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Balloonacy is a fun, movement-based show that revisits the classic film The Red Balloon. Photo courtesy of Imagination Stage
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1/7/22 - By Stephanie Shipman

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

I know I said it last week, but Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to a great year ahead, made less stressful by knowing which events I can take my kids to each weekend—wink, wink!

There is lots of FREE fun to be had this weekend! If you want to get out in nature, Stellar Star Show at Rock Creek Park will be happening every weekend this month. Want to stay inside? Check out the Immersive MONOPOLY Experience in Union Station, then head across the street to the fantastic National Postal Museum. Or, sing along to KPop Demon Hunters at the National Museum of Asian Art.

There are also some great theater productions happening, like Balloonacy at Imagination Stage and the last weekend of Frosty the Snow Man at Adventure Theatre.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our DC events calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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Gaze up and learn about the stars in Rock Creek Park's planetarium. Photo by Jordan Land , NPS Photo
Gaze up and learn about the stars in Rock Creek Park's planetarium. Photo by Jordan Land , NPS Photo

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Winter Skate Spectacular at National Building Museum

Washington, DC - Thursdays - Sundays, through February 8
The Winter Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum has an indoor synthetic ice rink featuring themed skating days, including disco and glow nights, as well as specific times for young children. READ MORE

Stellar Star Show at Rock Creek Park

Washington, DC - Fridays - Sundays, through January 31
Free
Enjoy a 30-minute, ranger-led program in the only planetarium in the National Park Service! The Stellar Star Show is all about the planets and the night sky. READ MORE

Great Big Game Show | DC

Washington, DC - Daily
Great Big Game Show, brought to you by The Escape Game, is a live-hosted game show experience. Two teams come on stage to face off in a battle for points and glory! READ MORE

Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt at the National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC - Saturday, January 10
Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together, but all-adult teams can compete separately. READ MORE

KPop Demon Hunters at NMAA

Washington, DC - Saturday, January 10
Free
Celebrate the blockbuster exhibition Korean Treasures by belting along with the surprise hit of the year (which just happens to feature one of the artworks in the exhibition). READ MORE

Kids Kaboose at Old Bowie Welcome Center

Bowie, MD - Saturday, January 10
Free
Head to the Bowie Railroad Museum to meet Conductor O’Brien as he reads a charming story, followed by hands-on activities for kids. READ MORE

Wheaton Family Theatre Series: Dancing Our Way Through Books (at Highland Elementary School)

Wheaton, MD - Saturday & Sunday, January 10 & 11
The new year at InterAct Story Theatre kicks with Artistic Director Ali Oliver-Krueger leading kids and adults in exploring a folktale together through movement, drama, and song. READ MORE

Immersive MONOPOLY Experience in Union Station

Washington, DC - Saturday - Monday, January 10-12
Free
Visit Atlantic City is bringing a life-sized MONOPOLY activation to Union Station. Developed under license by Hasbro, the three-day experiential pop-up invites guests to step directly onto a fully walkable game board and discover the modern-day thrills of Atlantic City through immersive, interactive play. The game features oversized dice, charming Atlantic City-themed game tokens, and spaces spotlighting the destination’s most compelling attractions. Guests can roll the dice to win prizes and enjoy interactive photo ops, entertainment, and live DJ performances. READ MORE

MiniCon at Workhouse Arts Center

Lorton, VA - Saturday, January 10
Free
Experience a free sneak peek of ComicWorx featuring local vendors, talented crafters, great food, and plenty more to explore. READ MORE

Balloonacy at Imagination Stage

Bethesda, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, through February 15
This beautiful, movement-based show revisits the classic film The Red Balloon and will delight audiences of all ages and speakers of all languages. Nothing can go right for the old man, whose days are gray and dreary, until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of 1930s silent movies, the old man—an adult version of the boy in the film—regains his youthful spirit. READ MORE

Frosty the Snow Man at Adventure Theatre

Glen Echo, MD - Saturday & Sunday, January 10 & 11
Do you want to build a snow man? How about watching him spring to life in front of you for one day of adventures before he melts away? In this merry wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics, Frosty gallops into the hearts of kids and adults alike- even the heart of one skeptical cop– through his uproarious antics. READ MORE
There's plenty of indoor fun to be had if it's too nippy outside. Photo courtesy of Climb Zone
There's plenty of indoor fun to be had if it's too nippy outside. Photo courtesy of Climb Zone

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These snow tubing parks offer winter fun for the whole family. READ MORE
There are lots of indoor opportunities for learning and play this winter. Photo by Anne Trenolone via Flickr
There are lots of indoor opportunities for learning and play this winter. Photo by Anne Trenolone via Flickr

More Fun Winter Things To Do With Kids

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. READ MORE

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Though the holidays are over, we've got 31 things to celebrate in January! READ MORE

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Kids can run, explore, climb, and play for free at these great places around the DC area. READ MORE

Winter Activities Guide for Kids

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