Family-Friendly Activities in the DMV this Weekend (1/9 – 1/11)

Sarah, Jack and Liv pose for a photo at the national gallery of art
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955 – 1985 closes on January 11th
  • Updated: 1/14/2026
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a joyous and restful holiday. Heavy on the restful! Let me turn your attention to the National Gallery of Art's Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955 – 1985 exhibit, which closes this Sunday (1/11). We got a chance to view it over the weekend and I absolutely loved the layout. We walked through each room, read captions and pointed out our favorites among the collection. There are works on display by notable photographers/artists including Gordon Parks, Kwame Brathwaite, Roy DeCarava, and Doris Derby to name a few. Depictions of everyday life during the civil rights and freedom movements declared a range of emotions for that time period that I'm thankful my kids got to witness through their work. A memorable trip to say the least. This exhibit is located in the West Building on the main floor (upper level) to the left of the rotunda. Admission is free! Tap the photo above for more information on the exhibit. Plenty more to see and explore this weekend as listed down below.
Sarah in a hot pink dress
Sarah Acors
Creator of 4DMV Kids & Founder of BCB DMV+
Tap to see our NGA Exhibit walkthrough on TikTok

Note: This weekly listing is full of events happening throughout the weekend for kids (ages 3+) – teens. I place a special emphasis on literacy, STEM & other educational based events as well as family fun festivities. Please click the links to review the most up-to-date information prior to heading out. Happy planning!

Upcoming Events

kids and parents playing games at LEGO discovery Center
It's Homeschool Month at LEGO Discovery Center DC in Springfield, VA. Tickets to the center are $12 per person Monday - Friday & there's no group minimum required. Purchase tickets online.
Tap here for more info to purchase LEGO tickets
High school musical jr.
New production alert! Catch Disney's High School Musical Jr. in Arlington, VA presented by Encore Stage & Studio. Tickets are $13 - $16 per person & benefit theatre students of Encore. There's also a Preshow Experience on Saturday (1/10) where you can test your smarts with Taylor and Gabriella in a High School Musical trivia challenge, shoot hoops with Troy and Chad, and learn the show-stopping moves of “Bop to the Top” with Sharpay and Ryan.
Tap here for tickets to High School Musical Jr.

Friday, January 9, 2025

Washington, DC

  • 1/9 at 10:30 am | Storytime at National Building Museum 
  • [Virtual] 1/9 at 1:00 pm | Artful Movement | SEL Webinar for Students K-3 hosted by the National Museum of Asian Art
    • In these webinars, students (grades K–3) will look carefully at a work of art through facilitated exploration. Then, they will breathe, stretch, and flow through a guided mindful movement. This month’s theme is “Snow Play.”
  • 1/9 at 3:00 pm | Winter Woodland Trail Loop: Hike with a Ranger at The Rock Creek Park Nature Center (Best for families with children ages 6 and up)
    • During this ½ mile excursion, young explorers learn the hiking essentials, such as trail safety, what to wear or bring to a hike, and how to Recreate Responsibly all while looking at nature and respecting nature found in our woodlands.

Maryland

Northern Virginia

The REMIX
On Saturday (1/10), there's a free immersive performance experience at The National Theatre in NW DC for kids ages 3-6! It’s a rhythmic rollercoaster that creates a safe and inclusive space for students to become both dancers and musicians.
Tap here for free tickets to the REMIX

Saturday, January 10, 2025

Washington, DC

  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Open Studio: Sketchbook Studio at Hirshhorn Museum
    • Draw inspiration from artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and his sketchbook practice. Use materials like newspaper clippings, photos, and paint sticks to personalize your own sketchbook!
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Crafty Tales: The Most Magnificent Thing at Merry Pin in NW DC
    • Free hands-on crafting activity
  • [Sold Out] 1/10 at 10:00 am | First Studio: Art, Story and Workshop at The Kreeger Museum in NW ($) (Best for ages 3-5)
    • January’s theme is “Stars and Snowflakes!”
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | The Phillips Plays ~ Exploring Landscapes at The Phillips Collection in NW ($)
    • Immerse yourself in the landscapes of Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection. What do you recognize? What is unfamiliar? Dream of a place—real or imagined—and build a 3D landscape using tissue paper, cardboard, pipe cleaners, and more!
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am & 11:30 am | Saturday Morning Live! presents: The R.E.M.I.X. at National Theatre in NW (Best for ages 3-6) ♥
    • The R.E.M.I.X. is a rhythmic rollercoaster that creates a safe and inclusive space for students to become both dancers and musicians! This performance will be ASL-interpreted.
  • 1/10 at 1:00 pm | STEAM Saturday at National Building Museum (Best for ages 8-14)
    • In partnership with the Structural Engineers Association of Metropolitan Washington (SEA-MW), participants will use spaghetti and marshmallows along with other activities to explore how engineers build strong structures using triangles and other methods.
  • [Just Added] 1/10 at 2:00 pm | Collette V. Smith & April Ryan Discuss “Collette’s Courage” at MLK Memorial Library
    • MahoganyBooks and the DC Public Library are excited to host the first African-American female coach in the history of the National Football League and the first Woman to Coach in New York Jets Franchise history, Collette V. Smith!
  • 1/10 at 4:00 pm | Paper Snowflake Craft at Southwest Neighborhood Library 
  • 1/10 at 7:00 pm | K-Pop Demon Hunters Screening at the National Museum of Asian Art 
Dr. Taiye Ayoola-Adedeji
Meet Dr. Taiye Ayoola-Adedeji, author of the interactive bilingual (English and Yoruba) book "The Yoruba Sound Book for Children" on Saturday (1/10) at Marietta Historic Site & Museum in Glenn Dale, MD. She will engage children and adults in fun cultural activities including music and play about the Yoruba people and culture using Yoruba words for colors, animals, foods, greetings, and seasons.
Tap here for more info about "Yoruba Language and Culture"

