February Family-Friendly Events Guide

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Our February Family-Friendly Events is Sponsored by our friends at Bright Horizons. Let’s get moving indoors together! Come to Winter Warm-Up at Bright Horizons for movement and wellness activities on February 9th. Plus, get to know other families in the community. Visit the link to find the closest hosting center near you!

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, and Mardi Gras 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.

Dinos Alive Exhibit: An Immersive Experience

Now through March 17
Rhode Island Center
Washington, DC
Do you have a dinosaur obsessed kiddo? This is their chance to walk alongside life-sized, animatronic versions of the long-extinct creatures. Over 80 specimens will be explored in their habitats, including a virtual aquarium for observing giant sea creatures. Tickets are available online (kids 3 and under are FREE).

Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way!

Now through June 20
National Children’s Museum
Washington, DC
The National Children’s Museum once again hosts an interactive exhibit that is sure to delight kids. Shaun the Sheep and his buddies are always up to something. This exhibit allows your child share in their antics while engaging in activities such as creating stop motion animation, practicing balance, imaginative play driving a truck, and much more. This exhibit is recommended for kids age 3 to 9. Tickets are available online.

Groundhog Day Celebration

February 2
Dupont Circle
Washington, DC
Gather at the Dupont Circle fountain for Potomac Phil’s emergence at precisely 8:30am. 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. This is a FREE event.

Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure

February 2 – 4
Eagle Bank Arena
Fairfax, VA
Cheer on the PAW Patrol as they emBARK on an adventure after finding a secret pirate treasure map. All children over age 1 must have a ticket for this show. VIP (Very Important Pup) tickets are available that give ticket holders a premium seat and the opportunity to have their picture taken with PAW Patrol characters after the show.

Washington Wizards Black History Month Promo Nights

February 2, 10, and 25
Capital One Arena
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Washington Wizards throughout the month of February as they take on rivals across the league. Each of these home games will recognize and celebrate Black History Month with special giveaways and themes such as HBCU night and Heart Health night. Special celebrations will occur before and after the February 2nd game. A pregame Block Party for a Black History Month tipoff celebration will run from 5:30-6:30 at District E. After the game, there will be a tribute celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with performances by artists such KRS-One, Chubb Rock, Kwame, Black Sheep, and more.

All Aboard! Streetcar Valentines

February 3
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, MD
Learn how street cars once delivered letters and packages, in addition to people, at this family-friendly event. Kids can also make a street car Valentine to send to someone special. Tickets are available online.

Lunar New Year Family Festival

February 3
National Museum of Asian Art
Washington, DC
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Museum with performances, chef talks, tours, hands-on activities, and more. This family-friendly event is FREE, though pre-registration is recommended.

Music on the Canal

February 3
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Potomac, MD
On the first Saturday of each month, visitors to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center can enjoy 19th century music performances for FREE. From 10am until noon, a variety of historical instruments will entertain audiences, including dulcimers, banjo, and upright bass.

The Incredibles

February 3
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
Bring your own lawn chair or blanket to the Museum’s Great Hall for a screening of this animated classic. At 6pm, introductory remarks will be delivered by Donald Albrecht, author of the book Designing Dreams: Modern Architecture in the Movies. The film’s many references to mid-century modern architecture and design will be explored. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are required and can be purchased online.

Oxon Hill Farm Tour

February 3 & 4
Oxon Hill Farm
Oxon Hill, MD
Every Saturday and Sunday at 11am, an NPS ranger leads a Farm Tour to explore the animals and history of this farm. All ages are welcome on this 45 minute tour. And every Saturday this month, a park ranger will teach children about African folklore by reading from Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s book “African Myths and Folktales.” Learn more about the Read with a Ranger program here.

Community Skate Night

February 9
Canal Park Ice Rink
Washington, DC
Lace up your skates and celebrate National Skating Month at Canal Park. Kids On Ice skaters will put on a skating exhibition. A DJ will provide music until 8:00 pm. From 7pm until 10pm, attendees can skate for FREE. The first 100 people will get a FREE skate rental too.

Romeo and Juliet

February 9 – March 24
Synetic Theater
Arlington, VA
This wordless adaptation of Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers depends greatly on masterful physicality and thoughtful choreography. It is a unique interpretation that uses beautiful visuals to convey the passion and the heartbreak of this classic story. Tickets are available online. Parental guidance is suggested for small children.

Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration

February 10
THEARC
Washington, DC
This year, the NPS will celebrate Frederick Douglass’ 206th birthday with a FREE program that highlights African Americans and the Arts. There will be a special panel presentation about the upcoming Broadway musical about Frederick Douglass, performances by Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels and students from the Washington Ballet School, a Jeorpardy-style game about Douglass’ life, and more.

