Find an escape from the winter cold at some of our favorite indoor spaces as they host family-friendly events that will keep you and your children warm and entertained. Celebrate Black History Month, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and the Lunar New Year this month. Check out our Epic Guide to Winter in the DC Area for additional ideas. If you know of any other family-friendly events in our area this February, please share them in the comments section.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Now through February 8
Warner Theater
Washington, DC
Do you need a some inspiration and some uplifting? The world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is launching its 20-city tour here in DC. Witness this dance company’s performances that “celebrate the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition.” Tickets are available online.
The Pigeon Comes to Washington, DC! A Mo Willems Exhibit
Now through May 10
National Children’s Museum
Washington, DC
If your kids love the characters created by Mo Willems, they will have tons of fun exploring this interactive exhibit. They will be able to make art inspired by Willems, catapult hot dogs at The Pigeon, talk in a phone booth that makes them sound like Piggie, and much more. While they are having fun with some of their favorite book friends, they will learn about being a good friend and expressing themselves. This visiting exhibit is recommended for kids age 2 to 10. Tickets are available online.
Meet the Music
February 1
Oxon Hill Farm
Oxon Hill, MD
Make some music with new friends at this family-friendly event. Costumed National Park Rangers and other musicians will have historic instruments on hand that visitors can learn about and even try to play. Entrance to this National Park is always FREE.
15th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration & 5K
February 2
Dupont Circle
Washington, DC
Gather at the Dupont Circle fountain for Potomac Phil’s emergence at precisely 8:30 am. Will he see his shadow? Are we in for six more weeks of winter? The festivities will include polka music, coffee and pastries, and more. And if you want to get in a run before the festivities, join the Potomac Phil 5K at 7:30 am at Connecticut and Q St NW (the route is shaped like a top hat around Dupont Circle). These are both FREE events.
Cinderella
February 6
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
The National Building Museum is screening Cinderella (2015) in its Great Hall. Before the movie, The Washington Ballet will lead an interactive dance activity, exploring storytelling through dance. Snacks and drinks will be for sale, but guests can also bring in a picnic dinner, as well as blankets and lawn chairs. Tickets can be purchased online. Kids under 12 are FREE.
Black History Month Concert
February 8
Lyceum
Alexandria, VA
The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices will celebrate the African American impact on our nation’s history and culture through poetry, traditional spirituals, dance, banjo tunes, and more. Attendees can also expect audience participation. This concert is FREE.
Word Worlds Discovery Day
February 8
Planet Word Museum
Washington, DC
Visitors to the Museum’s Discovery Day will be among the first to experience three new immersive environments in the Word Worlds experience: navigate a jungle alive with hidden creatures; trace a smart paintbrush to reveal bioluminescent depths; and float through space as it reveals alien worlds. There will be a scavenger hunt, curator pop-up talks, and other family-friendly activities. Tickets to the museum are available online.
Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical
February 13 through March 29
Adventure Theater
Glen Echo, MD
Audiences will learn that our differences are what make us special as they watch Freckleface Strawberry try just about everything to cover her freckles. She learns this lesson with help from her friends and a unique teacher. This musical is based on the best-selling book written by acclaimed actress, Julianne Moore. Check out the production’s website for ticketing information.
Second Saturday Sungazing
February 14
National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
Washington, DC
Visitors are invited to safely view a variety of features on the sun using a filtered telescope. Museum staff will answer questions and guide guests as they make observations. This weather-dependent activity is FREE, as is entrance to the Museum. There is a $15 parking fee.
Black History Month Family Day
February 14
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Sandy Spring, MD
Explore Montgomery County’s Black history at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park during its Black History Month Family Day. Kids can take part in a variety of hands-on activities including playing traditional African music and showing off their knowledge of historical African American figures. This family-friendly event is FREE and no registration is required. It is recommended for kids age 6 and older.
Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration
February 14
Capital Turnaround
Washington, DC
From 1pm until 2:30pm, celebrate the birthday of Frederick Douglass with music by the Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels and oratory performances by students who won the annual Douglass Oratorical Contest. Attendees can also take part in “Black History Jeopardy.” Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and President & CEO of the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, will give a keynote speech. Parking may be a challenge, so a FREE shuttle will be available between the Anacostia Recreation Center and Capital Turnaround from noon until 3:45pm.
Family Day: Happy Birthday, George Washington
February 14
Library of Congress
Washington, DC
The Library of Congress will host a family activity that explores its exhibition, The Two Georges, in celebration of George Washington’s birthday. The exhibit compares the parallel lives of George Washington and King George III. Visitors will also get the chance to talk to staff experts and learn from the Library’s collections. This event is FREE, but library timed-entry tickets are required and can be reserved online.
