Tag Archives: Fun Things to do with Kids in Washington

Adventure Theatre’s “Caps for Sale” runs September 12-27

Caps for Sale
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: September 11-27
Tickets: $19.50 (look for discount tickets)
“Caps! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!” The cap peddler wears a huge stack of caps, balanced carefully on top of his head. Brown caps, blue caps, gray caps, and red caps. When no one buys a cap, he takes a nap under a shady tree. But, when he wakes up, the caps are gone! Was it bears, pirates, one thousand thieves or a band of merry mischievous monkeys? Recommended for all ages.

The Hero of EVERYTHING
Where: Black Box Silver Spring
When: September 12-27
Tickets: $12 (look for discount tickets)
A fresh, fun, and interactive way for kids and families to explore the importance of teamwork and the perils of trying to do everything yourself, all by being part of the action of a superhero play for heroes of all ages. … Who needs a sidekick or a team when you can do everything yourself, and do it just the way it should be? Captain Everything, everyone’s favorite superhero, loves saving the day and doesn’t need anyone’s help to do it. Sure, she has an Alliance of superheroes, but no one minds if she just handles everything herself. Or do they? What happens when everyone else gets tired of being left out of everything and quits? And what happens when Captain Everything faces something she can’t do? Can she face her fears and cooperate with her team to save Citytown City? Or will it be too late?

The Cerulean Time Capsule
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden
When: September 12 – October 25
Tickets: $2 ($1 USBG members)
This interactive theatrical adventure is performed inside and throughout the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory. The Cerulean Time Capsule is about Benjamin Peale, a botanist who claims to be a time traveler from the year 2041. Benjamin needs help from the audience to stop a critical discovery from happening in the U.S. Botanic Garden—one that will bring catastrophe and destruction to the world as we know it! Audiences must help Benjamin find the mythic Cerulean Time Capsule before it’s too late. The production is performed nine shows per day on weekends. Due to its small-group nature, the performance can accommodate up to 12 audience members at one time. Show times occur every half-hour from 10:30am – 12:30pm and 2-4pm.

Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Ongoing daily, 6pm
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center presents these free, no-tickets-required performances every day 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 puppetry to comedy shows to opera scenes. Millennium Stage showcases everyone from local youth choirs to internationally known bands (They Might Be Giants performed there a few years ago). This is a great series to keep in mind for whenever you’re looking for some free, easy entertainment.

Boogie Babes
Where: Union Market, Eastern Market, & The Atlas
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 10:30am
Tickets: $5/child, free for sibling 6 months and under
Little ones can boogie along with their favorite local musicians at Union Market on Wednesdays, in Eastern Market’s North Hall every Thursday, AND at The Atlas Performing Arts Center on Fridays. Go for the show, then grab lunch in the Markets or hit one of the many eateries on the H Street Corridor.

Tot Rock
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Ongoing
Tickets: $5/weekdays, $10/weekends
Tot Rock is Jammin’ Java’s super-popular kids music concert series, providing wholesome family entertainment at one of the DC Metro area’s finest music clubs. Local acts perform every Thursday and Friday, and touring performers drop by on many weekends. Check the calendar often to see when your favorite act is performing, and for other calendar updates.

Puss in Boots
Where: Oatlands
When: September 12-27
Tickets: $12/adult, $10/child
Once upon a time a miller lived deep in the wood. Upon this man’s passing, he left one thing to his only son Tom: a cat. But Tom soon learned that Puss was no ordinary cat. Puss could talk, he was intelligent, and he had a plan to change Tom’s life around. All he asked in return was a nice pair of boots. And so begins a fun-filled adventure as Puss and Tom help a Princess, battle an Ogre, and more, in StageCoach Theatre’s musical, magical version of the Charles Perrault classic “Puss in Boots”. The whole family will be laughing, cheering, and singing along in this superb fairy tale. With a fun-filled cast of colorful characters and plenty of original songs, it’s an afternoon of can’t-miss entertainment. Bring a picnic and your lawn chairs to for this outdoor production! Recommended for ages 2-12.

Jammin Juniors: Two of a Kind
Where: McLean Central Park Gazebo
When: September 16, 12:30pm
Tickets: FREE!
Bring your lunch and listen to some tunes! Join the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre for this free lunchtime concert for children ages 2-5 and their families.

