1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Website: www.baltimorearena.com. Event information line at 410-347-2010.

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic , February 8 -12. Show times are Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30pm; Thursday, February 9 at 7:30pm, Friday, February 10 at 10:30am and 7:30pm, Saturday, February 11 at 11am, 2:30pm, and 6:30pm, Sunday, February 12 at 12pm and 4pm Join the celebration as 65 of Disney's unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! Tickets available at www.Ticketmaster.com

Monster Jam, Dates: February 24-26. Performances are Friday, February 24 at 7:30pm, Saturday, February 25 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Pit Party 11:30am-1pm (must have a ticket to the 2pm performance and a pit pass) and Sunday, February 26 at 2pm. FREE Pit Passes can be picked up at participating Advance Auto Parts locations. Also purchase Pit Passes for $10.00 (in advance or day of show) at the 1st Mariner Arena Box Office or on line at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket Prices are $62, $30, $22 (all prices $2 more on the day of show)

Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812 www.adventuretheatre.org Box office: 301-634-2270. Tickets are $15 Group rates are also available. Children under the age of 1 are free. Shows are Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 2pm.

The Snowy Day, January 20 – February 12. For all ages. Based on the Caldecott Award Winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first American picture book that featured an African-American child as the main character. The simple tale of a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night is brought to life in the magical world premiere. Peter celebrates the snow-draped inner city with a day of adventures-experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from a tree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, March 2 – April 9, for ages 4 and up. Alexander is having a bad day. A terrible day. A horrible day. To be quite honest, it's a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he's not his best friend anymore. And if that's not bad enough, Alexander's brothers don't have any cavities but—he does. And just when it can't get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and —yuck!—kissing on TV. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. Uuuugggghhh.

Expressions of a People, Sunday, February 12, 1 – 6 pm, for all ages. You’re invited to a FREE Black History celebration featuring musical performances, children’s activities, workshops, and entertainment for the entire family. Past performers at this popular event have included gospel singer Robert Pearson, The Oxon Hill High School Gospel Choir, Baba

Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theatre: "The Greatest Stories Never Told: How Old is a Hero? Young People of the Civil Rights Movement", Wednesday, February 15, 10:30 am, For all ages. This inspiring play features African American heroes of the twentieth century. Explore the power of youth and meet three courageous heroes who helped shape history during the civil rights movement. Hear the compelling experiences of Ernest Green (the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school), Claudette Colvin (who, months before Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat on the bus), and six-year old Ruby Bridges (who won equal rights before she could read). Tickets are $5 each

Candlekids, Candlelight Concerts Children’s Series , Smith Theatre, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044. Performances are at 2:30 and 4:30pm. Tickets are $10. For information call 410-997-2324 or see www.candlelightconcerts.org.

Jack & the Beanstalk, February 12. Theatre IV. This musical adaptation is a humorous retelling of the classic fairy tale with a young modern-day hero using his imagination to climb through the clouds, meet an ill-tempered giant, find fabulous treasures, and experience exciting adventures! For ages 3 and up.

The Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, the CCAC Box Office 410-848-7272, Website: www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org

Michael Rosman: Amazing Feats of Comedy, Monday, February 20, 11am, snow date February 21. Juggling, clowning, unicycling, and pie-in-the-face fun! Rosman is an incredible talent who has performed throughout the world and on television. Tickets are $8 Adults / $6 CCAC Members, Students 18 and Under and Seniors 60+

Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane Brooklyn Park, Maryland 21225. Phone: 410-636-6597 Website: www.chesapeakearts.org.

'American Odyssey' with Ray Owen, Saturday, February 18, 4pm, Chesapeake Arts Center Family Music Series in the Hammonds Lane Theatre. Tickets are $10 adult/$5 child.

Banjo Man' Frank Cassel, Saturday, March 17, 4pm, Chesapeake Arts Center Family Music Series in the Hammonds Lane Theatre. Tickets are $10 adult/$5 child.

Theatreworks USA: Suessical, Tuesday, March 20, 10:30am and 12:30pm in the Hammonds Lane Theatre. Appropriate for Grades K – 5. The Cat in the Hat is the host and emcee (and all-around mischief-maker) in this romp through the Seuss classics. Individual Tickets: $10/Group tickets: $8.50/person. One free chaperone ticket for every 15 paid. Minimum group size is 15. Call 800-497-5007.

