdays & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $8
The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). They are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.

Hadestown
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: June 6-18
Tickets: $60-150+ (look for discount)
Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go. Recommended for ages 8+.

The Enigmatist
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 6 – July 2
Tickets: $35-89 (look for discount)
An immersive, interactive experience of puzzles and cryptology! Renowned magician and New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong brings his popular in-person show to the Kennedy Center. Recommended for ages 8+.

The Fisherman and His Wife
Where: Adventure Theater | Glen Echo, MD
When: June 8 – August 6
Tickets: $20.50
A fisherman hits the jackpot when he stumbles upon a magic talking fish in this interactive adaptation of the Brothers Grimm’s classic story. The simple, sweet fisherman is content to continue his way of life, but his ambitious wife is determined to take advantage of their good fortune. Narrated by Scat, the magical fish with a flair for jazz, this couple discovers the consequences of being greedy with the help of the audience. Recommended for all ages.

Arco Iris
Where: Theatre on the Run | Arlington VA
When: June 9, 15, 17, 22, & 24
Tickets: $10
In Arts on the Horizon’s summer production, Iris is excited about taking a trip to el parque with Abuela! But while getting ready, Iris has a hard time deciding what color outfit to wear. As Iris and Abuela explore each of the colors, they discover the different ways colors appear in the world and their own unique beauty. Abuela reminds Iris that each color lives inside everyone, so even if we choose one, the rainbow is always a part of us. Told through vibrant imagery, dynamic movement, and a beautiful soundscape, this sensory-rich production is inspired by a Zapoteca myth and Quechua legends about the rainbow. Recommended for ages 3-6 and families.

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Select Saturdays
Tickets: FREE!
The free theatre program runs on select Saturdays with performances at 9:30am and 11:30am. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. See the complete schedule of performances here. Tickets are distributed day of performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone must be in line to receive a ticket.

Arco Iris
Where: The Lyceum | Alexandria VA
When: June 11, 18 & 25
Tickets: $10
In Arts on the Horizon’s summer production, Iris is excited about taking a trip to el parque with Abuela! But while getting ready, Iris has a hard time deciding what color outfit to wear. As Iris and Abuela explore each of the colors, they discover the different ways colors appear in the world and their own unique beauty. Abuela reminds Iris that each color lives inside everyone, so even if we choose one, the rainbow is always a part of us. Told through vibrant imagery, dynamic movement, and a beautiful soundscape, this sensory-rich production is inspired by a Zapoteca myth and Quechua legends about the rainbow. Recommended for ages 3-6 and families.

Seussical: The Musical
Where: Keegan Theatre | Northwest DC
When: June 17 – July 22
Tickets: $25/youth, $60/adult
A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza for all ages, SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL lovingly brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination — Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos in a musical adventure which tests the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community. Recommended for all ages.

Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: June 19
Tickets: $35-75
Strathmore is marking Juneteenth with Step Xplosion, a celebration of the art form of stepping by Step Afrika! Honoring its rich roots in the African American fraternity and sorority experience, this show emphasizes the presence of stepping in the daily and future lives of students. This year’s collaborative production will feature the local premiere of The Movement, a new work choreographed by longstanding Step Afrika! performer Conrad Kelly II. Featuring dynamic performances from some of the most exciting and innovative step teams, Xplosion is a MUST NOT MISS event!

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: June 21 – August 6
Tickets: $12
From late June through early August, Wolf Trap presents Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods, over 70 family-friendly performances at 10:30am Tuesdays through Saturdays. Amidst 117 rolling wooded acres and nestled in a shady grove, the stage is set for lively adventures in music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. The productions welcome all ages, though most are geared toward younger children. The full schedule of shows is available on the Wolf Trap website. And you can read a KFDC review of the series from a past summer here (it’s an old post, but the series is still very much the same).

Nate the Great
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: June 22 – August 11
Tickets: $25-39
Art matters in this musical mystery! A boy who loves detective work and calls himself Nate the Great is thrust into solving not one, but two mysteries involving a cat, a dog, two friends, and a missing painting. Full of quirky characters and fun, this show brings the popular book series to singing, dancing life. Recommended for ages 5-11.

Disney’s The Lion King
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 22 – July 29
Tickets: $39-105
The much-loved musical returns to the Kennedy Center this summer! Based on the movie, The Lion King musical tells the story of the young lion prince, Simba, and his journey to become king of the jungle. Recommended for ages 6+.

1776
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 22 – July 29
Tickets: $39-105 (look for discount)
They knew they would make history, but not what history would make of them. This new production of the Tony Award–winning musical reexamines a pivotal moment in American history with a cast that reflects multiple representations of race, gender, and ethnicity. Recommended for ages 10+.

Tot Rock: Rainbow Rock Band
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: June 28-30
Tickets: $3-9
Are you ready to rock the rainbow? Join the Rainbow Rock Band as they entertain our youngest friends with tunes, laughs, and more! Their shows are a mix of musical genres from folk, pop rock to rockabilly, all while being educational and fun! The Rainbow Rock Band has been praised for its positive, high-energy music, which engages young listeners and gets them moving. Children will learn about shapes, colors, movement, and more. All the ‘rainbow rockers’ in the audience will be encouraged to participate – either on the mic or at their seat. Any which way you play it, your little one is sure to have fun!. Recommended for ages 2-7.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor at the Plateau
When: June 30 – July 21
Tickets: $27.50
A big top spectacle of global proportions, the 2016 production of UniverSoul Circus takes fans of all ages on an unforgettable journey of light, sound and soul. Get ready for electrifying, edge-of-your-seat performances, including extreme motorsports, back-flipping canines, twirling bicycles, disco-dancing pachyderms, free-flying aerial acts and much much more.

Behind the Music with Jastin Artis
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: July 5-7
Tickets: $3-9
Join multi-skilled musical artist, entrepreneur, and teacher Jastin Artis as he reveals the magic, fun, and power of music-making. Enjoy selections of his original music that fuses hip-hop, spoken word, gospel, and other styles. Then, together with Jastin, explore the anatomy of a song and the artistry and skills that transform a musical inspiration into an onstage reality. You’ll leave with your creative juices flowing! Recommended for ages 7-16.

