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

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
This spring, let curiosity take the stage! Bring your students—or your family—for inspiring performances rooted in scien...
02/18/2026

This spring, let curiosity take the stage! Bring your students—or your family—for inspiring performances rooted in science, storytelling, and global traditions. We can’t wait to welcome you! Visit s.si.edu/DiscoveryTheater

What’s playing:

Powerful Pollinators 🌻
March 24-27
Pre-K to Grade 2

Mother Earth and Me 🌍
April 28-May 1�
Grades 2 to 6

Under the Baobab Tree
With Iya and Kuumba Kids �
June 3-5�
Pre-K to Grade 3

02/03/2026

Smithsonian Summer Camp registration begins next week! Online registration for the general public begins Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. ET. Start planning your Smithsonian summer adventure: https://s.si.edu/Camp2026

We’re celebrating with two must-see February shows! Kicking things off is "Going the Distance"—an inspiring look at Ol...
01/28/2026

We’re celebrating with two must-see February shows! Kicking things off is "Going the Distance"—an inspiring look at Olympic legends Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Six performances run Feb. 3–6, perfect for ages 6–12. 🇺🇸

Then we close out the month with an engaging, high-energy experience as the masterful Hip-Hop artist Mr. Root hits the stage! Four interactive shows designed for ages 3-7 run from Feb. 19–20. 🎤 Visit www.discoverytheater.org for tickets!

✨ The 25th anniversary of our signature show, Seasons of Light, kicked off today! Weekdays through Dec. 19, join us for ...
12/02/2025

✨ The 25th anniversary of our signature show, Seasons of Light, kicked off today! Weekdays through Dec. 19, join us for an interactive celebration of global holiday traditions—from Diwali (Devali) and Chanukah to Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of Winter Solstice. Get tickets now! www.discoverytheater.org ✨

What could be more fun than a field trip to Discovery Theater? ✨ Our signature show celebrates holidays around the world...
11/20/2025

What could be more fun than a field trip to Discovery Theater? ✨ Our signature show celebrates holidays around the world while making educational connections to the classroom. ✨ This show is recommended for ages 5-10 (K to Grade 5). Tickets sell out early, so book now! www.discoverytheater.org

10/06/2025

From the Arctic Studies Center in Anchorage, Alaska, to the Whipple Observatory in Arizona, the Smithsonian is your ticket to communities across the U.S. Explore hands-on and virtual activities in our new activity guide-- control a Smithsonian telescope, take a virtual exhibition tour, try a crossword to unlock the power of reading, or observe animals in your neighborhood.

Download your free copy and read more here: https://s.si.edu/OurSharedCommunity

Our 2025-2026 season is filled with lively, interactive educational performances! Three's the charm in our first perform...
09/03/2025

Our 2025-2026 season is filled with lively, interactive educational performances! Three's the charm in our first performance, a Discovery Theater original! Start with three bears, three pigs, three little kittens, and three billy goats gruff. Add two languages, and what do you get? The perfect combination for a fresh and fun introduction to Spanish, literacy through storytelling, math, music, and more-and a fábulas new take on a quartet of familiar stories. Visit www.discoverytheater.org for tickets.

Can’t make it to the theater? No problem! We'll bring the magic right to your school, library or community center doorstep! 🚌 Visit discoverytheater.org/touring-shows for details.

Our 2025-2026 Season is now on sale! Take a field trip to our theater on the National Mall or arrange a performance at y...
08/21/2025

Our 2025-2026 Season is now on sale! Take a field trip to our theater on the National Mall or arrange a performance at your school or community center. Every show this season opens new doors for Pre-K through 6th students. We can’t wait to welcome you! Visit s.si.edu/DiscoveryTheater

What’s playing:

Fábulas Fairytales
Oct. 29-31, 2025
PreK to Grade 3

New Squid on the Block with Barefoot Puppet Theatre
Nov. 12-14, 2025
PreK to Grade 3

Seasons of Light
Dec. 1-19, 2025
K to Grade 5

Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day
Dec. 17-18, 2025
PreK to Grade 2

Going the Distance
Tues.-Fri., Feb. 3-6, 2026
Grades 1 to 6

Come Rap with Mr. Root!
Feb. 19-20, 2026
PreK to Grade 2

Walloping Weather! with The Science Guys of Baltimore
March 11-13, 2026
Grades 1-6

Powerful Pollinators
Mar. 24-27, 2026
PreK to Grade 2

Mother Earth & Me
Apr. 28- May 1, 2026
Grade 2 to 5

Once Upon a Moon
May 6-8, 2026
PreK to Grade 2

Under the Baobab Tree with Kuumba Kids
Jun. 3-5, 2026
PreK to Grade 3

07/16/2025

🍎The 5th annual Smithsonian National Education Summit is happening now! To register for free and check out the full session line-up, visit https://s.si.edu/EducationSummit2025

Join in-person and online today and tomorrow!

📷: Smithsonian Associates staff on site sharing information about Smithsonian Sleepovers

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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