Columbia Orchestra Young People’s Concert “Carnival of the Animals”, Saturday, February 25, 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. at the Jim Rouse Theatre at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpet Road, Columbia MD 21044. The Kinetics Dance Theatre joins the orchestra for Saint-Saëns’ enduring classic, Carnival of the Animals. Their costumed choreography will enhance the musical portraits of the Lion, Hens and Roosters, Tortoises, the Elephant, the Cuckoo, the Swan, Kangaroos, the Aquarium, and more. Music Director Jason Love will open the program with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s exciting Dance of the Tumblers. A “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo” sponsored by Music & Arts Centers will be open from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., offering children of all ages—from preschoolers to parents and grandparents—an opportunity to see, hear, touch, and play orchestral instruments. Admission is FREE for children 11 and under, while those 12 and up are only $15. Tickets are available online at www.columbiaorchestra.org or may be purchased at Music & Arts in Ellicott City, Arundel Mills, and Laurel, or at the Columbia Association on Wincopin Circle. Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash, check, or credit card. For further information, group rates, or directions, call (410) 465-8777 or visit the orchestra’s website www.columbiaorchestra.org .

Discovery Theater, Smithsonian’s Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr., S.W., Washington, D.C. www.discoverytheater.org. Box office: 202-633-8700 Single tickets can be purchased online through their website or www.residentassociates.org. You may also call the Resident Associates office at 202-633-3030.

Tales from Mother Africa, Thursday - Friday, February. 2-3, at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m, Ripley Center, Smithsonian, for ages 3-8. Kenyan poet, singer, storyteller, and dancer Anna Mwalagho weaves old tales to inspire and delight young ears. Her interactive programs are one-of-kind experiences. Come laugh, dance, and sing together with this "Mama Africa."

How Old Is a Hero? Wednesday., February. 22 and Friday, February. 24 at 10:15 and 11:30, in the Warner Brothers Theater, American History Museum, National Mall, Washington DC. For ages 6-11. A chance to see one of their most popular touring shows! Meet Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school; Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat before Rosa Parks; and Ruby Bridges, who won equal rights before she could read. Learn about their compelling experiences and be inspired by the courage and hope of our youngest citizens. The show also features moving archival Civil Rights recordings.

Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian presents Rocknoceros, Thursday, February 23, 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m, Ripley Center, Smithsonian, for ages 2-6. Discovery Theater favorites Coach, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bennie return to party and sing brand new songs from their recently released album, Colonel Purple Turtle. Don't worry, they'll also sing some of your old favorites, and we'll have fun together like we always do when these great kids' musicians visit us on The Mall. Be there and celebrate! Their new CD and companion book will be on sale after the show. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, including infants, tickets are $6 for everyone ($3 for children UNDER two) and there are NO GROUP SALES for this date

Harford Community College Amoss Center, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. Box office: 443-412-2211. Website: www.harford.edu/Cultural/

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, February 3-5 and 10-12, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3pm. Black Box Theatre in Joppa Hall. This captivating, imaginative treatment of the Grimm Brothers tale features all your favorite characters. This family theater event will surely thrill the little ones and touch the hearts of all ages as they cheer Snow White and her friends and boo the evil Queen! Presented through special arrangement with OnStage of Chilcago, Illinois. General Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 60+, ages 17 and younger and HCC Students (with valid HCC ID Card).

Fancy Nancy and Other Storybooks, TheatreworksUSA, Friday, February 10 at 5:30 & 7:30pm in the Amoss Center. Six delightful stories come to life in this musical revue based on popular children's stories featuring Fancy Nancy, Baby Mouse: The Musical; Duck for President; I Have To Go; Leonardo, The Terrible Monster and Pirates Don't Change Diapers. Ticket with assigned seating is $14 for premier seats for all ages, $10 for adults and $7 for ages 17 and younger in the Orchestra/Terrace. Oo la la! Between performances enjoy a Fancy Nancy party with sparkly crafts and a girly makeover with Kristie from Hair Cuttery. (Recommended For All Ages)

The Hippodrome Theatre at The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Phone: 410-837-7400 Website: http://www.france-merrickpac.com Tickets: www.TicketMaster.com

The Peking Acrobats, February 25, 7:30pm. A troupe of China's most gifted tumblers, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists, and gymnasts complemented by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments will bring their 2,000-year-old tradition of acrobatics to North America for an extensive 40-city tour.

