Interactive Music Venues for Young Children in DC

Published on November 26, 2019 - Updated on December 02, 2019

"When words fail music speaks"

Music has may benefits for children, it helps improve brainpower, it helps them develop social skills, it inspires creativity and it is a great form of expression. The District offers a variety of musical experiences for infants and toddlers. These are some of my favorites.

Boogie Babes

Boogie Babes, a long standing interactive musical program, has now moved to the Miracle Theater ( miracletheater.com ) 8th street SE. Performances are on Thursdays at 10:30, doors open at 10. The cost is 6 dollars per child and siblings under 6 months are free. Having been a faithful fan for many years I can assure you that even the youngest infant enjoys the performers and watching toddlers dance and spin to the music. It's a great place to expand your mom or dad circle too. It is also close to Eastern Market, a great place to shop and dine.

Bloombars

Another favorite spot of mine is Bloombars (bloombars.com ), located at 3222 11th St NW. Bloombars offers music and puppet performances daily in a cozy, intimate setting (shoes off ). Cost's vary per performance but are in the 7 to 10 dollar range. There is only street parking so give yourself enough time to find a spot. After the show, there are some great choices to choose from for dining and a playground within walking distance.

Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets ( not just a restaurant ) offers children's musical performances, Rise and Rhyme begins 9:30, at their many locations, Brookland, Takoma, Anacostia, Hyattesville and Shirlingtonon (different days of the week). It is best to check the location for particular information ( busboysandpoets.com ). They ask a donation of 5 dollars for the performer. I suggest coming early and grabbing a table to enjoy breakfast with music.

Other Great Options

The DC libraries also offer music programs ( dclibrary.org ). Check your local libraries website for information. Music classes are also offered by Gymboree, Tunes 4 Tots, Kindermusik, and Music Together Melody.

Each of these venues have something in common, they celebrate the freedom of the child to express themselves with the music. Be sure to check them out if you're in the DC area.

Thoughtfully captured by:

Nana Banks

Darlene Banks is a mother of 8 and grandmother of 21 children. She has been married to John Banks for 49 years and has made it her life’s works to make the world a better place through unconditional love, acceptance, and bringing peace wherever she goes. She is passionate about serving as an active member of her grandchildren’s lives and does so with a beauty rarely seen. Darlene was born in New York and has lived in Charlottesville, VA, Washington, DC and the Philadelphia area. She is an educator and explorer at heart.