Things to do for Winter Break with kids in Washington DC
As winter break approaches for kids in the DC area, I’ve been brainstorming ways to keep our little one entertained.
I’ve compiled a list of fun things to do for winter break with kids in Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas.
This list includes exciting holiday events happening in the DMV that will continue through the first week of January, along with some enjoyable New Year’s Eve ideas for families with kids this year.
READ NEXT: GUIDE TO WASHINGTON DC WITH KIDS
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Winter Break activities with kids in Washington DC
Visit a museum
One of the best activities for Winter Break with kids in Washington, D.C., is to explore the many museums in the area.
Washington, D.C., is home to world-class Smithsonian museums, and the best part is that they are all free!
Here are some of our faves:
- Natural History Museum: Explore the Dino Hall, Mummies and more. (Q?rius and the Q?rius jr. Area temporarily closed) Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25
- Museum of the American Indian: Open daily 10 AM–5:30 PM
- Air and Space Museum: Open daily from 10am to 5:30pm.
- The National Zoo: Spend the day at the zoo with the kids which is always a hit! Tickets must be reserved online here, and parking costs $30/vehicle.
Other museums for kids
- Visit the Children’s Museum: Open every day except Tuesdays 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Purchase tickets online here
- International Spy Museum: Open Mon-Wed 8:30am-8pm/ Thurs 9pm-6pm/ Fri. 9am-7pm / Sat 9am-3pm/ Sun closed. Purchase tickets online here
READ MORE: ONE DAY IN WASHINGTON DC
Take them to a playground (indoor or outdoor)
One of the best activities to enjoy with kids during winter break is exploring a new indoor or outdoor play area.
One advantage of living in the Washington, D.C. area is the abundance of playgrounds and indoor play spaces. So, bundle the kids up and head outside!
Outdoor playgrounds:
- Clemyjontri Playground: ADA-accessible playground for kids with all abilities, including a carousel, picnic areas, and restrooms.
- Chessies Big Backyard: Fun accessible playground for kids with a carousel, splash pad, and nature trail.
- Watkins Regional Park Playground: Wizard of Oz-themed playground, carousel, miniature train, and mini-golf.
- Anacostia Park Pirate Ship Playground: Pirate ship-themed playground with outdoor fitness stations for adults.
- Cabin John Regional Playground: Fun playground for kids, picnic tables, mini train.
- Sophie and Madigan’s Playground: Fantasy-themed playground for kids, featuring a castle play structure, and swings.
Indoor Play Areas:
Scramble
Fun indoor play area for kids in Alexandria and Falls Church. No reservations for weekday visits, reservations are required on weekends and holidays. Socks are required for both kids and adults. Visit the website here.
- Hours:Monday-Thursday 9:30am-5:00pm / Friday & Saturday 9:30am-8:00pm / Sunday 9:30am-6:00pm
- Ticket prices:
- Alexandria location Infants (5-11 months)-$10
- Toddlers (1-3 years old)-$12
- Children (4-10 years old)-$14
- Adults-$2
- Location: Alexandria-5412 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304
- Falls Church location: Infants (5-11 months)-$14 weekday/$18 weekend & Federal Holiday
- Toddlers (1-3 years old)-$14 weekday/$18 weekend & Federal Holiday
- Children (4-12 years old)-$18 weekday/$24 weekend & Federal Holiday
- Adults-$2
- Location: Falls Church-130 E Fairfax St, Falls Church, VA 22046
Billy Beez
Fun indoor play area for kids in the Manassas Mall with giant slides and play structures, a cafe, and party rooms. Socks are required for kids and adults. Billy Beez socks are available for purchase for $2.99 at the admission desk. Visit the website here
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm
- Friday 11am-8pm
- Saturday 10:30am-8pm
- Sunday 10:30am-7pm
- Ticket prices: Kids 1-17 $17.95
- Adults (first adult free, $6.95 second adult)
- Infants 0-11 months FREE
- Location: Manassas Mall 8300 Sudley Rd Suite 107, Manassas, VA 20109
More Indoor Play Areas:
- Super, Awesome and amazing at the St. James
- Children’s Science Center
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- Junior Play Land
Visit an indoor pool
One of the most enjoyable activities for families seeking fun during winter break in Washington DC is spending a day at an indoor pool!
With winter’s chill outside, indoor pools offer a perfect opportunity for kids to splash around and play while staying warm. The area boasts a variety of excellent indoor swimming facilities.
To help you out, here’s a list of just a few popular indoor pools in the Washington DC area to consider for a great family outing this winter break.
