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Best of January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year, and More Fun Things To Do in DC with Kids

See traditional lion and dragon dances at the DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade. Photo courtesy of dcparade.com
See traditional lion and dragon dances at the DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade. Photo courtesy of dcparade.com
12/30/22 - By Jennifer Swope

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January can be a great time for indoor and outdoor activities. Don’t miss our favorite things to do in DC with kids this month.

Go wild outdoors on a Wild Child Hike, or explore nature while using your imagination during Wild Forest Time. Indoors, there are incredible theater performances for all ages, including Aquarium at Imagination Stage and No Excuses, No Limits, a performance by differently-abled dancers at the Kennedy Center. There are also many ways your family can honor Martin Luther King Jr., from joining the MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade to the MLK Service and Learning Day at Frying Pan Farm. And don't miss the beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Burke Lake Park.

Find more things to do in DC in January in our list of the best places to go snow tubing near DC, our round-up of the best outdoor ice skating rinks near DC, and our Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

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There are many ways to commemorate MLK Day in DC. Photo courtesy of Martin Luther King Jr. Arlington National Cemetery Tours
There are many ways to commemorate MLK Day in DC. Photo courtesy of Martin Luther King Jr. Arlington National Cemetery Tours

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this January

First Day Hike: Leesylvania State Park

Woodbridge, VA - Sunday, January 1
Park rangers lead guided hiking tours throughout the park from 11am-1pm. Some trails are not stroller-friendly. 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 - Sunday, 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

First Day Hike: Merkle NRMA

Upper Marlboro, MD - Sunday, January 1
Join Merkle staff for a flat, three-mile hike that connects the forested areas on either side of the main entrance road of Merkle. This trail passes Merkle’s champion yellow poplar which measures 116 feet tall and nearly 17 feet in circumference. READ MORE

MCC - Old Firehouse Winter Block Party

McLean, VA - Saturday, January 7
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

No Excuses, No Limits

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, January 13-15
Through dance, music, audience interaction, and a gained understanding of the limitless possibilities that any person can hold, ILL-ABILITIES™—the international all-star breakdance crew of seven of the world’s best differently-abled dancers—tell their stories. READ MORE

Disney's Beauty & the Beast Jr

Arlington, VA - Fridays - Sundays, January 13-15 & 20-22
Come watch the classic tale of Belle, a young woman from a provincial town, and a Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. Will the Beast learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls?  READ MORE

Mosaic Polar Plunge

Fairfax, VA - Saturday, January 14
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

Aquarium

Bethesda, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, January 14 - February 12
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, actors lead children and caregivers in an interactive exploration of a magical place of play. READ MORE

The People's Holiday

Washington, DC - Monday, January 16
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 16
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

MLK Service and Learning Day at Frying Pan Farm

Herndon, VA - Monday, January 16
Children will learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of giving back to our community. Through various stations, they will hear about the Civil Rights Movement, participate in a service project, and reflect on the power of community cooperation.  READ MORE

MLK Service Cleanups with Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Co., MD - Monday, January 16
Recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day through a volunteer park cleanup at parks across Montgomery County. Participants can help clear litter from streams, beautify green spaces, and do other things to protect natural spaces and wildlife. READ MORE

Wild Forest Time

Boyds, MD - Sunday, January 22
Come out to explore the woods and learn about woodland creatures, or about how to build a fort or climb a tree. Materials and space to create and explore are provided; participants must bring their imaginations and a sense of adventure. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Celebration

Fairfax Station, VA - Friday, January 27
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with crafts, traditional Chinese snacks, and a discussion about the history and culture behind the Lunar New Year. READ MORE

Wild Child Hike

Boyds, MD - Friday, January 27
Kids are encouraged to get wild and dirty on this unique hike on and off the trail at Black Hill Nature Programs. Scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat, and run like a rabbit through the park. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Family Celebration at SAAM

Washington, DC - Saturday, January 28
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon and ring in the Lunar New Year while learning about its importance across cultures. Featuring Chinese and Korean traditions, the festival includes performances, crafts, food, and more.  READ MORE

Winter Blast: A Weekend of Native Games

Washington, DC - Saturday & Sunday, January 28 & 29
Games can be fun and teach important life skills. Visitors can learn about, play, and celebrate the games of indigenous peoples from the Great Plains, Bolivia, and Hawai’i. READ MORE

Winter Lantern Festival (at Tysons Corner)

Tysons, VA - Fridays - Sundays through February 12
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

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience (at Morven Park)

Leesburg, VA - Daily through January 29
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience lets fans venture into an illuminated forest brought to life. Unicorns, Nifflers, and Hippogriffs are only some of the magical creatures guests come face-to-face with. The interactive, family-friendly experience also gives fans the opportunity to cast spells to illuminate the dark forest and try their hand at summoning a Patronus. In the depths of the Forbidden Forest, who knows what spellbinding surprises could be lurking between the trees?  READ MORE

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience

Washington, DC - Daily through February 6
This immersive exhibition takes guests on a journey to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Innovative video projections and soundscapes transport visitors to Egypt, where they experience the Great Sphinx, enter King Tut's tomb, meet Egyptian gods such as Ra and Anubis, and more. The exhibition celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of the tomb. READ MORE

Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience

Washington, DC - Daily through January 22
Dinos Alive is an immersive exhibition featuring over 80 life-sized animated dinosaurs. The experience offers a peek at the world as it was millions of years ago. Guests explore the dense jungles of the Jurassic era and see the dinos in their natural habitat with the help of the latest VR technology and a fully decorated venue. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Thomas Jefferson Community Center
National Museum of African American History & Culture
The R.I.S.E Center to Anacostia Park
Various Parks in Montgomery Country
National Museum of the American Indian National Mall
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II

About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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