Are you in search of fun kid-friendly activities in D.C.? Whether you are from the area or just stopping by, there are a variety of great spots and experiences to choose from. Below are some of our favorite things to do with kids this winter in D.C..
1. Embrace your inner wizard at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience before it closes
An immensely popular woodland trail inspired by the wizarding world is open Leesburg until January 26, illuminating all of your favorite moments from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ series. The whole family is in for a treat: cast your own Patronus, join the Triwizard walk, feast on Harry Potter-themed food, bow to a Hippogriff, and more! Snag tickets here for this bewitching adventure with more magical elements than ever before.
2. Check out this epic LEGO® art exhibit
Opening in D.C. on January 30, The Art of the Brick invites you to marvel at massive LEGO® sculptures created by artist Nathan Sawaya. From a 20-foot T-Rex to recreations of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, the world-famous exhibit is bound to blow your mind. Snag tickets here to this family-friendly art exhibition.
3. Get your game on at the bowling alley
With 32 bowling lanes and countless arcade games, Bowlero in Arlington is a must-visit for a family fun day. From old-school classics like Pac-Man to state-of-the art video games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the bowling lanes are decked out with comfy lounge seats, black lights, and massive HD video walls that can play sports, family films, and more!
4. Find your happy place at Dopamine Land
A recent addition to D.C., Dopamine Land is specially designed to trigger the happiness hormone, dopamine. From a massive ball pit to a designated pillow fight section, this immersive installation in Friendship Heights blends technology, media and play through vibrant, whimsical installations. You’re bound to love it as much as the kids! Snag tickets here to plan your visit.
5. Strike up some friendly competition at indoor mini golf
Swingers, the crazy golf club, now welcomes kids and families every Sunday before 6 pm. Offering crazy golf for the whole family, plus kid-friendly bites and beverages, Swingers Dupont Circle is the perfect destination to plan your next Sunday Funday without breaking the bank. Plus, as temperatures continue to drop, it’s the perfect way to enjoy some indoor fun. Book your spot here!
6. Step into Monet’s radiant paintings at Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience
Located at the Rhode Island Center, Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience welcomes you to learn about the iconic artist’s life and step into iconic paintings like Water Lilies and Houses of Parliament. You and the kids will be blown away by the stunning floor-to-ceiling projections of Monet’s vibrant works.
With plenty of comfy bean bags, chairs, and floor seating in the immersive space, the exhibit won’t tire little ones out the way a traditional museum might. Get tickets here while you can!
7. Meet more than 360 species at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
As we wait for the giant pandas to acclimate to their new environment, plenty of other incredible animals await at the zoo! Always free of charge, the Smithsonian National Zoo is a great place to take kids of all ages. Today, the 163-acre park in Northwest D.C. contains nearly 1,800 animals. From big cats to reptiles and amphibians, there are so many amazing species to discover.
8. Attend a Candlelight concert
Lighting up some of D.C.’s most remarkable settings, including St. Francis Hall, is this series of enchanting Candlelight concerts that the youngsters are sure to love. Accompanied by an adult, kids aged 8 years or older can attend a magical tribute dedicated to the likes of Beyoncé, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and many more musical stars.
9. Step into the shoes of a spy at the International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is definitely a fun one to add to your list of the best things to do with kids this winter in D.C.. Kids can test their spy skills through an interactive “undercover mission,” examine hundreds of inventions created to steal secrets, try their hand at code-cracking and much more! The museum is located at 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, and those 6 and under get in for free.
10. Explore the National Mall and monuments
While certainly not a secret, the National Mall is undoubtedly a great place to take the kiddos. With open green space, towering monuments and, of course, plenty of food trucks to stop at for a quick bite, the mall is a spot to add to your list if you need a break from museums and exhibits. Whether you want to pick a favorite bench to rest your legs, or make the walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, this family-friendly spot tends to be a crowd pleaser.
11. Watch language come to life at Planet Word
This immersive language experience in downtown D.C. is just as fun as it is educational. Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum, encouraging visitors of all ages to interact with their galleries in all kinds of new and exciting ways. Children can paint with words, sing karaoke-style, laugh it out in the “humor gallery” and much more.
12. Foster learning in a playful manner at the National Children’s Museum
The National Children’s Museum encourages children to engage with a wide array of exhibits, honing their backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, art and math. Little ones will be able to wander through a sensory-filled Slime funhouse, control the weather through green screen technology, explore a three-story climber and slide, learn about how data presents itself in our daily lives and more!
13. Wander through Rock Creek Park
If you don’t want to leave D.C. but are looking for a more nature-oriented activity to do with kids this winter, Rock Creek Park is the place for you. The park bisects Northwest D.C. and contains a number of trails and paths that are accessible for smaller kids. Consider packing a lunch and stopping at one of the picnic areas if the weather isn’t too chilly!
14. Lace up your skates and hit the ice
As the temperatures drop and the holiday lights start to glisten, there’s no better way to embrace the winter season than by indulging in a beloved seasonal activity. Fortunately, the D.C. area is home to a number of stunning ice rinks. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks for you to enjoy this winter here!