Imagination Stage, Lerner Family Theatre, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. Box Office: 301-280-1660. www.ImaginationStage.org Shows are Tuesdays – Fridays at 10:30am and Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 & 4pm.

P.Nokio, February 1–March 11. G.Petto is an ingenious designer of computer games who works for the evil Machine Master. One day he discovers that his new character, P.Nokio, can escape the computer! G.Petto is delighted at the prospect of having a “son.” With the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he sets out to teach P.Nokio how to become a real boy by attending the Old School and studying the art of rhyme. Unfortunately, P.Nokio is tempted by The Way of Fun and Trouble and The Land of Fools. He finds himself in the company of con artists and in a tangle of lies that endanger his newfound father. To save G.Petto from Machine Master, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real and learn that words and truth are the mightiest weapons of all. Recommended for Ages 4+

Mouse on the Move, through February 12. The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive performances designed for the very young in their Reeve Theatre. Shows are Tuesdays – Sundays at 11:45am plus additional 10:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. Nellie and Amelia are two adventurous mice ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole. They decide to go to the moon, since it is cat-free and made entirely of delicious, mouth-watering cheese. In this world premiere interactive play, there are many opportunities for audience participation. Join in as we all try to reach beyond the stars. Ages 1-5.

Aquarium, February 28-March 18. The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive performances designed for the very young in their Reeve Theatre. Shows are Tuesdays – Sundays at 11:45am plus additional 10:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a "let's pretend" sky. Ages 1-5.

Institute of Musical Traditions Family Concerts, Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Website: www.imtfolk.org.

Kim & Reggie Harris, Saturday, February 11, 1 & 3 pm, IMT Takoma Park: Takoma Park Community Center. Consummate musicians and storytellers, Kim and Reggie Harris combine a strong folk and gospel legacy with a solid background in classical, rock, jazz and pop music. Creative curiosity, years of road and stage experience and interactions with performers such as Pete Seeger, Ysaye Barnwell, Jay leno, Tom Paxton, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Harry Belafonte and others, has led them to produce music that entertains and inspires. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 door. All tickets are general admission. Visit Kim & Reggie's website at www.kimandreggie.com

Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566. Box office: 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600 Website:www.kennedy-center.org

The Wings of Ikarus Jackson, February 4 -19. Shows are Saturday, February 4 and Sundays, February 5, 12 and 19 at 1:30 and 4pm; Saturdays, February 11 and 18 at 11am, 1:30 & 5pm. There is something puzzling about the new boy at school. Instead of a backpack, Ikarus Jackson has a feathery white set of wings and can fly. To get away from the kids who are taunting him for his uniquely feathered look, Ikarus soars through the city, over rooftops and playgrounds, like a slow-motion instant replay. Just when he thinks he's all alone, a brave schoolgirl tells him what someone should have from the start: "your flying is beautiful." Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christopher Myers's colorful and lovingly assembled collage-illustrated children's book comes to life as an all-new dance-theater piece. For age 8 and up.

Princess of Kaguya, March 24, 1:30 & 4pm. Uncover the story of Taketori no Okina, a childless bamboo cutter as he makes a mysterious discovery inside a stalk of bamboo: a beautiful, thumb-sized baby girl. He and his wife name the baby Princess Kaguya and raise her as their own child. Many years later, Princess Kaguya has grown into a woman of ordinary size and famous, extraordinary beauty. Five princes seek her hand, only to find that she will only marry the one who completes a seemingly impossible task. Join Shadow Puppet Theatre TSUNOBUE from Tokyo, Japan as they share this ancient, uplifting tale of love, hope, loss, and a touch of magic.

Lively Arts for Little Ones, The Other Barn, Oakland Mills Village, Columbia, MD 21045. Box Office: 410-730-4610. www.oaklandmills.org Show times are 10 a.m. Tickets are $5 for ages 2 and up. Group rates are available.

Mr. Gabe Sing Along, February 24. Music for children ages zero to six.

