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Presidents Day Weekend 2023: 15 Things To Do in DC with Kids

Soak up the spirit of New Orleans at Mardi Gras on the Wharf. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
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2/15/23 - By Jennifer Swope

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

It's Presidents Day weekend in Washington, DC, and who could fault kids for their enthusiasm? Ahead of a week off from school for winter break for many area families, the next three days are full of great things to do, including Mardi Gras on the Wharf, Presidential Fun Family Day at the National Portrait Gallery, and the 25th anniversary celebration of Disney's The Lion King at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Little historians can celebrate the nation's first president in his honorary hometown of Alexandria with a parade or a free visit to his home, Mount Vernon.

Don’t miss our lists of 22 Black-owned restaurants and shops to visit with kids in DC, 15 things to do with kids during the February break, and the best ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour near DC for kids.

More Things To Do in Washington, DC this Week with Kids:

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Celebrate Abraham Lincoln at the Presidential Family Fun Day. Photo courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery
Celebrate Abraham Lincoln at the Presidential Family Fun Day. Photo courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery

Best Things to Do this Presidents Day Weekend in DC

Make and Take: Bird Feeders

Wheaton, MD - Friday, February 17
It’s bird-counting time! Learn about participating in Cornell Laboratory’s Great Backyard Bird Count through observing and counting birds at the nature center. Participants will then make a simple bird feeder to take home. READ MORE

The Great Migration Light Show

Reston, VA - Thursdays - Sundays, through April 9
To celebrate its opening, Nova Wild (formerly Reston Zoo/Roer's Zoofari) hosts Lumagica's The Great Migration Light Show. The show, which includes 10 uniquely designed animal habitats set along miles of trails, is meant to educate, inspire, and rekindle a sense of wonder. READ MORE

Presidential Family Fun Day

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 18
Free
Celebrate Presidents Day and all things presidential at the National Portrait Gallery's annual Presidential Family Fun Day. This year, celebrate Honest Abe (AKA Abraham Lincoln) with art activities, spotlight tours, and more. READ MORE

Mardi Gras on The Wharf

Washington, DC - Saturday, February 18
Free
The Wharf brings the spirit of New Orleans to DC with a community Mardi Gras celebration featuring a parade down Wharf Street, a dance party with live music on District Pier, and a special fireworks finale. READ MORE

Black History Month Family Day

Sandy Spring, MD - Saturday, February 18
Free
Families are invited to visit Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park for a free self-guided tour to learn about Black history in Montgomery County. The visitor's center will have take-home activities for ages 5-12 and trail maps to explore the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. READ MORE

Family Fun: Glasshouse Exploration

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, February 18
Explore a glasshouse and learn about the plants in the collection and their warm native environments. Create a mini glasshouse with seeds to take home.  READ MORE

Animal Pajama Party

Annandale, VA - Saturday, February 18
Put on pajamas and head to the nature center to hear bedtime stories, meet animals, and say good night to the center's live animals. Bring a favorite stuffed animal with you. READ MORE

Stargazing Spectacular

Fairfax Station, VA - Saturday, February 18
Families will stargaze, use a telescope to observe the night sky, and listen to ancient stories about constellations around a campfire. Arts and crafts activities are available. READ MORE

Kids Cooking Class at Maggiano's Tysons Corner

Tysons, VA - Saturday, February 18
Join a fun, hands-on kids' cooking class and learn to make Maggiano's famous Mom's meat lasagna. Before the event, everyone will enjoy a Maggiano's breakfast buffet and coloring activities, followed by the chef demonstrating and instructing how to make lasangna, step by step. READ MORE

The Hula-Hoopin' Queen

Bethesda, MD - Saturdays and Sundays, through April 8
Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin' Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party and almost ruins the day, until Miz Adeline confesses that she's also got the itch—the hula-hoopin' itch! Her fingers start snappin'. Her hips start swingin'. Soon everyone's hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street. READ MORE

Maple Syrup Boil Down

Great Falls, VA - Sunday, February 19
Families can learn about the practice of sugaring and sample some delicious maple-syrup treats. At this outdoor event, families will watch and learn as sap is boiled down into syrup over an open fire and then taste some of it over cornbread made from Colvin Run Mill cornmeal. READ MORE

Aladdin

Manassas, VA - Sunday, February 19
Virginia National Ballet presents Aladdin, based on the Disney movie. Don’t miss this production with beautiful sets, costumes, a magical flying carpet, and a stunning musical score.  READ MORE

Community Day: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Lion King on Broadway

Washington, DC - Monday, February 20
Free
The Lion King went to Broadway 25 years ago. Celebrate as a family at a community day where visitors of all ages can meet Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists and participate in activities and show-themed workshops. READ MORE

George Washington Birthday Parade

Alexandria, VA - Monday, February 20
Free
The nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of Old Town. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, local organizations, and of course General Washington and Martha Washington. READ MORE

Free Mount Vernon Admission for George Washington's Birthday

Mount Vernon, VA - Monday, February 20 & Wednesday, February 22
Celebrate the first president of the United States with free admission to Mount Vernon, his beloved home. Meet General Washington and hear 18th-century music during this annual celebration. Admission is free for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday.  READ MORE

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