Maryland

  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Kids Kaboose at Old Bowie Welcome Center (Best for ages 5-10)
    • Head to the Bowie Railroad Museum to meet Conductor O’Brien as he reads a charming story, followed by hands-on activities for kids.
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Balloonacy at Imagination Stage ($) ♥
    • A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film The Red Balloon and will delight audiences of all ages and speakers of all languages.
  • 1/10 at 11:00 am | Winter Reading 2026 – Book Tasting at Rockville Memorial Library (Best for ages 3-12)
    • Explore librarian favorites in multiple genres like fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy and more + enter the raffle! 
  • 1/10 at 11:00 am | Dancing Our Way Through Books led by Kelly King at Highland Elementary School in Wheaton (Best for ages 3+) ♥
    • Kids get to practice reading skills while moving, dancing, and sharing stories. No prior dance training needed.
  • 1/10 at 11:00 am | For Families: Yoruba Language and Culture at Marietta Historic Site & Museum in Glenn Dale (Best for ages 4-12) ♥
    • Dr. Taiye Ayoola-Adedeji is the author of the interactive bilingual (English and Yoruba) book The Yoruba Sound Book for Children. She will engage children and adults in fun cultural activities including music and play about the Yoruba people and culture using Yoruba words for colors, animals, foods, greetings, and seasons.
  • 1/10 at 11:00 am | Global Tales and Traditions: Black History and Culture at Surratts-Clinton Library ♥
    • The featured book is “Before She Was Harriet” by Lesa Cline-Ransome. After the reading, get crafty and make paper North Star garlands.
  • 1/10 at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Frosty the Snowman at Glen Echo Park ($) ♥
  • 1/10 at 1:00 pm | Summer Camps Fair at Germantown Community Recreation Center 
  • 1/10 at 1:00 pm | Pokémon Club for Kids at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring (Best for ages 5+) 
  • 1/10 at 1:30 pm | Legos: New Year, New Builds! – Create a futuristic creation for 2026 at Oxon Hill Library 
  • 1/10 at 2:00 pm | Family Nature Art at Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton ($) (Best for ages 6+)
    • Join a Park Naturalist to collect natural items around Wheaton Regional Park and turn them into an artistic masterpiece.
  • 1/10 at 2:30 pm | Bald Eagle’s New Year at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($)
    • Join a park naturalist to learn about the life cycle and conservation story of Bald Eagles, then pay a visit to our resident bald eagle Annie. 
  • 1/10 at 3:00 pm | Magician Mike Rose – Magic & Wit & Stuff at White Oak Library
    • The show consists of impossible magic tricks, off the wall comedy, and hilarious interaction with the children (Many children will become part of the show!).
  • 1/10 at 3:00 pm | Tail Waggin’ Tutors at Beltsville Library
    • Boost your child’s confidence by reading to friendly, trained therapy dogs!
  • 1/10 at 4:00 pm | Crafts at the Library: Snowman Lantern! at Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville
    • Using glue and tissue paper, make your very own lantern that will light up your winter days.
kids gathered around a science experiment
There's an on-site family day this Saturday (1/10) at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. There will be hands-on activities for all ages, exciting demonstrations, and the chance to meet experts. No tickets required! Parking is $15.
Tap here for more info on the family day festivities

