Spring is just around the corner, and here in DC, that means the beautiful cherry trees that have come to symbolize our nation’s capital are about to be in full bloom! There’s no better time to wander around the Tidal Basin and experience the blossoms’ stunning glory at its peak.
In this third guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout the Tidal Basin. This highly visited area is mostly known for its majestic memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and FDR Memorial. Each year, it also famously hosts the world-renowned Cherry Blossom Festival, a springtime staple and cherished celebration of beauty and nature. Along your scavenger hunt adventure, explore the Tidal Basin’s most cherished sites while surrounded by the abundant bursts of pink and white blossoms.
JoAnn Hill is the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning 17 distinct neighborhoods throughout the District. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC ― even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it ― get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most treasured gems.
Below are four of 15 clues featured in the Tidal Basin chapter of DC Scavenger. (Note that the photos show the general location, not the answer to the clue!) Check out JoAnn’s book to solve and discover even more clues and sites around the Tidal Basin and throughout the entire city!
Tidal Basin Clue #1
First memorial here’s for Tommy J
Three’s the magic number, please don’t stray
In his left hand, this declared us free,
Nineteen feet tall, the third prez stands strongly.
Tidal Basin Clue #2
Follow the path to this Japanese gift
Assembling it was a heavy lift.
It came in five crates, no clues to its shape
Near FDR, a fixture of this landscape.
Tidal Basin Clue #3
The First Lady next to this UN seal
Her husband laid down the promised New Deal
Including a First Lady is quite unique
She was smart and bold, opposite of meek.
Tidal Basin Clue #4
Stroll over to this memorial king,
There are four to solve, so do your thing!
Greatest civil rights leader of the land
Look for this scroll for the clue at hand.
* * *
JoAnnHill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching yoga, barre, and group fitness classes, indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes, and spending as much time outside as possible being active. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson.
See a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt (and the cherry blossoms!) this month
March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, enjoy live entertainment, attend a festival… all of it showcasing women and their accomplishments. Here’s where you can do that over the next month — and beyond!
Women’s History in American History
Where: National American History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The American History Museum houses several exhibits that focus on women, from a section on women inventors to displays about women’s suffrage to the First Ladies dresses and much more. See all the ways to explore women’s history through the museum here.
Statue-esque Women Where: Around DC When: Ongoing Admission: Free
Yes, there are some statues honoring women amid the many memorials and monuments dedicated to men — even one on the National Mall! Make it a mission to visit them over the month and see how many you can get to. You can find a map of them here on Curbed.
Creativity is Magic: Maya Lin Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 11, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Join this all-ages festival to celebrate Women’s History Month and the life and work of Maya Lin. Known best as the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the architect, sculptor, and environmentalist creates work that meets at the intersection of art and environmentalism. At the festival, you can tour the museum’s One Life: Maya Lin exhibition, participate in Lin’s multi-site memorial “What is Missing?”, take part in workshops, and create art inspired by her designs. (PS: Women are showcased in many other ways throughout the Portrait Gallery… see a painting of the female Supreme Court justices, photographs of great female athletes, portraits of pop stars, and so many more notable women.) Read more about the museum here and here.
Women of the Freer
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Daily through March, 12-1pm
Admission: Free
To celebrate Women’s History Month, everyday through March, the National Museum of Asian Art is offering docent-led tours of art by the women in their collection — ancient and modern, human and divine. The tours will introduce you to influential women and their little-known stories. No reservation needed.
Sisterhood of Spies
Where: International Spy Museum | L’Enfant, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission:
The Spy Museum highlights women of espionage through many exhibits in the museum. You can learn about the Mata Hari, find how Harriet Tubman and Julia Childs gathered intel, discover how Josephine Baker used her star status to spy, and more! Go here for more details about where you can find them. And read more about the Spy Museum in this KFDC post.
Put It This Way
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Explore art by women in this exhibition that brings together nearly a century of works by 49 female and nonbinary artists. Put It This Way: (Re)Visions of the Hirshhorn Collection displays a variety of works in many mediums, some that are part of the museum’s collection and some that have have never been on view at the Hirshhorn. If you go, plan to see other fantastic exhibits by notable women artists like Yayoi Kusama’s One with Eternity (note that you need free passes) and Laurie Anderson’s Chalkroom, still there from The Weather exhibit there in 2021-22.
One of my favorite Georgia O’Keefe paintings a the NGA
More Works by Women
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art is full of remarkable works by women artists, from Georgia O’Keefe to Alma Thomas to Mary Cassat to Faith Ringgold — and so many more. Wander around them museum to explore them or take a tour (while not solely about women, they will cover some of them). And see below for special programs coming up to celebrate Women’s History Month at the NGA.
