Family Friendly Theatrical Performances
Are you looking to create unforgettable memories with your kids? There’s no better way to ignite their imagination and spark their creativity than by immersing them in the enchanting world of live children’s theater in D.C. From beloved characters like Daniel Tiger, Peppa Pig, and the Disney Junior crew to captivating puppetry, ballet, circus acts, and the mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil, the options are endless. In this guide, we’ll delve into the magical world of live theater and explore why these experiences are invaluable for young minds.
Meet Your Child’s Heroes
There’s an undeniable joy in seeing your child’s favorite characters come to life on stage. Whether it’s the friendly Daniel Tiger teaching important life lessons or the mischievous Peppa Pig embarking on new adventures, these performances allow children to engage with characters they adore. The excitement of watching their beloved friends in action fosters a strong connection and adds a layer of realism to their imaginative play.
The Power of Puppetry
Puppet shows have a timeless appeal that captivates children and adults alike. Through skillful manipulation, puppeteers breathe life into characters, transporting audiences to whimsical worlds where anything is possible. The simplicity of puppets combined with creative storytelling engages young minds, encouraging active participation and a sense of wonder.
Dancing into Dreamlands
Ballet performances are a visual delight, offering a feast for the eyes and an opportunity for kids to witness grace in motion. The elegant movements, vibrant costumes, and stirring music in ballet productions inspire children to appreciate artistry and beauty. These performances also introduce them to the world of performing arts, fostering a lifelong love for creativity.
The Spectacular Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Step right up into a world of wonder and excitement as you and your children experience the magic of the legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. For over a century, this “Greatest Show on Earth” has captured the hearts of audiences with its dazzling performances and captivating acts. From fearless tightrope walkers to daring trapeze artists, the circus showcases a thrilling display of skill and courage that leaves young minds spellbound.
The Mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil
A true marvel in the world of live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil offers a fusion of artistic expression, athleticism, and storytelling. With elaborate costumes, innovative set designs, and breathtaking performances, Cirque du Soleil productions transport both children and adults to a world where dreams and reality intertwine. The experience sparks conversations and opens up opportunities for children to explore their interpretations of the show’s themes.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Theater Outing:
- Preparation: Research the show’s content and duration to ensure it’s suitable for your child’s age and attention span.
- Engagement: Discuss the show’s themes, characters, and storyline with your child beforehand to enhance their understanding and engagement.
- Immersive Experience: Arrive early to explore the theater and any pre-show offerings. Let your child guide the way in hopes they will be prepared to sit down for the show.
- Reflective Conversations: After the show, encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about the experience. This can lead to meaningful discussions and creative play inspired by the performance
Taking your D.C. family to live children’s theater performances is a gift that keeps on giving. It nurtures their imagination, cultivates a love for the arts, and creates cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come. Whether they’re meeting their favorite characters, witnessing incredible acrobatics, or being entranced by a ballet, these experiences provide a valuable opportunity for growth and connection. So, go ahead and embark on this magical journey with your little ones β the world of live theater awaits!
D.C. Children’s Theater
Wild Kratt’s Live! 2.0
Date: Sept. 24, 2023
Location: Warner Theatre
Tickets: Wild Kratt’s
Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza
Date: Sept. 29, 2023
Location: Warner Theatre
Tickets: Disney Junior
Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical Comedy
Date: Oct. 10-15, 2023
Location: The National Theatre
Tickets: Mrs. Doubtfire
American Girl Live! In Concert
Date: Oct. 18, 2023
Location: Warner Theatre
Tickets: American Girl Live
The ABCs of Hip Hop with Baba Bomani
Date: Oct. 26-27, 2023
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: The ABCs of Hip Hop
The Dragon King’s Daughter
Date: Nov. 18-Dec. 17, 2023
Location: Family Theater @ The Kennedy Center
Tickets: The Dragon King’s Daughter
Bluey’s Big Play
Date: Nov. 22-26, 2023
Location: Eisenhower Theater @ The Kennedy Center
Tickets: Bluey’s Big Play
Seasons of Light
Date: Dec. 1-20, 2023
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: Seasons of Light
Step Afrika!’s Musical Holiday Step Show
Date: Dec. 8-17, 2023
Location: Arena Stage
Tickets: Step Afrika!’s Musical Holiday Step Show
Annie
Date: January 23-28, 2024
Location: The National Theatre
Tickets: Annie (Currently Only Available with Subscription)
Lions of Industry, Mothers of Invention
Date: Feb. 1-2 & 27-29, 2024
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: Lions of Industry, Mothers of Invention
Kofi’s African Village
Date: Feb. 21-23, 2024
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: Kofi’s African Village
An Electromagnetic Adventure with the Science Guys of Baltimore
Date: Mar. 7-8, 2024
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: An Electromagnetic Adventure
Peter Pan
Date: April 9-21, 2024
Location: The National Theatre
Tickets: Peter Pan (Currently Only Available with Subscription)
Mother Earth & Me
Date: Apr. 9-12 & 25-26, 2024
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: Mother Earth & Me
Tot Rock: Groovy Nate
Date: Apr. 23-24, 2024
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: Tot Rock: Groovy Nate
Taiko Drumming
Date: May 9, 2024
Location: Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum
Tickets: Taiko Drumming
Galapagos George
Date: May 30-31, 2024
Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian
Tickets: Galapagos George
Virginia Children’s Theater
Cirque Du Soleil Echo
Date: Sept. 6-Oct. 22, 2023
Location: Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, Tysons, VA
Tickets: Cirque Du Soleil
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars
Date: Oct. 5-9, 2023
Location: EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, VA
Tickets: Disney on Ice
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King for a Day!