Tiny Tots Workshop
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: September 17, 9:30am & 11:15am
Tickets: $5
Children can learn to play a variety of drums and get an introduction to rhythm, dynamics, and how to play in a group. All instruments are provided. Space is limited, reserve early. Recommended for grades Pre K–1.

J.A.M 5th Element
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium
When: September 18-19, 8pm
Tickets: $20 online, $25 at door
See a showcase of Washington-area performers celebrate the two-year anniversary of J.A.M Revue, an exciting song and dance revue in DC. This year they’ll pay tribute to some of the hottest songs from across the years that are “J.A.M.ed” into one show-stopping production, high kicking its way to the sexy songs of Broadway, and ending with an electrifying finale honoring the artists that have created some of today’s greatest pop hits. These dance-floor favorites are sure leave audiences dancing in their seats!

The Velveteen Rabbit
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: September 18 – October 18
Tickets: $10
Applause Unlimited returns with Margery Williams’ gentle tale of how toys become real. Told with hand puppets, storytelling and song, solo puppeteer Christopher Hudert takes children through this classic story of friendship, changes, and magic. The popular tale is of particular interest to youngsters learning to read, and to anyone who has ever had a favorite stuffed toy. Recommended for ages 3-9.

Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Most Saturdays & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $5
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.

The Story Thief and the Princess of Dreams
Where: Georgetown Lutheran Church
When: September 19
Tickets: $15 (use code FIRSTSHOW for $5 off)
In this production, City Kids Theatre a group of children at a family reunion gather to hear their venerable great-grandfather spin one of his legendary bedtime stories. When he’s unable to tell even one, they begin to worry that something’s amiss. Something is also worrying the Prince of Dreams, from his distant, slumbery realm, he notices that no children in the world are dreaming! He enlists the aid of our group of young heroes to find out where the dreams have gone, and it starts them on a trial that leads to the terrible Dream-Thief, who is bent on stealing all the bedtime stories in the world. And with them, the contented sleep of millions of children. Will the Prince of Dreams and the children be able to stop the Story-Thief in time for bed?

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Saturdays starting September 19
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.

When She Had Wings
Where: Imagination Stage
When: September 23 – November 1
Tickets: $10-25
A nine year old girl named B fantasizes about flying in a makeshift cockpit she has built in a tree. The morning after a storm, B awakes to find A, a peculiar, elderly woman who “squawks” rather than talks, sharing her airplane. B believes that A is actually her heroine Amelia Earhart, who was never seen again after taking off across the Pacific Ocean. In exchange for B helping A finish her famous last flight, A promises B that she can and will fly! This story about using your imagination and making the impossible possible combines live sound and puppetry to create striking images and theatrical magic. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

The Lightening Thief
Where: Publick Payhouse
When: September 25
Tickets: $8
Characters from Percy Jackson’s Greek Mythology textbook come to life as Percy tries to find Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, settle a conflict on Mount Olympus, and solve the riddle of the Oracle. Recommended for grades 2-6.

Flowers Stink
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden
When: September 26 – October 25
Tickets: FREE!
This world premiere musical production will be performed outdoors on the USBG’s Amphitheatre. Mixing singing and dancing with folk, bluegrass, blues, and gospel, the musical tells the story of how one middle school girl learns to appreciate nature by opening her eyes, ears, and mind to the beauty around her, unleashing the very best of her imagination and creativity. The show teaches that, with a close eye, one can find the best of nature in the most unlikely places. The production will be performed to the public on select Saturdays, and on weekday mornings for school groups by reservation.

