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

Squirrel puppet plays the drums.

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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Great Lakes National Puppet Theater presents: The Frog Prince | July 5 - July 20

Frog Prince Puppets

Great Lakes National Puppet Theater presents: The Frog Prince
July 5, 2025 - July 20, 2025

Great Lakes National Puppet Theater presents another classic fairytale. “The Frog Prince”, was first published in Germany, in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm. It is the story of a prince, who is placed under a spell by a wicked witch and can only be restored by the kiss of a beautiful princess. Performed using brilliantly crafted marionettes, as well as theatrical lighting and special effects, this production is perfect for school, library, theaters, and family series programming.

Recommended for 4+.

Run time of approximately 45 minutes.

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

squid puppets

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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ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC

The Lightning Thief | June 20 - August 17

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Illustration

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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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."