The National Children's Museum has a new exhibit dedicated to the work of Mo Willems. Photo courtesy of the museum
Spy Fest, Curious George, and More Fun Things To Do in DC this Weekend with Kids
Celebrate Three Kings Day at GALA Theatre with live music, gifts, and a parade. Photo courtesy of the theater
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in DC in January 2026, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
The National Museum of Natural History is free every day. Photo by Paul Fetters for the Smithsonian
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
Sledding is one of the best ways to enjoy a snow day with kids! Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Sledding Hills in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
Enjoy Art in Bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Elvert Barnes via FLickr 2.0
100 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
Have some fun in the snow at Massanutten Resort this winter. Photo courtesy of the resort
Fun Winter Day Trips from DC for Kids and Families
The remodeled National Air and Space Museum is a sight to behold. Photo courtesy of the museum
Free Museums in DC and Northern Virginia to Visit with Kids
Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with a lively parade in late February. Photo courtesy of dcparade.com
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 21 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids in Winter 2025 -2026
The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art is always popular. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The iconic Ben's Chili Bowl is a great place to score some cheap eats under $10 in DC. Photo courtesy of Ben's Chili Bowl
Best Cheap Places to Eat in DC for Kids & Families (Under $10!) — Recs From Locals
The Experiential Learning Center at the National Museum of the United States Army offers plenty of opportunities for play and exploration. Photo by Anne Trenelone via Flickr
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in DC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Planet Word has a 22-foot talking word wall!
The 12 Best FREE Hidden Gems & Secret Spots for Kids in DC
The National Museum of the American Indian's imagiNATIONS Activity Center is full of interactive activities for kids. Photo by the author
Things To Do in DC That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
America turns 250 this year and there are extra-big celebrations all across the country! Photo by Kent Miller for Macy's Inc.
A Guide to Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in the US with Kids (2026)
Learn the art of blacksmithing at Lawless Forge in Sterling, VA. Photo courtesy of the venue
19 Trending and Out-of-the-Box Activities for Kids in DC
Dave & Buster's is fun for all ages! Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia
You're never too old for a foam pit! Photo courtesy of Sky Zone
Safe and Fun Teen Nighttime Activities Near DC
Go on a safari at Leesburg Animal Park. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of Visit Virginia
Ultimate Virginia Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in VA
It doesn't get much better than a delicious slice of pizza! Photo courtesy of Stracci Pizza
Where to Find the Best Pizza in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

20 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids February 2026, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Marvel at over 130 LEGO sculptures at The Art of the Brick. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
Marvel at over 130 LEGO sculptures at The Art of the Brick. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
1/31/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

It might be the shortest month in the calendar, but February is bursting with family fun, including celebrations of Groundhog Day, Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, and Black History Month. Here are my favorite events and activities in DC this month for kids.

This month, Valentine's Day and Presidents Day fall on the same long weekend! Make it an extra special one—do some Valentine's Day Science at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Saturday, then take advantage of Free Mount Vernon Admission on Monday. I can vouch for both of those places!

Free Lunar New Year events are abundant, including the big DC Lunar New Year Parade. There are also plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month, including at Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring.

Finally, forget Punxsutawny Phil—Potomac Phil will let us know if we'll have an early spring or six more weeks of winter at Groundhog Day at Dupont Circle Park.

My Top 5 Events This Month, At a Glance

  • My Favorite Free Event: DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
  • Can't-Miss Event for Disney Fans: Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto
  • Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Fairfax City Chocolate Lovers Festival
  • Theater the Whole Family Will Love: Little Theatre of Alexandria: School of Rock
  • Coolest Hidden Gem Activity: Special Opening of Josiah Henson Museum and Park

More picks for every age, interest, and neighborhood below…

Want even more fun things to do this February? Our DC Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the month— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Celebrate Black History Month at KID Museum. Event photo courtesy of the museum
Celebrate Black History Month at KID Museum. Event photo courtesy of the museum

Best Things To Do in DC with Kids in February 2026

Groundhog Day at Dupont Circle Park

Washington, DC - Monday, February 2
Free
Potomac Phil, the National Groundhog, predicts what the next six weeks have in store for DC. Will it be more winter or an early spring? Come out to the fountain and enjoy music, polka dancers, a puppet show, coffee, VIP celebrities, and more.  READ MORE

Going the Distance at Discovery Theater

Washington, DC - Tuesday - Friday, February 3-6
Race to the finish line with two Black Olympians who changed history! Soaring music and the exhilaration of world-class sorts inspire us all to greatness in this vivid portrayal of the lives of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Watch them overcome childhood illness, infirmity, and poverty to become the world's fastest man and fastest woman, winning the greatest honor in athletics: the Olympic Gold medal. The score by John Cornelius II speaks to the heart and soul of the winner in all of us. READ MORE

Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto at CFG Bank Arena

Baltimore, MD - Wednesday - Saturday, February 5-8
Disney on Ice will have everyone singing along in this celebration of family. Sing along with Mirabel, her sisters Isabela and Luisa, and more. Join the race to find Elsa and stop the eternal winter, dream about summer with Olaf, and sing along with Kristoff and Sven. READ MORE

Fairfax City Chocolate Lovers Festival

Fairfax, VA - February 6-8
Free
Chocolate lovers of all ages can indulge at this community event. Enjoy a liquid chocolate cake walk, chocolate tastings, and even a chocolate challenge for bakers of all ages.  READ MORE