Olney Outdoors
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: July 7 – September 3
Tickets: Vary by performance
Return outdoors with over 25 summer programs to be held on the newly renovated Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion. From the opening weekend Applause Series performance of West Side Story to the closing concert featuring the legendary Chita Rivera, this promises to be our biggest summer ever. See the full schedule and show details here.

The REMIX with SOLE Defined
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: July 11-14
Tickets: $3-9
The REMIX is an action-packed, rhythmic rollercoaster, that explores the five elements of percussive dance (RHYTHM, ENERGY, MUSICALITY, IMPROVISATION, and secret X-FACTOR.)  This interactive performance fuses global music with tap dance and stepping, with everyone dancing along the way. Get ready to explore ways to create music with your body as we REMIX your summer!Recommended for ages 5-16.

Cyrano de Bergerac
Where: Synetic Theater | Crystal City, VA
When: July 12 – August 13
Tickets: $35-65
Cyrano has a larger-than-life personality….and a nose to match. He’s a man who has it all–except for the confidence to win the heart of his beloved Roxanne. This timeless tale features mistaken identities, breath-taking sword fights, unrequited love and acts of heroism – all expressed through Synetic’s signature silent style, with a commedia dell’arte twist, in a production that earned an astounding nine Helen Hayes nominations. Recommended for ages 6+.

Cambodian Rock Band
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: July 17 – August 20
Tickets: $66-105 (look for discount)
It’s 2008 and a father-daughter duo are heading to Phnom Penh; she to prosecute a notorious Cambodian war criminal, he 30 years after escaping then-Communist rule. In a psychedelic theatrical extravaganza set to some of the country’s most popular rock music, including from Dengue Fever, Cambodian Rock Band shines a light on the country’s vibrant ’70s rock scene and how an entire generation of musicians was purged by the Khmer Rouge, as it brings long-buried family secrets back to life. Recommended for teens and older.

All Together Now: An Electromagnetic Adventure
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: July 18-21
Tickets: $3-9
The Science Guys of Baltimore are back!  And they’re ready to explore what brings us together and what keeps us apart—what scientists call the laws of attraction and repulsion—through the force of  electromagnetism. Launch rings into the air with an electromagnetic pulse generator, test your strength in an electromagnet tug of war, and watch sparks fly with a Van de Graaff generator. This promises to be a truly shocking science show! Recommended for ages 5-12.

Beauty and the Beast
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: July 20 – August 27
Tickets: $15
Terry Snyder’s Beauty and the Beast features half height marionettes, a projected magic mirror, and two storytellers guiding our audience through a sweet retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast tale. Will they fall in love in time to break the curse? Run time approximately 45 minutes.Recommended ages 4+.

The Play That Goes Wrong
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: July 20 – August 13
Tickets: $39-139 (look for discount)
this classic murder mystery by award-winning Mischief is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania! Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “comic gold” (Variety) sure to bring down the house. Recommended for ages 8+.

Taratibu!
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: July 25-28
Tickets: $3-9
The Taratibu Youth Association (TYA) is a sensational ensemble of young artists representing the performing arts of the African diaspora. With eclectic and diverse musical influences, they perform percussive dance styles from stepping to traditional South African Gumboot, modern dance to hip hop. TYA sings in Zulu and Sotho from South Africa, Kiswahili from Tanzania, Creole from Haiti, and Yoruba from Cuba. Their performances are educational and inspirational, telling stories of empowerment and cultural history. Learn a song in Zulu, steps from Taratibu; a Pan African drill or learn the history of ‘Ti Zwezo,’ the traditional song of Haiti. Recommended for ages 5-16.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: July 29
Tickets: $42+
The National Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic Oscar-nominated score from Return of the Jedi live along with the full feature film. The movie will be projected in HD onto screens in-house and on the lawn for a new musical experience of the iconic film.

Kidz Bop Never Stop Live Tour 
Where: WolfTrap | Vienna, VA
When: July 30
Tickets: $49 (look for discount)
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour is the ultimate family-friendly pop concert for children (and their parents!). Featuring awesome sets, costumes, choreography, and surprises, families can sing and dance along with the Kidz Bop Kids, as they perform today’s biggest hits on stage, including “Anti-Hero,” “About That Time, “As It Was,” and many more.

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March 29, 2023 · 2:23 pm

Live Entertainment on Local Stages this Spring

So much entertainment coming to the Kennedy Center and more venues around DC!

 

With the new season comes a whole new line-up of shows for young audiences.  Here’s where you can catch live entertainment around the DC area throughout spring. Tickets are available for just about all of them now, so go save your seats!

Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 1-2
Admission: $20
Ten-year-old Belinda loves to tell stories, but when she’s in the basement preparing for a party upstairs, she’ll have to get creative. Using everyday objects like a teapot and doily, Belinda recreates the classic tale of Cinderella. Glass Half Full Theatre from Austin, Texas, presents its award-winning “story within a story” using puppetry, Spanish, and English. Recommended for ages 5+.

This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 2, 2pm & 4pm
Admission: $18
Jacqueline Woodson’s book, This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration, has been set to music by young Black composer Quinn Mason, and will be performed by the National Symphony Orchestra with the author herself as narrator. The story follows three generations of a Black family who moves from the South to Harlem, New York seeking better opportunities and equality, as more than six million African American families did during the Great Migration in the early 1900s through the 70s. As the family moves and grows, they take with them a piece of rope that helps them in normal aspects of life, but really symbolizes their cultural bonds, progress, and hope. Recommended for ages 7+.

The Jungle
Where: Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through April 16
Tickets: $59-135
Welcome to The Jungle where cultures collide and thousands dream of crossing the English Channel to the possibility of freedom. Laughter, tears, allegiances, and prayers are shared by this extraordinary community of refugees caught up in a global crisis beyond their control. Recommended for ages 12+.

