Winter Family Fun - Things to Do with Kids in the Washington, DC area

Looking for some ideas for winter family fun in the Washington, DC area? We are lucky to have such a diverse selection of activities in this region. Here is a guide to help you plan.

Museums The Washington, DC area has a wonderful variety of museums. The best time to visit many of them is the winter because they are a lot less crowded. Many of the museums have special programs for kids with lots of hands-on activities. Here are the top picks of museums for kids in the area, including Maryland and Virginia.

Children’s Theatre Take the kids to a play or puppet theatre and enjoy a family show at a children’s theater in the Washington, DC area. Many children's theaters in the Washington, DC area also offer drama education programs.

IMAX Movies Find information about IMAX Movie Theaters in Washington, DC at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Movie Theaters Winter is a great time to go to the movies. Find a convenient movie theater with this directory of cinemas in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Indoor Playgrounds or Amusement Centers On a cold or rainy (or snowy) day, kids in the Washington, DC area can have a blast romping around these indoor playgrounds and amusement centers.

Shopping Spend the day updating your wardrobe at a local Shopping Mall or find some bargains at an Outlet Shopping Center.

Sports or Hobbies Take a class from your local Department of Parks and Recreation

Nature Centers The winter season is a great time to visit a nature center or attend a naturalist guided event. Explore a nature museum or get outside and take a short walk in the woods.

Ice Skating and Roller Skating Take the whole family ice skating or roller skating at a rink in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. Find out about some special places to ice skate outdoors and get information about skating classes and hockey teams in the Washington, DC area.

Skiing, Snowboarding or Snow Tubing Take the kids to a ski resort for a day of family fun in the snow. Find information about the closest ski areas to Washington, DC.

Bowling Bowling is a fun indoor activity for all ages. For younger children, look for bowling alleys that have bumper bowling and special ramps.

Indoor Swimming Swimming is great exercise and an essential skill for kids. The winter is a great time to sign kids up for lessons and keep developing their skills year-round.

Indoor Tennis Tennis is a sport that can be played year-round. Sign up for some lessons and get some great exercise this winter.

Rock Climbing Gyms Rock climbing is challenging and great exercise. Kids can be naturals at this adventurous sport. Rock climbing gyms offer lessons for all ages and special programs for kids.