Washington, D.C., Theater for Kids

• Saturday Morning at the National (www.nationaltheatre.org), tel. 202-783-3372: The National Theatre is best known as host to touring Broadway productions, but on Saturday mornings from October through April it hosts a very popular series of children’s programs including puppet shows, music, clowning, magic, science performances and the occasional celebrity book reading. The free performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., and tickets are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, so plan to arrive about an hour early; tickets are distributed a half hour before the show. Most of the programs are appropriate for ages 3 and up.

• Stages for All Ages (www.lowt.org), tel. 202-638-4270: For select productions at more than 25 theaters throughout D.C., this program, provided through the League of Washington Theaters, offers a free ticket to a child 17 and under with each adult ticket purchased. Visit the Web site for information about participating productions and theaters. The site also offers a “Quick Guide to Age Ranges” to provide guidance regarding age appropriateness of productions.

Maryland

• Imagination Stage (www.imaginationstage.com), tel. 301-280-1660: Located in Bethesda, Md., this modern theater offers year-round professional plays for children of all ages. I often find that I am as entertained as my kids during these top-notch productions. Most productions are best for ages 4 and up. For even younger audiences, the theater has started a new StoryTheater Series featuring live interactive storytelling shows. The 30- to 40-minute programs are held in the 150-seat Reeve Studio Theater for a more comfortable and intimate experience. Appropriate for ages 2-1/2 and up.

Glen Echo Park 

• Adventure Theater (www.adventuretheatre.org), tel. 301-320-5331: Located in the magical Glen Echo Park, enjoy one of its seven theater productions held throughout the year. Most Adventure Theater productions are best viewed by ages 4 and up. The theater is a former penny arcade and has stadium seating. My tentative 5-year-old girl was a little apprehensive about entering the theater but quickly became engaged once the Winnie the Pooh program based on the book and movie began.

• The Puppet Company (www.thepuppetco.org), tel. 301-320-6668:  Glen Echo is also home to the Puppet Co., which features productions throughout the year that are appropriate for almost all ages. Its cozy setting features a carpeted area for kids and bench seating around the perimeter. My 5-year-old felt a little more comfortable entering this intimate theater and was clapping and laughing as she left. 

• A D.C. Theater in the Woods performance captivates the kids' attention.
• Scott Suchman

Respecting the sensitivities of the younger audience, the theater also offers Tiny Tot Tuesdays, which creates a comfortable atmosphere for children under 4. The house lights remain on, the doors open and the show is set up on the theater floor rather than the stage to create a more comfortable experience. 

For both theaters, call ahead to reserve tickets. Pick up tickets at the box office.

After the shows, enjoy a ride on Glen Echo Park’s glorious Dentzel Carousel, restored in 2003.

Virginia

• Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts “Theatre in the Woods” (www.wolftrap.com), tel. 703-255-1827: A visit here requires about a 25-minute drive outside the city to Virginia, but it’s a wonderful experience for the family. While Wolf Trap is best known for its large outdoor amphitheatre that hosts musicals, '70s rock bands and dance performances, just a short walk away through the woods is a small outdoor children’s theatre that features a variety of live performances during the summer. My 5-year-old feels comfortable in the intimate setting where trees provide much-needed shade, each bench seat offers a great view and programs are entertaining, even for the very young. My 3-year-old was rapt with attention during a Maryland Youth Ballet program. The summer season of live performances includes music, dance and puppet shows. Tickets are only $5, ages 2 and under are free.