Misako Ballet Studio – Classical with a Japanese Twist, February 12 at 2pm in the Jim Rouse Theater, Wilde Lake High School, Columbia MD 21044. For more information call 410-884-9690 or see www.misakoballet.com

Montgomery College Saturday Morning Children’s Series, in the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Designed for shorter attention spans, these performances are 50 to 60 minutes in length and are general admission seating.. For information go to www.montgomerycollege.edu/PAC or call 240-567-5301.

Ramona Quimby, Saturday, March 10, 11 a.m. A TheatreworksUSA Presentation. Hold on to your hats, Ramona’s back! Her life is a mess. Her older sister Beezus is a pain, her Aunt Bea may marry a dork, and her dad just lost his job. She even thinks her teacher hates her. Life is hard and growing up isn’t easy. But with help from her loving and patient family and friends, Ramona is ready to tackle anything. Don’t miss the latest and craziest adventures of the world’s most animated and lovable third-grader, based on the Ramona books by Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $7 Adults, $6 Seniors, Students & Children

National Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566. Box office: 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600 Website:www.kennedy-center.org.

NSO Family Concert: The Mozart Experience with Magic Circle Mime Company, March 4, 1 & 3pm, Concert Hall. When a mischievous street musician is caught playing the orchestra's grand piano, she is surprised to not receive a scolding from the conductor, but instead an invitation to "be Mozart" in this program about one of the most famous composers of all time. The street musician and her prankster companion must now confront dilemmas and opportunities similar to those faced by Mozart himself. In doing so, the audience experiences Mozart's life as a very human story--as well as a great musical adventure!
Come early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo." An hour before each NSO Family Concert, young concertgoers can get up close and hands-on with the instruments they'll see played on the stage in the Kennedy Center Atrium.
Stay after the 3 p.m. concerts for a Kids' Chat. Following the 3 p.m. concert, young audience members can ask questions and hear engaging stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with the concert artists

NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Violins, and Trombones, and Bears, Oh, My! Saturday, March 10 at 11am & 1:30pm and Sunday, March 11 at 1:30 & 4pm. For ages 3-5. A delicate violin and a brassy trombone… playing together?! How can those two different-shaped parts fit into one piece of music? Musical compatibility is put to the test in a program that moves between classical and popular music with some ragtime and Spanish tunes thrown into the mix. Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to these interactive programs and have their teddy bear friend join in all the fun! Lasting approximately 45 minutes, they're perfect for even the youngest music lovers in your family.
Come early for "Musical Playtime." Starting 45 minutes before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for small children.

Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly MD 20784. Phone301-277-1710 Website: www.pgparks.com

Tiny Tots Thursday: Fancy Nancy & Other Story Books, Thursday, February 2, 9:30 am & 11 am. Recommended for grades Pre-K-2. TheatreWorks USA brings a musical review of favorite, funny children’s books: Fancy Nancy; BabyMouse, the Musical; Duck for President; I Have to Go!; Leonardo, the Terrible Monster; and Pirates Don’t Change Diapers. Tickets are $5 each.

Nimbaya! Women Master Drummers of Guinea, Saturday, February 4, 8 pm, for all ages. Formerly called “Amazones,” the world famous women’s drum and dance company returns on their first US tour in several years. These talented, brave women break ancient traditions by playing the instruments, singing the songs, and doing the dances, that for centuries, were only performed by men, and doing it better than the men! Their energy driven performances have won international awards and made them role models throughout Africa for women trying break through age-old social barriers to independence and economic freedom Tickets are $20/person, $15/seniors, students & DancePass.

History of Hip-Hop, Tuesday, February 7, 10:15 am & 12 noon, for all ages. Illstyle & Peace Productions, Philadelphia’s young multicultural hip-hop dance company, travels worldwide bringing a positive message of individual expression. They present the history of hip- hop with jaw-dropping dance, audience participation and a compelling Q&A session. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more.

The Satchel Paige Story, Thursday, February 9, 10:15 am & 12 noon. Recommended for grades 3-12. Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s ArtReach touring company presents an engrossing performance about the man who legends claim could throw a ball so fast that it would disappear into thin air before it ever reached the catcher’s mitt. His pro career began in the Negro Leagues in 1926, and he joined the Major Leagues in 1948. Along the way, he effected major changes in the history of sports and government. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more.

GEICO Gecko Series: Rosa’s Ride, Wednesday, February 15, 10:15 am & 12 noon, Recommended for grades 2-8. Using jazz, blues and gospel music and drama, Flying Ship Productions from New York creates a powerful theatrical experience that follows the struggles of a young girl through the indignities of prejudice, as she gains the strength of conviction to work for basic human rights. Rosa’s simple act of civil disobedience of sitting on a bus gave birth to the civil rights movement, eventually becoming secretary of the NAACP. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more. To make it easier for Prince George’s County Title I schools to have the cultural experience of attending professional theatre productions, GEICO is providing FREE tickets for a series of five wonderful, educational musicals.

Frederick Douglass, Wednesday, February 22, 10:15 am & 12 noon, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly MD 20784 Recommended for grades 3 and up. Bright Star Theatre of North Carolina presents the leader of the abolition movement, and one of our nation’s most vibrant figures. From his escape from a Maryland plantation to his days as a newspaper publisher and his role as a presidential advisor, Douglass promoted education as the key to success, always bravely fighting to make America a better place for all. Tickets are $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more.

PRAISE! Sunday, February 26, 4 pm, for all ages. The popular annual liturgical dance festival features performances by several exceptional dance troupes from area churches including the exceptional gospel singer Cora Harvey Armstrong of Richmond. Tickets are $12/person, $10/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors & students.

Pumpkin Theatre Main Stage, Hannah More Arts Center, St. Timothy’s School, 8400 Greenspring Ave. Baltimore MD Box Office: 410-828-1814. www.pumpkintheatre.com. Sat & Sun. at 1 & 3 p.m. Single Advance Tickets are $13 each, Groups of 10 or more are $11 each and tickets at the door are $15 each (cash, check or credit card). Box office hours are Monday through Friday 12 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 410-828-1814.

Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad, Day, February 25, 26 and March 3, 4. Nothing is going right for Alexander today, not school, not family, not his best friend, not anything. Sometimes it’s just hard being a kid and getting through the day. And we all have bad days… A fast moving musical, this show is geared toward elementary and middle school children

The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 20812. www.thepuppetco.org. Box office: 301-320-6668. Show days are Fri, 10 & 11:30 a.m., Sat. & Sun., 11:30am & 1 p.m. Individual tickets $10 for everyone 2 years old and older. Group rates available.

Peter and the Wolf, January 13 – February 19. This is one of The Puppet Co.’s best loved stories. It has been performed for nearly a million children and their parents from Washington, D. C. to Honolulu, Hawaii. The performance starts with an introduction to musical instruments used to signify each of the characters in the story, then blends into the story of Peter’s, and his animal friends’, attempts to capture wily wolf “Old Lupus.” The one-man show, performed by puppetmaster Christopher Piper, is based on Russia’s popular tale of good versus evil, and staged with half life-size marionettes. This production is a new approach to the old tale, using character dialogue rather than narrative to develop the plot. Recommended: PreK – Grade 6

Mozart's, The Magic Flute, February 24 – March 11. Recommended: Grade 1 – Adult. The Puppet Co.’s most elaborate full marionette production. Christopher Piper’s adaptation of Mozart’s fantasy opera is a clear, understandable hour of beautiful music, dazzling special effects, and exquisite marionettes in fantastic animal shapes. Sung on tape in English by a talented local group of professional singers, this is the perfect introduction for children to great music

The Puppet Co. Playhouse Tiny Tots Program, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 20812. www.thepuppetco.org. Box office: 301-320-6668. . “Tiny Tots @ 10″ shows are on select Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10am. The program is designed for young children ages 0-4. The shows have a shorter length, the lights stay on low and the door remains open throughout the performance. Admission is $5 for everyone, including babes-in-arms. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Old McDonald’s Farm on Saturday, February 4, Penguins’ Playground on Saturday, February 11, World on a String on Wednesday, February 15, Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Sunday, February 19, Baby Bear’s Birthday on Saturday, February 25, Clowning Around on Sunday on February 26.

Rainbow Theatre at Slayton House, Slatyton House Theatre, Wilde Lake Village Green. Columbia MD 21044. Monthly puppet shows and entertainment for children from September through April. Rainbow Theatre shows are held on Fridays at 10am. Tickets should be purchased in advance for $5 each and may be available at the door for $6 each; exact cash or check only, no credit cards, no reservations and no refunds. Group rates available. For information call 410-730-3987 or see http://wildelake.org. Sponsored by Wilde Lake Community Association.