Shout Sister Shout
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through May 13
Tickets: (look for discount)
Based on Gayle F. Wald’s book Shout, Sister, Shout!, this new musical tells the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe—one of America’s most influential rock, R&B and gospel crossover singers and guitarists. Ambitious, courageous and uncompromisingly public, Tharpe became a pioneer of the women’s movement for racial and sexual equality and musical legend who redefined the national and international music scene in the 1930s and 40s and beyond. Dive into Cheryl L. West’s spirited, authentic and emotionally charged story about a charismatic music forerunner and the authentic roots of rock-and-roll. Recommended for ages 12+.

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 8
Tickets: $12-39 
Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.

Sleeping Beauty on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Through April 9
Admission: $15
In the Puppet Co.’s version of Sleeping Beauty, a funny frog storyteller ribbits the tale of offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells. Relive this classic fairy tale in this lovely Legacy rod-puppet show. Directed by Elizabeth Dapo. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 45 minutes.

RiverRun Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through April 22
Admission: Varies by event (some free)
This international festival celebrating the world’s rivers is bringing all kinds of performances and events from across the globe to the Kennedy Center. Live entertainment includes concerts, dance performances, a youth orchestra, a play for kids and families, and more.  See the website for the full schedule.

Wake Up, Brother Bear
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 8
Tickets: $12-39
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theatre experience. Recommended for ages 1-5.

Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through April 23
Tickets: $76-95
Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning drama Angels in America is one of the great epic American plays of this past century. We meet Louis and Prior and Harper and Joe, two couples whose relationships are on the rocks; the former because of Prior’s AIDS diagnosis and Louis’ inability to cope with illness, and the latter because of Joe’s closeted homosexuality and Harper’s incessant fears and hallucinations. Recommended for teens and older.

Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 6pm
Tickets: Free
The Kennedy Center presents these free performances Wednesday – Sunday at 6pm, and the public is welcome to enjoy them. The acts span the genres — you can see everything from contemporary dance to folk music to film screenings to comedy shows to opera scenes. This is a great series to keep in mind for whenever you’re looking for some free, easy entertainment. Just be sure to reserve tickets in advance!

King Lear
Where: Klein Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 30 – April 16
Tickets: $55-135 (look for discount)
Caught in a carousel of memory, the head of a dysfunctional royal family grapples with power-hungry children and the threat of losing the empire he created. Real and imagined worlds coalesce, creating a political and personal horror that threatens to swallow the mind of the monarch. The incomparable Patrick Page (Hadestown, The Gilded Age) returns to STC as the once-revered king caught in an emotional hurricane ravaging his home, head, and heart.

Jennifer Who is Leaving
Where: Roundhouse Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: March 30 – May 7
Tickets: $39-81
Nan is working the night shift, fielding periodic calls from her retired husband with questions about reheating dinner and where his car keys are. Jennifer is trying to tune out Joey, her elderly patient who is relishing getting on her last nerve. And Lili is stressing out about her upcoming SATs. Set in a Dunkin Donuts on the side of a Massachusetts highway, Jennifer Who Is Leaving is a familiar and hilarious exploration of the expectations placed on women; the physical, mental, and emotional labor of being a caregiver; and what happens when we reach our breaking point. Recommended for teens and older.

My Fair Lady
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 6-9
Tickets: $45-115 (look for discount)
The Broadway hit My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?

The Washington Ballet: Aurora’s Wedding
Where: Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: April 7-9
Tickets: $48+
Join The Washington Ballet for a 90-minute, family-friendly performance featuring Act III of The Sleeping Beauty. Fans of Puss-in-Boots, Red Riding Hood, Princess Florine, and all the classic characters will be delighted. Plus, TWB will perform Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, the iconic classic ballet for new & seasoned fans alike. Go early for the matinee performances for Family Fun Events that feature photo opportunities with dancers, coloring stations, and more. Use code BEAUTY at purchase for 30% off your tickets.

Once Upon a Moon
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 12-14
Tickets: $3-9
Let’s go to the moon! Celebrate the spirit of the Apollo landing in this exciting, interactive show for our youngest audiences. Performers and exquisite puppets spin new and old stories about the moon’s magic, create a “living exhibit” of its phases, and introduce the amazing science that brought us to its surface. You might even get the chance to be a moonwalking astronaut. Recommended for ages 4-7.

Rocknoceros Concert
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: April 15, 11am (doors open at 10am)
Tickets: $10
Rocknoceros is returning to Jammin Java with a new show called “All About the Sprout.” The concert will include classic Rocknoceros songs and new music about seeds, sprouts, and spring. Seating is first some, first served. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Disney’s Aladdin
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 19-30
Tickets: $29-155 (look for discount)
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical.From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

Jack and the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Company | Glen Echo, MD
When: April 20 – May 21
Tickets: $15
Enjoy this multimedia Legacy production that tells the story of a lazy lad whose life changes because of some magic beans! Using rod puppets and full masks and costumes, TPC fans may recognize The Giant from our annual Nutcracker show. Directed by Danny Pushkin. Recommended for ages 4+.

Sense and Sensibility
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: April 21-23
Tickets: $12
A student production from Imagination. Stage… A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters When Elinor and Marianne Dashwood’s lives are turned upside down by the sudden death of their father, they must navigate financial challenge, romance, and the talk of the town while using good sense or risk their chance at love and happiness. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. Recommended for ages 11+.

The Taming of the Shrew
Where: Synetic Theater | Crystal City, VA
When: April 21-30
Tickets: $35-50 (look for discount)
Glam! Glitteratzi! Fashionistas! High art! In a world surrounded by the rich and fabulous, two unlikely suitors — her a rebel, him steampunk — find themselves embroiled in a passionate battle of wills. This electrifying “Silent Shakespeare” adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew follows Katherina and Petruchio as they discover the journey to love isn’t always the easiest of roads. This is a Synetic Teen Company production.

The Ice Cream Truck Is Broken! & Other Emotional Arias
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 22-23
Admission: $25
Join hosts Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor Renée Fleming and inaugural Education Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems for a family-friendly event exploring our strongest emotions through one of the world’s most dramatic genre…opera! Together with the Washington National Opera Cafritz Young Artists, Mo and Renée present famous arias as you’ve never heard them before, bursting with Mo-ified lyrics to explore the range of human emotions in a way audiences new and old can appreciate and enjoy. Recommended for ages 5+.

