Keeping the kids entertained in the winter months can be a challenge, but the National Zoo is hosting a performance series called Wild Side Stage that will keep the whole family entertained. The Wild Side Stage offers educational shows by award-winning musicians, dancers, storytellers, and puppeteers from around the country. Additionally these performances offer special visits to animal houses, where the kids will have the chance to meet and greet animal keepers as well as animals featured in the performances. Performances of the Wild Side Stage take place in the National Zoo's Visitor Center Auditorium on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can visit the accompanying animal exhibit before or after the performance, as early as 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Please note that these visits do not include direct contact with animals.)
Schedule of performances taking place this winter 2010:
- January 10 - Brady Rymer (Ages 2 and up) a 2009 Grammy nominated singer and songwriter will have kids stomping and clapping with hits like "Eatin' Animal Crackers" and "Jump Up (It's a Good Day)." Then, rock and roll over to the rainforest in Amazonia.
- January 24 - CityDance Ensemble (Ages 3 and up) will give kids a taste of is D.C.'s leading modern dance company. Kids will love "Jungle Books," a fantastic adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic. Accompanying activities in the Reptile Discovery Center are sure to charm you. Snake, rattle, and roll!
- February 7 - DinoRock (Ages 4 and up) will hatch up some fun with "Dinosaur Babies" interactive musical puppet theater. And then head over to the the Bird House on an avian adventure that looks at some present-day raptors.
- February 21 - Lucas Miller (Ages 4 and up) Get ready to do "The Anaconda La Bamba" along with the Singing Zoologist. Also, boogie on down to the Zoo's no-bone-zone--the Invertebrate Exhibit.
- February 28 - Antonio Rocha (Ages 4 and up) will delight kids with her storytelling magic. After the tale, check out the tails at the Small Mammal House!
- March 7 - Smithsonian's Discovery Theater (Ages 4 and up) "What's for Lunch?" is an interactive play where show goers will meet Chef FONZ who will show you how animals eat on Asia Trail. Go see what's cookin' for yourself when you visit our giant pandas, red pandas, clouded leopards, and more!
Tickets: FONZ members: $5; Nonmembers: $7