Legacies on Call Boxes
Where: Around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Find old fire call boxes and see where several notable women are commemorated. The Wander Women Project, a travel blog that celebrates women’s creations and follows female legacy, landmarks, and heritage trails, has a map to follow, plus more info about all of the women on their website. It’s a fun way to explore downtown and learn about some pioneering women!
Music HerStory Zine Workshops
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: March 4, 10:30am & 2pm
Admission: Free
Get creative and celebrate at a Zone Workshop focusing on women’s music. Zines are vibrant celebrations of self-expression using simple materials. In the early 1990s, they were propelled by the riot grrrl movement, connecting like-minded readers and musicians. Today, zines continue to promote community-building and creativity, especially among young women. These Zine Workshops will be led by comic artist Evan Keeling and last 2-3 hours. All supplies will be provided, just bring yourself and some creativity! The early workshop is suggested for kids and families, the later one for tens and adults. Reserve a spot for each member of your party. And sign up soon, as spaces are limited!
Musical Explorations
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Select dates in March
Admission: Free
Join the museum during Women’s History Month for a series of concerts by five exceptional women in an exploration of music, scholarship, and mastery. Hear works by female composers from the 17th century to the present performed on harp, violin, guitar, and piano by some of today’s most talented and innovative musicians. One is highlighted below, and you can see the rest of the schedule here.
The Future is Female Piano Concert
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: March 8, 12-2pm & 2:45-4:45pm
Admission: Free
On International Women’s Day, pop in at the National Gallery of Art to enjoy music by pianist Sarah Cahill, described as “a sterling pianist and an intrepid illuminator of the classical avant-garde” by The New York Times. The Future is Female features more than seventy compositions by women around the globe, from the Baroque to the present day. Cahill will perform music from the project spanning from the 1600s to 2022 by composers including Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de La Guerre, Regina Harris Baiocchi, Margaret Bonds, Teresa Carreño, Fanny Mendelssohn, Hélène de Montgeroult, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, Clara Schumann, Arlene Sierra, Mary D Watkins, Theresa Wong, and many more.
(S)heroes
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: March 9, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
National Gallery Nights, after hours events at the museum, are returning with a salute to women. During this one, you can dance to tunes by iconic women musicians, experience experimental pop-up performances, explore works by women artists, get a preview of the future Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, and make art inspired by Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South. A variety of beverages, special-edition gelato flavors, and snacks will also be available for purchase. And extra points for dressing as your favorite shero! (This one sounds like more of an adult event, but teens could probably attend, too.)
BGR!Fest
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 9-12
Admission: Vary by activity
This multi-day, live, immersive experience celebrates and recognizes the exceptional cultural contributions of Black women artists, thought leaders, and creatives. The festival’s headlining feature is the Black Girls Rock Concert boasting a lineup of Black women artists Alice Smith, Estelle, and Jade Novah. There will also be a more live performances, a late-night music and DJ series, and a film screening. Find more details along with the full schedule of events on the website.
Jagged Little Pill
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: March 14-26
Tickets: $55-105 (look for discount)
See a show based on the music of a fierce female musician (not to mention a book by a woman writer and producer, Diablo Cody)! Alanis Morisette’s songs are the score to this Broadway musical that encompasses joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE. It’s recommended for ages 14+ — be sure to read plot details if you’re bringing kids.
Female Inventors
Where: Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library | Congress Heights, DC
When: March 15, 4-5pm
Admission: Free
Take kids to the library to learn the stories of women who changed our way of life through their inventions. We’ve all heard of Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, but very few female inventors are household names.
Sunday Cinema: A Month for Women
Where: Juanita E. Thornton Library | Sherpherd Park, DC
When: March 19, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Head to the library for a showing “Moana.” The theme of the movie is an important one for kids and adults alike — it’s never too late to find your true self and follow your heart. Moana sets out on an epic journey to find Maui, a legendary demigod, who can help her save her people. Along the way, she discovers her true identity and learns to follow her heart.
We Who Believe: Black Feminist DC
Where: MLK Memorial Library | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Opens March 30 through September 2024
Admission: Free
The National Women’s History Museum has existed online for years, but at the end of March, its first-ever physical exhibit will be launched at the MLK Memorial Library. We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC traces Black feminism in Washington, DC from the turn of the 20th century through the civil rights and Black Power movements to today. The exhibit examines the voices and stories of more than a dozen trailblazing women, from the early Black feminism of the “Jane Crow” era to the future of Black feminism. Learn more about the Women’s History Museum here and see more about the MLK Library here.
Girl Bosses
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free (but plan to spend — and support!)
A fun activity this month: Shopping! (And some eating, too!) This is a great time to make a point to patronize women-owned businesses around DC, and there are many awesome, beloved places to do that. This Washingtonian article from last year highlights a bunch. I’d also add Labyrinth Games and Puzzles, Steadfast Supply (an amazing selection of giftable goods), the best family photographer in the area, and an incredible interior designer if you’re in need of a home spruce up.
Do you know of any activities or events that celebrate women that you don’t see listed here? Feel free to share in the comments!
If you’re going to be in town over the Winter Break from school, you’ll likely be looking for activities to keep the whole gang happy (and that includes us parents)! Hence, I’m bringing back this guide once again, but with updated info and some new inspiration that reflects what’s going on now.
Many of these ideas are already on the blog, but sometimes a little guidance for what’s best at certain times helps. Among the recommendations are holiday activities to get into the spirit, exhibits and shows that are hot tickets right now, outings that take advantage of the season, adventures to keep your gang active no matter what the weather, special weekday programs happening during this time, and places and experiences that kids who are in school all day can’t get to easily.
Of course, the rest of the blog is packed with suggestions if you want even more options. So, whether you’re enjoying a staycation or visiting from out of town, you should have no problem keeping the kids (and yourself!) entertained during the time off — or on, depending how you look at it. 😉 Happy Winter Break!
The Season’s Greenings train display at the US Botanic Garden
Season’s Greenings
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Through January 2
Admission: Free
Season’s Greenings is a local must-do during the holiday season. The exhibit in the Botanic Garden’s conservatory features Washington landmarks constructed from plant materials and one of the city’s largest Christmas trees. But the highlight is the model train railway, which never fails to impress and enchant with intricate, imaginative designs. This year see a display of agricultural scenes from across the United States and around the world. Even better (imo), it’s back outdoors in the National Garden! For even more holiday magic at the garden, see it all twinkle as the USBG stays open until 8pm on Tuesday evenings. Get a glimpse of a past exhibit in this post with scenes from the exhibit. For more on the seasonal favorite, see this post and this one about some of our Season’s Greenings experiences.
Chanukah, Oh Chanukah
Where: Around the DMV
When: Several Dates
Admission: Varies by activity
Chanukah begins during Winter Break this year, and all of its eight days occur within it, too. There are several activities going on to celebrate the Festival of Lights, many of them menorah lightings — including the National Menorah Lighting on the first night — as well as family programs. View details on all of them in the Holiday Guide here.
Search for Santa’s Critters
Where: Potomac Overlook PArk | Arlington, VA
When: December 17-21, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $5/child
Santa’s animal friends are lost in the park and need rescuing! Go on a scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats for the holidays! Appropriate for families and children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate, Museum, & Gardens
When: Daily through December
Admission: $28/adult, $15/age 6-11, free/5 & under
Christmas past meets Christmas present at George Washington’s estate, and they celebrate the holidays with a variety of delights. During the day, tour the Mansion, watch historic chocolate-making demonstrations, and meet Aladdin the Camel. Mount Vernon is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Years. So bring the entire family to the home of George and Martha Washington this holiday season.
Holiday Festival of Trains
Where: B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Through December 31
Admission: $25/adult, $20/senior, $16/age 2-12, free/B&O members
At a venue dedicated to locomotives, you know the holiday model train exhibit is going to be special. The whole Museum has been transformed into a wonderland of festive fun including Reindeer Railway train rides, photos ops with Santa and winter friends, Santa’s Village, live entertainment, and more! And just opened is a new Model Train Gallery featuring a specially crafted HO Scale model layout of Baltimore in 1997.
Christmas at Gaylord National
Where: Gaylord National Resort | National Harbor, MD
When: Through December 31
Admission: Free, though some activities cost extra
The Gaylord National Hotel at National Harbor goes all out during the holidays. ICE! is often the big attraction, but there has always been plenty to do there to warrant a visit without the frozen entertainment. The atrium of the resort is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a spectacular glass Christmas tree, nightly tree lightings, activities especially for little ones, photo ops with Santa, indoor snowfalls, fountain shows, and more.
See the Lights
Where: Around the DC area
When: Evenings through
Admission: Varies by locale
The many enchanting light displays that are a staple of the season always run through, even beyond, the holidays. And they make for a fantastic family activity. Visit one of many parks or city corridors in the area that has transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. Either way, expect to be dazzled.
An entertaining collection at the American History Museum
Entertainment Nation/Nación del espectáculo
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: Daily except for 12/25, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
The American History Museum just debuted its new Culture Wing with the permanent exhibition Entertainment Nation/Nación del espectáculo as its centerpiece. Featuring an extraordinary collection of theater, music, sports, movie and television objects, the exhibition exploring how entertainment has provided a forum for important national conversations about who we are, and who we want to be. It’s very engaging and full of displays that will spark nostalgia for adults and wonder for kids — you’ll have a blast sharing memories with them!
Check It Out
Where: MLK Jr. Memorial Library
When: Mon – Fri, 10am – 8pm | Fri-Sat, 10am – 6pm | Sun, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
So, it’s not a museum (though it does contain great exhibits!), but the MLK Library is so much more than your typical library, it seemed like a good one to feature here. Along with books to browse and check out for all ages from all genres, there is a cafe, an exhibit space, study and meeting rooms, a large auditorium, a recording studio, a gorgeous rooftop terrace, and what little ones will love most: a SLIDE in the Children’s section to zip down. And there are always special activities for a variety of ages, too. It’s a great place for the whole family to visit!
Word Up
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The museum all about language is full of fun and interesting exhibits, most of them interactive. There definitely are elements that all ages will love, though tweens and older will get the most out of it, having more grammar lessons under their belts and generally better comprehension. Our whole family loves it! Admission is free, but you need to book tickets in advance. Right now, there are some available for dates over the break. And a limited number of day-of, walk-up passes are available on the half-hour.
An O-So-Cool Adventure
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle
When: Daily, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Starts at $26.50
Locate secret doors, see outrageously fabulous themed rooms, and browse a trove of secondhand treasures on a tour of one of the coolest spots in DC: The Mansion on O Street. The Dupont Circle landmark is a mansion, museum, secondhand store, and hotel all in one — and visitors are welcome to explore it all. Admission can add up, so Winter Break is a great time to go if you’re looking for something special to do. Plus, it’s a unique adventure in a truly stunning space. The Secret Doors tour is $26.50, and there’s a special Santa’s Elves Hunt through December 31 for $38.
An Art Tour for the T(w)een Scene
Where: Glenstone Museum | Potomac, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
If you have kids 12 or older, Winter Break is a great time to take advantage of Glenstone’s Guaranteed Entry program, which admits students age 12+ and one accompanying adult without reserving tickets. It’s an incredible indoor-outdoor art museum — just bundle up for the outside part! Be sure to note that they don’t allow children under 12 at all, but it’s a wonderful place to visit with tweens and teens.
One with Eternity
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free (with timed-entry passes)
The days off from school give you more chances to experience Yayoi Kusama’s exhibit at the Hirshhorn. Including two Infinity Rooms, the yellow and black polkadot Pumpkin, plus a couple more pieces and elements that illustrate Kusama’s fascinating life and artistry, all ages will dig it. Next-day passes to the exhibit are released daily at noon on the Hirshhorn website. All visitors age 12+ must have a pass! Kids under 12 do not need passes, and adults with a pass can bring up to two children. Be sure to read this KFDC write-up about the exhibit that includes more info, tips, and a glimpse of what you’ll experience.
Emotions at Play
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: December 18 – February 22
Admission: $15.95
The current visiting exhibit at the National Children’s Museum takes kiddos into the magical world of Pixar’s hit animated film Inside Out. Explore the important role emotions, memory, and imagination play in everyday lives. Learn to recognize emotions and how they are expressed through hands-on and digital experiences featuring the characters who represent our five core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear. Of course, plan to explore the rest of the Museum’s exhibits, too — read more about them here.
Mind Tricks
Where: Museum of Illusions | CityCenter, DC
When: Sun – Thurs, 10am – 8pm |Fri – Sat, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $42/adult, $18/age 5-12
This just opened venue sounds like a fun one to explore. It’s a “one-of-a-kind edutainment destination where you can immerse yourself in the wonderful world of illusions! Guests will enjoy more than 50 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that are designed to tease the senses and trick the mind.”
Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse When: Through January 8 Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC Admission: $17-30
ARTECHOUSE presents a holiday celebration with this exhibit that runs through the season. Experience holiday joy brought to life through digital fantasy worlds, as you float among giant swinging bells, crash the party of a thousand nutcrackers, join a thrilling train ride through wreaths, take a spin in the candy cane carousel, and more in this interactive cutting-edge experience.
Mission: Fun
Where: International Spy Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Daily, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $26.95/age 13+, $16.95/7-12, free/6 & under
If you haven’t been to the Spy Museum at the L’Enfant Plaza location, no is a good time to check it out! Go undercover to explore the intriguing world of espionage. Discover tricks of the trade, view gadgets used to keep secrets and disguises to hide identities, and learn about some of the most famous spies and their missions. And don’t miss the super fun museum shop!
African American History & Culture
Where: National Museum of African American History & Culture
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free with timed-entry passes
This phenomenal museum is a must-visit on the National Mall. Timed entry passes are still required, and you can reserve in advance through the website. Same-day passes are also released beginning at 8:15am daily. Before you go to the museum, be sure to read the KFDC guide for visiting with kids.
Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
If you don’t veer from the well trodden path of the National Mall now and then, you could miss out on some amazing museum exhibits and experiences. Check out this round-up of some these places in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be. They’ll be great places to stay warm too!
The impressive Thomas Jefferson Library within the Library of Congress
A Local & National Treasure
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Explore the largest library in the world and one of DC’s most iconic attractions. The Library of Congress is a trove of knowledge, art, history, and culture — and the public is welcome to enjoy it all, and for free! Walk-ins are sometimes welcome, but it’s best to reserve free tickets in advance.
A Monumental Experience
Where: Washington Monument | National Mall, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The Washington Monument is super fun to tour — you can go up inside to check out interesting exhibits and take in DC views. Advance reservation tickets for the next day are available online for a nominal processing fee. Same-day, free tickets are also be available on a first-come, first-served basis daily starting at 8:30am at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street NW, between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW. Get a peek of the experience from the inside here.
Abe’s Last Days
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free – $3
Ford’s isn’t just a place to catch live entertainment. The site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination highlights its historic significance through exhibits about the president, the circumstances surrounding his assassination, and that fateful night at the theatre. The National Historic Site features a museum, theatre walk-throughs and a presentation, and guests are welcome to explore it all. Best for about ages 8 and up. Reserve tickets online in advance for $3 or get them at the Box Office for free.
Time for a Tour
Where: Old Post Office Tower | Downtown DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
One of our back pocket places to take out-of-town guests for impressive views of the city! See DC from a new vantage point at the Old Post Office Tower. Located within the Waldorf Astoria at 12th & Pennsylvania, NW, it’s free to visit and go up to the observation deck of one of the tallest structures in DC. This post has info for visiting — be sure to read it for details on accessing the entrance.
A Bird’s Eye View
Where: Observation Deck at CEB Tower | Rosslyn, VA
When: Daily, but hours vary (closed 12/25 & 1/1)
Admission: Free
Gaze out of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a new perspective of DC. The 30+ story high space in Rosslyn offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic vistas. Read more about it here, but note that not all of the exhibits and immersive experiences are still there. However, the spectacular views and the thrill of being up that high make it worth going. This was only open to Arlington residents for awhile, but they’re once again welcoming the general public. And even better now, admission is FREE!
Tour the Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Be a tourist in your hometown (unless you’re visiting, then just be a tourist). Take the opportunity to visit the many memorials on the Mall and around the Tidal Basin. Not only are the structures themselves marvel-worthy, there’s a lot to be gleaned from them, too. Learn about some of our country’s presidents and leaders — George, Abe, Tom, FDR, & MLK — from displays, park rangers, and in the Visitors Centers. And walk or bike among them all to add some exercise (and extra fun) to the venture!
#OptOutside
Get out for a round of disc golf
Go Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy some family time outdoors. Not only is it fun and challenging, many of the courses are set up in scenic places. This post has info about our favorite in College Park, and there are also great courses at Patapsco Valey State Park in MD, Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.
Ready, Set…Hike!
Where: Around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
If you agree with the saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” like I do, there are no excuses for not getting outdoors during winter. And a great, easy way to do so is on a hike. Hit the trail in places with scenic views, tramp and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods and other places with kids.
Skate the Day Away
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Enjoy a quintessential winter activity: Ice skating under the sky! Take in art as you skate at the Sculpture Garden; glide over the Potomac on The Wharf’s awesome rink; circle around Washington Harbour as you enjoy river views; meander along the Figure 8 path at Canal Park; or do some shopping then skate at Pentagon Row, Rockville Town Square, or Reston Town Center. This post has details on alfresco (and indoor) ice skating options in the area.
Fossil Hunting Where: Calvert & Charles Counties When: Varies by place Admission: Varies by place
Just because it takes place along beach areas, that doesn’t mean it’s a warm-weather-only activity. As long as you’re dressed for it — waterproof boots are a must! — searching for millions-of-years-old fossils can be just as fun and compelling in winter as it is in summer. There are several places to go in the region, all about an hour drive from DC. This post has a round-up of spots to check out.
Two-Wheel Time
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There’s a bound to be a few unseasonably warm days to make for good biking conditions (though you can layer up for a cold day ride, too). Cruise along paths lined with scenic surroundings, ride to destinations that offer even more fun, and get some exercise. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels, and this particular route is ideal for the whole crew.
See a holiday classic at the historic Ford’s Theatre
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD When: Through January 8 Tickets: $12-39
It’s a new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Recommended for ages 4-10.
A Christmas Carol Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC When: November 18 – December 31 Tickets: $25-104
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Performance is two hours (including a 15-minute intermission).
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Through January 1
Tickets: $15/age 2+
It’s Hanukkah on strings once again at The Puppet Co. this year! In this puppet play, Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)?
The Nutcracker on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co.| Glen Echo, MD
When: Through January 1
Tickets: $15/age 2+
The Puppet Co.’s annual holiday treat and Washington tradition for 30 years is returning! The Nutcracker is the festive story of Clara-Marie’s favorite toy and their adventures together in the land of the Sugarplum Fairy. Music from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet blends with marionettes and costume characters to create this unique production.
Wicked
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: Through January 22
Tickets: $59-349
The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” Recommended for ages 8+.
Into the Woods
Where: Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through January 29
Tickets: $40-109 (find discount)
Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where dreams come true, but not free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Weaving a euphoric score with a darkly humorous book, Into the Woods is a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. Running time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, including one intermission. Parents should use discretion about what is age appropriate for their children.
A Soldier’s Play
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: Through January 8
Tickets: $45–135 (find discount)
The Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller has rocketed back into the spotlight thanks to this 2020 Tony-winning Best Revival. In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots ring out. A sergeant is murdered, triggering a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in America. Broadway’s leading man Norm Lewis stars in the show Variety calls “a knock-your-socks-off-drama.” Recommended for ages 13+.
Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball
Where: Jammin’ Java
Tickets: December 31, 11am – 12pm
Admission: $10
Rocknoceros is returning to Jammin Java for their 14th New Year’s Eve Ball. The hour-long program will include live music from the area’s favorite family-jam band, interactive New Year’s resolutions, the Ball Drop, and a complimentary apple juice toast.
* See what else is on stages now (or coming soon), and find holiday-themed entertainment here.
Indoor Action
Climb the day away at The St. James
Super, Awesome, and Amazing Fun
Where: The St. James | Springfield, VA
When: Thurs-Fri, 3-8pm | Sat-Sun, 9am – 8pm
Admission: Starting at $15/hour
The Super, Awesome, and Amazing (that’s what it’s called) 30,000 square foot activity center in the St. Jame sports complex is filled with all kinds of climbing structures, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Kids can don harnesses and clip onto wires to climb, rappel, and navigate walkways 20 feet above the ground. They can bounce, flip, and execute acrobatic moves. They can swing from bars and on large platforms and crawl through tunnels. Essentially, every element in the space is conducive to active fun, and there is something for kids from toddler to tween ages to enjoy.
Reach New Heights
Where: ClimbZone | Laurel, MD
When: Daily, 10am – 8pm
Admission: $27/child, $18/age 2-4
The enormous facility is filled literally floor to ceiling with colorful themed climbing walls and moon bounces. Climbers can ascend Mt. Rushmore, reach the Jolly Roger on a pirate ship, conquer a game of Tetris, shimmy up a giant guitar, scale Jack’s bean stalk, negotiate a rope wall, and experience peak fun on a variety of other climbing areas.
Play in the Zone
Where: ZavaZone | Rockville, MD & Sterling, VA
When: Daily, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Starts at $25.50
Guests have their pick of fun at this indoor adventure park for ages 5-105. There are ninja courses, ropes courses, trampolines, climbing challenges, zip lines, and more under one soaring roof. Usually just open in the afternoons during the week, morning time slots will also be available during Winter Break week.
Spring Time
Where: Flight Trampoline Park | Springfield, VA
When: Daily
Admission: Starts at $14
Kids of all ages can jump, play, even flip for joy at Flight Trampoline Park. The huge space resembles a skate park, with an industrial look of exposed pipes and cinder block walls sprayed with graffiti. But where you’d find ramps, rails, and concrete to facilitate skills and tricks, there are trampolines instead. Be sure to check the schedule for any special jumping times, and buy tickets/sign waivers in advance online to avoid a line there.
Tee Up Where: Top Golf | National Harbor & Gaithersburg, MD When: Throughout the weekend Admission: Starts at $27/bay
Practice your swing, enjoy a bite, and have some indoor/outdoor fun. At Top Golf, you drive balls from climate controlled (ie, heated) sheltered bays, so you can still enjoy fresh air and be comfy. Plus, there ’s a full service restaurant and bar (for parents, obvi) to make a full experience of it.
Movie & a Meal
Where: The Alamo | Northeast DC & Crystal City, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: $13/adult, $11/child, $12/senior
After 4pm – $15/adult, $13/child, $14/senior
The action here occurs on screen, but catching a flick is a great option during the cold winter break days, even better when you can enjoy a meal with your movie, too. The Alamo is the only theater in the city where you can do that — and it’s a good one! The theaters are nice, the seating is comfortable, and the food is tasty. See , what’s playing there now.
Weekday Programs
The MLK Library hosts all kind of free programs
Library Activities
Where: Public Libraries in DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Our local libraries always offer free activities for kids (and adults), including over Winter Break. Young children can join a music and movement session, teens can create zines, grade schoolers and tweens can do a Lego build, the whole crew can enjoy a family movie. Visit the DCPL events page to see what’s happening when at a library near you!
Fun at Fairfax Park
Where: Parks throughout Fairfax, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events for guests of all ages on almost very day of the week. There are nature programs, activities that focus on the history of the area, special holiday celebrations, and more. View the calendar of events to see what is happening over Winter Break!
Play Date at NMNH: Investigating Insects
Where: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: December 20, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Museum of Natural History for this special program for families all about insects! Make close observations of select pieces from the insect collection related, learn about what makes an insect an insect, and create your own take-home craft to help remember key physical traits of insects!
Learn to Letterbox
Where: Winkler Botanical Preserve | Alexandria, VA
When: December 21, 10:30am – 12pm
Admission: $10
Letterboxing is a scavenger hunt style adventure for all ages that will take you to interesting locations all over the world, including Winkler Botanical Preserve, solving clues and searching for hidden treasures. Learn all you need to know to get started on this hobby, including where to find clues, basic how-to’s, and hints on deciphering clues and what to look for. Then, head off on an adventure in the Preserve to find some of the boxes hidden there. Participants will also receive a starter logbook and learn how to carve their own personal stamp! Ages 8 and up are welcome. Read more about Winkler Botanical Preserve here.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Where: Temporary Takoma Park Library | Takoma Park, MD
When: December 21, 7-8pm
Admission: Free
The Foggy Bottom Morris Men Dancers and Rock Creek Morris Women Dancers will delight all ages with their annual solstice dancing! Along with performances, enjoy solstice stories and a luminaria craft. Refreshments (including GF) will also be served.
Art Cart
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: December 22, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Brighten your winter with the Hirshhorn’s Art Cart! Drop in with young artists for a close look at Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian’s mirror mosaics, explore geometric shapes, and create glittering mosaics. Find the Art Cart on the Third Level and pick up your mosaic making materials.
Bilingual Baseball Story Time
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Market Area, DC
When: December 27, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join National Postal Museum educators for a bilingual story time program highlighting themes from the exhibit Baseball: America’s Home Run. This program is targeted for ages 3-6, but all are welcome. No registration required. And plan to tour the whole museum while you’re there — it’s one I always recommend as a great one with kiddos.
Moonshot Studio
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center
When: December 28-30, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free Get creative at this studio within The REACH at the Kennedy Center, where all are groups are welcome and encouraged to partake in various art projects and activties. Usually open on Saturday and Sunday only, there will be extra days/hours over Winter Break. Through December 30, there will be hands-on projects inspired by The Day You Begin, a new “play with lots of music” based by the book of the same name.
See Some Sports
Cheer on our local teams!
Wizards
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: December 27 & 28
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards have a couple of home games over the break, so catch some exciting action on the court. They host the Philadelphia 76ers on December 27 and Phoenix Suns on December 28.
Capitals
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: December 19, 23, 29, & 31
Admission: Ticket prices vary (look for a deal)
Hockey fans can see the Caps play a few games. The Detroit Red Wings will be here on December 19, the Winnipeg Jets on December 23, the Ottawa Senators on December 29, and Montréal Canadiens on December 31.
Spend a day on slopes within easy driving distance
Hit the Slopes
Where: Around the region
When: Through winter
Admission: Varies
A fun, active way to take advantage of winter: Skiing! There are a bunch of resorts within a few hours’ drive that are great for young, newbie skiers (and veteran swooshers, too). Some resorts to check out that are within day trip driving distance: Liberty, Whitetail, Roundtop, and Bryce.
Charm City, Hon!
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Daily
Admission: Varies by locale
Zip up I-95 for some fun in our sister city, where there are lots of great places to spend a day off. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Tour the historic ships moored at the Inner Harbor. Or learn about Baltimore’s early business days at the Museum of Industry. The KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids has info for all of these adventures, plus dining recs and more to explore!
Go Underground
Where: Luray Caverns | Luray, VA
When: Daily, 9am – 7pm
Admission: $32/adult, $16/ages 6-12, free/5 & under (look for discount)
Behold the spectacular underground world of stalagmites, stalactites, and other amazing limestone formations in the massive cave system at Luray. Afterward, make your way through the Garden Maze or check out vintage rides in the Carriage and Caravan Museum. Admission does not include attractions beyond the cavern. KFDC Tip: Be sure to make a pit stop before going into the caverns, because it can be a long walk out to a restroom, and once you’re out, you may not be able to go back in.
Go East
Where: Annapolis and Eastern Shore, MD
When: Hours vary by place
Admission: Varies by Place
Who says it has be warm to head out toward the Eastern Shore and enjoy adventures by the water? Drive over the Bay Bridge for a great hike at Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area on this side of the bridge at Quiet Waters. And while it’s not the best season for crabs, you can still enjoy yummy meals at places that are known for them. Try Kentmorr or The Jetty after Wye, Cantler’s or Mike’s closer in. Of course, you can also enjoy a day walking around the charming downtown area in Annapolis.
Art & Maritime Explorations
Where: Calvert County, MD
When: Daily, except Christmas
Admission: Varies by locale
Make a day of it in Calvert County, where you can visit a couple of places for fun, fascinating, hands-on adventures. Annmarie Sculpture Garden is full of artistic delights. Tour beautiful works, both indoors and out, play in the Fairy Lolly, and create some of your own art with inspiration from all you see there. Hours are 9am – 5pm in the gardens, and admission is a $5 suggested donation. Also out that way is the Calvert Marine Museum, where you can see interesting exhibits, including display cases full of fossils and artifacts, plus live fish and other creatures. There’s also a play area and a real lighthouse to tour. Hours are 10am – 5pm, and admission is $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free/4 & under. You can enjoy some nature out there at Calvert Cliffs State Park, where you can hike and do a little fossil hunting. Open sunrise to sunset, and admission is $8/car.
JoAnn Hill, local author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure recently released her second book, DC Scavenger, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning 17 distinct neighborhoods throughout our nation’s capital. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC — even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it — get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most cherished gems.
JoAnn’s second post of this DC Scavenger series takes us to the charming neighborhood of Capitol Hill. As DC’s largest historic residential neighborhood, Capitol Hill is a community-centered area often characterized by its 19th-century rowhomes, convivial public market and food hall, and powerful government. From the National Historic Landmark Congressional Cemetery to the US Supreme Court to Lincoln Park, many members of Congress, government workers, journalists, and their families call this quaint neighborhood home. Residents and tourists are drawn here by its large urban parks, historical sites, and iconic congressional buildings.
Below are four of 27 clues featured in the Capitol Hill chapter of DC Scavenger. Check out JoAnn’s book to solve and discover more clues and sites around the Capitol Hill neighborhood and throughout the entire city — it would make for a great holiday gift, too! Even more, you can see JoAnn at several upcoming book events around the city, including East City Bookshop on Saturday, December 3; Shop Made in DC at the Wharf on Sunday, December 4 and December 18; and Steadfast Supply in Navy Yard on Saturday, December 17.
Capitol Hill Clue #1
Vendor to vendor, stall to stall,
A neighborhood gem, here you’ll find it all.
Take time to smell and taste what’s here,
A lively space for food, drink, and cheer
Capitol Hill Clue #2
Sugar and spice and everything nice,
Julia Child fans, these wares will entice.
Crack, sizzle, bubble, stir, and pop.
Find the flame at this Nats-loving shop.
Capitol Hill Clue #3
Splish-splash, Roman God was taking a bath;
Choose to read and you’ll be spared his wrath.
Bronzed out and surrounded by his court,
Library’s water source never comes up short.
Capitol Hill Clue #4
She taught those important ABCs,
A teacher who gave opportunities.
This tribute to her, here at Lincoln Park,
We honor her for her long-lasting mark.
* * *
JoAnn Hill, author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. Through her writing and research, she shares hidden histories, off-the-beaten-path locales, and lesser-known stories that inspire the insatiably curious explorer. Her next book, DC Scavenger, will be released later this year. She lives in DC with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson and is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a tutoring company servicing the greater DC area.
[Note: This review was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of two young children. She always has excellent recommendations for kids’ activities around the DC area. See some of them here, here, and here.]
It was a timely treat taking my kindergartner to the Kennedy Center to see The Day You Begin, a musical based on the bestselling children’s book by author Jacqueline Woodson. The plot: the first day at a new school with diverse new people; the setting: a familiar, yet more vividly modern elementary school classroom. The message? The day you truly “begin” is when you discover what makes you unique, but also the same as people who may seem so different.
The show, an age-appropriate 55 minutes in length, is immediately engaging and interactive. The teacher, Ms. Veve, asks the audience self-identifying questions: “Who wants to be a writer? Who wants to be a teacher? A basketball star?” It’s such a distinguishing topic of conversation for a kid. One student, Rigoberto, clearly wants to be a soccer star, running passionately down the aisle with his cardboard soccer ball and speaking his native Spanish.
The class is comprised of four students who are unlikely friends, but by the end, meant to be. For much of America, the diversity depicted in the book and musical is the new norm and something your child may already be navigating in school. Multi-cultural, multi-lingual, disabled, and more; very few are exactly alike. How fortunate that our kids are figuring out what makes them special yet what connects them at such young ages.
My daughter’s favorite part of the show is the lengthy lunch scene. Some days, there’s nothing more interesting to a kid than what everyone had (or bought) for lunch. Food is a big deal in a little kid’s world. The plot thickens when one student, Min, opens a canister of kimchi for lunch. It could not be more jarring to the others but Min stands proud. The kids figure out how to be kindly curious about what’s different, and also agree on what favorite fruit they share – a “beginning” moment to their friendship.
Ms. Veve leaves us with the following lesson: “go tell your stories.” Finding your place in the world and with others can begin with you opening up and being proud of what makes you you. Because “every new friend has something a little like you – and something else so fabulously not quite like you at all.” During the car ride home, my daughter just kept begging me for kimchi for dinner…
The Day You Begin
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through December 18
Tickets: $20-25