Gravity & Other Myths: a Simple Space
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: April 26-27
Tickets: $34-54
Bring the whole family to see Gravity & Other Myths, an Australian circus company pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus. In A Simple Space, you’ll witness seven acrobats pushed to their physical limits in an intimate setting. This poignant performance is simultaneously frantic and delicate. Propelled by the driving sound of live percussion and without the need for contrived theatrical overlay, A Simple Space evokes a visceral response, as the performers are encouraged to let down their guard and share the reality of failure and weakness. With nothing left to hide behind, the personal narratives come through naturally.

Les Misérables
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 26-29
Admission: $69-225
In 1986, the Kennedy Center hosted the pre-Broadway run of what has become, undisputedly, one of the world’s most popular musicals. Now, they are bringing her home. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Recommended for ages 12 +.

Each Kindness
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 28-29
Admission: $20 (look for discount)
This world premiere concert features Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson reading the book, Each Kindness, onstage to music composed, arranged, and performed by six members of celebrated string production company Rootstock Republic, along with projections of E.B. Lewis’ striking artwork. About the book: Every time the new girl Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya. Recommended for ages 7+.

Fyütch
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 2, 11am
Admission: $20
Discover community, Black history, and culture through a blend of hip hop, soul, R&B, pop, and reggae! Fyütch’s live shows are filled with spirited songs, spoken word, and visual storytelling to educate, entertain, and empower the next generation.

Monty Python’s Spamalot
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 12-21
Admission: $69-325
Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail in song, Monty Python’s Spamalot features a chorus line of knights, men in tights, killer rabbits, and sexy dancing divas. The score will be performed onstage by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Recommended for ages 13+.

Beetlejuice
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: May 16-28
Tickets: $60-140 (look for discount)
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

New Squid on the Block
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: June 1-2
Tickets: $3-9
This brand new show from Barefoot Puppets celebrates creative thinking, problem-solving, friendship, and fun! Featuring penguins, a submarine, MORE PENGUINS, orcas, and a curious squid, this show takes the audience on an epic journey to Antarctica, encountering unusual creatures in the depths of the ocean on the way. Featuring beautifully handcrafted puppets, a magical set, and an original score by Ned Haskins, this comedic, wordless performance celebrates the ability to create connections despite our differences. Recommended for ages 4-8.

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March 9, 2023 · 9:22 am

Five Upcoming Openings for Kids to Look Forward to this Year

 

[Note:  This post was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of two young children.  She always has excellent recommendations for kids’ activities around the DC area. See some of them here, here, and here.]

 

New business openings hit different post-pandemic — especially ones for kids. In my neck of the woods, almost every kid-centered establishment within a five-mile radius shuttered completely or drastically reduced their offerings between 2020-2022. Eventually, moms groups were drowning in desperation over things to do and places to go.

The news of new openings brings relief, gratitude, and excitement. Things are finally turning around, and, perhaps, these businesses will operate even better for owners and their customers. The kid business can be booming once again. Here are five upcoming openings to look forward to…

LEGO Discovery Center Washington DC
Where: Springfield Town Center| Springfield, VA 22150
Expected Opening: Summer 2023
Recommended Ages: 2-12
A 32,000-square-foot LEGO Discovery Center is under construction at Springfield Town Center. Get ready to launch rockets on a LEGO Space Mission, journey on the Imagination Express, explore a LEGO Mini World, take a workshop with a Master Model Builder, ride a dinosaur-themed carousel in DUPLO Park, experience 4D sensory cinema, and much more!

 

An indoor waterpark even bigger than this one in Williamsburg is coming soon

Great Wolf Lodge Perryville Resort
Where: 1230 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy | Port Deposit, MD
Expected Opening: Summer 2023
Recommended Ages: 5 – tween
Lucky us: Great Wolf Lodge’s biggest park yet is set to open just an hour-and-a-half outside of the DC metro area. Aside from the brand new water park, guests can enjoy the interactive MagiQuest game, gemstone mining, bowling, ropes course, arcade, mini golf, build-a-bear workshop, and more. Forest-themed hotel rooms and suites add to the excitement. Read about a KFDC experience at a Great Wolf Lodge here.

 

Gymnastics classes and fun at Dominic Dawes’ new center

Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy
Where: 5626 Randolph Rd | Rockville, MD
Expected Opening: Spring 2023
Ages: 18 & under
Former U.S. Olympic gold medalist and Maryland native, Dominique Dawes, is set to open her second Gymnastics & Ninja Academy featuring classes, camps, open gym times, and birthday parties. Dawes is focused on creating a healthy, empowering environment for children, and through ninja warrior activities, developing strength and problem-solving abilities.

 

Bring kiddos to play at Jolly Yolly

Jolly Yolly Kids
Where: Westfield Montgomery Mall | Bethesda, MD
Expected Opening: Spring-Summer 2023
Ages: 13 & under
A new play space in a popular mall is a big win for local parents. Jolly Yolly Kids is opening its second location, with a street-facing entrance, at Westfield Montgomery Mall. This is everything you’d hope for in an indoor play space, featuring brightly colored structures to climb, slide on, hang on, jump in, and explore. Enjoy open play, camps, and birthday parties.

 

Kids can scale the walls of a new Sportrock opening later this year

Sportrock Climbing Centers 
Where: Rio Lakefront | Gaithersburg, MD
Expected Opening: Late 2023
Ages: 4+
Sportrock Climbing Centers is taking over the large space next to Dave & Busters at Rio Lakefront with its third location. Sportrock boasts the tallest rock climbing walls in the mid-Atlantic  and offers a variety of programs to start ‘em young. Youth programs include open climb, The Breakfast Club, Friday Night Heights, Junior Climbing Club, youth teams, camps, and birthday parties.

 

Are there any new kid places opening up near you? Tell us in the comments!