Tysons Corner Center Camp & Family Fitness Fair

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 7
Free
Looking for a fun, free way to explore summer options for kids of all ages? Head to the free Camp & Family Fitness Fair to meet camp and fitness directors in person, explore programs, and enjoy activities—all in one place! READ MORE

Little Theatre of Alexandria: School of Rock

Alexandria, VA - Thursdays - Sundays, February 7-28
Based on the hit film, this hilarious musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within. READ MORE

Working: A Musical (at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre)

Silver Spring, MD - Saturday, February 14
Based on Studs Terkel's best-selling book of interviews with American workers, Working paints a vivid portrait of the workers that the world so often takes for granted: the schoolteacher, the phone operator, the waitress, the millworker, the mason, and the housewife, just to name a few. READ MORE

Family Day at the Library of Congress: Happy Birthday, George Washington

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 14
Free
Join the Library of Congress for activities and collections to mark Washington’s Birthday as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Explore The Two Georges exhibition and learn about the parallel lives of George Washington and George III. Each Family Day includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home. READ MORE

Valentine's Day Science at Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Annandale, VA - Saturday, February 14
This year share the love with family while exploring the topics of electricity, chemistry, magnetism, and candy with hands-on Valentine’s day science. READ MORE

George Washington Birthday Parade (in Old Town Alexandria)

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, February 14
Free
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

Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park

Sandy Spring, MD - Saturday, February 14
Free
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

Special Opening of Josiah Henson Museum and Park - President's Day

North Bethesda, MD - Monday, February 16
To commemorate Presidents Day, Josiah Henson Museum and Park will be open on February 16. Learn more about Underground Railroad Conductor & Montgomery County resident Reverend Josiah Henson, and enjoy multimedia and hands-on activities. READ MORE

Free Mount Vernon Admission for George Washington's Birthday

Mount Vernon, VA - Monday, February 16
Free
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

“Year of the Red Fire Horse Lunar New Year Celebration” at The Alden Theater

McLean, VA - Wednesday, February 18
  Welcome in the Year of the Red Fire Horse—a symbol of speed, strength, beauty and freedom in Chinese culture. The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company returns with their Lunar New Year production that intertwines traditional and contemporary dance. They are a leading force in innovative cultural performances that capture the hope and resilience of the immigrant journey. The performance includes a traditional Dragon and Lion Dance as well as one created for this year’s Red Fire Horse! READ MORE

Lunar New Year Festival (at National Museum of Asian Art)

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 21
Free
This festival takes place in both Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building nearby. Families can enjoy a scavenger hunt covering six different galleries, make a lantern, color a zodiac animal, try traditional ink painting, have their names written in Chinese, see lion dances, and more.  READ MORE

The Lion King Jr. (at Performing Arts Center at Our Lady of Good Counsel)

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 21
Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world with Simba, Rafiki, and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. The Lion King Jr. features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.”This production of The Lion King Jr. celebrates the 10th-anniversary season of YAAJunior. READ MORE

DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade

Washington, DC - Sunday, February 22
Free
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser to celebrate the Year of the Horse! The parade features colorful and diverse contingents, traditional ceremonies and performances, and a dazzling firecracker finale in the middle of H Street. READ MORE

George Washington National Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - Saturday, February 22
Mount Vernon is hosting a birthday party to honor George Washington. The program includes hoecake demonstrations at Half Crown Bakehouse, a classical music concert, a fireworks show over the Potomac River, a children's storytime, a naturalization ceremony, and birthday cake. READ MORE

Black History Month Family Days (at Josiah Henson Museum and Park)

North Bethesda, MD - Saturday, February 28
Reverend Josiah Henson worked tirelessly throughout his life to advocate for freedom and education. Visitors are invited to participate in educational, hands-on activities that demonstrate what a child’s life was like in Dawn, the settlement he created after taking his family to Canada via the Underground Railroad. READ MORE

Honolulu Theatre for Youth Presents “The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac” at Alden Theater

McLean, VA - Saturday, February 28
  Join Po Po and Kung Kung in celebrating Chinese New Year with their grandkids by making dumplings and sharing the story of “The Great Race”—a beloved tale in Chinese folklore and the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac. When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that there will be a Great Race and the first 12 animals to cross the river will have a year named after them. This show mixes theatrical storytelling with traditional Chinese music, Jingju, and martial arts to see how each animal earned a place in the Chinese Zodiac. READ MORE

More Things To Do in DC in Winter

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families

Bring the kids to one of these DC outdoor ice skating rinks for winter fun. READ MORE

27 Free Things To Do Indoors in DC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Kids can run, explore, climb, and play for free at these great places around the DC area. READ MORE

Best Snow Tubing Near DC for Families in 2026

These snow tubing parks offer winter fun for the whole family. READ MORE

Free Museums in DC and Northern Virginia to Visit with Kids

Discover amazing DC museums that offer free admission each and every day. READ MORE

Winter Fun for Kids at Home

30 Days of Indoor Activities for Kids

Games, baking projects, and crafts galore will entertain all ages. READ MORE

How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps

Trendy cocoa bombs deliver a sweet winter treat. READ MORE

35 Best Winter Activities for Kids (and Their Grown-ups)

These three dozen activity ideas will keep kids entertained all winter! READ MORE

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Discovery Theater – Ripley Center
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
Performing Arts Center at Our Lady of Good Counsel High school
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History