Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2024: 27 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
There is lots of free fun to be had all around the DC area this month!
Latest posts by Jennifer Swope
New Year's Eve Weekend 2023 in DC: Noon Year's Eve, Fireworks, First Day Hikes, and More
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
Enjoy these great things to do in and near DC with kids this New Year's Eve weekend.
25 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Ball Drops, Parties and Other DC Celebrations for Kids
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
New Year's Eve with kids looks little bit different than those pre-children celebrations, but that's doesn't mean it has to be boring! Ring in 2024 in style at one of several family-friendly New Year's Eve events in the DC area.
We've rounded up the area's fireworks, drone shows, noontime parties, ball drops, and other things to do on New Year's Eve in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Early birds can go to a Noon Year's Eve party at Yards Park or the B&O Railroad Museum. Families with older kids might enjoy nighttime parties like the popular First Night Alexandria or the new New Year's Eve Drone & Fireworks Show in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Still clinging to Christmas? Most holiday light shows in the area are open on New Year's Eve, or you can get tickets to a holiday performance before they end their seasonal runs. Happy New Year!
Christmas Weekend 2023 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Breakfast with Santa, Waterskiing Santa, and More
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
Looking for the best things to do in DC this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.
Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend, and there are plenty of fun things to do to celebrate. Most holiday light shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are open and are a perfect activity to enjoy with out-of-town guests. Outdoor ice skating rinks will also help keep that festive energy under control.
Children can delight in eating breakfast with Santa on Christmas Eve at Theismann's Restaurant, Ada's on the River, or Mia's Italian Kitchen. And be sure to catch Santa on waterskis in Old Town Alexandria on Christmas Eve.
For even more fun ideas, check out our list of what is open on Christmas Day in DC. Whatever you do, happy holidays from your friends at Mommy Poppins!
Christmas Vacation in DC: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
Keep kids entertained with these fun things to do over Christmas vacation 2023.
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
The holiday season can be as expensive as it is festive. Luckily, there are loads of free holiday events throughout the DC area for families. Tree and menorah lightings, such as the National Harbor Tree Light Show and the National Menorah Lighting, are some of the most popular. Then there are the parades like the Scottish Christmas Walk in Old Town Alexandria and the Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg.
These are just a few of the many free events I've found for your family. Don't miss the section dedicated to holiday markets, where you can soak up the cheer while buying unique gifts for family and friends.
Read on for the ultimate list of free holiday and Christmas events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2024. For more ideas for seasonal fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our list of must-do Christmas and holiday activities in DC for kids. Happy holidays!
Pictures with Santa Claus in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
The holiday season is full of festive photo ops, including the most important photos of all: pictures with Santa. There are so many places for families to meet Santa Claus and take Santa photos throughout DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. You can take pictures with Santa at the mall, visit him at fun events, and even see him on the rails at the National Capital Trolley Museum.
Many visits with Santa are free with the option to purchase photo packages, but there are even some places where you can get free pictures with Santa. Don't forget to secure a reservation ahead of time at most of these places—Santa is very busy this time of year.
Read on for our list of places to take Santa pictures near DC. Then check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our roundups of must-do Christmas events and holiday activities in DC, where to have breakfast with Santa in the DC area, and more. Happy holidays!
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Submitted by Jennifer Swope on
The DC area is always merry and bright with so many Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and other festive displays. I know I'm having trouble selecting the one (or three) my family will visit because they're all so good.
Light Yards is always a fun and quick stop, especially when you get to swing on the bells as they light up. For years, I've been wanting to check out the Holiday Boat Parade which is visible from both The Wharf and Alexandria. And then there are the tree and menorah lightings, neighborhood displays, and twinkles all over the area.
Below I've compiled 29 amazing Christmas light shows, holiday lights drive-thrus, and tree and menorah lightings around the DC area.
While you're in a festive mood, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more Christmas events and holiday activities all over the DC area. Whatever you celebrate, we're wishing you all the wonders of the season!
