25+ Things to Do In DC in February

February is still cold, yet there are still many fun things to do in DC in February to motivate us to leave the house!

Of course, there is still snow tubing and skiing and plenty more.

Here you’ll find lots of fun options so you and the kiddos stay entertained this Feburary.

If you’re also looking for events and local happenings, make sure to check the events calendar which is regularly updated.

Things to Do With Kids in DC in February

1. Go Ice Skating (indoors or outdoors!)

Canal Park Ice Skating - thinigs to do in DC with kids in February
Source: Canal Park Ice Skating

From November through February you can skate outdoors at Canal Park Outdoor Ice Skating. Right inside Navy Yard’s Canal Park, here you’ll skate next to a pizzeria, sushi restaurant and even gelato.

It costs $10-$12 to skate and skate rental is $5.

Just being inside The Yard is a fun experience so it feels like you’re doing more than just ice skating while you are there.

For an indoor option, try Fort Dupont Ice Arena where you’ll enjoy the feel of a small town rink

2. Roast S’mores Around a Warm Firepit

Perhaps not much is more fun than sitting around a warm firepit at the Wharf while making s’mores!

At Camp Wharf, enjoy the cozy chairs and wood-burning firepit where you can roast capital-themed s’mores and sip on hot apple cider.

Need we say more?

The restaurant is open on Fridays from 6pm – 11pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 5pm – 10pm. The timing on Thursdays is from 6 pm to 10 pm.

It is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

S’mores are $4.50 each or 4 for $16. Hot Apple Cider is $4.50 each.

3. Try the Jurassic Escape

Source: Escape The Room DC

Escape to the Jurassic and do the dig at Escape The Room in Georgetown.

This is a 60-minute escape and although there are dinosaurs, there is nothing too scary.

You’ll be given the mission to make sure dinosaur clones don’t escape the Nation’s Capital to conquer the Jurassic Escape.

Location Details:

409 7th St NW, Lower Level, Washington, DC 20004
202-888-0802

4. Great month to visit the International Spy Museum

Source: International Spy Museum

This is such a fun museum to learn about the history of espionage not only in the US but around the world as well.

The museum actually has the largest collection of spy-related artifacts in the world.

If you’ve never been, definitely go now and let the kids try out their sleuthing and spying skills.

Find out everything you need to know before you go.

5. Family Fun Day at the National Law Enforcement Museum

Every quarter the National Law Enforcement Museum hosts a family fun day. Enjoy free admission plus a day of activities with performances, demonstrations and various immersive experiences.

Keep an eye on their calendar for their Family Fun Day typically held in February.

Here’s what to expect during your visit.

6. See the Latest Exhibit at Artecthouse

Artechouse is such a fun and unique place to visit and definitely a place that will get you out of the cold!

This February, go see the their latest exhibit, Intangible Forms which runs through early March.

This is an immersive art experience which combines and music and traditional painting techniques that kids and adults will love.

RELATED: 93 Things to Do With Kids in Washington DC

7. See a College Sports Game

There are lots of college sports which are a lot of fun as well. Plus, tickets are cheaper than if you go see the pros play.

Some of your options in February are:

8. Go sledding at Capitol Hill

If snow hits the Capitol area, have your eyes set on Capitol Hill as sledding is back and the west facade is now available for sledding.

9. Visit a Smithsonian Museum

Washington DC is certainly well known for it’s museum. And luckily for families, there are so many great dc museums to visit with kids.

Some of our top recommendations are The International Spy Museum, The Postal Museum and The National Children’s Museum. See our full list of dc museums here.

10. See a Live Show at The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center has regular performances for young audiences and this February 26th they are hosting ‘Put Your Feet in Their Shoes.’

This is geared towards helping children learn empathy. Each child will be given a small part of white shoes to paint while in attendance.

RELATED: 119 Things to Do With Kids in Northern VA

11. Catch a Professional Sports Game

Source: National Basketball Association

Show your Washington DC pride and attend one of the local professional team’s games that are all playing in February! These DC teams have games in February:

12. Art and Sculpture at the REACH

As a part of its 50th anniversary in 2021-22, the Kennedy Center will display four major acrylic paintings by Alma Thomas, two prints by Andy Warhol, and one print by Robert Rauschenberg.

Paintings at the REACH
Source: The Reach @Kennedy Center

Showcasing their intense interest in the exploration of space that resulted from JFK’s challenge.

13. Visit the National Museum Of Natural History

It’s free and there is so much to see at the National Museum Of Natural History so why not visit?

Source: National Museum of Natural History

Some of the must-do experiences while you’re there are:

  • The Coral Reef fish tank
  • Seeing the cave hand prints
  • Getting a photo with the Megalodon jaws
  • Seeing a live tarantula
  • and more

No timed tickets are required so you can visit anytime Monday – Sunday from 10am – 5:30pm.

See the Our Kids Mom Review here.

The museum is located at 10th St & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC 20560

14. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture

In Celebration of Black History month, visit the National Museum of African American History.