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February 2, 2023 · 8:34 pm

Feel the Love: Valentine’s Day Activities Around the DC Area

 

 

Do you ❤️ celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little (and big) sweeties? If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the occasion, here are some ideas — with something for everyone to love. Happy V-Day! XOXO

 

XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Through May 14 | Weds -Mon, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: $15.95
How about a whole exhibit that pairs perfectly with Valentine’s Day? Recommended for ages 2-12m,  XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness provides children and caregivers the opportunity to think about and explore feelings to help them understand, appreciate, and express their emotions through facial expressions, words, movement, art-making, and other hands-on activities.  Read more about the museum here.

Kids Workshop: Valentine’s Vase
Where: Home Depot locations around the DC area
When: February 4, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free – be sure to register in advance!
Home Depot’s free monthly workshop for kids will help them prep for the day (or make a gift) as they build a Valentine’s Vase. All supplies are provided, including a little apron, and kids get to keep their craft along with a certificate of achievement and collectible pin. All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. Register in advance!

Love from the Library
Where: Select DC Public Libraries
When: Through February 14
Admission: Free
DC Public Libraries are hosting a bunch of love-ly programs that celebrate the holiday. Attend a Valentine movie night, do some card making and other crafts, join a Valentine’s Day story time.  Visit the website for details on these events and more — just set the date through February 14 and use keyword “Valentine.”

Valentine Makers Market
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: February 11, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Find thoughtful and handmade gifts for all the sweeties in your life at this Valentine Maker’s Market. Shop a variety of options, including small batch chocolates, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, clothing, and much more! You will find vendors offering a wide selection of homemade, handmade or homegrown products, and every vendor is from the DEL-MAR-VA region. Be sure to tour the grounds, check out the Arts Center inside, and take kids to play in the Fairy Lolly while you’re there — it’s all fantastic (admission is a suggested $5 donation). Read more about Annmarie Sculpture garden here and here.

Maker Morning: Art from Your Heart
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: February 11, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Color your February with love at the Hirshhorn’s self-guided drop-in program geared toward kids. Look for stations throughout the museum, all love-themed and hands-on. Try out Valentine’s Day activities including writing a love letter, magnet poetry, and a love library — all inspired by art in the museum. Stroller parking is available in the Lobby and Lower Level.

Kids Workshop: Swan Sweetheart Note Holder
Where: Lowe’s locations around the DC area
When: February 11, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Bring your mini-DIYer to Lowe’s for a workshop hosted by a Red Vest expert. This month is Valentine’s-themed, and kids will build their own Swan Love Note Holder — a perfect gift for someone they love. All participants will receive a kit with materials. Be sure to reserve a time slot! Walk-ins are welcome, but space is not guaranteed.

Cupcake Decorating Class
Where: La Fantome Food Hall | Riverdale, MD
When: Saturday, 11am-12:30pm & 1-2:30pm
Admission: $40
Join celebrity chef Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman for a special Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating class. Aspiring bakers can join the highly decorated baker, currently featuring on Cooking Channel’s “Bake It Til You Make It.” Participants will leave with four decorated cupcakes, a certificate of completion, and specialized baking tips and knowledge from Mr. Bake himself. Parents are invited to join the fun and accompany their baker, as well as enjoy food and drinks (including a special kid’s menu) for breakfast or lunch following their session. Two sessions are available: Kids ages 5-11 can join the first hour-long session at from 11am-12:30pm, while bakers 12-16can join 1-2:30pm. Parents must accompany children ages 5-11 to the first session.

Won’t You Be My Owlentine?
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park | Arlington, VA
When: February 11, 1-2pm
Admission: $7/age 6+
Love is in the air, and literally, for the beautiful birds of prey! Join Potomac Overlook staff as they discuss the mating habits of owls during their breeding season and get a picture with a live bird of prey! Register in advance, as space is limited. And be sure to explore the rest of the park while you’re there — it’s great for kids of all ages. Read more about Potomac Overlook in this KFDC post.

Unshrink My Heart – Shrinky Dinks Workshop
Where: Gateway Arts Center | Brentwood, MD
When: February 11, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
The DIY arts and crafts icon from the 80’s is back! And nothing says “love” like a hand-made pre-shrunk Valentine. Families are invited to create beautiful jewelry, key chains, and other Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones. Receive the first 2 sheets of blank Shrinky Dinks for free; additional sheets will be available to purchase for 50 cents each.

Nature DIY Valentines
Where: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park | Chantilly, VA
When: February 11, 3-4pm
Admission: $9
Nothing says I love you more than a homemade card. Use natural materials to create your own card just in time for the holiday. Materials will be provided for cards that kids can make. Stay for a little while, or the whole time. Recommended for ages 6-12.

Family Festival with Black Panther + Beauty & the Beast
Where: Shipgarden | McLean, VA
When: February 11, 1-6pm
Admission: Free, but reserve a spot!
This Valentine’s Day keep it cozy with hot drink specials from Shipgarten’s winter menu. On February 11, bring the fam to their Valentine’s Family Festival hosted by Black Panter and Beauty & the Beast. Take pics in the photo booth and compete for prizes — they have games, activities, and competitions for all ages.

Valentine’s Day Pop-Up
Where: WAP Gallery in Westfield Wheaton Mall | Wheaton, MD
When: February 11-12, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
The Wheaton Arts Parade is hosting a special Valentine’s pop-up this weekend. In addition to their shop where you can meet the artists, the WAP Gallery will have a free Valentine art making table for kids. The Gallery is located in Westfield Wheaton Mall, Lower Level Entrance 11.

Say ‘Be Mine’ in the Animal World
Where: Burke Lake Park | Burke, VA
When: February 11, 2-3pm
Admission: $10
Animals communicate in many ways. Kids can learn how to express their affection in chimpanzee, toad, wolf, and more on this outside Valentine’s Day walk and talk. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Sunday Makebreak: Watercolor Heart Frame
Where: Michael’s locations around the DC area
When: February 12, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in a Michael’s location to do some Valentines crafting. Make a watercolor heart frame to put a picture of your special someone in — or picture of yourself to give to someone special. All ages welcome, no reservations needed.