- Lee Recreation Center Indoor pool: Dec. 20-24 & 26-31 (closes at noon on Christmas Eve) Hours Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm/ Sat & Sun 9am-6pm. Admission $10 adults 19 and older/ $6.50 kids 5-18/ Free kids 4 and under/ $25 family rate for up to 5 related individuals. Located at 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310
- Indoor Waterpark at the St. James: Fun indoor waterpark with multiple slides, sprayers and dump buckets. Open Saturday-Sunday | 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed Mon-Fri) Admission $15 for non-members. Located at 6805 Industrial Rd. Springfield, VA 22151
- Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center: Leisure indoor pool open for Family Play time Tues-Fri 12:30-3:30pm/ Sat 1-4:30pm/ Sun 4-6pm. Closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31, Jan.1) Daily Admission: Adults tickets $11.25 ($9 Arlington residents) $6.25 kids 5-17 ($6.25 Arlington residents) $32.50 Family Pass ($25 Arlington residents) Located at 333 Long Bridge Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.
Go Ice skating
One of the most delightful activities to enjoy during Winter Break with kids in Washington, DC, is ice skating.
The city transforms into a winter wonderland, boasting numerous outdoor rinks that offer a magical experience.
Here are a few of our favorite spots where you can glide on the ice while soaking in the festive atmosphere:
- Ice skating at the DC Wharf: Nov. 23, 2021-Feb. 2023 Mon & Tues:Closed/ Wed-Fri: 4pm-10pm/ Sat: 12pm-10pm/ Sun:12pm-8pm
- Ticket prices: Adult: $12/ Youth (12 & Under): $9/ Skate Rental: $6 Tickets on sale onsite
- National Gallery of Art
- When: Nov.26,2022-March 5, 2023 (Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm-Fri-Sat 11am-11pm)
- Ticket prices: Two 45 minute sessions: $12/adults and kids 13 and over
- $9/kids 12 and under, ages 60 and up, military servicemembers, students with valid ID.
- Skate Rentals $5 (lockers first come-first served) Tickets on sale onsite.
- Georgetown Waterfront
- When: Nov. 11, 2022-Mar. 12, 2023/ Sun-Thurs 11:30am-9:00pm/ Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-11pm
- Ticket prices: $10 Adults – $9 Children (12 & under)/Senior/Military
- Skate Rental: $7.00
- Penguin Rental: $10.00 Reserve tickets online here.
- Gaylord National Ice Rink
- When: Nov. 20-Dec.30, 2022
- Ticket prices: $16.99 for unlimited same day skating, which must be purchased online here.
- Silver Spring Ice Skating
- When: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm/ Fri 12-11pm/ Sat 10am-11pm/ Sun 10am-10pm
- Ticket prices: $11 Adult/ $10 child/ $5 skate rentals. must be purchased online here
- Rockville Town Square Ice skating
- When: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm/ Fri 12-11pm/ Sat 10am-11pm/ Sun 10am-10pm
- Ticket prices: Adult $11/ Child $10/ Senior $10/ Skate Rental $5. Tickets must be purchased online here.
READ MORE: OUTDOOR HOLIDAY ICE SKATING IN DC AREA
Fun New Year’s Eve celebrations with kids
Celebrating New Year’s Eve with kids in the Washington, D.C. area offers a variety of family-friendly activities.
There are quite a few events that feature festive fireworks, music performances, and kid-friendly countdowns for the whole family.
It’s the perfect way to ring in the New Year together as a family!
- (SOLD OUT) Kids Celebrate at the GW Masonic Memorial: Explore music, culture, and fun, with live performances from Culture Queen, Mike Rose Magic, Groovy Nate, and more.
- When: Two Shows on December 31– 12-5pm
- Ticket Prices: FREE EVENT
- Location: GW Masonic Temple, 101 Callahan Drive
- 27th Annual First Night Alexandria: Ring in the New Year in Old Town Alexandria with a fireworks show, live performances throughout the day, fun events for the whole family, and more!
- When: December 31 from 12pm-12am
- Ticket prices: Free for Market Square kickoff, Battle of the Buskers, Block Party, and fireworks finale. Ticket prices vary for individual shows (Guests are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated or get a negative test within 72 hours for all indoor shows) Masks will be required for all attendees.
- Location: Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA
- Family New Year’s Party at Metrobar: Washington Jump aboard the midnight train to 2023 at metrobar’s New Year’s Party! From 4pm-7:30pm, a family-friendly celebration with kids’ activities and games. At 7pm, the ball drops and you can ring in the New Year with a toast (bubbly for the adults, cider for the kids)
- When: December 31 from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
- Ticket prices: FREE EVENT, Must register online here.
- Location: Metrobar DC, 640 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast, Washington DC
- Noon Yards Eve at Yards Park: Ring in the New Year with lots of FREE family-friendly activities, which include train rides, an inflatable slide, glitter tattoo artists, carnival games, crafts, a magician, and more! This fun event will also have a countdown at noon to ring in the New Year!
- When: December 31 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ticket Prices: FREE EVENT Register online here
- Location: The Yards Park 355 Water Street Southeast Washington, DC 20003 Noon Years Eve Glow Party
- Happy Noon Year’s Eve at Meadowside Nature Center: Join Meadowside Nature Center for fun activities every 15 min until the clock strikes noon or two. Bring your favorite juice drink to toast to the New Year and they will provide the activities and a small snack.
