🎭 Arts & Theater for Kids in Washington DC, DC

The National Gallery of Art offers world-class masterpieces without the admission fee, making it perfect for introducing kids to art without pressure. The museum features outstanding family programs, hands-on art activities, and a beloved Sculpture Garden with a splash fountain where kids can cool off after exploring the galleries.

Step into a beautifully restored 1938 Art Deco gem that offers so much more than typical movie theater fare. The AFI Silver Theatre specializes in family-friendly classics, animated favorites, and special children's programming that introduces kids to the magic of cinema in a stunning historic setting with state-of-the-art projection and sound.

The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts offers a welcoming introduction to live theater for families, with a season packed with children's shows, musical productions, and educational performances. The intimate 299-seat venue means every seat offers a great view, and the community theater atmosphere creates a comfortable, non-intimidating environment perfect for young theater-goers experiencing their first shows.

Medieval Times Baltimore transports families back to the 11th century for an unforgettable evening of jousting knights, thundering horses, and sword-fighting action,all while enjoying a hearty four-course feast eaten medieval-style (no utensils!). Kids will be mesmerized by the live tournament as knights compete for honor while they cheer for their assigned color-coded champion from arena-style seating.

VisArts is a welcoming community art center in Rockville where creativity comes alive for the whole family. With hands-on workshops, engaging exhibitions, and family art classes designed for all skill levels, it's the perfect spot to nurture your child's artistic side while making memorable projects together.

Arts Herndon is a welcoming community art center where creativity comes alive for the whole family. With hands-on workshops, rotating exhibitions, and art classes designed for all skill levels, it's the perfect place to nurture your child's artistic side while exploring works by local artists in a relaxed, family-friendly gallery setting.

This stunning Smithsonian museum offers families a fascinating journey through Native American history and culture, with one of the world's most impressive collections of indigenous artifacts. The hands-on imagiNATIONS Activity Center is specifically designed for children to explore Native cultures through interactive games, storytelling, and creative activities, making this free museum a must-visit for families exploring the National Mall.

The historic State Theatre in downtown Falls Church brings quality live entertainment to families in an intimate, welcoming setting. This beautifully restored venue hosts a rotating calendar of family-friendly concerts, comedy shows, and special children's performances that introduce kids to the magic of live theater without the intimidation of larger venues.

The Boro Tysons is a modern mixed-use destination that combines urban convenience with family-friendly amenities in the heart of Northern Virginia. With its inviting outdoor green spaces, seasonal splash pad, diverse dining options, and regular community events, it's become a go-to spot for local families looking for a one-stop destination where kids can play while parents shop, dine, or simply relax.

AMC Tysons Corner 16 offers families a premium moviegoing experience with plush reclining seats, crystal-clear IMAX screens, and the latest family-friendly releases. Located in the heart of Tysons Corner, this modern theater makes it easy to combine a movie with shopping or dining, and the spacious auditoriums mean kids have plenty of room to settle in comfortably for the show.