Queen of Hearts Tea Party
Where: Colvin Run Mill | Great Falls, VA
When: February 12
Admission: $15
For ages 3+…Bring your child to the mill and celebrate Valentine’s Day with this heart-themed tea party. We’ll have tea, savory and sweet treats and play 19th century parlor games. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Valentine’s Tea & Poetry
Where: Burke Lake Park | Burke, VA
When: February 12, 10:30-11:3-am
Admission: $15
For ages 12 and up… Sip some mint tea with your best friend or significant other as a naturalist helps you pen your own love poems based off of famous love poems. Practice your penmanship while learning some helpful calligraphy tips to give your poems a more personalized feel.

Say ‘Be Mine’ in the Animal World
Where: Lake Fairfax Park | Reston, VA
When: February 12, 2-3pm
Admission: $10
Join the Fairfax Park Authority for a Valentine-themed event about ways animals communicate. Learn how to express your affection in chimpanzee, toad, wolf, and more on this outdoor Valentine’s Day walk and talk.

Nature Valentines
Where: Maydale Nature Classroom | Colesville, MD
When: February 12, 3-4pm
Admission: $7
Winter is full of celebrations. Join us as we celebrate the Winter Solstice by making lanterns, the holiday season by making nature ornaments, and Valentine’s Day by making nature valentines. Register for one or all of these family fun activities.

Valentine’s Day Science
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center | Annandale, VA,
When: February 13, 6-7pm
Admission: $10
Kids love science when they learn with engaging hands-on activities. Join the Fairfax Park Authority for science activities to let kids share that love this Valentine’s Day! Recommended for ages 5-10.

Window Shops
Where: Storefronts around Adams Morgan, DC
When: Through February 14
Admission: Free
Take a walk around Adams Morgan to see all storefront decorated especially for Valentine’s Day! The Adams Morgan Partnership BID is sponsoring a window decorating contest for all businesses facing the street. Enjoy a family outing to the neighborhood to walk around and see them all, then grab at bite at one of the many eateries there. You can also vote on your favorites through an online poll on our website from Friday, February 11, through Sunday, February 13!

The Love Shop
Where: Milk Bar | Logan Circle, DC
When: Through February 14
Cost: Depends on order
Milk Bar, the bakery that makes my favorite Birthday Cake, has special products for the holiday. Mini cakes, soft serve ice cream, and truffles are perfect desserts for an at-home date night or family celebration. Available for pick-up or delivery.

Ice Skate Date
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Through February 14
Admission: Varies by rink
If you just want to do something fun, active, and sweet with your kids, plan an ice skating date. Go to the Sculpture Garden, then enjoy photo ops by the AMOR sculpture. Glide along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park, then get a bite to eat at one of the many eateries nearby. Skate by the Potomac River at Washington Harbour, or over the Potomac at The Wharf — and both have even more to do beyond skating at their waterfront locations. Get details for all of the DC rinks, plus more in Maryland and Virginia in this post about ice skating around the DC Area.

DIY Valentines
Where: At home
When: Whenever you have time
Admission: Just the cost of supplies
So, this is just my suggestion. One of my favorite annual programs has been the National Postal Museum’s Valentine’s Day Card Workshop, and we tried to go every year. The museum would provide all kinds of supplies — pretty papers, stamps, washi tape, stickers, markers, and more — for guests to create Valentines. Everyone from families with young children to teens hanging out together to groups of adults attend, and there’s always a great sense of community as you share tables with others there to celebrate love. It’s not happening again this year, but we can still keep the make-your-own tradition going. So, grab some artsy supplies and get creative at home — and make your loved ones’ Valentine’s Day! And for more about the wonderful yet often overlooked Postal Museum, see this KFDC post.

Some wweet suggestions if you’re seeking gift ideas…

* A Valentine’s-themed activity book.
* Sweet kids’ reads: Board books, for elementary ages, for middle schoolers, for teens.
* A heart stuffie for little ones.
* Fun bath bombs.
* A lovely light up drawing t-shirt (or this one).
* A day at Spa World (get a discount on Groupon).
*  This novel will capture any adult’s heart.
* Make ’em smile with cute socks.
* Who doesn’t love the gift of food?

 

Do you know of a great Valentine’s Day event or activity not listed here?  Let us know in the comments!

 

 

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November 28, 2022 · 5:26 pm

Fall into Winter with this Live Entertainment Lineup

See the Broadway classic, Cats, this winter! (Photo courtesy of National Theatre)

 

As cooler weather sets in, local stages are heating up with all kinds of shows for everyone in the family. Here’s the lineup to help you stay warm and entertained the rest of fall and through winter.  Shows are listed in order of start date with most descriptions coming straight from from their sources.  Keep in mind that tickets make for great holiday gifts.  Happy Viewing!

Holidays on the Stage
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the holiday season
Tickets: Vary by show
If you’re looking for holiday-inspired shows to celebrate the season, you can find them all listed here. There are several productions of The Nutcracker, plays especially for children, shows about Chanukah, festive concerts and singalongs, dance performances, and more!

The Day You Begin
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through December 18
Tickets: $20-25
This musical is based on the bestselling children’s book by author Jacqueline Woodson. The plot: the first day at a new school with diverse new people; the setting: a familiar, yet more vividly modern elementary school classroom. The message? The day you truly “begin” is when you discover what makes you unique, but also the same as people who may seem so different.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through January 8
Tickets:$12-39
It’s a new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Recommended for ages 4-10.

Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Most Wednesdays & Saturdays at 10am
Tickets: $8
The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). Run times are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Through January 1
Tickets: $37-74 (find discount)
Last winter, Olney’s internationally acclaimed production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast won hearts and attracted the admiration of audiences from around the country. This year, be Olney’s guest along with several returning cast members and the rest of the gang in the Beast’s cursed castle for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away.

Into the Woods
Where: Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through January 29
Tickets: $40-109 (find discount)
Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where dreams come true, but not free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Weaving a euphoric score with a darkly humorous book, Into the Woods is a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. Running time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, including one intermission. Parents should use discretion about what is age appropriate for their children.

