Photo: Patrick Taylor Jr.
Photo: Sharon C. McKnight
Photo: Katharine Lander
Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
★4.7(352 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 2-3 hours including pre-show arrival time, though children's productions are often shorter (60-90 minutes) to accommodate younger attention spans👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger elementary kids (4-8) especially enjoy the colorful children's productions and fairy tale adaptations, while tweens and teens appreciate the full-scale musicals and concerts. Children's theater series specifically targets preschool through middle school audiences.🧡 Saved by 25 families
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Family Fun Series featuring beloved children's stories and interactive performances
- ✓Intimate theater setting where even back row seats offer excellent views and sound
- ✓High-quality community productions with talented local performers
- ✓Special holiday shows and seasonal programming throughout the year
- ✓Educational performances that bring history and literature to life
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their Family Fun Series schedule online before planning your visit - these matinee shows are specifically designed for younger audiences with shorter run times and interactive elements
- 2.Arrive 20-30 minutes early to use the restroom, grab snacks, and let kids explore the lobby displays without feeling rushed before curtain
- 3.Book aisle seats if you have younger children who might need a quick bathroom break during the show
- 4.Attend a pre-show talk or post-show meet-and-greet when available - kids love meeting the actors in costume
- 5.Consider attending a weekday matinee for smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere for first-time theater visitors
Best Time to Visit
Weekend matinee performances (typically Saturday and Sunday afternoons) are ideal for families, as showtimes are earlier and productions are often geared toward children. Fall and spring seasons offer the most family-friendly programming, including holiday shows in November and December.
What to Know
Ticket prices are very reasonable for a live theater experience, typically ranging from $15-30 per person. Free parking is available on-site, and a small concession stand offers snacks and drinks. The venue is fully accessible with wheelchair seating available.
Seasonal Notes
The main season runs September through May with occasional summer youth theater camps and performances. Holiday shows in November and December are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Summer programming is lighter but may include youth theater showcases.
Nearby Eats
Head to Panera Bread (5 minutes away) for quick, kid-friendly meals with plenty of options. For sit-down dining, try Bella Vita Italian Restaurant nearby, which welcomes families and offers a children's menu.
More Activities Near Bowie
Activity
Bowie High School
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Bowie High School opens its impressive Olympic-sized indoor pool to the community, offering families a chance to swim year-round in a professional-grade facility. This is a fantastic option for families looking for structured swimming lessons or open swim time in a large, well-maintained pool that's typically reserved for high school athletes.
Park
Allen Pond Park
★4.7Free❤️361
Allen Pond Park is an 85-acre outdoor paradise in Bowie that truly has something for every family member. From paddle boating on the scenic pond to exploring nature trails, playing at multiple playgrounds, and catching free concerts at the amphitheater, this highly-rated park delivers all-day adventure without the hefty price tag of commercial attractions.
Museum
Belair Mansion
★4.7$❤️23
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Georgian mansion where kids can experience what life was like in colonial America. With engaging guided tours tailored for young learners and hands-on educational programs, Belair Mansion brings history to life in a way that captures children's imaginations while teaching them about 18th-century daily life, architecture, and local heritage.
Park
Fairwood Community Park
★4.6Free❤️65
Fairwood Community Park is a spacious, well-maintained neighborhood gem in Bowie that offers something for every family member. With its modern playground equipment, generous picnic areas, and wide-open fields, it's the perfect spot for everything from toddler playdates to family soccer games. The walking paths wind through the park beautifully, making it easy to enjoy a stroller-friendly afternoon outdoors.