See dazzling lighted sailboats at Sailing Through the Winter Solstice. Photo courtesy of the Tourism Council of Frederick County
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See the National Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo
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There are so many restaurants at which to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the DC area. Photo by Cotton Bro Studio via Pexels
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Main photo by Tim & Selena Middleton/CC BY 2.0
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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
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The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
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Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
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There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
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The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
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Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
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Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
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Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2024: 27 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids

Young kids can enjoy free weekly play dates at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Photo by Kelly Verdeck, via Flickr. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Young kids can enjoy free weekly play dates at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Photo by Kelly Verdeck, via Flickr. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
12/29/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Everyone knows Washington, DC has so many free offerings, but did you know the depth of the free activities available? They extend well beyond the National Mall.

The holidays are over, and we know you might not want to spend one more dollar. The good news is that we live in an area rich in free museums, activities, and events. Many of those free museums have weekly storytimes and activity centers catered towards children.

There are also free theater productions this month, including the Wheaton Family Theatre Series and Saturday Morning Live! at the National Theatre. GALA Theatre is hosting a Three Kings Day celebration, too. And there are plenty of First Day Hikes and MLK Day events.

Check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids for more free family fun. Plus, we are always adding free events to our events calendar.

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First Day Hikes are a healthy and free way to start off the new year. Photo courtesy of Virginia State Parks
First Day Hikes are a healthy and free way to start off the new year. Photo courtesy of Virginia State Parks

Fun, Free Activities To Do in DC in January 2024

First Day Hike: Black Hill Regional Park

Boyds, MD - Monday, January 1
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. This hike starting at the Black Hill Discovery Center is 2-3 miles on natural surface terrain that includes a steep hill. READ MORE

First Day Hike: Sandy Point State Park

Annapolis, MD - Monday, January 1
Join Maryland Park Rangers to ring in 2024 with a 3-mile loop hike along the Sandy Point coastline and through the Blue Crab trail. Hike start times are 10am and 1pm. READ MORE

First Day Hike: Seneca Creek State Park

Gaithersburg, MD - Monday, January 1
Hikers are invited to take a self-guided hike around the Lakeshore Trail at Seneca Creek State Park. This 3.7-mile loop along natural surface trails offers scenic views of nature and the opportunity to observe winter wildlife. Maps, field guides, scavenger hunt activities, and trivia games are available. Friends of Seneca Creek State Park is providing coffee and hot chocolate as supplies last. READ MORE

First Day Hike: Leesylvania State Park

Woodbridge, VA - Monday, January 1
Park rangers lead guided hiking tours throughout the park, including a Children's Discovery Hike along the Potomac Trail at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Kids can use the provided binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug-catching tools, and more during the hike. READ MORE

First Day Hike: Mason Neck State Park

Lorton, VA - Monday, January 1
Celebrate the start of 2024 with a ranger-led First Day Hike in Mason Neck State Park, which is offering hikes for all ages and skill levels. READ MORE

Teen Conversation Circles with the National Portrait Gallery

Washington, DC - Saturdays, January 6 & 20
Calling teen English-language learners! Join National Portrait Gallery educators and friends from all over the world, using portraiture to learn about US art, history, and culture. Participants can make new friends, learn about different cultures, and practice their English. READ MORE

MCC - Old Firehouse Winter Block Party

McLean, VA - Saturday, January 6
The McLean Community Center is hosting a wintry block party to celebrate the new year with amusements, games, craft projects, food, and more for all ages. READ MORE

Three Kings Day (Fiesta de los Reyes Magos)

Washington, DC - Sunday, January 7
GALA Hispanic Theatre is holding a Three Kings Day celebration. This festive end to the holiday season features the timeless story of the Magi, performances by local musicians and dance troupes, a street parade, and free gifts for children. READ MORE

Play Date at NMNH

Washington, DC - Tuesdays, January 9, 16, & 30
On most Tuesdays, early learners and their caregivers can explore a specific topic alongside museum educators. This drop-in play date has activities designed for younger children, but all ages are welcome.  READ MORE

Teen Graphic Novel Reading Group with the National Portrait Gallery

Washington, DC - Thursday, January 11
Teens are invited to join the NPG to read a selection of graphic novels inspired by the sitters in the gallery’s collection. Through group discussion about autobiographies, fantasy, and historical fiction, attendees can develop visual literacy and critical thinking skills.  READ MORE

DAR Museum's Family Day

Washington, DC - Saturday, January 13
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the DAR Musuem and participate in kid-friendly activities and games.  READ MORE

Saturday Morning Live! at the National

Washington, DC - Saturday, January 13
Saturday Morning Live! returns to the National Theatre. Enjoy wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, including interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music, all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder.  READ MORE

The People's Holiday

Washington, DC - Monday, January 15
The National Museum of African American History & Culture's annual community program honors Dr. King's commitment to racial equality, justice, and service. Highlights of the day include original performances by students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, an opportunity to make a button inspired by Dr. King, an invitation to write a dream on a community board, and other activities to honor Dr. King. READ MORE

The Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade

Washington, DC - Monday, January 15
Coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the MLK holiday. Over a thousand Peace Walkers join in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC. READ MORE

Wheaton Family Theatre Series: Books Alive

Wheaton, MD - Saturday & Sunday, January 20 & 21
The new year at InterAct Story Theatre kicks off this weekend with Artistic Director Ali Oliver-Krueger leading kids and adults in exploring a folktale together through movement, drama, and song. READ MORE

Mosaic Polar Plunge

Fairfax, VA - Saturday, January 20
Supporters of the Special Olympics take a chilly polar plunge at Mosaic District to raise money for Special Olympics athletes. Watch the costume contest and pool plungers, or register online to participate. READ MORE

A Day of Action at the National Portrait Gallery

Washington, DC - Sunday, January 28
Activate and uplift! Teens and young adults are encouraged to find their voices. Art is activism and portraiture is powerful. Honor the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to community action by joining the Portrait Gallery and its partners for A Day of Action.    READ MORE
There's lots for young children to explore at Wegmans Wonderplace. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American History
There's lots for young children to explore at Wegmans Wonderplace. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American History

Ongoing Fun, Free Activities To Do in DC

Baseball: America's Home Run at the National Postal Museum

Washington, DC - Daily, through January 5, 2025
This special exhibit explores the surprising ways that baseball and postal history are deeply intertwined. It features historic objects that have never before been on public display, including game-used uniforms and bats, jackets, hats, and memorabilia. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves the game. READ MORE

Portrait Gallery Kids

Washington, DC - Mondays
Children can learn, play, and create at the Portrait Gallery. Each Monday, participants explore a topic such as colors, emotions, STEM, and history. Through close looking at art, hands-on activities, music, and movement, Portrait Gallery Kids offers a fun way to engage with art and each other.  READ MORE

Hello, Museo at National Postal Museum

Washington, DC - Tuesdays
Every other Tuesday, educators from the National Postal Museum hold a bilingual program featuring music, stories, crafts, and gallery exploration. It's designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers, but all are welcome. READ MORE

Story Time at the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum

Washington, DC - Tuesdays
Enjoy a free drop-in storytime every Thursday morning at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. READ MORE

Story time at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Chantilly, VA - Tuesdays & Thursdays
Enjoy a free drop-in storytime with crafts at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  READ MORE

imagiNATIONS Activity Center at National Museum of the American Indian

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays
The imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides young visitors a space to explore Indigenous peoples and culture. Today, many Indigenous innovations and inventions are part of daily life for millions worldwide. Visitors can explore some of these ingenious adaptations through hands-on activities such as basket-weaving, building a giant igloo, arts and crafts, "walking" in snowshoes, and so much more. Kids can also explore a tipi, walk through a replica of an Amazonian stilt house, solve puzzles, and relax in the cozy reading area. READ MORE

STORYTIME at the Hirshhorn

Washington, DC - Wednesdays
STORYTIME explores contemporary art through stories and movement. Each week features a fresh and fun theme. Young artists and their adults can explore a new artwork each week, enjoy an interactive read-aloud, and participate in a hands-on activity. READ MORE

Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History

Washington, DC - Wednesdays - Sundays
Create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment, invent. This is what children ages 6-12 can do at Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History. Activities pair science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with art, history, and creativity. READ MORE

Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History

Washington, DC - Wednesdays - Sundays
This 1,700-square-foot exhibit gives kids ages 0-6 a hands-on experience with elements taken from the adult exhibits, providing a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity. It features plenty of interactive elements, including a construction area, a climbing structure, a soft-play area for crawlers, a pretend farm and kitchen with play food and accessories, a mini portrait gallery, and more.  READ MORE

National Portrait Gallery Weekend Workshop

Washington, DC - Saturdays & Sundays
Calling all artists! Get creative during free drop-in workshops for all ages. Learn about artists and changemakers and create art inspired by their stories. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Smithsonian Natural History Museum
National Museum of African American History & Culture
The R.I.S.E Center to Anacostia Park
National Museum of the American Indian National Mall
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden