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Things to Do in Washington, DC This Weekend With Kids: Nationals Winterfest, Nature, Theater

Enjoy a day with the World Series champion Nationals at their Winterfest. Photo courtesy of the Washington Nationals
Enjoy a day with the World Series champion Nationals at their Winterfest. Photo courtesy of the Washington Nationals
1/9/20 - By James Smith

The holiday season has come to a close in Washington, DC. But that doesn't mean the fun has to stop.

The city is brimming with activity on the first weekend back from holiday break. Enjoy a winter celebration in Nationals Park, performing arts in Arlington, and nature discovery at the National Museum of Natural History.

DC's NBA franchise, the Washington Wizards, hosts its annual kids day this weekend and wannabe chefs can learn a thing or two about making pizza in Sterling, Va.

Yes, there's plenty to do this weekend. Whatever you choose, know your friends at Mommy Poppins DC will be with you all through 2020.

Need more inspiration? See our rundown of 50 must-do things with kids in the DC area. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events through January and beyond. Sign up for our FREE newsletters to receive posts such as this right to your inbox.

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Things to Do in Washington DC With Kids All Weekend

Nationals Winterfest

Washington, DC
Nationals Park is turning into a winter and baseball wonderland for the annual weekend-long fan fest, complete with both indoor and outdoor programs. Interact with players and coaches, hear updates on the team, and enjoy special behind-the-scenes access to several parts of Nationals Park that are typically closed during the season. READ MORE

Narnia

Arlington, VA
When the four Pevensie children stumble upon an old wardrobe, little do they know they will discover the magical world of Narnia. Full of mystical creatures, talking animals, and great escapes, this action-packed story by C.S. Lewis depicts the triumph of Aslan, ruler of Narnia, over the White Witch. READ MORE

Glimpse

Washington, DC
Dive into a landscape of music and color as you enjoy a fun-filled music performance from the Netherlands. What do colors sound like? Who can understand the moon? How do you sing a tree? READ MORE

Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History

Washington, DC - FREE
This 1,700-square-foot exhibit gives kids ages 0-6 a hands-on experience with elements taken from the adult exhibits, providing a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity. It features plenty of interactive elements, including a construction area, a climbing structure, a soft-play area for crawlers, a pretend farm and kitchen with play food and accessories, a mini portrait gallery, and more.  READ MORE

Play, Work, Build at the National Building Museum

Washington, DC - FREE
Play, Work, Build is an interactive area where children and adults can put their hands to work using a variety of construction toys and tools. READ MORE
Discover the natural world at a Tinkergarten Trial Class. Photo courtesy of Tinkergarten/Facebook
Discover the natural world at a Tinkergarten Trial Class. Photo courtesy of Tinkergarten/Facebook

Things to Do With Kids in Washington, DC, Saturday, January 11

Pizza Cooking Workshop

Sterling, VA
Get ready for a deilcious treat when you join this popular cooking workshop that offers the opportunity to bond with your little ones while they make their own pizza. Aprons and ingredients are provided. Sit back and enjoy watching your child roll out dough, try new foods, and develop a love of cooking. Additional $10 per child with open play admission or $20 for workshop only. READ MORE

DREAM Lab: Let's Get Lyrical

Fairmount Heights, MD - FREE
Have fun singing or rapping your favorite tune. Feeling shy? No problem. Join fellow singers in the DREAM Lab for a fun recording session. READ MORE

Tinkergarten Trial Class

Silver Spring, MD - FREE
For more than seven years, Tinkergarten has been spreading a love of learning and nature nationwide through play-based learning in community parks. Outdoor classes are designed to engage kids in building empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence, and problem-solving.   Join in by signing up your kids, ages 6 months to 8 years, for discovery-based learning.  Enoy a free trial class today.  READ MORE

World & Me Family Programs at the National Museum of Natural History - CANCELED

Washington, DC
Kids can learn more about their place in the world through explorations of nature and culture. Every second Saturday of the month, museum educators lead a program that combines a book reading, activities, and a chance to look more closely at the museum's collections. READ MORE
Meet the National Zoo's newest residents. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian's National Zoo
Meet the National Zoo's newest residents. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian's National Zoo

Things to Do in Washington, DC With Kids, Sunday, January 12

Washington Wizards Free Kids Day

Washington, DC - FREE
Join DC's NBA team at an annual FREE event open to the public before the game against the Utah Jazz. Enjoy LEGO-themed activities, STEM projects, face painting, balloon artists, crafts, prizes, and more. The first 200 kids receive a gift. READ MORE

Happy Zoo Year

Washington, DC
Get to know the newest additions to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. These adult-and-me classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, nature play, and more to engage your child’s sense of wonder about wildlife and the natural world. READ MORE

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About the Author

James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
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