Kennedy Center

Family-friendly performances at the Kennedy Center

March 29, 2023

This is the Rope – April 2
The Kennedy Center will welcome beloved Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson with the National Symphony Orchestra for the world premiere of This is the Rope. Jackie will narrate her book on stage as the NSO plays new music to accompany the story and the book’s illustrations project overhead. Jackie tells the story of the Great Migration through the lens of her own family’s history. It’s heartwarming and nostalgic, but still so relatable for younger audiences.

The Kennedy Center is offering a Family Four Pack (buy two tickets, get two free) for This is Rope; discount will be applied at checkout automatically.

The Ice Cream Truck is Broken & Other Emotional Arias – April 22-23
Ready for a little more drama and fun? Mo Willems is bringing opera to the stage, but making it silly with opera legend Renée Fleming. There’s lots to love about this show!

Each Kindness – April 27-28
Another Jacqueline Woodson masterpiece brought to the stage. Jacqueline will narrate her book Each Kindness on stage, backed by music from a small ensemble of Root Republic musicians, and projections of the book’s illustrations by E. B. Lewis. The story’s anti-bullying theme teaches kids that every small act of kindness can make a difference in the world.

Cirque de la Symphonie – May 4-6
Jugglers, aerialists, contortionists, strongmen, and other incredible performers join the National Symphony Orchestra for an awe-inspiring musical experience. Like going to the circus and the symphony at the same time!

Fyütch – May 5
Social justice-focused Hip Hop artist, Fyütch, uses music and visual storytelling to bring Black history, community, and empowerment to young audiences.

*Also, when you attend an above show, make sure to find River Run Festival happening at the Kennedy Center through April 22. The River Island event features the reading of “On This Beautiful Island” by award-winning author and illustrator Edwin Fontánez. This event runs from April 4-16, inviting people of all ages to immerse themselves in the lush landscapes of an island with more than 220 rivers while allowing children to enjoy a bilingual play space! Kids attending the River Island event can learn about different cultures and take part in activities about nature such as reading books and watching interactive videos.

Family friendly performances at the Kennedy Center

February 17, 2022

**NSO Family Concert: *Because* (World Premiere)**

March 5-6, 2022: NSO Music for Young Audiences: I Dream of the Moon & Xavier’s New Friends
I Dream of the Moon (A Young Boy’s Adventure Through Space) by Keeghan Fountain tells the story of a young boy’s journey from his own backyard to the furthest reaches of the moon in a non-verbal performance on the vibraphone with projected images of original artwork by Nehemiah Russell. Xavier’s New Friends by Peter Gilbert introduces the main percussion family instruments through Xavier the Xylophone as he searches for percussion friends to join his band. Student musicians from the University of Maryland will join Scott to tell this story and highlight the rhythmic and melodic facets of the percussion section. Sunday, March 5 at 4pm is a sensory friendly performance. Most enjoyed by 5+.

March 11-12, 2022: “Sweet” Cherie Mitchell-Agurs
Experience the rhythm and funk of Go-go music. “SWEET” CHERIE MITCHELL-AGURS presents a performance for young people and families combining high-energy concert style presentation and dynamic musicianship. Mitchell-Agurs is Music Director of Washington D.C.’s own exciting all-female Go-go group, the Be’la Dona Band, and a six-time “Instrumentalist of the Year” for the Washington Area Music Association. Most enjoyed by 8+.

March 18-20, 2022: Pierce Freelon
Listen to the past blend with the present in a cosmic journey. Grammy-nominated producer and accomplished musician PIERCE FREELON brings two projects to the Kennedy Center displaying his inventiveness and creativity. Following his critically acclaimed debut children’s album D.a.D. in 2020, Pierce’s Grammy-nominated 2021 Black to the Future (ages 5+) features elements of Afrofuturism, Black history, and archival voices to touch on imagination, arts, science, and technology through a Black lens. Pierce is joined by his mother, jazz singer and six-time Grammy Award® nominee NNENNA FREELON for one performance. Most enjoyed by 5+.

