We did a tour of playgrounds over one of our breaks when my kids were roughly that age and it was a big hit. We skipped all the nearby ones that were in standard rotation and went to things further away. I did a lot of googling to find ones that were themed or larger than normal, etc.

National Harbor. You can pay for ICE or other stuff if you want to, but even if you don't it can be fun to wander around. There's a free Christmas tree light show, fireworks on Saturdays, the inside of the hotel is decorated and has a free light show.

Another vote for the Botanical Gardens. We go see the Capitol tree at the same time since they're right next to each other.

We also go see a couple of over the top light displays (using the tacky lights link someone posted above). We couple it with Holiday Card Lane in Del Ray. And, I think the Collingwood Lights might actually be back this year--which is a must do for us if so.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of the things my family will select from that week:
1) a new to us hike. Similarly, you all might like a new to you playground.
2) Bowling or mini golf.
3) my kids will each be getting $20 on a card at Dave & Buster’s and we’ll combine it with lunch out.
4) bake cookies
5) trains at the botanical gardens and we’ll probably also go to a museum and get hot chocolate from a food truck.
6) go to the zoo
7) go to a movie
8) visit a holiday lights display (maybe this is the year we drive to Baltimore?)
9) go ice skating

Where is there mini golf?

Monster mini golf in Chantilly
Another favorite place when its cold is the climbing center in Laurel

Pottery painting is fun. It's been a while so I don't have somewhere specific to recommend, but there should be a place near you.

You could do either the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum or the National Children's Museum.

Stop by Dinosaur Land if going out toward Winchester for the Discovery Museum.

Go see lights. https://www.fairfaxchristmaslights.com/ Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or buy some on the way. And/or get donuts/ Christmas cookies on the way.

Agree with museums. Note that there will be Metro closures much of that period, so you may want to drive depending on destination(s).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of the things my family will select from that week:
1) a new to us hike. Similarly, you all might like a new to you playground.
2) Bowling or mini golf.
3) my kids will each be getting $20 on a card at Dave & Buster’s and we’ll combine it with lunch out.
4) bake cookies
5) trains at the botanical gardens and we’ll probably also go to a museum and get hot chocolate from a food truck.
6) go to the zoo
7) go to a movie
8) visit a holiday lights display (maybe this is the year we drive to Baltimore?)
9) go ice skating

Where is there mini golf?

https://monsterminigolf.com/

Locations include Gaithersburg and Chantilly

Also Burke Lake Park as part of their Winter Wonderland: https://fairfax.usedirect.com/FairfaxFCPAWeb/Activities/Search.aspx?search_text=winter+wonderland&place_id=7788

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of the things my family will select from that week:
1) a new to us hike. Similarly, you all might like a new to you playground.
2) Bowling or mini golf.
3) my kids will each be getting $20 on a card at Dave & Buster’s and we’ll combine it with lunch out.
4) bake cookies
5) trains at the botanical gardens and we’ll probably also go to a museum and get hot chocolate from a food truck.
6) go to the zoo
7) go to a movie
8) visit a holiday lights display (maybe this is the year we drive to Baltimore?)
9) go ice skating

Where is there mini golf?

https://monsterminigolf.com/

Locations include Gaithersburg and Chantilly

The museums tend to be way less crowded the week between Christmas and New Year. Ideal time to visit if there's something you really want to see.

Another vote for the Botanical Garden trains. My DS (7) was practically vibrating with excitement last year when we went. He was also very impressed with the inside display of all the notable DC building made out of plants.

If the kids are into hockey, go watch the Caps practice for free in Ballston.

Visit one of the many outdoor rinks.

Lego discovery center

Anonymous wrote:Some of the things my family will select from that week:
1) a new to us hike. Similarly, you all might like a new to you playground.
2) Bowling or mini golf.
3) my kids will each be getting $20 on a card at Dave & Buster’s and we’ll combine it with lunch out.
4) bake cookies
5) trains at the botanical gardens and we’ll probably also go to a museum and get hot chocolate from a food truck.
6) go to the zoo
7) go to a movie
8) visit a holiday lights display (maybe this is the year we drive to Baltimore?)
9) go ice skating

Where is there mini golf?

And a date night for parents without the kids

Same poster as above. Have you been to the trolley museum? Or the train one near Baltimore?

Some of the things my family will select from that week:
1) a new to us hike. Similarly, you all might like a new to you playground.
2) Bowling or mini golf.
3) my kids will each be getting $20 on a card at Dave & Buster’s and we’ll combine it with lunch out.
4) bake cookies
5) trains at the botanical gardens and we’ll probably also go to a museum and get hot chocolate from a food truck.
6) go to the zoo
7) go to a movie
8) visit a holiday lights display (maybe this is the year we drive to Baltimore?)
9) go ice skating

Trains at the botanical garden

Hello,

Planning a Staycation in the DC area December 21st-January 1. With this time off, where would you go and what would you do for family fun with an 8 year old and a 6 year old.

Thank you!