Penquin’s Playground, presented by Bob Brown Puppets, Friday, February 17, 10am, Join Puppeteer Bob Brown for an Awesome Arctic Adventure exploring a Super-Secret Playground, hidden at the very bottom of the world! To get through the long gloomy winter, Bob's clever creatures lift their spirits by putting on a spectacular show, right out among the icebergs! Be there as Bob's rollicking, playful, multi-talented penguins join their good friends at a Hot Time at the South Pole tonight!

Saturday Morning at the National, National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC. 20004. Helen Hayes Gallery. Website: www.nationaltheatre.org. Free Performances! 9:30 & 11 a.m. Seating is limited!! Tickets are required, and are distributed without charge one half-hour prior to performance, on a first-come first-served policy. Children must be accompanied by an adult who remains present for the entire performance. Recorded program information is also available at 202-783-3372. Shows are best appreciated by children four years old and older.

The Fisherman and His Wife, February 4. A poor fisherman’s wife urges her husband to go catch a legendary magical fish that will make her dreams come true. After her first wish is granted, her desire for more things overwhelms her ability to know what truly made her happy. The entire family will enjoy this modern spin on a classic fairytale from Acting for Young People!

Jack and the Beanstalk, February 11. Theatre IV Production. This lively musical recounts the classic exploits of a young boy who trades the family cow for three magic beans. The beans, tossed out the window by Jack’s disappointed mother, grow into a giant beanstalk that leads to fabulous treasure, an ill-tempered giant, and more adventures than you can shake a stalk at!

Short Stories Brewed from African Pots, February 25. Long before children heard Mother Goose rhymes, stories were told in Africa about wise lions, wily snakes and how the world began. Storyteller Anna Mwalagho will enchant and delight kids with interactive tales full of spice and merriment that teach important lessons on life and empowerment.

Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, March 3. Ancient Chinese dances are magically recreated by the amazing performers of the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe. Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the colorful costumes and dynamic dance patterns in this cultural exploration of ancient China.

Toby's Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, Maryland 21044. Box office: 410-995-1969 or 301-596-6161or 410-730-8311 or 1800-88-TOBYS or www.ticketmaster.com. Website: www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

The King and I, January 12 - March 25, 2012 Great family musical not to be missed. This highly acclaimed lavish musical remains a popular family classic - possibly the "best of the best" of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical productions. Featured songs include: I Whistle A Happy Tune, Hello, Young Lovers and Shall We Dance?

The Wizard of Oz, March 29 - July 1, 2012 .Friends and families who follow the yellow brick road just might venture “somewhere over the rainbow” and find themselves in a musical dream with Dorothy and friends!

Toby's The Dinner Theatre of Baltimore, 5625 O'Donnell Street, Located in Best Western Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland 21224 Box office: 410-649-1660 or 1-866-99TOBYS or www.ticketmaster.com. Website: www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

Hairspray - the Broadway Musical, March 29 - July 1. It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network - all without denting her 'do!

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Box Office: 310-600-2828 Website: www.weinbergcenter.org

Asian Spring 2012: Asian Spring Concert, Friday, February 17, 7-9pm. The Asian Spring Performing Concert features a diverse and talented group of artists from local area and greater Washington D.C. From Chinese zithers to Indian dancers, from Korean drummers to Burmese singers, from Hawaiian delight to Indonesian rhythm, from flying swords to rock stars, there is a slice of Asia for everyone. Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $10 for age 12 and under and are available online at www.lifeanddiscovery.com and at the Weinberg Center’s box office

Teelin Irish Dance Company presents Stepdance, Saturday, February 25, 2pm. Heart-pounding rhythms. Innovative choreography. Cutting-edge artistry. Following six successful years of Portraits of Ireland, the Teelin Irish Dance Company unveils their newest production, StepDance. This captivating show fuses traditional and contemporary Irish dance and music in a way you’ve never experienced before. Leave your expectations behind and step across the threshold to a place where old customs are ignited with a modern flare. Tickets are $30 for Adults, $15 for Senior Citizens and $12 Children under 16.