Plan a Family Theatre Day: Children's Shows in DC Opening Soon

If you’re looking for children’s shows in DC to brighten up the next few weeks, there are four brand-new productions opening soon that offer everything from confidence-boosting stories and dance-filled adventures to laugh-out-loud theatre that speaks directly to kids’ lived experience. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a school-break treat, or a first live-theatre trip for a young audience member, these upcoming family-friendly shows bring big imagination, big heart, and plenty to talk about on the ride home.

Freckleface Strawberry The Musical at Adventure Theatre MTC

A bubbly, feel-good musical about self-acceptance, Freckleface Strawberry follows a kid who’s determined to “fix” what makes her stand out—her freckles. She tries everything from covering up to hiding out, convinced that blending in will make life easier. But as her classmates and a wonderfully quirky grown-up guide her through school-day drama and friendships, she starts to see what she couldn’t before: the things that make us different can also make us shine. It’s a bright, funny, and genuinely sweet pick for families seeking children’s shows in DC with an empowering message.

Havana Hop at Imagination Stage

In this energetic, participatory story, a young performer named Yeila dreams of the spotlight—but nerves keep knocking her confidence offstage. With encouragement from the women who’ve shaped her world, she sets off on a journey that reconnects her to family, culture, and her own voice. The adventure takes her to Cuba, where rhythms and traditions inspire her to blend styles and step into who she’s meant to be. With dance woven into the experience and the audience invited into the fun, this is a vibrant choice for families searching for children’s shows in DC that celebrate heritage, music, and courage.

Midiculous at Keegan Theatre

Middle school is already intense—now imagine it turned up to theatrical maximum. Midiculous drops audiences into a reality where student chatter is treated like breaking news, therapy-speak arrives faster than homework, and a harmless trend can spiral into total chaos. Developed with input from DC students, this world-premiere play leans into the absurd while still recognizing the real pressures kids face right now. It’s fast, sharp, and hilariously on-the-nose, making it a standout for families looking for children’s shows in DC that feel current, clever, and tuned into how kids actually talk and think.

The Sea Beyond the Ocean at The Kennedy Center

For families who love stories fueled by wonder, The Sea Beyond the Ocean follows nine-year-old Scooter, a big-hearted kid whose imagination is powered by a favorite fantasy book series—until he discovers the story never got its final chapter. Determined to find the missing ending, Scooter sets out on a quest to track down the author, encountering new people and unexpected truths along the way. As the adventure unfolds, the journey becomes about more than a book: it’s about loss, hope, and the way stories help us make sense of the world. It’s a moving, magical option among children’s shows in DC this month, especially for young readers and daydreamers.

To see a full list of all children's shows, visit our Children's Shows in DC page.