This is a phenomenal and highly rated museum and for good reason.

As with other museums, there are rotating exhibits and this February you can see the Martin Luther King Jr.’s Original “I Have a Dream” Speech exhibit.

You’ll not only learn about the African American history and culture but also see some exhibits including Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, Nat Turner’s bible, Michael Jackson’s fedora and a lot more.

This is a place to visit every year!

15. Visit the Arts & Industry Building

Exterior view of the Arts and Industries Building, formerly known as the United States National Museum.
Source: Smithsonian Institution

Have you ever been to the Arts + Industries Building? This is the second oldest Smithsonian museum.

It has some really interesting and unique art on display that kids and adults will enjoy so it’s definitely worth a visit!

16. Visit the Anacostia Community Museum

Did you know the Anacostia Community Museum actually falls under the Smithsonian Institution?

This local museum has enough to keep kids entertained while the adults look a little deeper. You’ll find different exhibits throughout and learn about urban and social projects.

17. Find the Hidden Doors at Mansion on O Street

If you like vintage, you’ll love the Mansion on O Street. There are so many doors and rooms (100+) to explore.

You can spend a few hours or even an entire day here.

Kids especially enjoy searching for the hidden doors! And the whole family will enjoy the themed rooms like the Rock and Roll room full of memorabilia including signed guitars and books.

The Mansion tour is definitely recommended.

Plus, it’s an actual hotel so if you’re looking for a bit of a staycation, you can always stay here!

18. Visit the World’s First Voice-Activated Museum

Not only is Planet Word DC’s newest museum (first opened in 2020), it is also the world’s first voice-activated museum.

This is a language arts museum and while that may not sound exciting, think again.

Here you’ll see words come to like through the interactive exhibits and you won’t regret visiting.

Make sure to reserve a pass online before going.

19. Head to the Kreeger Museum for a Unique Experience

This is a small, hidden gem located in Northwest DC. It is in the former home of Lloyd and Carmen Kreeger.

Here you can not only see the various art throughout the home but also pay a visit to the outdoor sculpture garden.

Free timed-entry passes are required in advance to enter the museum.

20. Enjoy Swimming Indoors

Grab your bathing suit and head to an indoor swimming pool. There are some right inside Washington DC like the Wilson Aquatic Center or the Barry Farm Aquatic Center (this one has a fun twisty slide!).

21. Eat Ice Cream (with your jacket on of course!)

Source: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Who says you have to wait until summer to enjoy ice cream? Since you’ll need to grab your coat before heading out to enjoy some cold ice cream, you might as well make it worth it!

Head to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. You won’t be disappointed!

There are many flavors and even dairy free options. Try the goats milk flavor.

Jeni’s is located at 1925 14th St NW B, Washington, DC 20009.

If Gelato is more you’re thing, check out Pitango Gelato on 7th St. NW.

22. Pick-Up a Family Tool Kit at the National Building Museum

While there are many family-friendly activities at the museum, families can pick up a Family Tool kit that includes activity booklets to use during your visit. So make sure to ask to keep the kids even more engaged while you’re there!

23. Enjoy a Cup of Hot Cocoa

If you want to get out of the house but you also want to stay warm, why not head out to enjoy some hot cocoa with the family?

Here are a few unique spots we recommend for just the thing:

  • Try the Omanhene hot chocolate at Peregrine Espresso
  • Enjoy Hotella (Hot Cocoa made with Nutella) and a fresh, soft pretzel at The Pretzel Bakery
  • Enjoy a homemade Hot Chocolate Pop (think hot chocolate squares on a stick) that melts with your choosing of milk. There are a few flavors to choose from and kids love to make their own version.

24. Go Bowling

Source: Pinstripes

Enjoy some local bowling and bocce at Pinstripes.

This is definitely a nicer bowling alley. The kitchen does have kid-friendly options if you’d like to eat while you bowl. Not to mention, there are some yummy desserts on the menu as well.

Now there is a bar area as well so keep that in mind before taking the kids out late on weekends.

Pinstripes is located at 1064 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC.

25. Visit the tropics at the US Botanic Garden

Pretend you’re in the tropics and head to the US Botanic Gardens conservatory. Inside The Tropics, you’ll enter a tropical rainforest. The dome is 93-feet tall and you can walk up to the mezzanine level to see out from the jungle canopy.

And of course…there are all the other wonderful things to see at the US Botanic Garden.

RELATED: United States Botanic Garden Children’s Garden

26. Experience the Dream Machine

Visually inspired by clouds, and philosophically connected to dreams, children will be invited to slide, crawl, scamper, and climb up and down the structure.

Visitors of all ages will test their balance, strength and agility as they physically engage with this one-of-a-kind structure.

27. Go Treasure Hunting

There are some great Geocaches all around Washington DC. And yes, while you have to search outside, you can at least drive in between each geocache to warm up.

If you’ve never gone geocaching with kids before or you’re looking for a few caches to start with in DC, see our guide here.

Photo of author

OK Editorial Team

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