Fun Things To Do With Kids in Washington DC - Mommy Poppins

Wave to waterskiing Santa on Christmas Eve! Photo by Toni Genburg

Christmas Weekend 2025 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Holiday Theater, and More

Enjoy these great things to do near DC with kids and families this Christmas weekend.

Scottish Santa is coming through town bag pipes and all. Photo courtesy of the Scottish Christmas Walk

25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Here are our top picks for things to do in DC in December 2025.

Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids

Find the best things to do near DC this holiday season.

Pull on the iconic blue parka and check out ICE! featuring The Polar Express. Photo courtesy of the author

What is Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do

Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC.

Don't want to cook this Christmas? Treat your family to a festive meal at a restaurant! Photo courtesy of Canva

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Skip the cooking and cleanup and head to one of these restaurants on Christmas Day.

Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights event

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Here are our picks for the best holiday and Christmas lights displays in the DC area.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks

21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids

Enjoy tree lightings, Santa sightings, holiday parades, and more festive fun in and around DC this...

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens is one of several light shows open between Christmas and New Year's. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery Parks

DC Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids

Keep kids entertained with these fun things to do over Christmas vacation 2025.

The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC

33 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids

Discover holiday fun in and around DC that doesn’t break the piggy bank.

Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC (in Maryland and Northern Virginia)

These houses and neighborhoods near Washington, DC really bring the holiday magic.

Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with a lively parade in late February. Photo courtesy of dcparade.com

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 21 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids in Winter 2025 -2026

Shake off the winter doldrums with these fun things to do in DC in 2025 -2026.

The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art is always popular. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families

Bring the kids to one of these DC outdoor ice skating rinks for winter fun.

Gaylord National Resort's ICE! has a fun new theme every year! Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near DC That Will Blow Your Mind

These Christmas towns and festive hotels will bring the fa-la-la vibes all season long.

The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Here's where to take the kids to see The Nutcracker and other holiday shows in 2025.

Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography

Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Shop local and find some cool stuff for kids at these awesome stores.

The National Museum of the American Indian's imagiNATIONS Activity Center is full of interactive activities for kids. Photo by the author

Things To Do in DC That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)

The whole family will have fun at these DC spots!

Planet Word has a 22-foot talking word wall!

The 12 Best FREE Hidden Gems & Secret Spots for Kids in DC

Tired of visiting the same old DC attractions with the kids? We've rounded up the best free hidden...

Learn the art of blacksmithing at Lawless Forge in Sterling, VA. Photo courtesy of the venue

19 Trending and Out-of-the-Box Activities for Kids in DC

Sometimes you just want to shake things up when it comes to family entertainment. Luckily, there...

Dave & Buster's is fun for all ages! Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

Gamers both little and big will love these awesome arcades.

You're never too old for a foam pit! Photo courtesy of Sky Zone

Safe and Fun Teen Nighttime Activities Near DC

Teens won't get bored at these 15 fun places!

LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, DC is the perfect birthday spot for little builders.

Only in DC Birthday Parties for Kids: Unique Birthday Parties for All Ages

Throw your child a one-of-a-kind birthday bash at these unique DC-area spots.

Go on a safari at Leesburg Animal Park. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of Visit Virginia

Ultimate Virginia Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in VA

Here is your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in Virginia as a family.

It doesn't get much better than a delicious slice of pizza! Photo courtesy of Stracci Pizza

Where to Find the Best Pizza in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

These great places will satisfy any pizza craving.

Enjoy Art in Bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Elvert Barnes via FLickr 2.0

101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids

There are so many ways for families to have fun in and around DC without spending a dime!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Wegmans Wonderplace is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Wegmans Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History

Best Attractions and Things To Do in DC that are Kid-Friendly

Here are some best kid-friendly attractions to visit in our nation's capital.

April is the ideal month to see the Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

Top Attractions in DC: The Best Things to See and Do with Kids

Here are the best things to see and do with kids in our nation's capital.

Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids

Here's what to see, where to eat, and how to get around at the iconic National Mall in Washington...

Explore amazing interactive exhibits at the National Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

3 Days in DC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Have a fun-filled long weekend in DC—without breaking the bank —with this three-day itinerary...

Your kiddos will be in awe of the size of this humongous African elephant I am in awe of its size. Photo by author Lisa Warden

Visiting Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in DC with Kids

Explore science and nature at this incredible free museum.

Did you know that the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is bigger than 18 football fields? Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

Explore the Best Science Museums for Kids in DC: Educational Fun for All Ages

These top museums will truly engage young scientists.

Latest News

Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier

The 131 Most-Loved (Best) Kids’ Books: Parent-Tested, Kid-Approved

Our top kids' books for all ages!
READ MORE

Wave to waterskiing Santa on Christmas Eve! Photo by Toni Genburg

Christmas Weekend 2025 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Holiday Theater, and More

Enjoy these great things to do near DC with kids and families this Christmas weekend.
READ MORE

Pull on the iconic blue parka and check out ICE! featuring The Polar Express. Photo courtesy of the author

What is Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do

Need something to do on Christmas Day? Here are some places you can visit near DC.
READ MORE

Photo by Devin Manky via Destination Vancouver

Best Family Travel of 2025: Our Favorite Cities, Beaches, National Parks, Hotels, and More

Check out all the amazing places we visited in 2025!
READ MORE

SPONSORED

A year-long National Children's Museum membership makes the perfect experiential gift for kids and families.

The Ultimate Experience Gift for DC Area Kids: The Gift of Play

Give the gift of National Children's Museum.
READ MORE

Noisemakers and party hats make the evening feel festive from the start! Photo by Ivan Samkov via Pexels

How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Kids at Home: 22 Parent-Tested Ideas

Countdown treat bags, time capsules, and more ways to welcome 2025 at home.
READ MORE

Load more