Stargazing

February 10
National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
Washington, DC
Make sure you wear warm clothes at this opportunity to explore the night sky. Members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club and Museum staff will provide telescopes and the knowledge to help you learn more about planets, stars, and the moon. This event is FREE and weather permitting.

Black History Month Family Day

February 10
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, story times, making their own compass, and follow the path of Harriet Tubman. This family-friendly event is FREE and no registration is required.

Mardi Gras Celebration

February 10
The Wharf
Washington, DC
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this FREE celebration featuring an exciting parade down Wharf Street complete with floats and marching bands. There will also be a dance party with live music on District Pier and a special fireworks finale. This event is open to all ages. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot for the parade.

Family Day: Make a Mini Magazine

February 10
Library of Congress
Washington, DC
The Library of Congress will host a family activity that will teach participants more about the Library’s collections. Visitor will discuss and find inspiration from the first magazine for African American children, written by W.E.B. DuBois.

Lunar New Year Family Festival

February 10
National Postal Museum
Washington, DC
The National Postal Museum welcomes families to celebrate the Year of the Dragon at this FREE festival. Crafts, book readings, and activity stations will be set up to engage kids of all ages. There will also be lion dance performances!

Saturday Morning Tunes: Taylor Swift for Kids

February 10
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
This concert is sure to entertain any self-proclaimed Swifty, especially one who was unable to get a ticket see Taylor Swift live. Join Enslow, a Baltimore-based singer-songwriter, as she and her five-piece band play Swift’s biggest hits. Everyone at this family-friendly event is invited to sing and dance to their favorite tunes. And get there early to make a friendship bracelet in the Grand Pavilion before the show. Tickets available online.

The Art of Storytelling: According to Coyote

February 10 & 11
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
This one-man play explores the antics of the trickster Coyote, which is important in the stories of several Native nations. The whole family will be entertained by this FREE production.

Chinese Lunar New Year Parade

February 11
DC Chinatown
Washington, DC
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon 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.

Lincoln Birthday Ceremony

February 12
Lincoln Memorial
Washington, DC
Join the National Park Service as it celebrates President Abraham Lincoln’s 215th birthday. This FREE annual event will include music, a reading of the Gettysburg Address, and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale

February 15 – April 7
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, MD
This bilingual musical production updates the classic tale of Cinderella. In it, Cinderella is more concerned about a ball game than a ball. Lessons about empathy, respect, and sportsmanship are interspersed in this entertaining show. It is best for kids age 5 and older. There is an an ASL interpreted performance on February 24th and Sensory-Friendly performance on February 25th.

Presidential Family Fun Day

February 17
National Portrait Gallery
Washington, DC
DC is the a perfect place to celebrate Presidents Day. Head to the National Portrait Gallery to enjoy its annual FREE family-friendly festival. Visitors will learn more about presidents through guided tours, story times, arts and crafts activities, and more!

George Washington Birthday Parade

February 19
Old Town
Alexandria, VA
Join the adopted hometown of George Washington as it celebrates his 292nd birthday. A variety of events will be held throughout February (see website for more other 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.

George Washington’s Birthday Celebration

February 19 and 22
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
Celebrate the birthday of our nation’s first President at his Mount Vernon Estate. The celebration will feature a wreath-laying at Washington’s Tomb, patriotic music played by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and more. During the event on the 22nd, you can celebrate immigrants from around the world as they become U.S. citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony. It is FREE to attend the estate during the celebration, but tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival. A limited number of tickets are available.

Ice Yards

February 24
The Yards
Washington, DC
This event brings loads of fun winter activities to waterfront at The Yards. Groove along with a DJ while enjoying a Snowboard Simulator, Ax Throwing, Iceless Curling, and more. The ever-popular Polar Bear Plunge will have the crowd cheering, and the participants shivering. Area restaurants will have pop-up bars and food offerings for purchase including Due South Dockside’s Fon-Due experience, to-go tiramisu from Osteria Morinin, Aqua 301’s hot cocoa hut, and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear retro Aprés Ski attire (there will be an outfit contest). Tickets are available here and at the event. Please note that $5 of every ticket sale will be contributed to Special Olympics DC.

Kids’ Day

February 24
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. Lunch and unlimited fountain drinks are included. Buy your tickets online. Doors open at 3:30pm.

DC United Home Opener

February 24
Audi Field
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Black-and-Red as they take on the New England Revolution in their season home opener. Single match tickets are now on sale.

Travel & Adventure Show

February 24 – 25
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
Whether you are looking for travel bucket list inspiration or ideas for Spring Break or summer vacation, this highly rated travel show is sure to deliver. Get travel advice, learn the latest trends, meet travel celebrities, sign up for giveaways, and more. Tickets are available online. Kids 16 and under can attend for FREE!

 

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