Christmas vacation can be a long stretch of time to keep children entertained. Sure, before Christmas the kids can maybe be entertained by guessing what's inside their presents, or doing som elast-minute traditions like cookie baking and decorating. But once Christmas is over, even if the kids loved their presents, you know they're going to say they're bored at least once – they're out of school for two entire weeks!

If you're in the DC area over the winter break, we have ideas for some fun things to do with kids. Read on!

What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year’s in DC?

The best things to do are things that you know will make the most of school break and keep your kids from complaining.

I kid! But really, there are a lot of things that run the gamut of interests. Light displays are typically open until early January, so Zoo Lights and Watkins Regional Park light shows are options. Keep Christmas cheer going with some festive options that are open past Christmas, like Night at the North Pole at B&O Railroad Museum, or even some theater that extends past Christmas like Mirace on 34th Street at Capital One Hall or Frosty the Snowman at Adventure Theatre. Ready to ditch festive and just stick with winter? Special indoor activities like ice skating inside the National Building Museum are great options, too.

Other options:

• Indoor experiences you haven't yet seen, like Bubble Planet or Machu Piccu VR 
• Experiences that are festive outdoor activities:
• Indoor activities that kids love, like heading to an indoor playground or extensive play place, like Super Awesome & Amazing at the St. James. Check out our indoor playground guide for all options!

Top Family Events and Activities in DC During Winter Break

H3: [Event or Attraction Name] – [Neighborhood or Venue]

1–2 sentences highlighting what’s special about it for kids/families (interactive, festive, educational, unique to the area). If it’s for a specific age, mention that.

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in DC?

Yes – Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights is one of our favorites! Others include Bull Run, Meadowlark and Zoo Lights. 

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in DC?

YES! Mention 2-3 favorirtes in one sentence and link to our roundup!

FAQ – Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in DC

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in DC?

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in DC?

Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?

Yes!

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in DC?

Of course – Smithsonian museums are open and, as always, FREE. Some of the best options include the National Museum of the Native American and the National Museum of American History, which have kids' activity areas, as well as National Museum of History because dinosaurs, duh. The new Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream Museum, while not a Smithsonian, is also FREE, and has some cool features kids 8 and up will enjoy, like answering trivia questions and taking selfies to add to the Portrait Tree.

Q: What’s the best day trip from DC during Christmas break with kids?

There are several options! You can spend the day somewhere fun, like an indoor water park or  for the day. If you want to take advantage of the cold temps, opt for a winter day trip to a resort to take part in snow tubing or skiing. You can also do some out of the box trips, like to Frederick, Maryland to see the Winter Solstice sailboats.

Check our other cities if you’re traveling for Christmas vacation. We have entire sites dedicated to the best things to do with kids in most major US cities!