March 20, 2022: NSO Family Concert: Because (World Premiere)
Little things can have a big effect. Because Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence MO WILLEMS wrote a powerful story of how chance, discovery, and persistence changed the life of a young girl, he needed an illustrator to bring it to life. Because illustrator AMBER REN related to the hero of the story, she created magical illustrations. Because the book moved them, the NSO wanted to turn it into an orchestral piece. Because acclaimed composer and violinist JESSIE MONTGOMERY was also changed by music as a young person, she composed the score. Because is a world premiere symphonic exploration that you and your loved ones want to see and hear to become part of the story. Sunday, March 20 at 2pm is a sensory friendly performance. Most enjoyed by 5+.

April 9-10, 2022: NSO Music for Young Audiences: Super Cello! (World Premiere)
Music to the rescue! The city is safe with the help of a unique cellist: professional musician by day, superhero by night. SCOTTIE ROWELL of Atlanta’s TELLER PRODUCTIONS and NSO cellist DAVID TEIE unite to tell a fantastic story using puppets, props, and plenty of music to help a very super musician save the day. Sunday, April 10 at 4pm is a sensory friendly performance. Most enjoyed by 3+.

May 15, 2022: NSO Family Concert: Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of an Orchestra
Join a concerto for orchestra and animation. Dynamic concerto meets animated film! Through a mesmerizing hybrid of animated and live action filming, follow a magical Sprite as it embarks on a musical journey through the inner workings of an orchestra. Violin strings vibrate, brass valves slice air, and drum heads resonate like you’ve never seen before—all set to live music from members of the NSO. By the film’s end, the orchestra comes together in a spectacular finale! Philharmonia Fantastique was written by Kennedy Composer-in-Residence MASON BATES, and co-created with Academy Award-nominated director/writer GARY RYDSTROM, and Academy Award nominated animator JIM CAPOBIANCO. Sunday, May 15 at 2pm is a sensory friendly performance. Enjoyed by all ages.

Mo Willems announces the Yo-Yo Mo Show with Yo-Yo Ma and Thank You Thursdays!

May 5, 2020

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ first-ever Education Artist-in-Residence, Emmy Award^®–winning writer and New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Mo Willems, whose LUNCH DOODLES have received more than 9.5 million views, announces two special projects during the month of May: Thank You Thursdays!, a new series with Disney Publishing Worldwide which will be posted every Thursday during the month of May at 1 p.m. ET, and The Yo-Yo Mo Show: An Evening of Musical Doodling with Grammy Award^® winner and Kennedy Center Honors recipient Yo-Yo Ma on Sunday, May 31 at 5 p.m. ET. Both programs, as well as all 15 episodes of LUNCH DOODLES, will be available on the Mo Willems page of the Kennedy Center website.

For the past four years, Willems’s beloved characters—Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon—have traveled the country during the month of May for a “Thank-O-Rama” campaign. First launched by Disney Publishing Worldwide in conjunction with the finale in the Elephant & Piggie series, The Thank You Book, the “Thank-O-Rama” campaign has engaged book lovers across the country, making stops at bookstores, schools, and libraries. This year, Disney Publishing Worldwide is joining the Kennedy Center for a special series of weekly online events, Thank You Thursdays! Each Thursday, Willems will be encouraging kids and their grown-up pals to create special doodles thanking groups of people who have inspired the world over in the past few months.

During The Yo-Yo Mo Show: An Evening of Musical Doodling, learners of all ages are invited to grab some paper and doodling implements and join Mo Willems and Yo-Yo Ma to explore ways in which different art forms can inspire each other.

Highlights of the first year of Willems’s two-year residency at the Kennedy Center included the five–time Helen Hayes Award–nominated Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical!) and this past summer’s Mo Willems & the Storytime All-Stars Present: Don’t Let the Pigeon Do Storytime!, a comedic celebration of reading. Willems also participated in the multidisciplinary 16-day Opening Festival of the REACH, the first expansion of the Kennedy Center in its 48-year history.

Due to COVID-19, all ticketed performances at the Kennedy Center have been canceled through August 9. Until further notice, the Kennedy Center campus and its facilities, including the restaurant, café, and other food service, will be closed.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical!) at The Kennedy Center

November 20, 2019

Performances For Young Audiences at The Kennedy Center presents Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, on stage from Saturday, November 23, 2019 – Sunday, January 5, 2020.

