What To Do With Kids In Washington, DC

Every week, the National Children's Museum scouts the best family friendly activities in the Washington, DC region just for you!

The National Children’s Museum is scheduled to open in 2013 at National Harbor, but you can visit us every day at the Launch Zone at National Harbor! Here's what's happening this weekend:

Holidays Around The World: Christmas
Saturday, December 17
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

While we build our new home at National Harbor, here are a few more of our favorite places for families to visit for the week of December 12, 2011.

Pentagon Row Outdoor Rink
Outdoor ice skating rink.

Activities: Families are invited to get ready for Chanukah with this special outdoor celebration. From 6 to 8:30 p.m. on December 15, skate with family and friends while celebrating this annual holiday. There will be the lighting of the Menorah on Ice, a raffle for a flip video camera, as well as latkes and Kosher hot dogs. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and includes skate rental. In case of heavy rain, the rink will be closed.

1201 South Joyce Street
Arlington, VA 22202
T 703.370.2774
W www.chabadalexandria.org

National Capital Trolley Museum
Museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of electric and interurban railways.

Activities: This weekend, families can pay a visit to the National Capital Trolley Museum to take part in Holly Trolleyfest from noon to 5 p.m. Children can meet Santa and experience the Christmas garden exhibit and toy trains. At the Museum, families can see different types of street cars from America and Europe and ride the street car through the woods. The price of admission with unlimited rides is 47 for adults and $5 for kids. Museum-only admission is $4.

1313 Bonifant Road
Colesville, MD 20905
T 301.384.6088
W www.dctrolley.org/events.php

Maryland Science Center
Science center featuring three floors of exhibits and demonstrations, a planetarium, IMAX theater, and observatory.

Activities: Through December 24, kids can visit the Maryland Science Center to enjoy the Holiday Laser Show. The holiday show is approximately 40 minutes of laser light effects set to a background of holiday classics. The show is free with paid admission to the Center. Tickets are $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for children. Visit the website for more information and show times.

601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
T 410.684.2370
W www.mdsci.org/events-calendar/events/holidaylasery.html

Anne Arundel County Public Library
Maryland public library.

Activities: On December 13 at 7 p.m., families are invited to visit the Crofton Branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library system for PJ Storytime: Hurray for the Holidays. Children ages 2 to 5 and their families are invited to make a take home craft and participate in holiday songs and stories.

1681 Riedel Road
Crofton, MD 21114
T 410.222.7915
W www.aacpl.net/branch_info/cro.htm

Darnall's Chance House Museum
Historic house in Prince George's County.

Activities: On December 17 at 2 p.m., Darnall's Chance House Museum will be transformed into a gingerbread house for a Hansel & Gretel Tea Party. Children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult, can listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel and enjoy tea and dessert. Tickets are $12 for Prince George's County residents, and $15 for non-residents. Reservations and payments are required in advance as capacity is limited.

14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
T 301.952.8010
W www.pgparks.cowww.pgparks.com/page29304.aspx

Irvine Nature Center
Nonprofit educational organization providing environmental studies and natural science programs to children and adults.

Activities: Families are invited to make edible ornaments and tree decorations on December 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Using pinecones, berries, nuts, and seeds, children will have the opportunity to make these treats for animals at Forest Feeding Time. Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. 

11201 Garrison Forest Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117
T 443.738.9200
W www.explorenature.org/index.php

Port Discovery
Baltimore children's museum.

Activities: On December 16 from 4 to 7 p.m., families can take advantage of Target $2 Family Fun Night at Port Discovery, when general admission tickets are only $2 per person. Tickets must be purchased at the door. Port Discovery Children's Museum offers three floors of exhibits and programs for children ages birth to 10.

35 Market Place 
Baltimore, MD 21202
T 410.727.8120
W www.portdiscovery.org/calendar/events/538

The Shops at Wisconsin Place
Shopping destination in Chevy Chase.

Activities: On December 18 from noon to 4 p.m., families are invited to the Shops at Wisconsin Place to participate in Hands-on Hanukkah, a free event sponsored by the Jewish Outreach Institute and Congregation B'Nai Tzedek. Activities include cookie decorating, dreidel-making, and calendar decorating. Elmo and Ernie, as well as other characters from Shalom Sesame, will be there. Children will get the chance to learn about the Hebrew alphabet and enjoy Hanukkah story time.

4412 Willard Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
T 212.760.1440
W www.shopwisconsinplace.com

Walker Nature Education Center
Center providing a variety of educational and recreational resources, programs, and facilities.

Activities: On December 16 from 7 to 8 p.m., families can learn how to make their own candles. Children will learn where wax comes from and how candles are made. Natural materials will be provided to decorate the candles. There will be refreshments provided and colonial music playing. This event is $5 for members, $8 for non-members. Attendees must reserve their spots by December 13.

11450 Glade Drive
Reston, VA 20191
T 703.476.9689
W www.reston.org

Cox Farms
Family-owned farm in Virginia.

Activities: On December 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visit Santa at Wonderland at the Corner Market at Cox Farm. Children can play on the wooden ship and train, take a family photo, and watch as workers put together wreaths. The farm also has fresh-cut Christmas trees for sale, marshmallows and hot cider, and a bonfire.

15621 Braddock Road
Centreville, VA 20120
T 703.830.4121
W www.coxfarms.com/winter/christmas