Date: Oct. 15, 2023
Location: Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Tickets: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live
The Underwater Bubble Show
Date: Nov. 19, 2023
Location: Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Tickets: The Underwater Bubble Show
Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party!
Date: Dec. 14, 2023
Location: Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA
Tickets: Peppa Pig
Monster High Live
Date: Dec. 21-23, 2023
Location: EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, VA
Tickets: Monster High Live
The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood
Date: Feb. 17-25, 2024
Location: Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre @ Bryant Alternative High School, Alexandria, VA
Tickets: The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood (Not on Sale Yet)
Beauty and the Beast
Date: Mar. 8-17, 2024
Location: Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre @ Bryant Alternative High School, Alexandria, VA
Tickets: Beauty and the Beast (Not on Sale Yet)
Mutts Gone Nuts
Date: Apr. 6, 2024
Location: Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Tickets: Mutts Gone Nuts
The Okee Dokee Band
Date: Apr. 21, 2024
Location: Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Tickets: The Okee Dokee Band
Maryland Children’s Theater
Magic Mirror
Date: Aug. 31-Sept. 17, 2023
Location: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo, MD
Tickets: Magic Mirror
Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza
Date: Sept. 12, 2023
Location: The Lyric, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Disney Junior
Wild Kratt’s Live! 2.0
Date: Sept. 22, 2023
Location: The Lyric, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Wild Kratt’s
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Date: Sept. 22-Oct. 22, 2023
Location: Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
Tickets: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular
Date: Sept. 28-Oct. 29, 2023
Location: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo, MD
Tickets: Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
Date: Oct. 7, 2023
Location: The Lyric, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Blippi
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
Date: Oct. 10, 2023
Location: Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD
Tickets: Blippi
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars
Date: Oct. 12-15, 2023
Location: CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Disney on Ice
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King for a Day!
Date: Oct. 26, 2023
Location: Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD
Tickets: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live
Snow White The Ballet
Date: Nov. 4, 2023
Location: Hippodrome at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Snow White
A Year with Frog and Toad
Date: Nov. 15, 2023-Jan. 7, 2024
Location: Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
Tickets: A Year with Frog and Toad
Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical
Date: Nov. 18, 2023
Location: Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD
Tickets: Cat Kid Comic Club
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show on Earth
Date: Nov. 24-26, 2023
Location: CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
‘Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil
Date: Nov. 24-Dec. 3, 2023
Location: Hippodrome at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Cirque du Soleil
The 35th Annual Nutcracker
Date: Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2023
Location: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo, MD
Tickets: The 35th Annual Nutcracker
Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party!
Date: Nov. 29, 2023
Location: Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD
Tickets: Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party!
Date: Nov. 30, 2023
Location: The Lyric, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Peppa Pig
Hershel and the Hannukah Goblins
Date: Nov. 30-Dec. 31, 2023
Location: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo, MD
Tickets: Hershel and the Hanukah Goblins
Monster High Live!
Date: Dec. 15-17, 2023
Location: Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, Baltimore, MD
Tickets: Monster High
Mouse on the Move
Date: Jan. 13-Feb. 11, 2024
Location: Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
Tickets: Showtimes TBA
Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale
Date: Feb. 15-Apr. 5, 2024
Location: Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
Tickets: Cinderella
Buckets N Boards Comedy Percussion Show
Date: Feb. 21, 2024
Location: Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD
Tickets: Buckets N Boards
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Date: Feb. 25, 2024
Location: Weinberg Center, Frederick, MD
Tickets: Giraffes Can’t Dance
Inside Out
Date: Mar. 3-20, 2024
Location: Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
Tickets: Showtimes TBA