Hop on board for an unforgettable ride with the Pigeon. Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Starring an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical) is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award–winning “Pigeon” picture books, along with longtime collaborator and Disney Jr.’s Muppet Babies executive producer Mr. Warburton, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, the composer behind Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!, this comedic musical production is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!

Most enjoyed by ages 5 and up. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Find tickets here

Dec. 14 at 11am & Jan. 5 at 1:30pm are sensory-friendly performances.
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families, including those with children with autism or other sensory sensitivities. If you order these performances and do not require these Accessibility accommodations, your family is still very much welcome to attend.

Stay after for a Creative Conversation
Following the 1:30pm performance on Sat., Nov. 23, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with some of the artists.

More theatre to consider

Save the Date:
Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats Pajama Jam Party at AMP Strathmore: December 1, 2019
Frosty the Snowman: December 7-28, 2019
Pete the Cat at Olney Theatre Center: January 11-12, 2020
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: January 19, 2020
Judy Moody & Stink at Olney Theatre Center: April 25-26, 2020
Wild Kratts Live 2.0: April 26, 2020

Ultimate Guide to Halloween in and around Washington, DC

October 11, 2018

Saturdays and Sundays only– 10:00am-6:00pm-: Eye Spy Train at Wheaton
All aboard the Wheaton Eye Spy Halloween Train! NO LONGER HAUNTED! This “not so scary” train ride is fun for the whole family – it’s all about fun, not fright! Each child will receive an Eye Spy card before boarding the train. As you ride through the woods of Wheaton Regional Park, look all around to find Halloween friends hiding, and mark them off the Eye Spy card. They’ll have fun Halloween activities in the Train Station Party Room, where snacks will also be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged! Please bring a canned food donation for your neighbors in need – they’ll donate them to Mid-County United Ministries in Wheaton. [Read more…]

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

February 2, 2018

From dinosaur bones to hidden memories, the world is filled with buried treasures just waiting to be uncovered at Digging up Dessa at The Kennedy Center. One 21st-century girl sets out to dig up some super-sized discoveries with help from a remarkable friend—the pioneering English paleontologist Mary Anning. Age 10+. Showing Feb. 3-18, 2018.

The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual two-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy. In 2018, the festival will be held Friday, February 2 for Liquid Chocolate only from 6pm-8pm, Saturday, February 3 from 10am to 7pm (see schedule of events for times and locations) and Sunday, February 4 from 12noon to 4pm. Join us for the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings and much more.

It’s bedtime! But instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet. In this interactive show, discover the joy of turning things inside out! Catch the show, Inside Out at Imagination Stage aimed for the smallest audience members- best for ages 1-5.

Applause Unlimited of Richmond, VA is back at the Glen Echo Playhouse for the next two weekends, presenting three of Beatrix Potter’s favorite tales: “Two Bad Mice,” “Jemima Puddle-Duck,” and “Jeremy Fisher.” Christopher Hudert brings these stories to life through the everyday activities of a young girl as she dreams and plays alone in her room. Best for ages 3-9, a 45 minute performance.

Saturday-

9:00am-12:00pm: Kids Workshop at Home Depot: Valentine’s bean bag toss
Score points with your loved ones and build a Valentine bean bag toss in this hands-on workshop. You and your child can construct a fun bean bag toss game for the whole family to love. Following the bean bag toss game board construction, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin. The first Saturday of every month, register for this free workshop.

9:30am AND 11:00am: ¡Uno, Dos, Tres, con Andrés! at National Theatre
What would you do if you received a mysterious letter? Join Andrés as he travels Latin America in search of Juana la Rana. You will sing and dance to new and classic Spanish songs and even learn español along the way! Don’t miss this unique and interactive performance. FREE show

