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Presidents Day Weekend 2024: 13 Things To Do in DC with Kids

Celebrate Black culture at the Let It Shine event at Port Discovery. Photo courtesy of the Port Discovery Children's Museum
Celebrate Black culture at the Let It Shine event at Port Discovery. Photo courtesy of the Port Discovery Children's Museum
2/14/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Presidents Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

It's Presidents Day weekend in Washington, DC, and that means a long weekend off from school and work. These three days are full of great things to do, including Presidential Fun Family Day at the National Portrait Gallery and the opening of Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale at Imagination Stage.

Little historians can celebrate the nation's first president in George Washington's honorary hometown of Alexandria with a parade or a free visit to his home, Mount Vernon.

More Things To Do in Washington, DC this Week with Kids:

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Head to Old Town Alexandria for the George Washington Birthday Parade. Photo courtesy of the Visit Alexandria VA Facebook page.
Head to Old Town Alexandria for the George Washington Birthday Parade. Photo courtesy of the Visit Alexandria VA Facebook page.

Best Things to Do this Presidents Day Weekend in DC

Monet: The Immersive Experience (at Rhode Island Center)

Washington, DC - Daily (except Tuesdays), February 16 - April 15
Embark on an astonishing journey through the incomparable universe of Claude Monet, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. Explore his life, his career, and his secrets like never before with the help of 360-degree digital projections and a unique virtual-reality experience. READ MORE

Winter Lantern Festival (at Tysons Corner)

Tysons, VA - Friday - Sunday, February 16-18
The Winter Lantern Festival is back this holiday season, with a display of electrifying lights made from more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns. Guests will enter and wander through a wonderland of light and color inspired by Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs. Attractions will include a bounce house, sugar paintings, dino ride, interactive light swings, see-saws, tunnels, and many majestic creatures. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Festival at DAR Museum

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 17
Free
This free, family-friendly celebration of Lunar New Year features games, activities, and performances. It's presented in conjunction with the Vietnam Society, the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office, and the Fairfax High School Korean Club. READ MORE

National Portrait Gallery's Presidential Family Fun Day

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 17
Free
Celebrate Presidents Day and all things presidential at the National Portrait Gallery's annual Presidential Family Fun Day. Discover more about presidents during guided tours of “America’s Presidents”, enjoy storytimes, and participate in art-making and writing activities. READ MORE

Let It Shine at Port Discovery

Baltimore, MD - Saturday, February 17
Port Discovery celebrates Black culture and excellence with Let It Shine, a day of interactive experiences, art projects, history, and STEM programs. READ MORE

Rockville's Lunar New Year Celebration

Rockville, MD - Saturday, February 17
Free
The City of Rockville celebrates Lunar New Year with performances, interactive displays, kids’ crafts, and to-go snack boxes (while supplies last). READ MORE

Families Unplugged: Terrarium Building (at Lubber Run Community Center)

Arlington, VA - Saturday, February 17
Families create their own ecosystem inside of a decorative terrarium for the winter growing season. The activity involves a lot of dirt and paint, so dress to get dirty! READ MORE

How to Say 'Be Mine' in the Animal World (at Burke Lake Park)

Fairfax Station, VA - Saturday, February 17
Learn how animals like the chimpanzee, toad, and wolf express their affection on this outdoor Valentine’s Day walk and talk. READ MORE

Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale

Bethesda, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, February 17 - April 7
What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That's the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. This Imagination Stage original breaks new ground in bilingual children’s theatre. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Celebration at Fair Oaks Mall

Fairfax, VA - Saturday & Sunday, February 17 & 18
Free
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with traditional dragons and lions on display, music, dance performances from countries around the world, martial arts demonstrations, and kid-friendly activities. READ MORE

Arts on the Horizon's New Works Festival

Arlington, VA - Saturday & Sunday, February 17 & 18
Arts on the Horizon hosts a festival of new shows and fun activities for the whole family. The day includes 15-minute sneak peeks of two new shows that are being developed for a future season, creative play stations, themed crafts, and sensory stations. READ MORE

George Washington Birthday Parade (in Old Town Alexandria)

Alexandria, VA - Monday, February 19
Free
The nation’s largest George Washington birthday parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of Old Town. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, local organizations, and of course General Washington and Martha Washington. READ MORE

Free Mount Vernon Admission for George Washington's Birthday

Mount Vernon, VA - Monday, February 19 & Thursday, February 22
Free
Celebrate the first president of the United States with free admission to Mount Vernon, his beloved home. Meet General Washington and hear 18th-century music during this annual celebration. Admission is free for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday.  READ MORE

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