Mariko’s Magical Mix: A Dance Adventure
Where: Kennedy Center
When: October 2-11
Tickets: $20
It’s the not-too-distant future, and the tedium of everyday life is making Mariko restless — until one day when she discovers a crate in her attic, filled with vinyl records that her mother collected. Armed only with a pair of headphones, Mariko is suddenly transported to a vibrant world of music and shadow. Far from the monotony of home, she encounters new friends, navigates inscrutable machines, and evades capture by strange creatures, allowing her to build the inner strength to confront her own demons and discover the extraordinary rhythms of her “ordinary” life. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Fábulas Fairytales
Where: Smithsonian Ripley Center
When: October 2 & 14-16
Tickets: $3-8
Start with three bears, three pigs, and three billy goats gruff. Add two languages, and what do you get? The perfect combination for a fresh and fun introduction to Spanish, literacy through storytelling, math, music and more —and a fábulas new take on a trio of familiar stories in this interactive Discovery Theater original. Children will find our “found” costumes, puppets, and set pieces crafted from recycled materials pretty fabulous, too. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Wheaton Family Theatre Series
Where: Wheaton Public Library
When: Saturdays starting October 3
Tickets: FREE!
Wheaton-based educational theatre company InterAct Story Theatre is launching the new Wheaton Family Theatre Series this fall! The first season of the series, running from October 2015 through February 2016, features five performances and includes children’s theatre, storytelling, world music, and family literacy programs. Each program is followed by a post-performance arts and literacy workshop for kids and families.

Sleeping Beauty
Where: Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center
When: October 3, 2pm
Tickets: $15, $10/MCC district residents
This musical adaptation from the original story by Charles Perrault follows the plot of the traditional fairy tale, but adds delightful surprises and comic situations. The fairies’ wondrous gifts to the child are given until one disgruntled fairy arrives to announce that her invitation was overlooked. A prick on the spinning wheel will take its toll on the kingdom. Will destroying all the spinning wheels be enough to save the king’s daughter? Find out as this tale illustrates that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and true goodness is found only in a loving heart. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Jammin’ at the Smithsonian: Ben Rudnick & Friends
Where: Air & Space Museum
When: October 8-9
Tickets: $3-8
Start the countdown! Fun, facts, and fantasy—and the most impressive museum setting ever—are all part of a rockin’ morning of music. Launch into outer space through the snappy songs of Ben Rudnick and Friends, who boast seven Parents’ Choice Awards for their infectiously delightful recordings. It’s the perfect way to begin a day of exploration at the National Air and Space Museum. Recommended for ages 2-6.

Felix Pitre: Stories & Songs of Latin America
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: October 8
Tickets:$8
Felix Pitre brings to life the culture of Latin America with puppetry, stories, songs, instruments and dance, performed in English interwoven with Spanish words and phrases. Recommended for grades K-3.

Bob Brown Puppets: Panda-monium
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: October 15, 9:30am & 11:15am
Tickets:$5
Master Puppeteer Bob Brown’s enchanting new production presents a delightful cast of adorable, multi-talented pandas and other Chinese circus performers in a 45-minute extravaganza of skill and daring. Recommended for Pre-K –1.

Shrek The Musical
Where: CenterStage at the Reston Community Center
When: October 16 – November 17
Tickets: $74/adult, $64/student
A talking donkey, a singing ogre, a feisty princess, a sassy cookie, tap dancing rats, and a striking band of misfit fairytale characters will be working their magic for children of all ages when Reston Community Players opens its 49th season with the Tony Award-winning fairytale adventure Shrek The Musical. The show transports the audience to the kingdom of Duloc, where a green ogre named Shrek finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wise-cracking donkey, a feisty princess, a “short”-tempered villain, a cookie with attitude, and dozens of misfit fairytale characters who prove that “what makes us special makes us strong.”

NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Fiddlin’ Around
Where: Kennedy Center
When: October 17
Tickets: $20
Calling all fiddle fanatics! From Bach to the blues, the spotlight is on the string instruments — the smallest and the largest — in this lively program presented by two zany NSO musicians. Learn how these instruments work together using melody and accompaniment, and watch counterpoint come to life just like a conversation between two best friends. With a pillow fight, a musical choo-choo ride, and silliness in spades, you’ll find out how much music you can make–and how much fun you can make music — just by fiddlin’ around! Children can bring their favorite stuffed animals and go early for “Musical Playtime.” Starting 45 minutes before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for little ones.

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic
Where: EagleBank Arena
When: October 21-25
Tickets: $20 and up (look for discount tickets)
Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate Disney experience at Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. Be charmed by a cast of over 50, with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, sweetheart Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. Relive the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Sing-along to over 30 unforgettable songs including “Let It Go,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and “Hakuna Matata.”

Aladdin (& his wonderful lamp)
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: October 22 – November 20
Tickets: $10
Back by popular demand! After all sold out houses and too many snow days, we had to bring back this incredible production. From ancient Persia comes this lavish and entrancing tale, true to the original “one thousand and one Arabian nights,” full of genies, wizards, magic caves, exotic princesses, and an elephant! Half life-size rod puppets and exciting special effects make this production exciting theater. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

NSO Family Concert: Sleepy Hollow-een
Where: Kennedy Center
When: October 25
Tickets: $15-18
All Hallows’ Eve has arrived for Ichabod Crane! Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke leads all the ghoulishly attired orchestra members in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, his riveting reimagining of Washington Irving’s classic ghost story about the fabled Headless Horseman, complete with an engaging narrator and spine-tingling sounds. Be sure to don your own costume and come early for trick-or-treating in our special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Then, take your seats for a frightfully fun adventure through the classics.

Oliver!
Where: Arena Stage
When: October 30 – January 3
Tickets: $64 and up (look for discount tickets
Charles Dickens’ unforgettable characters burst to life in this Tony Award-winning musical. Artistic Director Molly Smith’s new in-the-round staging blends the chaotic worlds of 19th-century Victorian London with 2015 London and infuses a modern edge to the classic story about an innocent orphan thrown into the dark world of double-dealing thieves and conmen. Bursting with jubilant songs, including “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” “Consider Yourself,” “Where is Love?” and the scrumptious “Food, Glorious Food,” the show will serve up a musical feast for the eyes and ears that will have every theater-lover calling out for “More!”

Darius & Twig
Where: Kennedy Center
When: October 30
Tickets: $20
On Harlem’s 145th Street, teenage best friends Darius and Twig dream of a world beyond the confines of their daily lives. Darius is a writer, whose latest story might be published in a magazine–if only he can keep his alter ego, a fierce falcon, in check. And Twig is a runner, whose speed and endurance might bring him a scholarship–if only he can impress college scouts at an upcoming meet. But with Darius’s mother barely scraping by, pressure from Twig’s uncle to give up racing, and bullies Midnight and Tall Boy constantly on their case, these true-blue allies may not truly be free to use their gifts. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Playing by Air
Where: Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center
When: November 1, 2pm
Tickets: $20, $15/MCC district residents
Playing By Air captivates audiences with a joyful fusion of music, juggling and circus in which traditional theatricality meets absurd comedy. The award-winning performers of Playing By Air share their sense of playfulness and breathtaking feats in a production enjoyed equally by adults, families and children. Audiences are drawn into the performance with a contagious attitude of expressive play and creativity.

http://arts.pgparks.com” target=”_blank”>Madeline and the Bad Hat
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: November 5, 10:15am & 12pm
Tickets: $8
Madeline doesn’t like her new next door neighbor, Pepito, but she eventually discovers that Pepito’s father is rarely at home and that her new neighbor is misbehaving because he is desperate for attention. When Madeline rescues Pepito from danger, they become friends and Madeline learns that first impressions aren’t everything. Recommended for grades K-2.

Outside the Box: Beatboxing with Mr. Max
Where: Smithsonian Ripley Center
When: November 6
Tickets: $3-8
Rhythm and cool! Mr. Max takes us with him as he takes the mike to make some crazy- good mouth music. This astounding human beatbox introduces kids to the most powerful musical instrument ever: their own bodies. With lots of audience participation and exciting on-the-spot improvisations, Max covers themes in hip-hop culture, language, math, and music. Get ready to make some truly hip beats! Recommended for ages 5-10.

Hansel & Gretel
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: November 6-15
Tickets: $15/adult, $10/child
Encore Stage & Studio’s “theatre by kids, for kids” production presents a classic tale… Deep in a German forest awaits the Gingerbread Witch and her hobgoblin henchmen ready to transform children into tasty treats. Siblings Hansel, Gretel and friends go into the woods and find themselves in the path of the witch. To return home to their parents, this brother and sister duo will have to use their smarts to outwit the evil Witch. Spooky and full of action, we recommend this production for ages 6 and older.

