Things to do for Winter Break with kids in Washington DC
We’re coming up on winter break with kids in the DC area and I’ve been trying to figure out how to keep busy with our little one. I’ve come up with a list of some fun things to do for winter break with kids in Washington DC and the surrounding area.
I share some of the fun holiday events in the DMV that will still be going on till the first week of January, including some fun New Years Eve ideas to do with the kids this year.
Getting outdoors during the winter is so important to get kids out and about and stay active, so I also share some fun first day hike ideas, including some other kid friendly trails in the area.
*Be aware that with the ongoing pandemic, some events may be cancelled. Make sure to visit their websites to keep up to date on cancellations!
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Winter Break activities with kids in Washington DC
Visit a museum
One of the best things to do for Winter Break with kids in Washington DC is to spend some time exploring one of the many Museums in the area.
Washington DC is home to the world class Smithsonian museums, and the best part is they’re 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: Guide to Washington DC with kids
Take them to a playground (indoor or outdoor)
One of the best things to do with kids during winter break is to explore a new indoor or outdoor play area.
The good thing about living in the Washington DC area are the abundance of playgrounds and indoor play areas. Here are some of our faves:
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 required on weekend 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 located in the Manassas Mall with giant slides and play structures, a cafe, and party rooms. Socks 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 best things to do for winter break with kids in Washington DC is a day at the pool! There are so many indoor pools in the area. Here is a list of just a few
- 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 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
Another one of the best things to do for Winter Break with kids in Washington DC is Ice Skating. There are so many outdoor locations in the area, here are a few of our faves:
- 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.
Fun New Years Eve celebrations with kids
- (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
Go on a first day hike with the kids at one of the many state parks in the DC area. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors.
On New Year’s Day, there will be numerous FREE guided hikes at some of our State Parks. You can also do your own hike as a family and enjoy some of our beautiful 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 with kids is the perfect time to enjoy all the holiday festivities in the DC area. There are so many fun events including all the beautiful Christmas trees in the area.
Some of our favorite holiday events so far are the outdoor train displays at the US Botanic Gardens, a visit to the National Christmas tree at the White House Ellipse which is just so beautiful this year, and all the holiday things to do at the DC Wharf, like roasting smores and ice skating.
The Gaylord National Resort also hosts some fun Christmas events which includes the ICE event featuring “A Christmas Story” walk-through ice sculptures, snow tubing, free holiday shows, and more!
Don’t miss a visit to the National Harbor which also hosts a few Christmas events as well, including the nightly Christmas tree light show with fireworks at 5:30 on Saturdays, Santa at the Capital Wheel, and more!
There are also lots of fun theme park holiday events near DC as well. One of our favorite holiday events is Busch Gardens Christmas Town, with millions of holiday lights, fun Christmas Shows, and more. Read our Guide to visiting Williamsburg VA here 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
Play tourist and explore Washington DC on a staycation! One of our favorite places for a staycation is the DC Wharf!
We love the location, which is close to most of Washington DC’s main attractions, plus there are lots of restaurants and fun things to do for the kids.
Our favorite hotel is the Hyatt House which has spacious rooms, a kitchen and free breakfast!
The Spy Museum along with a few other museums along the National Mall are just a short walk away.
You can also roast s’mores on 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
Another fun winter break activity with kids is a family road trip. There are so many fun day trip ideas from Washington DC.
Some of our favorite day trips are a visit to Williamsburg VA, exploring the Historic Triangle including a day at Colonial Williamsburg learning about our early settlers.
Yorktown VA is a charming little town as well that’s so worth visiting, including the American Revolutionary Museum.
Drive a few more hours up North and spend the day in Philadelphia exploring some historic sites like Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell.
There are also so many fun day trip ideas from Philly as well, like a visit to Legoland Discovery Center which the kids will love, as well as the Turkey Hill experience learning to make your own ice cream flavor!
A road trip to New York City, especially during the holidays is such a bucket list experience. There’s nothing like experiencing NYC at Christmas time with all the fun holiday events and decor.
You can also live out your Home Alone bucket list experience by visiting some of the filming locations in the movie, like the Plaza Hotel and a stroll around 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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