Okay parents, the holidays are officially over, and we need a plan that doesn't involve staring at the same living room walls. This weekend (Jan 3-4, 2026), you can catch the last weekend of the gorgeous model trains at the U.S. Botanic Garden or dive into some AR adventure at Gaylord National. Let's get out there before things settle into the deep winter doldrums!
Quick Picks
Season's Greenings at U.S. Botanic Garden
U.S. Botanic Garden
Stunning plant sculptures and model trains, your last chance to see it this season!
Wildlife Rescue - An AR Experience
Gaylord National
Tech-savvy fun for a chilly or rainy day where you hunt endangered animals with your phone.
Little Dreamers (Ages 0-3) at National Children's Museum
National Children's Museum
Perfect, dedicated sensory play area for your littlest ones while the big kids run wild elsewhere in the museum.
Little Dreamers (Ages 0-3) at National Children's Museum
If you have a little one, this museum is perfect because 'Little Dreamers' is a protected, soft-play zone just for them. While the older kids tackle the Dream Machine climber, you can relax a bit knowing the 0-3 crowd has their own fun. They might even have special weekend programming like 'Fine Art' activities on Friday.
Why we picked it: It caters directly to the under-5 crowd with a dedicated, age-appropriate play zone.
Ice Skating at the National Building Museum
Forget the Mall ice rinks—this one is *indoors* in the gorgeous Great Hall, so you don't have to worry about the January chill! They often have Toddler Time sessions, so check the exact schedule for the little ones. It's a great way to burn off some pent-up energy inside.
Why we picked it: An indoor ice rink in a stunning architectural space is a much better winter experience than an outdoor one.
Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History
This hands-on invention studio is always a hit for elementary/middle schoolers who need to *build* something, not just look at it. It's first-come, first-served, so plan to get there right at opening for the best chance to get in. It's a classic for a reason, especially on a cold weekend.
Why we picked it: It's a free, genuinely interactive science experience perfect for school-aged inventors.
Storytime at National Building Museum
This storytime focuses on reading, songs, and activities to build literacy skills, usually held near their awesome exhibits. While the search result shows Friday times, these weekly programs often run on weekends too, so it’s worth checking their calendar for a free, contained activity. It’s a great little break near the Mall without being *on* the Mall.
Why we picked it: Free literacy-focused programming in a stunning (and indoor!) building.
Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! Exhibit
This is your LAST CHANCE to visit Sodor, as the exhibit closes on Saturday, Jan 3rd! If your little one is obsessed with trains, this interactive experience is a must-do before it leaves DC. They have extended hours on Saturday to squeeze everyone in.
Why we picked it: It is the final weekend for this popular, kid-focused train exhibit.
Poinsettia Cultural Journey & Paper Flower Craft
Learn about the cultural significance of the poinsettia plant, which connects Indigenous communities in Mexico to today's holiday decor. Then, the kids get to make their own paper flower to take home, which is a sweet, hands-on memento. It’s one of those hidden gems on the Mall that many people walk right past.
Why we picked it: A free, cultural, and crafty activity that’s low-key compared to the big blockbuster museums.
Fiddler on the Roof
If you have older kids, taking them to see a legendary musical like *Fiddler on the Roof* is a great introduction to professional theater. It deals with big themes they can actually discuss afterward. It's a quality night out that feels much classier than a matinee cartoon show.
Why we picked it: A high-quality, full-scale theater production offering substance for teens and adults.
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
It’s prime ice-skating season, and doing it right next to the National Gallery of Art is way more scenic than the suburban rinks. Yes, it’s outside, but that’s part of the fun—bundle up and enjoy the winter air! This is the quintessential DC winter outdoor family activity.
Why we picked it: The atmosphere of skating surrounded by iconic modern sculpture can't be beat.
Wildlife Rescue - An AR Experience
Take a virtual safari using an AR app to track down 12 endangered animals around Gaylord National. It’s a cool, tech-forward way to get them engaged outside of a traditional museum setting. Great for a day where we want an activity that feels different.
Why we picked it: It's a high-tech, interactive way to explore nature that feels very 'now'.
Season's Greenings at U.S. Botanic Garden
This is your absolute final weekend to see the incredible plant sculptures and model trains celebrating the holidays. It's a free, beautiful way to step inside somewhere warm and totally different from the Mall museums. Definitely go Saturday morning to beat the Sunday rush.
Why we picked it: It's the final weekend before this gorgeous holiday exhibit disappears for another year.
Folger Frost Fair
Channeling old London, this fair has music, games, and demos, and it’s based on a time when the Thames froze over—how cool is that? You can usually grab pay-what-you-will passes, so keep the cost low while enjoying unique historical fun. It ends Sunday, so this is the last chance for this quirky winter vibe.
Why we picked it: A unique, limited-run event that brings historical English winter fun to DC.
Storytime at the Hirshhorn
This is an older program, but they usually run their 'Storytime Studio' sessions weekly, making it a reliable free hit for the under-6 crowd. It blends reading books with art exploration right inside the museum. Always arrive early as capacity is limited for these drop-in programs.
Why we picked it: Reliable, free, and specifically designed to engage very young children with modern art.
National Symphony Orchestra: Musical Tails
While the specific 'Musical Tails' event is later, the Kennedy Center's Young Audiences series often kicks off right after the New Year, so check their site for a *similar* NSO event happening this weekend. Hearing live orchestral music is magical for all ages and a world away from screen time. Look for a short matinee designed just for kids.
Why we picked it: The Kennedy Center often has excellent, age-appropriate music programming starting the first weekend of the year.
Encore Stage & Studio Presents High School Musical Jr.
If your tweens/teens love live local theater, check out Encore Stage for their production of *High School Musical Jr.*. Community theaters like this often run shows all weekend, and sometimes they have special BOGO deals going on right after the holidays. It’s fun, familiar, and supports local arts.
Why we picked it: Local, kid-centric theater often features fun, recognizable shows that are easy to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Washington DC this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04, 2026), there are several great free options: You can see the stunning 'Season's Greenings' exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden (last weekend!), check out the cultural crafts at the National Museum of the American Indian's Poinsettia event, or try the hands-on Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History.
Is there anything fun to do indoors if the weather is bad?
Absolutely! For a guaranteed warm spot, head to the National Children's Museum (especially for younger kids in 'Little Dreamers') or go ice skating indoors at the National Building Museum's Winter Skate Spectacular.
What's best for a toddler (under 4) this weekend?
The best spots for toddlers are dedicated areas: check out the Little Dreamers (0-3) zone at the National Children's Museum, or the reliably excellent, free Storytime at the Hirshhorn (check exact time, arrive early!).