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So You Think You Can Dance
Where: Warner Theatre
When: November 6
Tickets: $60 and up
So You Think You Can Dance, the 13-time Primetime Emmy® Award-winning show that sparked America’s fascination with dance, is set to captivate audiences again this fall — live on tour. Celebrating its momentous 12th season and its exciting new Stage v. Street format, So You Think You Can Dance’s Top 10 finalists will make their way across North America performing in 70 cities as part of the So You Think You Can Dance Season 12 Tour.

Ailey II: Family Show
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: November 8, 4pm
Tickets: $18-30
Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974, the company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.

Elska
Where: Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center
When: November 8, 2pm
Tickets: $15, $10/MCC district residents
Hiddi Hiddi! That’s how to say hello on the Island of Elska, the imaginary volcanic island off the coast of Iceland that is home to the singer Elska and a small population that includes her two-foot-tall best friend the Goobler, an arctic fox and a colony of lost socks. “Middle of Nowhere,” her award-winning debut album, is packed with kid-friendly electronic pop songs about life on the island. During her live show, a blend of theater, storytelling, and musical performance, Elska whisks away children and families on a musical tour of her Arctic home and introduces them to the island’s wonderful inhabitants. The performance is a spellbinding blend of bells, beats, twinkling synthesizers and one of the most endearing and lovely voices in family entertainment. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Native Pride Dancers
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: November 10, 10:15am & 12pm
Tickets: $8
Experience the excitement of a Native American powwow when the Native Pride Dancers share their rich cultural heritage of dance, music, stories, and costumes. Enhanced by indigenous vocal and flute music, pulsating drumming and intricate footwork, the performance features award-wining dancer Larry Yazzie of the Meskwaki Nation. Recommended for all ages.

¡Ratón en Movimiento!
Where: Imagination Stage
When: November 10-29
Tickets: $14
Nellie and Amelia are two adventurous mice ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole. They decide to go to the la luna, since it is cat-free and made entirely of delicious, mouth-watering queso (so they have heard). In this interactive play, the audience becomes part of the story through multi-sensory activities. This production is now performed in both Spanish and English.

Simple Space
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: November 15, 4pm
Tickets: $22-40
BlackRock’s MainStage as you’ve never seen it before! For this unique performance, the stage will be extended and you will have a chance to be a part of the action with special onstage seating. In A Simple Space seven acrobats from the multi-award winning Australian acrobatics ensemble Gravity & Other Myths push their physical limits without reserve in a performance that’s simultaneously raw, frantic and delicate.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Where: National Theatre
When: November 18-29
Tickets: $48 and up
With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA combines the story’s classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn’t let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

Family Concert: Let’s Make Music
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: November 22, 2:30-3:30pm
Tickets: $25, free for children
The Capitol City Symphony’s annual fun, educational, and participatory family concert is a hit with kids of all ages. Bruce Adolphe’s Three Pieces for Kids and Chamber Orchestra is an interactive journey through the orchestra that is sure to be fun for all the family. The concert also includes an Instrument Petting Zoo for 30 minutes before each performance, where guests might discover their new favorite instrument!

Sister Rain and Brother Sun
Where: Smithsonian Ripley Center
When: November 23-27
Tickets: $3-8
When glistening Sister Rain becomes jealous of shining Brother Sun and stops watering the Earth, wise Mother Nature must step in to save the day—and she needs your help! This interactive musical nature tale from the award-winning Catskill Puppet Theatre is told with large, beautifully crafted rod puppets (Brother Sun is a sizzling seven feet in diameter) and colorful sets and costumes. Young audiences have fun as they discover that we all must work together to help our Earth thrive. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!
Where: Kennedy Center
When: November 25 – January 3
Tickets: $20
In Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!, a vaudevillian romp of a musical, Elephant Gerald and Piggie sing and dance their way through plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense facing fundamental questions like what do you wear to a fancy pool costume party? Should you share your ice cream? And how can two friends play with one toy? Backed by nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, our duo even gets the audience involved in the action. So get ready for a musical experience ripped from the pages of your favorite books! Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Peppa Pig
Where: Warner Theatre
When: November 27
Tickets: $25.50 and up
More fun than a muddy puddle! Peppa Pig is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash! The original production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games, and muddy puddles!