Much Ado About Nothing
Where: Sydney Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through December 11
Tickets: $35-125 (find discount)
The course of true love never did run smooth, especially when the ON AIR sign is lit. Shakespeare’s cherished romantic comedy lands in a cable newsroom, where sparring co-anchors Benedick and Beatrice trade barbs behind the news desk. This version of Much Ado About Nothing is promised to be the perfect blend of sparkling screwball comedy and revelatory romance. Recommended for teens and older.

Squeakers & Mr. Gumdrop
Where: Theatre on the Run | Arlington, VA
Alexandria Country Day School | Alexandria, VA
When: Dec 2-4, 14-18 (Arlington) | Dec 10-11 (Alexandria)
Tickets: $10
Arts on the Horizon presents this holiday show for little ones… One snowy winter morning, Mr. Gumdrop prepares for his annual holiday party! When an unexpected and curious mouse appears, Mr. Gumdrop’s routine is thrown for a loop. Can these two wildly different characters work together to get the holiday preparations done in time? This nonverbal, imaginative production captures the magic of making new friends and sharing ideas to accomplish big goals. Recommended for children ages 2-5 and their families.

Wicked
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: December 8 – January 22
Tickets: $59-349 (find discount)
The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” Recommended for ages 8+.

Bat Boy: The Musical
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: December 9-11
Tickets: $12
Inspired by a series of tabloid headlines published in 1992 by The Weekly World News, the award winning show Bat Boy: The Musical is a musical comedy/horror show about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley. Bat Boy is happy with his new life, but when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the schemes of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bat Boy. Shelley and Bat Boy, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant town folk, but their happiness is shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a secret. Soon the entire town arrives and hears the shocking story of Bat Boy’s origin. Funny, quirky, but also touching and poignant, Bat Boy’s story spans an incredible score encompassing the styles of rock, gospel, and musical theatre. Recommended for ages 11+.

A Soldier’s Play
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: December 13 – January 8
Tickets: $45–135 (find discount)
The Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller has rocketed back into the spotlight thanks to this 2020 Tony-winning Best Revival. In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots ring out. A sergeant is murdered, triggering a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in America. Broadway’s leading man Norm Lewis stars in the show Variety calls “a knock-your-socks-off-drama.” Recommended for ages 13+.

No Excuses, No Limits
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: January 13-15
Tickets: $20
Be inspired by ILL-ABILITIES™—the international all-star breakdance crew of seven of the world’s best differently-abled dancers. No Excuses, No Limits takes audiences on a journey of each dancer’s story through dance, music, audience interaction, and a gained understanding of the limitless possibilities that any person can hold. Recommended for ages 7+.

Ride the Cyclone
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: January 13 – February 19
Tickets: $66-115
Part comedy, part tragedy and wholly unexpected, this wildly imaginative story delivers surprises at every turn. The lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. A mechanical fortuneteller invites each to tell their story of a life interrupted, offering the chance to come to terms with their fates. At once quirky and smart, edgy and beautiful, Ride the Cyclone ultimately reveals the resilience of the human spirit in spite of senseless tragedy. Recommended for teens and older.

Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: January 13-22
Tickets: $15/adult, $13/child
Encore Stage & Studio presents this “by kids for kids” show… The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, meeting a Beast, who is the young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed to his former self. If the Beast does not learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls, he and his household including Mrs. Pots, Lumiere and Mr. Cogsworth will be cursed forever. Join us for a tale as old as time in Encore’s production of Beauty and the Beast Jr!

Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: January 14 – February 12
Tickets: $16.50
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, actors lead children and caregivers in an interactive exploration of a magical place of play. Recommended for ages 1-5.

Cats
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: January 17 – 22
Tickets: $55-105 (find discount)
Tony Awards winning musical CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

Peter and the Wolf
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: January 19 – February 12
Tickets: $15
A Puppet Co. Legacy favorite with a new spin! This English and Russian bilingual production will incorporate the classic music in this two-person small marionette romp of the classic fairytale. Run time approximately 40 minutes. Recommended for ages 4+.

Monster Jam
Where: Capitol One Arena | Downtown DC
When: January 28-29
Tickets: $25+
The world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks will thunder its way into DC.  Gravedigger, Magolodon,  Dragon, Just Get-Er-Done, Terminal Velocity, and Wild Side are among the vehicular beasts that will be tearing up the indoor terrain this year.

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Beauty and the Beat
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: February 4-5
Tickets: $20
See NSO principal second violinist Marissa Regni and NSO assistant principal timpanist/percussionist Scott Christian in an exciting program exploring the magic created when the violin and percussion join forces. This melodic and rhythmic ride proves that no matter how different the instruments are, they can come together to make some beautiful music. Recommended for ages 3+.

123 Andrés
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: February 11, 11am & 1pm
Tickets: $20
The Latin Grammy®-winning music duo is back by popular demand! Join Andrés and Christina on an exciting cultural exploration of Latin America through an introduction of language, music, and dance. The 11am show is a sensory-friendly performance. Recommended for ages 3+.

Sunset Boulevard
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: February 4-5
Tickets: $59-299
Alone in her Hollywood mansion with little more than celluloid memories, former silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond remains what she has always been: the greatest star of all. For Broadway Center Stage, Tony-winning powerhouse Stephanie J. Block takes on the iconic role. Based on the 1950 film noir, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece—winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical on its release—weaves a compelling tale of romance, obsession, and faded glory. Recommended for ages 12+.

How Old is a Hero?
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: February 7-10
Tickets: $3-9
Everyone can make a difference! This Discovery Theater original play infused with archival music of the Civil Rights era celebrates three young people who helped change the nation by their heroic actions. Meet Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school; Claudette Colvin, who months before Rosa Parks, also refused to give up her seat on a bus; and Ruby Bridges, who was only six in 1960 when she stepped into first grade—and into history—as the first student to desegregate an all-white school in New Orleans. Their inspiring stories demonstrate that hope begins with the courage of young people. Recommended for ages 6-12.

