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The search for the golden ticket is on! Grab a Wonka bar, take the kids for a passport photo, and pull out your favorite funky go-go boots; this spring, venues from The National Theatre to Strathmore Mansion are offering family style live performance of everything from a tour of the greatest candy factory ever imagined, a trek through Cuba in search of confidence, and an exploration of Chuck Brown’s go-go swing (and more!). Read on for the best places to see kid friendly shows in Washington, DC.
MARCH
1-2-3 Andrés at the Kennedy Center
Give a big warm welcome to the Kennedy Center Stage to DC area’s own, Andres Salguero, a 2018 Children’s Latin GRAMMY winner and partner Christina who together make up 1-2-3 Andrés.
When: March 7-8
Cost: $20
2700 F St NW
Foggy Bottom
Online: kennedy-center.org
Family Jam Session at the Strathmore Mansion
Discover how the original go-go beats were created in this family workshop exploring Chuck Brown’s musical works. Elijah Balbed leads the way blending go-go with jazz. Don’t miss this opportunity to teach your kids about the official music of DC!
When: March 7
Cost: $5
10701 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD
Online: Strathmore
Rigoberta, Dondé estás? A Journey Through Guatemala at GALA Hispanic Theatre
Older elementary aged theater goers will want to sing, dance and travel along with 10-year old Pilar as she searches fo her idol Rigoberta Menchú, a Guatemalan Nobel Peace Prize winner.
When: March 14-28
Cost: $10-12
3333 14th St NW
Columbia Heights
Online: galatheatre.org
photo: Seattle Festival Orchestra
APRIL
Meet the Orchestra at Atlas Center for Performing Arts
Join us for an instrument petting zoo to meet the musicians and see their instruments up close. Then, learn about the music they play and hear the beautiful sounds come to life. Best for ages: 3-8
When: April 4
Cost: $15
1333 H St.NE
H St. Corridor
Online: capitalcitysymphony.org
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at National Theatre
A new musical adventure based on the book by Roald Dahl, this show promises to knock your little Oompa Loompa’s socks off, featuring favorite songs you know from the 1970’s film with Gene Wilder, plus more by the songwriters from Hairspray. Recommended for ages 6 & up.
When: April 7-12
Cost: $54-114
1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Downtown
Online: thenationaldc.com
Uganda’s Dance of Hope at Prince Georges Publick Playhouse
Dance of Hope brings Uganda’s cultural experience to global audiences of all ages. Experience passionate rhythms, sensational sounds, and exhilarating and colorful choreography at this Family Fun Festival.
When: April 11
Cost: $5
5445 Landover Rd
Cheverly, MD
Online: arts.pgparks.com
Wild Kratts Live! At Warner Theatre
Zoologist and Ecologist brother Martin and Chris Kratt’s bring their TV show to life on the stage combing a classic Wild Kratts story with multimedia screens, audience interaction, a comic villain and an inspiring quest to save an animal friend.
When: April 26
Cost: Starting at $45
513 13th St NW
Downtown
Online: warnertheatredc.com
photo: Feld Entertainment
MAY
Sesame Street Live! at Eagle Bank Arena
Sweep the clouds away when characters from the beloved children’s show visit the sunny side of the street for your morning or afternoon showtime pleasure. Meet up with Elmo, Abbie and more familiar human and puppet neighbors for a party Sesame Street style.
When: May 2-3
Cost: Starting at $20
4500 Patriot Cir
Fairfax, VA
Online: eaglebankarena.com
Havana Hop at the Kennedy Center
Actress Paige Hernandez, named a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist, plays three generations of lively women as she travels through Cuba to “find roots, get confidence, and be amazing!” Audience members dance along and explore the joy in discovering one’s own culture and confidence.
When: May 9-10
Cost: $20
2700 F St NW
Foggy Bottom
Online: kennedy-center.org
JUNE
Baby Shark Live at National Theatre
Baby Shark. Live! Need we say more? Everybody’s favorite YouTube video character is now a musical stage sensation everyone in the family is going to want to jump in the pool to see. Swim at your own risk!
When: June 5-7
Cost: $39-79
1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
Downtown
Online: thenationaldc.com
The Sponge Bob Musical at Wolf Trap
It was only a matter of time before the Pineapple Under the Sea starred in his own Broadway show, and now its here, brought to you by a legendary roster of Grammy Award winners, a visionary director and a Tony Award-winning design team. Explore the depths of theatrical innovation with this 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.
When: June 12-13
Cost: Starting at $37
1551 Trap Rd.
Vienna, VA
Online: wolftrap.org
—Carolyn Ross
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