Northern Virginia

  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Paint, Build, Create! at Fairlington Community Center in Arlington ♥
    • Hands-on activities, inspiration, and community connection. 
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Crafty Kids Take and Make at Courthouse Library in Arlington 
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Soar Together Family Activities: Explore and Space Technology at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly ♥
    • Parking is $15 – There will be hands-on activities for all ages, exciting demonstrations, and the chance to meet experts. 
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am | Winter Snow Hats Cake Pop Studio Class at Tiny Chefs in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 4-8) 
  • 1/10 at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:30 pm | Winter Wonder Lab at Children’s Science Center LAB in Fairfax ($) (Best for ages 2-12) 
  • 1/10 at 11:00 am | Kids Book Journaling Workshop at Barrett Branch Library in Alexandria (Best for ages 6-12) 
  • 1/10 at 12:00 pm | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas + Textured Art Workshop at AR Workshop in Alexandria ($) 
  • 1/10 at 2:00 pm | Winter Engineering Challenge at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
    • Think like an engineer to solve this fun winter themed challenge.
  • 1/10 at 2:00 pm | Wildlife Winter Warm-Up at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 7+)
    • Enjoy a campfire and smores, meet live animals, craft your own “polar bear mittens” to test how warm they keep your hands, make a DIY bird feeder, and learn about the many ways wildlife adapt to survive the chilly winter months.
  • 1/10 at 3:00 pm | Math Pals at Central Library in Arlington (Best for grades 2-5)
    • Join local high school teens as they encourage kids to see that math = fun!
  • 1/10 at 3:00 pm | Encore Stage & Studio’s Production of Disney’s High School Musical Jr at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 4+) ♥
    • There’s a pre-show experience at 2pm for $9-$10 called “Wildcats Triathlon Decathlon” where you can test your smarts with Taylor and Gabriella in a High School Musical trivia challenge, shoot hoops with Troy and Chad, and learn the show-stopping moves of “Bop to the Top” with Sharpay and Ryan.
Frosty the Snowman
It's the final weekend to catch Frosty the Snowman at Glen Echo Park. This show runs 40 minutes and tickets are $28 per person.
Tap here for tickets to Frosty the Snowman

Sunday, January 11, 2025

Washington, DC 

Maryland

  • 1/11 at 10:00 am | Balloonacy at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) ♥
    • A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film The Red Balloon and will delight audiences of all ages and speakers of all languages.
  • 1/11 at 11:00 am | Intro to Woodworking: Hammers & Nails at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 5th) ♥
    • Makers will explore using nails and hammers to create art. By the end of this lesson, the students should feel comfortable hammering nails and identifying different types of hammers.
  • 1/11 at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Frosty the Snowman at Glen Echo Park ($) ♥
  • 1/11 at 1:00 pm | Summer Camps Fair at Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center 
  • 1/11 at 2:00 pm | S.T.E.A.M. Explorers at Wheaton Library (Best for grades 3-5) 
  • 1/11 at 2:00 pm | Dancing Our Way Through Books led by Kelly King at Highland Elementary School in Wheaton (Best for ages 3+) ♥
    • Kids get to practice reading skills while moving, dancing, and sharing stories. No prior dance training needed.
  • 1/11 at 4:00 pm | Ruth Forman for “Do I Love You? Yes I Do” at People’s Book Takoma ♥
    • Ruth Forman is the author of bestselling children’s books, “Curls”, “Glow”, “Bloom”, “Ours”, “One”, “Light”, and “Like So”, as well as award-winning poetry collections “We Are the Young Magicians” and “Renaissance”.

Northern Virginia

Sensory Friendly & Accessible

For Tweens & Teens

Washington, DC

  • 1/10 at 2:30 pm | Teen Studio: New Year, New Artist! at Hirshhorn Museum (Best for ages 13-19)
    • Check out sketches by Jean-Michel Basquiat in the exhibition Basquiat x Banksy and look closely at the artist’s own sketchbook. Then decorate your own sketchbook with paint, markers, and stickers!

Maryland

  • 1/10 at 11:00 am | Teen College & Career Readiness Fair at Potomac Library (Best for ages 13-18)
    • Representatives from the following organizations will have information tables on-site:
      • Montgomery College SAT and ACT Test Prep
      • Montgomery County Department of Recreation TeenWorks Program
      • Worksource Montgomery MoCo Career Advising Program
  • 1/10 at 11:30 am | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Teach-In at Bladensburg Library (Best for teens & adults)
    • In honor of the 40th anniversary of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Day, explore the racial and economic justice work in northern U.S. cities of Dr. King, Coretta Scott King, and other activists during the civil rights movement, as well as the impact of their work on history, politics, and race relations today. Light refreshments will be served.
  • 1/10 at 1:00 pm | Winter Reading 2026 – Book Tasting at Rockville Library (Best for ages 13-18)
    • Explore librarian favorites in multiple genres like fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy and more + enter the raffle!
  • 1/10 at 1:00 pm | Teen DIY Lego Jewelry at Gaithersburg Library (Best for ages 12-17) 
  • 1/11 at 12:00 pm | Introduction to Robotics at Rockville Library (Best for ages 11-17) 
    • 3 sessions – Exciting hands-on introduction to robot building, robot programming, and Computer-Aided Design.
  • 1/11 at 1:00 pm | Learn to Crochet! at Wheaton Library (Best for ages 10+) 
    • Learn to crochet at this free workshop led by the Wheaton Arts Parade.

Northern Virginia

This Week's Book Recommendation

From New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby, I Am the Spirit of Justice uses lyrical text and moving illustrations to take children on a journey through the history of the United States of America, highlighting the ways people have been fighting for justice from the very beginning. Price: $18.99
Purchase this Book from Laces & Pages

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Check out this list of recurring kid-friendly things-to-do for each day of the week. Most activities are free or low cost! This list is reviewed & updated frequently so make sure to bookmark it for future reference.
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