Girlhood
Where: Roundhouse Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: February 17-19
Tickets: $25
A show from the Round House Theatre Teen Performance Company… A patch of land beneath an abandoned overpass serves as a common, yet sacred, ground for a group of teenage girls as they navigate adolescence. Identity, sexuality, and their unique upbringings all play a part in how they transition from childhood to young adulthood and figure out what comes next. Girlhood explores the dreams, fears, humor, and heartache of coming of age in an intimate series of vignettes. Recommended for teens and older. Students age 13+ can request free tickets through their Free Play program.

Laurie Berkner Band
Where: Gordon Center for Performing Arts | Owings Mills, MD
When: February 19, 11am & 3pm
Tickets: $$45-70
Best selling children’s music artist Laurie Berkner is returning to the DC area for two shows. A true pioneer in children’s music, beloved by generations of children and parents for over twenty years, she’ll be playing well-loved hits like “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)” and “We Are the Dinosaurs” along with newer songs. Kids should plan to bring their dancing shoes and a stuffed animal (for their heads). FYI: We took a toddler Owen to one of Laurie’s shows years ago, and it was a blast!

Aladdin!
Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center | Masassas, VA
When: February 19, 3pm
Tickets:
Virginia National Ballet’s popular production of Aladdin!
VNB is reviving the extremely popular ballet “Aladdin” which was first premiered in 2018! Follow Aladdin, Jasmine, Jafar, and the magic carpet on their adventures, with a fantastic orchestral score, gorgeous costumes and scenery, and great dancing!

Into the Woods
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: February 23 – March 19
Tickets: $45-159 (look for discount)
Here’s a reason to be happy ever after… Following a sold-out engagement at New York City Center and a hugely acclaimed transfer to Broadway, Into the Woods is coming to the Kennedy Center. Directed by Lear deBessonet (Hercules), this theatrical event honors Stephen Sondheim’s legendary memory and his Broadway masterpiece like never before.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: February 23-26
Tickets: $24-103 (find discount)
Description from Hippodrome website… Miami’s sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah. 2022 finds Sophia out on bail, having been busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors of Miami. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from a new young lover. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends! (This may be more of a mom’s night out show, but all ages are welcome!)

King Lear
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: February 23 – March 26
Tickets: $35-110 (look for discount)
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents this production… Caught in a carousel of memory, the head of a dysfunctional royal family grapples with power-hungry children and the threat of losing the empire he created. Real and imagined worlds coalesce, creating a political and personal horror that threatens to swallow the mind of the monarch. The incomparable Patrick Page returns to STC as the once-revered king caught in an emotional hurricane ravaging his home, head, and heart. Recommended for teens and older.

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: February 25 – April 8
Tickets: $12-39 (look for discount)
Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.

INTERSECTIONS Festival
Where: Atlas Center for Performing Arts | H Street NE, DC
When: February 25 – March 12
Tickets: TBA, vary by show
The Atlas’ signature event, this performing arts festival presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. More details about the festival to come!

Kofi’s African Village
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: February 28 – March
Tickets: $3-9
Drummer Kofi Dennis brings the vibrant life of a West African village to the Discovery Theater stage though music, storytelling, and dance. Using authentic instruments, the Ghanaian native leads lively call-and-response songs, games, and movement that gets audiences on their feet in a high-energy exploration of African cultural traditions. Recommended for ages 3-6.

War of the Worlds
Where: Synetic Theater | Crystal City, VA
When: March 3 – April 8
Tickets: $20-60 (find discount)
In a world premiere, Synetic Theater brings its stunning and immersive style to H.G. Wells’ renowned novel of devastation and faith in the midst of catastrophe. This multimedia fusion of acrobatics, music, and movement makes us question who we are and what is truly worth fighting for.

Where: The Clarice | College Park, MD
When:March 4, 10:30am
Admission: $59/ family 4-pack, $18.50/adult, $13.50/child, free/under 2
Everyone knows all the words to the soundtracks of “Frozen!” At this show, you can sing along to songs from both movies as they are performed by the classically trained opera singers Outcalls. It’s a show the whole family can enjoy, from the soaring high notes of “Let it Go” and “Into the Unknown” (for the kids) to subtle jokes about just how ridiculous both these movies are (for us parents). Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume! Photos with the princesses will be available for purchase before and after the show!

The Mortification of Fovea Munson
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: March 4-19
Tickets: $20
Mary Winn Heider brings her uproarious book to musical life in this world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Fovea Munson is stuck working at her parents’ cadaver lab, but she is by no means Dr. Frankenstein’s snuffling assistant, Igor! That is, until three disembodied heads start talking. To her. Out loud. And they need a favor. March 18 at 11am is a sensory-friendly performance. Recommended for ages 10+.

Fitting In
Where: Theatre on the Run | Alexandria, VA
When: March 10-26
Tickets: $10
Arts on the Horizon presents this show for littles… Three siblings find themselves in a room full of possibilities and one not so simple task- to put things in their proper place. However, they soon discover that throwing this and that into a box is not the same as finding where it fits in. Through clowning, movement, and original music, three performers will transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. Is a blanket a blanket? Or is it the sail of a boat setting off on an epic voyage? Together, we can find the magic buried in the bottom of every box, and hidden inside the world around us! Recommended for ages 2-5.

Wake Up, Brother Bear
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: March 11 – April 8
Tickets: $12-39
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theatre experience. REcommended for ages 1-5.

Jagged Little Pill
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: March 14-26
Tickets: $55-105
Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE — everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show — is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Recommended for ages 14+.

Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Capitol One Arena | Downtown DC
When: March 18
Tickets: $25+
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism, and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team!

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Where: The Madeira School | McLean, VA
When: March 18, 1pm & 5pm
Tickets: $22-25
Take an adventure with Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and embarks on a colorful and whimsical journey through Wonderland. Presented by Festival Ballet Virginia, this ballet is appropriate for audience members of all ages — runtime is approximately 1 hour with no intermission. Lap-sitters under age 2 may attend for free. Concessions and boutique items will be available before and after the show in the lobby.

 

Are there any great shows coming up this winter that we missed?  If so, let us know in the comments!

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