Winter Break in D.C.: A Family Guide to Joyful Experiences

As the winter season arrives, families looking to engage with the festive spirit or simply keep the kids entertained will find that Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of activities. From seasonal spectacles to engaging exhibits, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a round-up of fantastic options to delight your family during Winter Break!

Holiday Happenings

Season’s Greenings: Dino-mite

• Where: U.S. Botanic Garden, Capitol Hill, DC
• When: Through January 4
• Admission: Free
  Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the U.S. Botanic Garden, where plant materials come together to mimic Washington’s key landmarks. This year’s exhibit features model trains chugging through displays of dinosaur creations made entirely from plant parts!

Holidays on the Ellipse

• Where: President’s Park, National Ellipse, DC
• When: Through January 1
• Admission: Free
  A quintessential holiday tradition, this display features the National Christmas Tree, the National Menorah, and trees representing all 50 states. The illuminated scene is especially magical at night with the White House in the backdrop.

Search for Santa’s Critters

• Where: Potomac Overlook Park, Arlington, VA
• When: December 20-21, 22-23, 27-28, 11am-4pm
• Admission: $5/child
  Engage in a scavenger hunt searching for Santa’s critters across this beautiful park, which is perfect for outdoor exploration and family fun.

Special Exhibits & Museums

The Stars We Do Not See

• Where: National Gallery of Art, National Mall, DC
• When: Daily, 10am-5pm
• Admission: Free
  This vibrant exhibition showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, including colorful totem poles, paintings, and more.

American Dream Experience

• Where: Milken Center, Downtown DC
• When: Daily, 10am-5:30pm
• Admission: Free
  A new cultural hub that engages visitors of all ages, exploring themes of hope and possibility through interactive installations.

Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work

• Where: American Art Museum, Penn Quarter, DC
• When: Through July 2026
• Admission: Free
  Admire the charming rural scenes painted by Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses, who began her art journey in her 70s.

Must-See D.C.

See DC from Above

• Where: Old Post Office Tower, Downtown DC
• When: Daily, 9am-4pm
• Admission: Free
  Enjoy panoramic views of D.C.’s skyline from the observation deck of the Old Post Office, a surprisingly lesser-known gem.

A Capitol Visit

• Where: U.S. Capitol, Capitol Hill, DC
• When: Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm
• Admission: Free
  Take a guided tour of this historic building. Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy holiday season.

Outdoor Experiences

Ice Skate the Day Away

• Where: Various rinks around the DC area
• When: Throughout the weekend
• Admission: Varies by location
  Embrace the winter weather by hitting an outdoor skating rink. The Sculpture Garden, The Wharf, and Tysons Corner offer beautiful settings for skating.

Fossil Hunting

• Where: Calvert & Charles Counties
• When: Varies by location
• Admission: Varies
  Don your waterproof boots and go fossil hunting! Seek out ancient shark teeth and other treasures on the beaches of Calvert County.

Indoor Action

Winter Skate Spectacular

• Where: National Building Museum, Judiciary Square, DC
• When: December 27 – February 8
• Admission: $20/adult, $17/child
  Skate indoors at the National Building Museum’s synthetic rink. Admission encompasses skate rentals and museum exhibits.

Super, Awesome, and Amazing Fun

• Where: The St. James, Springfield, VA
• When: Thursday-Sunday, various hours
• Admission: Starting at $15/hour
  This massive activity center offers climbing walls, trampolines, and obstacle courses for kids of all ages.

Weekday Programs

School’s Out Workshops

• Where: National Building Museum
• When: December 22 & 29, 10:30am-12pm
• Admission: $20/child, $10/adult
  Engage children in fun and educational hands-on experiences that explore architecture and design.

Portrait Gallery Kids

• Where: National Portrait Gallery
• When: December 22 & 29, 11:30am-12:30pm
• Admission: Free
  This program invites children to engage with art through hands-on activities, storytime, and creative exploration.

See Some Sports

Capitals Games

• Where: Capital One Arena, Penn Quarter, DC
• When: Various dates
• Admission: Ticket prices vary
  Catch the Washington Capitals in action around the holiday break, providing thrilling hockey excitement for sports fans.

Wizards Games

• Where: Capital One Arena
• When: Various dates
• Admission: Ticket prices vary
  Don’t miss the Washington Wizards as they play several home games during Winter Break.

Day Trips

Hit the Slopes

• Where: Local ski resorts
• When: Throughout winter
• Admission: Varies
  Grab your gear and hit regional ski resorts like Liberty, Whitetail, and Roundtop for a fun-filled day of skiing!

Charm City, Hon!

• Where: Baltimore, MD
• When: Daily
• Admission: Varies by location
  Explore Baltimore’s attractions like the National Aquarium, Port Discovery, and the Maryland Science Center.

Extra Tips

• Look for Indoor Activities: For foul weather days, check out indoor venues that allow for fun and games.
• Explore Parks and Nature: Plenty of parks offer activities year-round, making for enjoyable outdoor adventures even in winter.
• Volunteer as a Family: Engage in community service projects together to instill values of kindness and generosity.

These highlights make for an exciting Winter Break filled with exploration, fun, and festive cheer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of experiences to create joyful memories with your family in Washington, D.C.