Edited by Matthew Tracy
1Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Legends
Myths come to life as Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson takes Paulo the Legend Seeker on a discovery of legendary creatures from around the world, including the Asian elephant, the Pegasus and the unicorn. Families can also experience an up close, all-access pre-show where they’ll meet the performers, learn how to juggle and much more. / April 12
2Wolf Trap’s Artsplay Classes at Martha Washington Library
Music, drama and movement program to encourage self-expression and imaginative play. The program includes five classes and families are expected to attend all classes. Age 4-5 with adult. / April 9-May 15
3‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ at W-3 Theatre
Kids of all ages can come see this musical take on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic. Emperor Augustus goes after a magical Suit of Honor that’ll make him the sharpest dresser around in this musical mystery that’s sure to provide plenty of laughs. / April 11
4Groovy Classic Tales Production at W-3 Theatre
It’s theatre with a child-friendly twist. Kids will create their own spin on “The Gingerbread Man” using props, puppets and costumes. In the end, parents enjoy a show driven by dance, instruments and song as taught by instructor Groovy Nate. / April 6
5Nature Jams at the Smithsonian
Singer-songwriters Rob and Zach teach children ages 2-6 how to go green using music and video. Kids will learn how to take care of the planet, stay healthy and be kind to others with interactive singing and dancing. / April 9
6Youth Open Mic – Busboys and Poets
Each month aspiring young poets, singers, musicians and actors from around the area gather together for a Saturday of artistic expression. Middle school and high school teens lead and make up an event that allows them to showcase their talents. / April 18
7NSO Family Concert: ‘Gershwin’s Magic Key’
Families with children ages 5 and up are invited to this world premiere celebration of George Gershwin and his music. A poor newspaper boy meets the great American composer who teaches him life lessons with more than 20 of his musical hits. / April 2
8‘Teen Hamlet’
Audiences can see the area’s best promising young talent perform the Shakespeare classic “Hamlet” in a complete, full-length performance. See the amazing results of professional training and production from the Synetic Theater. / April 9-12 and 16-18
9Smithsonian TechQuest: Eye in the Sky
Kids ages 10 and up go on a mission at the Udvar-Hazy Center to find a captain who’s gone missing. By completing challenges that involve code-breaking and aerial photography, they’ll save the captain and experience the learning adventure of a lifetime. / April 4
10 ‘Man of La Mancha’
It’s a play-within-a-play in this much-lauded production of Dale Wasserman’s book. Following legendary writer Miguel de Cervantes in his troubled times writing literary classic “Don Quixote,” this play will motivate audiences everywhere. / April 26
(April 2015)