Drop in for a Family Day at the America Indian Museum
Happy Weekend!
Go-to posts full of inspo for local fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path DC Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Inside Action
* MD & VA Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Celebrate MLK
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies
MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities that pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the whole weekend. Volunteer opportunities, art adventures, self-guided tours of local sights, and special events are some of the many ways you can celebrate the day. This post has details on all of them.
Recreation on Ice
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Get outside, be active, and have fun ice skating! Enjoy art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; skim over the meandering paths at Canal Park; circle the rink at Washington Harbour; glide over the Potomac at The Wharf, or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Tyson’s Corner, Veteran’s Plaza, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.
Stomp
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm | Saturday 2pm & 7:30pm | Sunday, 2pm
Tickets: $67+ (look for more seats)
See the show hat will ave you all stomping for joy. STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Recommended for ages 4+.
Time by Luxmuralis
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: Evenings through January 24
Admission: $25
This one-of-a-kind sound and light experience invites you to explore humanity’s relationship with the concept of time through breathtaking visuals, evocative soundscapes, and thought-provoking storytelling. Traverse wormholes, stand at the dawn of the universe, and witness the birth of our planet — all inside one of DC’s most iconic landmarks.
Travel & Adventure Show
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $16/adults, free for kids
Get travel inspiration, experience culture, and have fun! A big expo like this might sound like a grown-up affair, but a bunch of cool pursuits will thrill the kids, too. Besides the hundreds of travel providers and destinations featured, there will be cultural performances, photo ops, giveaways, and more. Plus, Rick Steves and Samantha Brown will be among the guest speakers and appearances.
Drawing Stories: Family Art Day
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Fee
Head to the museum for family-friendly hands-on actvities, storytime, and tours of the exhibit Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains (which has pieces that all ages will find cool, like model teepees and drawings of animals). Most of the activities take places on the 3rd floor landing right by the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, so plan or some time there, too!
Tiny Tots: Nest
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday 10am & 11:30am | Sunday, 10am
Tickets: $8
See an interactive puppet show about the life cycle of a bird. In a nest in a tree, an egg is kept warm. Then a baby bird hatches! The baby is fed and nurtured by… the forest fairies, and both the baby and the fairies begin to explore what it means to grow up, and to learn how to fly, and what it means to be parents. They feel sunshine and rain, smell flowers, taste berries, and see butterflies. One day, the baby learns to spread its wings and fly. Take the journey with a baby bird!
High School Musical Jr.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday 11am & 3pm | Sunday, 3pm
Tickets: $13-16
Encore Stage & Studio presents their signature “by kids for kids theatre” of this screen to stage show… Are you ready to “Get’cha Head in the Game”? Encore’s talented youth performers are bringing Disney’s High School Musical JR to the stage! Cheer for Troy, Gabriella, and the whole East High crew as they sing, dance, and learn that being yourself is the real star power. Gather your friends and family, grab your Wildcats spirit gear, and get ready for a performance packed with energy, fun, and big feels.
The Pigeon Comes to Washington, DC!
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Opens Saturday (through May 10), 9am – 5pm
Admission: $18.95
Inspired by Mo Willems’ beloved books, this exhibit opening Saturday will elicit lots of laughs with fun installations, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences. It’s recommended for learners ages 2-10 and their families. This weekend, enjoy extended hours at the museum, 9am – 5pm (usually, 9:30am – 4:30pm Wednesday – Monday).
Little Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
Drop in with kids ages 0-5 to for creative play at the Zoo as they celebrate waterfowl, birds that live in and near water. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must remain with their children.
Open Studio: Love Queen
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2:30-4pm
Admission: Free
At the session of the Hirshhorn’s free drop-in series, draw inspiration from artist Adam Pendleton’s exhibition Love, Queen. Using materials like spray paint, historic photos, and stencils, create your own story-filled collages. Al ages welcome.
Hill Family Biking: Ride to Ice Skating
Where: Capitol Hill to Navy Yard, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free to ride, $13/skating
Join a 3.5-mile bike ride from Mauy Elementary on Capitol Hill down to Canal Park for ice skating. Before joining the 12pm skate session, enjoy free hot chocolate and treats from Le Dinette DC. There’s a non-profit group rate of $13/skater for skating and skate rental. No advanced purchase required.
Wheaton Family Theatre: Dancing Out Way Though Books
Where: Highland Elementary | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Join InterAct Story Theatr to explore a kid-friendly story through creative movement and dance. Kids get to practice reading skills while moving, dancing, and sharing stories with our families and friends. No prior dance training needed…just bring your body and get ready to move. What a fun way to dance away the winter blues!
Teen Studio: Playful Sculptures
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2:30-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Hirshhorn’s free art-making program for teens ages 13–19. Push your artistic boundaries using materials and techniques inspired by artists whose work is on view at the museum. At this session, check out Moonmad by Max Ernst and explore how he created sculptures to experiment and play when he was not painting. Then, create a playful sculpture using everyday materials.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks throughout Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Go on a winter bird walk. Join a family dance and skate night. Do some stargazing and hang out around a campfire. And more! Details and registration for these and other activities this weekend (and beyond) are available here.
Dinosaur Park Open House
Where: Dinosaur Park | Laurel, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the park to learn more about fossils, including the dinosaurs who used to call Maryland home. Expect an orientation and then the opportunity to search the surface of the ground for fossils. No prior registration required. Be sure to view rules and requirements on the website.
Model Trains Open House
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Take a trip down to Vienna and visit us at the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains including Thomas and some of his friends, on display and in operation. Somewhere on the layout is a railroad car used as a snow plow to clear snow off the tracks. Can you spot it? In the museum, they also have pictures of old trains that used to run by the train station when the tracks were there and the W&OD railroad was still operating.
Caps vs Panthers
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (look for discounts)
Watch some hockey action as the Capitals host the Panthers on SAturday. Make a longer outing of it and visit one of the nearby museums before — the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum are right across the street from the arena. Or plan to grab a bite to eat in the Penn Quarter neighborhood before (or after) the game — this post about kid-friendly eats in DC has suggestions for places to go.
All Downhill…
Where: Around the region
When: Through winter
Admission: Varies
Between the long weekend and snow in the forecast, it’s a good time to get in some skiing! There are a bunch of resorts within a few hours’ drive that are great for young, newbie skiers (and experienced swooshers, too). SkiPA is a good resource for finding slopes to suit your crew. The closest resorts to check out: Liberty, Whitetail, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Bryce, Snowshoe, Roundtop, and Wisp.
Inside Action
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
If you prefer to be indoors, but still want to enjoy some active fun and games, there are plenty places for that around DC. From pickleball and roller skating to tennis and ping pong to escape rooms and scavenger hunts to an indoor waterpark, you’ve got options galore!
(W)Hoop it Up!
Where: Colleges around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Catch some college hoops action! With so many universities in the area, there’s always exciting play on local courts. Here where you can watch it this weekend:
* Georgetown men vs. UConn on Saturday at 12pm
* American women vs. Army on Saturday at 1pm
* Maryland men vs Penn State on Sunday at 12pm (Go, Terps!)
* Howard men vs. Morehouse on Monday at 4pm (MLK Day)
* George Mason men vs. GWU on Monday at 5pm
School’s Out: Geodesic Igloo Workshop
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Monday, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: $20/child, $10/adult
Get inspired by the Museum’s newest installation and learn about the fascinating design behind geodesic domes! The program begins with a tour of the installation, followed by a hands-on activity where kids will create their own mini geodesic dome igloo. They’ll also learn about the origins and cultural significance of igloos as innovative structures. Geared towards ages 6-10, but all are welcome. Cost includes admission to al of the Museum’s exhibitions, too.
School’s Out! with Rocknoceros
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: Monday, 11am (Doors open 10:30am)
Admission: $15
If the kids are bouncing off the walls by Monday, take them to rock out at Jammin Jawa. The kindie rock fave in the DC area will be playing a rousing set of classic singalongs and catchy original songs that will delight music fans of all ages.
Wizards vs Clippers
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Monday, 3pm
Admission: Tickets start at $21 (check for deal)
Enjoy the day off from school and work at a Wizards game as they play the Clippers. Make a day of it in Penn Quarter and visit the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum or nearby National Building Museum. You can also plan for a pe- or post-game meal — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood.
Winter Inspo
Where: Around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
If you like getting outside no matter what the weather, this post (written during the height of Covid) is full of recs for activities that take place in the fresh air. From hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to all-season fun, there are plenty fo ways to have fun outdoor. Just be sure to bundle up!
Day Trippin’
Where: Around the DC area (and a bit beyond)
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
The long weekend is a great time to head a little further out and enjoy a day trip. Some ideas for where to go:
* Zip up to Baltimore, where there are so many great attractions for families.
* See the spectacular underground world of Luray Caverns.
* Enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry.
* Go to Calvert County for art adventures at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, fossil hunting at Calvert Cliffs State Park, or maritime explorations at the Calvert Marine Museum.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Starting to think about summer camp? Panda Programmer offers coding for kids along with lots more fun!
* Can’t wait for this exhibit coming to the American Art Museum next month
* Currently reading this novel, and so far it’s as good as everyone says.
* 25 ways travel has changed this century.
* Lots of cute graphic T’s… this one will be perfect for Valentine’s Day
* Boden has tons of adorable kids clothes on sale… some still kind of pricey, but also some good deals like this jacket, this dress, this top, this sweater, and so many PJ’s (and much more!).