10:00am: Marsha and the Positrons at The Avalon Theatre Family Series
Both playful and educational, Marsha and the Positrons shows get audiences singing along and dancing to songs that will inspire curiosity about science. The group also plays kid-appropriate pop covers, parodies, and traditional favorites. Marsha and the Positrons feature skilled and smooth bass player Wardell Howell; gifted and instinctive djembe drummer and vocalist, Kristen Arant; wonderful multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Ayanna Gallant; and supremely talented guitar player, Ford Combs. Whether playing as a duo, trio, or full band, Marsha and the Positrons always bring their positive energy and playfulness to the stage! They will be kicking off the winter family concert series! And who doesn’t love hot coffee and fresh popcorn at 10:00am while cozy in a movie theatre singing and dancing?! Check out The Penguin Song music video here.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio: An Art Exploration for 3-5 Year Olds at Kreeger Museum
Children and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art, a story and a hands-on art-making experience.Workshop fee $10/child. Pre-registration is required and payment due at time of registration. An adult must remain with the child throughout the program. Read our review of the program here.

10:00am-5:00pm: La Chandeleur Day at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring. In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden like the springtime sun. Snack on a tasty treat of sweet crêpes. Hear classic French tales inspired by scenes from La Fontaine fables that are pictured on tapestries covering chairs from France displayed in the mansion. Explore Hillwood’s French treasures through interactive, docent-led, family-friendly gallery talks and a printed activity guide. Decorate a plate with fanciful designs and flourishes inspired by Hillwood’s French Sèvres porcelain.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site is the featured story.

1:30pm-3:30pm: Q, the Witch and the Magical Orb at Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Come see a FUN Company play – Q, the Witch and the Magical Orb! Afterwards we’ll have snacks and make art around the themes of the play, and play theatre games–all for free! Recommended for ages 3-7.

Sunday-

10:00am-11:30am: Lion Lessons preschool class at The National Zoo
Do you have what it takes to be part of the pride? Learn what it’s like to be a lion and test your skills with us and our wild role models! FONZ preschool classes are designed for children ages 2 to 3 to discover a whole new view of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Member cost: $28.00, Non-member cost:$35.00

11:00am-1:00pm: Tween Valentine Card Making Workshop at Paper Source
Grab your BFF and some glitter for a workshop that will give you heart eyes! Make 5 – 6 Valentines for your classmates, friends and family using your favorite stickers, stamps, washi and more! In this class, you will: Stamp, Heat Emboss, Doodle, Paint and Use Washi. This class is intended for ages 8 – 14

Looking Ahead:

Plan a Date Night to see Something Rotten playing at National Theatre Feb. 6-18, 2018

Indoor Picnic & Movie at The National Cathedral– Feb. 9, 2018

Shows at Imagination Stage & Adventure Theatre are beginning next weekend, grab tickets!

Tricks and Treats around Washington, DC this Halloween

October 9, 2017

Post has been updated and can be found here for 2018

I can’t count the number of times our son wore his “Max” costume from Where the Wild Things Are. Between parades, school, special celebrations and on Halloween he got lots of practicing saying, “Let the wild rumpus start”! Here’s a guide that will help your child get mileage out of their costume(s) this year. Of course, check out our guide to Festivals and Orchards, as many of them have a special Halloween celebration as well as their day-to-day happenings. DC Library also will have a variety of Halloween celebrations, including Creepy Crafts & Pumpkin Decorating! Check out Facebook and Instagram for updated events.

[Read more…]

23 ideas for entertaining children after Daylight Savings Time

November 3, 2016

Most of us dread Daylight Savings Time. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not Benadryl =) Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers and my own DST adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this winter. Don’t forget to check out our Indoor Fun Guide for other options!

Ideas for fun outside of your home-

1. Go for a dip at Wilson swimming pool.

2. Bloombars has evening performances.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon events.

5. Take a trip to Target or Whole Foods and walk the aisles. Try not to buy everything.

6. Cardoza High School Pool is opening their doors and allow the public to come swim.

7. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier, Little Loft Art, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play or Barnes and Noble (Bethesda location closes Dec. 31, 2017) can be great places for your kids toys and books. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk.

13. Check the bus route and take a random ride.

14. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

15. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that usually begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it , explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

Ideas for indoor fun-

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s).

2. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie or read stories.

3. Put on a play.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun (put your OCD tendencies aside).

5. Make your own play doh.

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry.

8. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy.