The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has some unique qualities for a national park. It’s a performing arts center on national park land! One of the venues at Wolf Trap is the Children’s Theatre in the Woods, which hosts performances throughout the summer that are intended for younger audiences.
The Children’s Theatre in the Woods
We headed to the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods to see The Amazing Max, a children’s magician. Performances are held at 10:30AM on Tuesdays through Saturdays. While the park is a comfortable drive from our home, rush-hour traffic had us a bit concerned about making it there on time.
We made it!
While there is no entrance fee for the park, tickets are required for performances. We entered and were directed to the parking lot for the Children’s Theatre in the Woods by a park ranger. Parking is free, too!
The parking lot was a good distance from the theatre. We passed one of the other venues, the Meadow Pavilion, and a shop that hosts The Fermented Pig. The restroom is also located here. The walk to the theatre took about 10 minutes on little legs (or 15 including distractions).
We scanned our tickets from my phone before entering the woods. Then we found a good spot to watch The Amazing Max. Set in a dense thicket of trees, the stage and stands are well shaded. We were so grateful! The humidity had started to creep in already.
The shade and early show time were just enough to keep us comfortable in the summer heat. We also brought a large jug of water, the only consumable allowed in the Theatre in the Woods.
The stage, amphitheater, and bleachers are all made of wood. The rustic look of the Theatre in the Woods reminded me of the group celebrations we had at summer camps I attended as a child.
The Amazing Max actually was amazing! He’s an excellent showman and has a gift for working with children.
After the performance, we ate a picnic lunch.
The Junior Rangers Program
This program is not associated with performances at the Theatre in the Woods, but I had to include it!
Wolf Trap participates in the National Parks Junior Ranger program and hosts three Junior Ranger Days each summer! We were able to pick up booklets as we exited the woods near a ranger station. A ranger was on hand to discuss the park and its other amenities. It made us eager to return for a hike or concert!
Plan Your Visit
Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
1551 Trap Road
Vienna, Virginia 22182
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