Smithsonian's Discovery Theater

Smithsonian's Discovery Theater The Smithsonian's Theater for Young Audiences in Washington, D.C. There is really no other daytime children's theater at this price range that I have found.

A branch of the Smithsonian Associates, Discovery Theater is an educational theater company that primarily serves the Metropolitan area's children, teachers, and families. Its productions present history, culture, math, and science in an enjoyable and accessible way, making Discovery Theater a gateway to the Smithsonian for local children. Affordable ticket prices and a community of educational ar

tists, teachers, parents, and children make Discovery Theater a destination in our nation's capital. Praise for Discovery Theater:

"Discovery Theater always lives up to their high standard of performance! What an engaging show!" -Dufief Elementary

"I think that Discovery Theater fills a VERY important role in bringing educational music drama and acts. Keep doing what you do." -Adventure Camp

"We came to see the Black Diamond show and the students really enjoyed it! Your staff was so helpful and accomodating, the performers were great, and we would love to come back and see another show." -Ivymount School

"Performance was exciting for myself as well as my 2nd grade students!" -Whittier EC

"You guys are the best! The children (and staff) always enjoy our experience. Keep up the great work." -Bridges, PCS

"As always, Discovery Theater staff does a stupendous job in providing exceptional, excellent programming that is so educationally nourishing for children. Please continue to feed us this delightful diet of entertainment." -UMS

"We had a wonderful time--the students were so engaged and loved every minute of the show. Especially being able to be a part of the show!" -Walker Jones Education Campus

Our 2026-2027 Discovery Theater season is here! ✨ From puppets and pollinators to jazz, dance, and dazzling science, the...
08/29/2026

Our 2026-2027 Discovery Theater season is here! ✨ From puppets and pollinators to jazz, dance, and dazzling science, there's something for every young learner. Join us on the National Mall or bring a performance to your school or community center. Visit s.si.edu/DiscoveryTheater to explore the season.

What's playing:

Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly!
Oct. 27-29, 2026
Pre-K to Grade 2

Dance Stories with Kalanidhi Dance
Nov. 5-6, 2026
Kindergarten and Up

Seasons of Light
Dec. 1-18, 2026
K to Grade 5

Little Red and the Gingerbread Man with Barefoot Puppet Theatre
Dec. 9-11, 2026
Pre-K to Grade 2

Jammin' Through the Jazz Age
Feb. 2-5, 2027
Grades 1 to 6

Jazz to Hip Hop with Vinton "The Music Man" Jones
Feb. 18-19, 2027
Kindergarten to Grade 3

Wild Waves: The Science of Light and Sound! with The Science Guys of Baltimore
Mar. 16-18, 2027
Grades 1 to 6

Powerful Pollinators
Apr. 6-9, 2027
Pre-K to Grade 3

New Squid on the Block with Barefoot Puppet Theatre
Jun. 2-4, 2027
Pre-K to Grade 3

06/30/2026

A newly released 12-page family activity guide, the Smithsonian’s latest collaboration with USA TODAY, invites readers to consider the ideals of 1776 and how they relate to our lives today with iconic objects and the impactful stories they hold.

Special thanks to contributors from across the Smithsonian, including: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery, and National Museum of the American Latino.

Read more and download your free copy: https://s.si.edu/CelebrateAmericas250th

05/07/2026

Once the last bell rings this school year, teachers can select from a wide range of opportunities to continue to hone their craft with Smithsonian educators and peers across the arts, culture, history, and science

05/07/2026

Address

1100 Jefferson Drive SW
Washington D.C., DC
20560

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12026338700

Website

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