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15 Things To Do for February's Winter Break in DC

Learn how maple sugaring works at Brookside Gardens. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks
Learn how maple sugaring works at Brookside Gardens. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks
2/12/23 - By Jennifer Swope

February winter break is right around the corner for Washington, DC public school kids. When does winter break start? It begins Monday, February 20 and ends Friday, February 24, 2023. When you add the weekend before and after, you've got nine days to fill with fun for your kids.

To help you make the most of winter break, we've rounded up a variety of fun things to do with kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. With both indoor and outdoor options on the list, you're covered in any weather. If you need more fun ideas, check out our lists of 30 fun winter activities in DC for kids and families, 15 free activities near DC this winter, outdoor ice skating rinks near DC, and top indoor playgrounds.

The extra days off are also a great opportunity to book a last-minute getaway, and we've got some great options, from nearby destinations like the best ski resorts near DC to affordable winter vacation ideas, including warm-weather retreats like Florida.

However your family chooses to spend winter break, we hope you get a chance to have some fun and recharge!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy live music from bands like Batala DC at the Mardi Gras celebration at the Wharf. Photo by Miki Jourdan via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Enjoy live music from bands like Batala DC at the Mardi Gras celebration at the Wharf. Photo by Miki Jourdan via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Things to do in DC Over February Winter Break with Kids

Maple Sugaring Walk

Wheaton, MD
Thursdays, Saturdays, & Sundays through February 26, 2023
In honor of Maple Sugaring Month, Brookside Nature Center shows families how sap is collected from trees and made into maple syrup. READ MORE

Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park

Sandy Spring, MD
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Families are invited to visit Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park for a free self-guided tour to learn about Black history in Montgomery County. The visitor's center has take-home activities for ages 5-12 and trail maps to explore the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. READ MORE

National Portrait Gallery's Presidential Family Fun Day

Washington, DC
Saturday, February 18, 2023
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

Mardi Gras at The Wharf

Washington, DC
Saturday, February 18, 2023
The Wharf brings the spirit of New Orleans to DC with a community Mardi Gras celebration featuring a parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale. READ MORE

Aladdin

Manassas, VA
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Virginia National Ballet presents Aladdin, based on the Disney movie. Don’t miss this production with beautiful sets, costumes, a magical flying carpet, and a stunning musical score.  READ MORE

Community Day: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Lion King on Broadway

Washington, DC
Monday, February 2o, 2023
The Lion King went to Broadway 25 years ago. Celebrate as a family at a community day where visitors of all ages can meet Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists and participate in activities and show-themed workshops. READ MORE

George Washington Birthday Parade (in Old Town Alexandria)

Alexandria, VA
Monday, February 20, 2023
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 & Wednesday, February 20 & 22, 2023
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

Sweetheart Parent & Child Dance

McLean, VA
Friday, February 24, 2023
Children and their parents are invited to enjoy a fancy night out at McLean Community Center with a DJ and dancing, light refreshments, a photo booth, and crafts. READ MORE

When the Stars Align: Celestial Navigation and the Underground Railroad

Bethesda, MD
Sunday, February 25, 2023
Learn how the stars helped guide freedom seekers on their journey north along the Underground Railroad. Participants get to observe the night sky from another point of view and hear from guest speakers including historian Dr. Sylvea Hollis, astronomer Dr. Lou Strolger, and PhD candidate Sophie Hess. READ MORE

Omnium Circus

McLean, VA
Sunday, February 25, 2023
Omnium Circus presents a multi-sensory show that's completely inclusive of all, regardless of any special needs—visual, auditory, autistic, or others. The show features a diverse, multi-abled, and multiracial cast of talented performers.  READ MORE

The Hula-Hoopin' Queen

Bethesda, MD
Saturdays & Sundays through April 8, 2023
Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin' Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party and almost ruins the day, until Miz Adeline confesses that she's also got the itch—the hula-hoopin' itch! Her fingers start snappin'. Her hips start swingin'. Soon everyone's hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street. READ MORE

ArtecHouse: Intangible Forms

Washington, DC
Daily through Sunday, March 5, 2023
Blurring the lines between what is real, what is not, and what it means to be human, Intangible Forms offers the opportunity to pause and exist outside of normal space and time.  READ MORE

XOXO: An Exhibit about Love & Forgiveness

Washington, DC
Daily (except Tuesdays) through Sunday, May 14, 2023
Children will explore the emotions of love and forgiveness through words, movement, artmaking, performance, and play. Working together through hands-on activities, children begin to understand and appreciate the power of love, kindness, and forgiveness. READ MORE

Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History

Washington, DC
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment, invent. This is what children ages 6-12 can do at Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History. Activities pair science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with art, history, and creativity. READ MORE

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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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