Congratulations to Adventure Theatre MTC and the Puppet Co. on their Helen Hayes Award 2025 nominations! More here >>

CHILDREN'S THEATER

Enjoy the magic of award-winning children's theater with your family!

Resident arts organizations Adventure Theatre MTC and the Puppet Co. have presented high quality children's productions to families in the Washington, DC area for decades. Thousands of children have been introduced to the magic of theater at Glen Echo Park.

On View & Upcoming Shows

THE PUPPET CO.

Tiny Tots | Ongoing

Designed for children 18 months to 4 years old, Tiny Tots offers a viewing atmosphere especially suited for young theatre patrons.

All Tiny Tots shows feature:

30 min. runtime
no dark room
no surprising loud noises
open theatre doors

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Squirrel puppet plays the drums.

Barefoot Puppet Theatre presents: New Squid on the Block | July 26 - August 10

Barefoot Puppet Theatre presents: New Squid on the Block
July 26th - August 10th, 2025

It can be hard to make friends. Especially if you have tentacles. Journey to Antarctica as a curious squid seeks connection in the most unlikely of places. Penguins, orcas, and jellyfish abound in an icy landscape for this heartwarming tale of friendship. Beautifully handcrafted puppets, an original score by Ned Haskins, and a good dose of silliness, combine to create a comedic, wordless performance that celebrates our ability to create connections, despite our differences.

Recommended for 4+.

Run time of approximately 45 minutes.

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squid puppets

Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant's Garden | August 23 - September 14

Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant's Garden
August 23 - September 14, 2025

Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre’s The Selfish Giant’s Garden is based on Oscar Wilde’s famous fairy tale about a giant who learns it’s never too late to share. The production features lathe-turned wooden marionettes. The puppet’s simple wooden surface is left so children can use their imagination. The hair is made of rope, the eyes of shiny brads. The string puppet children are round and smooth while the Giant is boxy and rough. The musical show contrasts selfishness and sharing. How does a Selfish Giant learn to share?

Recommended for 4+.

Run time of approximately 45 minutes.

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A wooden puppet

ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC

The Lightning Thief | June 20 - August 17

The Lightning Thief
June 20, 2025 – August 17, 2025

This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019. When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.

Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Directed by Kurt Boehm

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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Illustration

Both the Puppet Co. and Adventure Theatre offer sensory-friendly and/or ASL showing of their productions. In fact, the Puppet Co. was included in Bethesda Magazine's 2024 Best of Bethesda Issue as a "Best Place to Take Kids with Mobility or Sensory Issues."