250th Festival: Celebrating Our Story
February 14
National Portrait Gallery
Washington, DC
This year is America’s 250th birthday and the National Portrait Gallery is kicking off the celebration with this family-friendly event celebrating our nation’s joyful moments and heroic stories. There will be many fun activities, including story times, guided tours, arts and crafts, and live performances you can dance along with. This event is FREE to attend.
George Washington Birthday Parade
February 14
Old Town
Alexandria, VA
Join the adopted hometown of George Washington as it celebrates his 294th birthday. A variety of events will be held throughout February (see website for additional events). The highlight is the Birthday Parade, the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the country, which winds its way for a mile through Old Town Alexandria. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, and General Washington and Martha Washington.
The Story of Chocolate
February 14
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to learn about chocolate’s history, role in Native American cultures, and use in food. Visitors will watch chocolate cooking demonstrations, learn about the process that turns cacao into chocolate, enjoy dance performances, and more during this FREE day-long event.
Havana Hop
February 14 through March 7
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, MD
Yelia is a young girl who is a talented hip-hop dancer. After she gets invited to dance for President Obama, she visits her grandmother in Cuba where she celebrates her multi-cultural heritage by mixing hip-hop and salsa. This tale, which celebrates culture and originality, is inspired by the childhood of Imagination Stage artist Paige Hernandez who wrote, directs, and stars in this charming production. It is recommended for kids from 5 to 10 years old. Tickets can be purchased online.
Mardi Gras Celebration
February 15
The Wharf
Washington, DC
The Wharf’s annual Mardi Gras celebration always attracts a huge crowd. This FREE event includes a parade that begins at 3:30pm. It also will be filled with live music, kids activities (on Recreation Pier), and a fireworks show at 6:30pm.
George Washington’s Birthday Celebration
February 16 and 22
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
Celebrate the birthday of our nation’s first President at his Mount Vernon Estate. The celebration on both days will feature many interesting activities and fun events, including a wreath-laying at Washington’s Tomb, patriotic music, birthday cake, and more. Visitors on Feb. 16th will receive FREE admission to the Estate. Tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival. A limited number of tickets are available. Visitors on Feb. 22nd will also be able celebrate immigrants from around the world as they become U.S. citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony.
Year of the Horse Festival
February 21
The Textile Museum
Washington, DC
This family-friendly event will celebrate the opening of the Museum’s new exhibition, Adorning the Horse: Equestrian Textiles for Power and Prestige. A variety of fun activities will be available including a scavenger hunt, dance performances, and craft-making. This event is FREE and no registration is required.
Lunar New Year Family Fun
February 21
National Museum of Asian Art
Washington, DC
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Museum with family-friendly activities such as a scavenger hunt, story time, Chinese ink painting, and lantern-making. This fun-filled event is FREE and no registration is required.
Lunar New Year Celebration
February 21
City Hall
College Park, MD
This community Lunar New Year celebration will offer all sorts of family fun! There will be traditional music, demonstrations, food samples, giveaways and more. There will even be traditional lion dancing performances.
DC United Home Opener
February 21
Audi Field
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Black-and-Red as they take on the Philadelphia Union in their season home opener. Single match tickets are now on sale.
Garage Racing National Championships
February 21
National Landing
Arlington, VA
Since 2012, this bicycling event has entertained crowds with its fierce and all-in-good-fun competitive races. A parking garage in National Landing will be transformed into a high energy bike course made of twists, turns, and high speeds. There will be several races throughout the day, and the event’s grand finale is the quirky “Anything Goes” race in which people use their creativity and engineering skills to make unconventional non-motorized vehicles (costumes are often involved). There will be activities onsite for spectators (including a stationary bike race!), and food and drink will be available for purchase. It is FREE to attend this event as a spectator, but organizers ask that you RSVP.
Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
February 22
DC Chinatown
Washington, DC
Celebrate the Year of the Horse in downtown DC at this annual parade. Tons of community groups and cultural performers will delight spectators and the finale will feature a firecracker show in the middle of H Street. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot at this FREE event. And check out one of the many restaurants in Gallery Place/Chinatown while you are downtown.
Kids and Teens Dueling Piano Show
February 28
Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar
National Harbor, MD
Once a month, Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar hosts a two hour event for music lovers of all ages. Kids are encouraged to sing and dance during this all-request, energetic performance. Dinner and a drink are included. Buy your tickets online. Doors open at 3:30pm.
The Sea Beyond the Ocean
February 28 through March 15
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
The Sea Beyond the Ocean is a play commissioned by the Kennedy Center which was written by Doug Robinson. It is the story of Scooter, an imaginative boy on a quest to find the author of his favorite fantasy book series and the missing ending to the author’s unfinished final book. Audiences will be charmed by his journey of discovery. This production is best suited for kids who are 9 years of age or older. Tickets available online.
