Anonymous wrote:OP: how is the lights at Kensington temple? Do you go inside the gates to see or is it those they put up outside the gates?

You have access to the grounds and indoor welcome center which does not count as entering the temple (with is only permitted for LDS in good standing.)

Brookside Gardens lights are tolerable for my teen because we buy him food there!

OP: how is the lights at Kensington temple? Do you go inside the gates to see or is it those they put up outside the gates?

Are you on IG? I have a “save” folder where I save reels that give holiday ideas in and around DC. You click on a few, you’ll get more in your reels. Lots of holiday markets, tree lighting events etc.

If you’re open to an overnight, the sledding run at Blackwater Falls park is a lot of fun. If there’s actual snow when you’re there you can also go snowshoeing.

We have a tradition of going to National Harbor and wandering around to see all the Christmas decorations. Some nights there are fireworks. There are various paid things you can do, but more aimed at younger kids.

I don't get a lot of time with my teens all together at the same time, but I'd like to try to schedule at least few fun things for us to do as a family. I have to try to get things on the schedule in advance or the time will be snapped up by something or someone else? What are some things your teens have enjoyed or not minded? Does not have to be holiday/Christmas related, can also just be something fun you like to do in winter.

So far, the ideas I have are:

Festival of Lights at the Kensington temple
Tacky lights tour in Fairfax (we live in Nova)
Top Golf (not holiday related but my kids have asked to go)

Any other ideas?