It’s officially winter and panic among DC parents has officially set-in. It’s likely that kids are climbing the walls – literally. On top of it all, winter break is looming and there will be days upon days to fill. What to do? Check out these great activities happening all over the DC area this winter.
Nats Winterfest: Remember last spring when you and the kids loved going to Nats games? Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of baseball. Catch the Nats at this year’s Nationals 2017 Winterfest happening the weekend of December 16-17. Not only will several of your favorite players be in attendance, but you can participate in a clinic with players and coaches, participate in a “steal home challenge,” build a snow fort, go down a giant slide, practice pitching, and more.
See the Lights: There is something magical about immersing yourself in thousands of lights during the holidays. There is no shortage of spectacular annual displays that change each year to keep you coming back. The free Festival of Lights at the Church of Latter-Day Saints is a great option. Brookside Gardens’ Garden of Lights is an awe-inspiring experience with favorite flowers and garden creatures shown in brilliant light displays. Sound a little too cold? Check out an option like the Bull Run Festival of Lights, which you can enjoy from the comfort (and warmth) of your own car.
See Frosty Come to Life: Frosty the Snowman is a holiday classic, but there are few opportunities to see him apart from the small screen. This year, Adventure Theatre MTC brings Frosty to life before the audience’s eyes for a day of fun before he melts away. This production is non-stop with elaborate dances and snowball fights. There are even some jokes thrown in for the adults – like a suggestion that Frosty be named Jon Snow.
Enter the World of the Nutcracker: Artechouse is quickly becoming a favorite destination for DC families. It’s the only art gallery in the area that focuses solely on the intersection of art and technology and so far all of their exhibits have been highly interactive and family-friendly. This winter, Artechouse features The Nutcracker. Kids and adults alike can interact with a Nutcracker and the Mouse King, make portraits move and secrets chests light up, and use an app to make a Christmas Feast appear on empty plates. Need some time away from the kids? At night Artech House turns into a 21+-only venue. And, yes, even the drinks become a part of the interactive space via an augmented reality app.
Charlotte Spins A Tale: Charlotte’s Web is a story every child is introduced to at some point, but it’s not often brought to the stage. In Imagination Stage’s version of Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte is brought to life by a silk artist and the tale is infused with live music with Classical and Folk Americana influences. It’s a great opportunity for children to see some of their favorite characters come to life and possibly hear live music for the first time.
Take a Dive: Make this winter one to remember by skydiving – or at least coming as close as many ever will. Kids as young as three can go into a wind tunnel and experience the feeling of weightlessness at iFly. A trip to iFly would ensure your kids have the most epic winter break ever – or a visit would make a great holiday gift your kids not only wont’ see coming but won’t clutter your house for the next five years. A trip to iFly would also make a great date night if you just need a break from the kids for a few hours.
Be a Tourist: It can be easy to overlook the many museums in our area until visitors come, but don’t pass up a free day to explore. Many museums have great exhibits just for kids, like Wegman’s Wonderplace in the American History Museum or Q?rius in the Natural History Museum.
Embrace the cold and try something new!
Contributor has no interest in anyone or anything mentioned.