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

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

Winter in the Washington, DC area can be a parenting challenge in the best of times, but there's no stopping us! I am here to help you keep boredom at bay during the colder months with this ultimate winter bucket list.

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 21 things to do in DC to cross off your winter bucket list with kids. For even more fun, check out our Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids and our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC. We're also adding more fun events to our events calendar each day.

Atlanta’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

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"Dive" into fun at the Georgia Aquarium with holiday-themed shows and even Scuba Claus! Photo courtesy Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta’s holiday season is in full swing with holiday light shows, pictures with Santa, and Polar Express rides, but that doesn’t mean your family has to do the same thing every year. Why not mix it up and try something different or unusual?! Start new family traditions at these unusual Christmas events and lesser-known holiday activities in Atlanta. Read on for our list of Atlanta's unusual and underrated Christmas and holiday activities, including pop-ups, performances, and more.

Orlando’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

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Hang out with Gator Claus, Krampus, and more colorful characters at Gatorland's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho-Down in Orlando. Photo courtesy Gatorland

Orlando shines during the holidays, but some of the region’s most memorable festivities happen off the beaten path! If your family is looking for something a little quirky, adventurous, or even spooky this season, these unique events and experiences deliver plenty of holiday magic with a twist. From surfing Santas and glowing waterways to gothic theater and haunts, here are the most unusual and underrated Christmas activities around Central Florida.

Philly’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

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The Magic Gardens are lit up for a festive new look after dark. Photo by Pinball Photos LLC

Traditions are a big part of the holidays, and Philly is the home to many beloved holiday traditions, from the Christmas Village at LOVE Park to the Wanamaker Light Show. But sometimes you’re looking for something a little less…traditional. If you’d like to try a more unusual experience this holiday season, check out this round-up of unique and underrated festive activities in Philadelphia. ‘Tis the season to start making some nontraditional traditions that the whole family will enjoy!

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 30 Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

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Ice Castles New Hampshire makes for a great winter day trip. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar

Stave off cabin fever with our ultimate guide to fun things to do this winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've uncovered dozens of fun ways to spend the cold winter days and keep your kids active and entertained.

Whether you're looking for winter sports, weekend getaways, workshops, nature programs, or indoor activities, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Indoor Fun and our Westchester and the Hudson Valley Winter Fun Guide for more fun this freezin' season.

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island

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Have a ball this winter at indoor fun centers on Long Island like Nana’s Wonderland. Photo by Gina Massaro

Are you looking for the best things to do on Long Island with kids this winter? Read on for dozens of great options. 

As temperatures drop on Long Island, it can be hard to keep the kids active and entertained. Look no further–we have you covered with our winter bucket list of 30+ family-friendly, interactive ways to beat the boredom and winter blues. From the best children's museums to ice skating fun to outdoor adventures, Long Island has it all. 

For even more seasonal entertainment, check out our Winter Fun Guide and Family Activity Calendar.