- When: December 31 from 1pm-2:15pm
- Tickets: $7.00 Register online here
- Where: 5100 Meadowside Ln. Rockwood MD
- Noon Years Eve at Get Air Trampoline Park Alexandria, VA
- Skate N’ Fun Zone Noon Years Eve Skate Manassas, VA
- Noon Years Eve Skate Party Skate Zone Crofton, MD
First day hike Jan. 1-3
Start the New Year by hiking with your kids at one of the many state parks in the DC area.
First Day Hikes is part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to embrace the outdoors.
On New Year’s Day, there will be numerous free guided hikes available at various state parks.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a family hike on your own and explore the beauty of our state parks.
Here is a list of a few in our area:
- First-Day Hikes at Sky Meadows
- When: January 1st from 5:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- You can enjoy your own hike or join a ranger at 10:00 am at the Backcountry Trailhead for a guided hike along Boston Mill Road and Snowden Trails. The approximate length of each hike is 2 miles
- Location: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144. Backcountry Trailhead
- Mason Neck State Park Various Locations throughout the Park
- When: January 1st from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Ranger-led hikes for children and adults. The adult hike leads to the marshes where Tundra Swans have arrived from their long journey. The hike is approximately 2 miles. The children’s hike takes place on Bay View Trail and is a 1-mile loop.
- Location: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
- Leesylvania State Park
- When: January 1st from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- There are a few hikes to choose from. Hike through history through Lee’s Woods Trail which will be held at two times, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m., and a children’s discovery hike at 11:00 am through the Potomac Trail.
- Choose the time that works best for you and your family! Meet guides at the visitor center where you will start with a quick tour of the history museum. Then walk down the Potomac Trail, to Freestone Point, through the Lee’s Woods Trail, and back to the visitor center. About 2 miles
- Location: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191
Other hiking trail ideas:
- Lake Accotink
- Burke Lake Park Loop Trail (4.68 miles on gravel/concrete)
- Huntley Meadows’s Boardwalk Trail (about 2 miles)
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- C&O Canal Towpath
- Great Falls Park
READ MORE: Kid-Friendly Hikes and Trails in the DC area
Explore all the Holiday Events
Winter break is a great time to enjoy holiday events in the DC area with kids. There are many fun activities, including the beautiful Christmas trees around the city.
Some of our favorite events this year include the outdoor train displays at the US Botanic Gardens, visiting the National Christmas Tree at the White House Ellipse, which is stunning, and the holiday activities at the DC Wharf, where you can roast s’mores and ice skate.
The Gaylord National Resort also offers exciting Christmas events. You can enjoy the ICE event featuring walk-through ice sculptures from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” go snow tubing and watch free holiday shows.
Don’t forget to visit Christmas at the National Harbor, which has its holiday events. You can see the nightly Christmas tree light show with fireworks at 5:30 on Saturdays and visit Santa at the Capital Wheel.
There are also fun holiday events at theme parks near DC. One standout is Busch Gardens Christmas Town, which has millions of lights, fun holiday shows, and more. Check out our Guide to visiting Williamsburg, VA, for more holiday ideas.
READ MORE HERE:
Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor
Best Christmas Events in the Washington DC area
Christmas in Old Town Alexandria
Book a Staycation
Explore Washington DC on a staycation! The DC Wharf is a great place to enjoy local attractions. It is close to many of Washington DC’s main sights, and there are plenty of restaurants and activities for kids.
We recommend staying at the Hyatt House, which offers spacious rooms, a kitchen, and free breakfast. The Spy Museum and other museums on the National Mall are just a short walk away.
You can also roast s’mores at the Camp Wharf fire pit, enjoy the swings on the pier, and go ice skating at the Wharf Ice Rink.
Other Hotels at the Wharf:
READ MORE: How to spend the day at the DC Wharf
Go on a family road trip
A family road trip is a fun winter break activity with kids. There are many great day trip ideas from Washington DC.
One favorite trip is to Williamsburg, VA. You can explore the Historic Triangle and spend a day at Colonial Williamsburg, learning about early settlers. Yorktown, VA,is another charming town worth visiting. Don’t miss the American Revolutionary Museum there.
If you drive a little further north, you can spend the day in Philadelphia. Explore historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Philadelphia also has fun day trip options, such as Legoland Discovery Center, which kids will love. You can also visit the Turkey Hill Experience to learn how to flavor your ice cream.
A road trip to New York City during the holidays is a must-do. Experiencing NYC at Christmas with all the holiday events and decorations is special. You can also visit some filming locations from the movie Home Alone, like the Plaza Hotel and Central Park.
MORE ROAD TRIP IDEAS:
How to spend the day at Niagara Falls with kids
A weekend visit to Annapolis Maryland
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