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Monster Jam, DC Transit Day, America's 250th Party at the Postal Museum and More Fun Things To Do in DC this Weekend with Kids

Balloonacy is a fun, movement-based show that revisits the classic film The Red Balloon. Photo courtesy of Imagination Stage
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1/7/22 - By Stephanie Shipman

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It's the last weekend of the first month of the year, and there's lots of fun things to do!

Kick things off with fun FREE events like America's 250th Party at the National Postal Museum, or the Third Annual Petworth Book Exchange and Winter Carnival. Watch people jump in freezing water for free at the Mosaic Polar Plunge. If your kid has been wanting to try out ice hockey for a while, Sunday is your chance: head to Try Hockey For Free Day at the Wharf!

My son loves monster trucks, and if yours does, too, you'll want to get tickets to Monster Jam at Capital One Arena. 

The Auto Show kicks off, and DC Transit Day at the National Capital Trolley Museum will show all the old street cars outside!

It's also the last weekend for Time by Luxmuralis Light and Sound Installation at the Washington National Cathedral! It ends Saturday, so check it out!

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our DC events calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— 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

Gaze up and learn about the stars in Rock Creek Park's planetarium. Photo by Jordan Land , NPS Photo
Gaze up and learn about the stars in Rock Creek Park's planetarium. Photo by Jordan Land , NPS Photo

Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Stellar Star Show at Rock Creek Park

Washington, DC - Fridays - Sundays, through January 31
Free
Enjoy a 30-minute, ranger-led program in the only planetarium in the National Park Service! The Stellar Star Show is all about the planets and the night sky. READ MORE

Time by Luxmuralis Light and Sound Installation at Washington National Cathedral

Washington, DC - Daily, through Saturday, January 24
Step into Time, a breathtaking immersive experience by the UK-based art collective Luxmuralis, is making its DC debut at Washington National Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind experience invites you to explore humanity’s relationship with the concept of time through breathtaking visuals, evocative soundscapes, and thought-provoking storytelling. You’ll traverse wormholes, stand at the dawn of the universe, and witness the birth of our planet — all inside one of DC’s most iconic landmarks. READ MORE

Washington, DC Auto Show

Washington, DC - Friday, January 23 - Sunday, February 1
Explore a plethora of vehicle models and take free test drives at the Washington, DC Auto Show. Guests can even test drive an electric vehicle on the streets of DC! See more than 600 new car models from over 35 manufacturers. Enjoy tours led by automotive writers, an electric-vehicle exhibit with an indoor ride experience, and a luxury and exotic car display. This family-friendly event also has Ebike test rides, a bounce house, and an adoption event with dogs from local shelters. READ MORE

Mosaic Polar Plunge

Fairfax, VA - Saturday, January 24
Supporters of the Special Olympics take a chilly polar plunge at Mosaic District to raise money for Special Olympics athletes. Watch the costume contest and pool plungers, or register online to participate. READ MORE

America's 250th Party at the National Postal Museum

Washington, DC - Saturday, January 24
Free
Celebrate the kickoff of America’s 250th at the National Postal Museum! Join a day of hands-on fun, including the “Mailbox to the Future” where folks can share their wishes for our nation, special storytime sessions, a “Future Inventors” Tinker Station, trivia challenges, and more.  READ MORE

Dinosaurs are Wow with Mindy Thomas in Baltimore

Baltimore, MD - Saturday, January 24
Free
Join Mindy Thomas to discuss "Wow in the World: Dinosaurs Are Wow!" New York Times bestselling author and award-winning podcast creator Mindy Thomas, host of the hit podcast Wow in the World, will give readers a prehistoric primer on history’s most bonkerballs beasts! READ MORE

Monster Jam at Capital One Arena

Washington, DC - Saturday & Sunday, January 24 & 25
Cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world-champion drivers take over Washington, DC for a weekend packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. READ MORE

A Day of Community at the National Portrait Gallery

Washington, DC - Saturday, January 24
Free
Activate and uplift! Teens and young adults are encouraged to find their voices. Art is activism and portraiture is powerful. Honor the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to community action by joining the Portrait Gallery and its partners for A Day of Action.    READ MORE

BSO Presents Instrument Zoo Woodwind Quartet at BlackRock Center for the Arts

Germantown, MD - Saturday, January 24
Join the BSO Woodwind Quintet as they explore the fascinating sounds of animal-inspired music. Bring a blanket, as audiences will be seated on the floor. READ MORE

DC Transit Day at the National Capital Trolley Museum

Colesville, MD - Saturday & Sunday, January 24 & 25
DC Transit Street Car Service ended more than 60 years ago. Celebrate with a ride on DCTS 1101 and view other street cars on display outside. READ MORE

Try Hockey for Free Day at the Wharf

Washington, DC - Sunday, January 25
Caps Youth Hockey is heading to The Wharf Ice Rink for the first-ever outdoor Try Hockey for Free event. All players will be provided a hockey stick to use and must bring their own helmet (a bike helmet works well) and warm winter gloves.  READ MORE

Family Swim: Float-off Cardboard Boat Race at Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia

Fairfax, VA - Sunday, January 25
Build, float, and race in a Noah’s Ark-themed cardboard boat challenge. Families will team up to design, build, and decorate their own boats—think animal pairs, rainbows, and more—then race across the pool in a fun-filled celebration of creativity, teamwork, and Jewish storytelling. READ MORE
There's plenty of indoor fun to be had if it's too nippy outside. Photo courtesy of Climb Zone
There's plenty of indoor fun to be had if it's too nippy outside. Photo courtesy of Climb Zone

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There are lots of indoor opportunities for learning and play this winter. Photo by Anne Trenolone via Flickr
There are lots of indoor opportunities for learning and play this winter. Photo by Anne Trenolone via Flickr

More Fun Winter Things To Do With Kids

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

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Though the holidays are over, we've got 31 things to celebrate in January! READ MORE

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