Spotlight Washington DC
The DC Winter Lantern Festival dazzles through January 12. Photo courtesy of the festival
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in DC
Shake off the winter doldrums with these fun things to do in DC in 2024.
Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest
24 Best Things to Do in DC December 2024 with Kids: Sing-A-Longs, Christmas Events, and New Year's Eve
Here are our top picks for things to do in DC in December 2024.
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Find the best things to do near DC this holiday season.
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids
Enjoy tree lightings, Santa sightings, holiday parades, and more festive fun in and around DC this...
Photo courtesy of Canva
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Skip the cooking and cleanup and head to one of these restaurants on Christmas Day and Christmas...
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
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia
These houses and neighborhoods near Washington, DC really bring the holiday magic.
The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Discover holiday fun in and around DC that doesn’t break the piggy bank.
Pull on a signature blue parka for Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Christmas is a magical time of year in Washington, DC. During the holidays, DC and its surrounding...
Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Here are our picks for the best holiday and Christmas lights displays in the DC area.
Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The ultimate guide to the best things to do with kids in Washington DC this winter!
The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
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.
There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Share a morning meal with Santa at these festive events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Here's where to take the kids to see The Nutcracker and other holiday shows in 2024.
Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms Near DC
Find the perfect Christmas tree at one of these area farms.
Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
These amazing places are giving out free toys for kids this holiday season.
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Shop local and find some cool stuff for kids at these awesome stores.
Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
There are so many ways for families to have fun in and around DC without spending a dime!

calendar icon Find Things To Do In Washington DC

SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Storytime at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - 11:00 AM Pick
The Nutcracker Sweet (at Capital One Hall)
Capital One Hall - 7:30 PM Pick
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
The People's House: A White House Experience
The People's House - 9:00 AM
The White House Tour
The White House - 9:30 AM
Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum
College Park Aviation Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Big Screen on the Green (at Vienna Town Green)
Vienna Town Green - 6:30 PM Pick
A Christmas Festival (at Capital One Hall)
Capital One Hall - 7:30 PM Pick
The Nutcracker Sweet (at Capital One Hall)
Capital One Hall - 7:30 PM Pick
Cirque Nutcracker (at Strathmore)
Strathmore Music Center - 7:30 PM Pick
Milk & Cookies With Santa (at McLean Community Center)
McLean Community Center - 10:00 AM Pick
Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum
College Park Aviation Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Day: Rocket Blasts and Star Bursts at Udvar-Hazy Center
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - 10:00 AM Pick
The Mini Nutcracker (at Cultural Arts Center)
Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center - 3:00 PM Pick
Nutcracker Night with Akhmedova Ballet Academy (at Cultural Arts Center)
Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center - 7:00 PM Pick
Holiday Trains and Planes at College Park Aviation Museum
College Park Aviation Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Fun Day with Santa at Publick Playhouse
Publick Playhouse - 2:00 PM Pick
Family JAMboree at the Capital City Go-Go
Entertainment & Sports Arena - 3:00 PM Pick
Sing! Holiday Concerts (at Atlas Performing Arts Center)
Atlas Performing Arts Center - various times Pick
A Family Christmas Concert (at The Kennedy Center)
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - various times Pick
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
Placita Mágica at National Children’s Museum
National Children's Museum - 9:30 AM
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tour
Bureau of Engraving and Printing - 9:00 AM
George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon - 9:00 AM
Ford's Theatre Tour
Ford's Theatre - 9:00 AM
Play Date at NMNH
Smithsonian Natural History Museum - 10:30 AM Pick
Storytime at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - 11:00 AM Pick
Welcome to Native Place at National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of the American Indian National Mall - 1:00 PM Pick
US Capitol & US Capitol Visitor Center Tour
US Capitol Visitors Center - 8:30 AM
The White House Tour
The White House - 9:30 AM
STORYTIME at the Hirshhorn
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden - 10:00 AM Pick
Family Story Time at Rosedale Neighborhood Library
Rosedale Neighborhood Library - 10:30 AM Pick
Seasons of Light at Publick Playhouse
Publick Playhouse - various times Pick
The Nutcracker – A Magical Tale in Mount Vernon at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall - various times Pick
Little Red and the Gingerbread Man with Barefoot Puppets (at Discovery Theater)
Discovery Theater – Ripley Center - various times Pick

Latest Articles

Have a fun day with Santa at the Public Playhouse. Photo courtesy of the event
Rocket Blasts, The Nutcracker, and More Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids
Jennifer Swope, Dec 11 - Enjoy the coolest events this weekend throughout the DC area. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Canva
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Katie Sivinski, Dec 8 - Skip the cooking and cleanup and head to one of these restaurants on Christmas Day and Christmas... READ MORE
The DC Winter Lantern Festival dazzles through January 12. Photo courtesy of the festival
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in DC
Jennifer Marino Walters, Dec 6 - Shake off the winter doldrums with these fun things to do in DC in 2024. READ MORE
What? You can get a custom sign made practically overnight! Photo courtesy of the IbayNawi Store on Amazon
Best Last-Minute Gifts for Christmas & the Holidays You Can Buy on Amazon
Melanie Preis, Dec 5 - Looking for the perfect gift that will arrive tomorrow? We got you! READ MORE
The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Jennifer Swope, Dec 1 - Discover holiday fun in and around DC that doesn’t break the piggy bank. READ MORE
Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest
24 Best Things to Do in DC December 2024 with Kids: Sing-A-Longs, Christmas Events, and New Year's Eve
Jennifer Swope, Nov 29 - Here are our top picks for things to do in DC in December 2024. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Explore DC's Top Attractions with Kids
Pull on a signature blue parka for Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Christmas is a magical time of year in Washington, DC. During the holidays, DC and its surrounding...
Wegmans Wonderplace is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Wegmans Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History
Best Attractions and Things To Do in DC that are Kid-Friendly
Here are some best kid-friendly attractions to visit in our nation's capital.
April is the ideal month to see the Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Top Attractions in DC: The Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Here are the best things to see and do with kids in our nation's capital.
Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids
Here's what to see, where to eat, and how to get around at the iconic National Mall in Washington...
Explore amazing interactive exhibits at the National Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in DC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Have a fun-filled long weekend in DC—without breaking the bank —with this three-day itinerary...
Planet Word has lots of opportunities to get hands-on. Photo courtesy of Planet Word
Top Quirky Museums and Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems for Kids Near DC
Look beyond the big-name Smithsonian institutions to discover some hidden-gem museums in the DC...
Guides for DC Families
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Find the best things to do near DC this holiday season. READ MORE 
The National Museum of Natural History is free every day. Photo by Paul Fetters for the Smithsonian
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in DC. READ MORE 
Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The ultimate guide to the best things to do with kids in Washington DC this winter! READ MORE 
photo courtesy of Climb Zone
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC
Where to go when it's too rainy or hot to play outside! READ MORE 
GUIDE
Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC
Find birthday party venues, party themes, and even favor ideas. READ MORE 
Family Travel Guide
The very best kid-friendly vacation destinations for making memories. READ MORE