35 Fun Winter Activities Near Washington, DC for Kids and Families in 2024

Snow tubing is the perfect winter activity! Photo courtesy of Whitetail Mountain Ski Resort

Winter in the Washington, DC area can be a parenting challenge in the best of times, but there's no stopping us. We at Mommy Poppins are here to help you keep boredom at bay during the colder months with some fun winter activities.

With so many things to do in DC and nearby during the colder months—from outdoor activities like ice skating and snow tubing to indoor fun such as trampoline parks and tons of free museums—even the most finicky kids will remain entertained until the warmer weather returns.

Here are 35 winter activities near DC to cross off your winter bucket list with kids. For even more fun, check out our Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids. We're also adding more fun events to our events calendar each day.

53 Awesome Things To Do Indoors in Philly On Cold and Rainy Days

The bright and whimsical play space at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith & Kin

Caught cabin fever when it's too cold to play outside? We've compiled all the best spots for kids to have fun inside, including all the best indoor play spaces and indoor playgrounds near Philly. Cozy up and channel creativity, get tuckered out at a trampoline park, meander through a museum, and so much more.

Need more ideas for great times indoors? Be sure and check out Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids and our Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones Guide. Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox!

Long Island City Waterfront with Kids: 20 Fun Things To Do

Gantry Plaza State Park has plenty of eye candy for parents to enjoy while kids climb and play. Photo by Sydney Ng

When I first moved to Long Island City, Queens, back in 2008, it was the perfect place for a bachelor living it up in the city in his mid-20s. It was up-and-coming with indie comedy clubs, late-night hangs, and 2am eggs at the Court Square Diner. Back then, I couldn't fathom that 15 years and 2 kids later, I would return to Long Island City and find it an equally ideal place to raise my kids.

The neighborhood's family-friendly vibes are not unique to those of us who live here. Long Island City has become the ideal hot spot full of things to do morning, noon, and night, thanks in large part to its beautiful waterfront. Hunters Point South Park, known as The Gantry to locals—and instantly recognizable by its iconic Pepsi sign—has grown into New York City kid heaven. Read on for 20 fun things to do on the Long Island City waterfront with kids, and find more fun local neighborhoods and haunts to explore in our NYC Kids Neighborhood Guide.

How to Get Free Baby Stuff: Free Diapers, Formula, Baby Gear, and More

Have sweet dreams of all the free baby stuff you'll get. Photo by Garrett Jackson courtesy of Unsplash

Having a baby is a joyful experience, but it certainly isn't cheap. Factor in all of the diapers, wipes, baby food, and other baby gear and the numbers quickly add up. But there are plenty of places to get free baby stuff to help offset the costs of newborn and infant care.

From baby registry welcome boxes to diaper rewards programs to free baby product samples, there are many free items that new and expectant parents can get from companies. Plus, don't underestimate the generosity of friends, family, and neighbors.

Here are 30 places to get free diapers, formula, toys, and more free baby stuff. And, as your baby starts growing, check out your city's Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids for ways to have fun with your little one without blowing your budget.

Mission Trips for Teens: 7 Summer Service Programs That Help Kids Give Back

Visions Service Adventures leads mission trips for teens to a variety of locations.

If your teen is looking for an enriching summer experience but has aged out of summer camp, embarking on one of these mission trips or service projects for teens could be a good fit. While teens can stick around and enjoy a summer internship in NYC or try to nail down a summer job, these summer service projects offer a different kind of real-world experience that allows kids to travel while giving back.

Each of these summer programs offers a service-oriented experience allowing teens to immerse themselves in a foreign culture while helping local communities and assisting in conservation projects, teaching teens empathy, leadership skills, and cultural appreciation in the process. On many of these mission trips, there's an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sightseeing, hiking, and cultural exploration, too.

Ready to explore? Read on for seven orgs offering mission trips for teens and find more teen-approved things to do in our NYC Teens Guide.

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