Washington State is a fun and interesting place to visit all year long because it has a lot of cultural events, outdoor activities, family-friendly activities, and events that happen only at certain times of the year. There is always something going on for both locals and tourists, from lively city festivals to beautiful events in nature. One of the best things to do in Washington is to look at upcoming events. This will show you how diverse and community-minded the state is.
🎉December & January 2025 Events in Washington🎇
Take part in this 3.5-mile bike ride that is designed for families and is filled with great memories at Canal Park on an ice-skating trip! Before hitting the ice at noon, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa & refreshments courtesy of Le Dinette DC! Do you want to go skating with your friends or family? Each member pays $13 (non-profit) for skate rentals – no need to buy these in advance! The MPD bike team and volunteers will help keep the riders together. Please arrive 15 minutes before the ride for assistance with bike tune-ups. Tools will be available, as well as people to help with the process. By participating in this event, participants agree to the use of photographs and accept all risks associated with the bike ride.
Dates: Jan 17 from 11am to 2pm EST
Location: Maury Elementary Parking Lot on 12th Pl NE,12th Place Northeast, Washington, DC 20002 United States
Link: https://www.ladinettedc.com/
2. Moonpreneur In-person Robotics Workshop For Kids
If you are searching for things to do in Washington near you, Moonpreneour is hosting a wonderful learning opportunity for kids in Washington who are interested in Robotics, AI, Coding, IoT, and Game Development. These in-person instructor-led sessions blend creativity with real-world STEM skills — a perfect complement to school academics, especially for parents exploring the best elementary schools in Washington and seeking enriching after-school programs.
It blends fun with future-ready skills like problem-solving, coding, and robotics — no prior experience needed.
Dates: Year-round sessions + December special workshops
Link: https://moonhub.moonpreneur.com/mh/book-a-free-trial/upcoming-trial-events?
2. K12 Teacher Workshop: Art, History, and the Power of Cause & Effect
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center will offer a hands-on workshop for K-12 educators focused on “Cause and Effect” in Visual Arts and History on January 31, 2026. Educators will study Shahzia Sikander’s The Last Post and receive a guided tour of the gallery that includes a chance to participate in an art-making class led by Monica Jahan Bose. Lunch and teaching materials will be provided, as well as certificates of completion. Registration for this workshop is open until January 23, 2026. It is one of the best things to do in Washington on weekends with your kids and family.
Dates: Jan 31 from 9am to 3pm EST
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, 800 G Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20001 United States
Link:https://americanart.si.edu/education/k-12/professional-development
Want to know what to do in Washington with kids? Come to a free Performing Arts Camp Fair for families. There will be sample classes, live performances, face painting, giveaways, and more. Families can meet people from the best summer camps in the D.C. area and learn about creative activities for kids in elementary, middle, and high school—all in one place. This fun, in-person event lasts for four hours and has a lot of fun things to do. It’s a great way to plan a summer full of arts, learning, and fun.
Dates: Jan 11 from 11 am to 3 pm EST
Location: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater,1101 6th Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20024 United States
4. Lucky Scavenger Hunt in Washington D.C.: Find the Golden Shamrock!
Are you and your family looking for fun things to do in Washington? Join a golden play date adventure where kids and parents work together to find the stolen Shamrock by following clever clues, solving fun puzzles, and exploring together. This interactive experience promotes learning, working together, and having fun. It’s a great activity for the whole family that will make memories that will last a lifetime while having a unique and fun adventure in Washington.
Dates: Multiple Dates
Location:1062 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20007 United States
Make a normal walk with your kids fun and educational! Take an interactive scavenger hunt through Washington, where you follow clues, solve puzzles, and find hidden places in the city. Find the Sensi-Stone while learning about the five senses and fun facts about the world around you. The Sensi-Stone is based on superhero stories. This 1.5-mile adventure is for kids ages 4 to 8 and encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and exploring the outdoors. It’s a great way for families to spend time together and learn while having fun!
Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Location: 1000 Potomac Street Northwest,#suite 200, Washington, DC 20007, United States
Link:https://watson
The Day on Capitol Hill and Camp Congress for Youth is a two-day experience for children ages 8 through 17 to learn about how the U.S. government operates. The first day of the camp will allow participants to tour various sites in Washington, D.C, including: The Capitol Building, The Supreme Court of the United States, The Library of Congress, and both the House and Senate galleries. Each camp includes an opportunity for participants on the second day to learn by being hands-on and doing activities. Participants will also have the chance to see the many monuments, museums, and historic places in Washington, D.C. All camps have staff who are experienced educators and/or professionals working with the U.S. government. Guardians can drop off their children at whichever Camp Congress for Youth location they prefer.
Dates: Dec 29 · 8:20 AM EST
Location: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center,1st Street Southeast, Washington, DC 20515 United States
Every second and fourth Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., kids ages 7 to 18 can come to Create, Code, Animate! You can make your own video games, from pixel art to interactive designs, by learning digital art, animation, and coding. You will get the equipment. Find out how to make indie games with expert advice and ideas, like going to Sweet Tooth Cafe for a sweet treat to get your creative juices flowing! After class, you can see local sights like monuments, museums, and historic sites while you’re in Washington. Meet other young creators, let your imagination run wild, and improve your skills in a fun, interactive setting.
Dates: Multiple dates
Location: Sweet Tooth Cafe,2323 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC 20020 United States
This winter break, join Day on Capitol Hill and Camp Congress for Girls for a fun and educational experience that teaches kids about the U.S. government. Girls will spend one day and three hours touring the United States Capitol, the House and Senate galleries, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress. The Camp Congress session has activities that teach civic skills and leadership in a fun way. While you’re in Washington, D.C., visit famous landmarks, museums, and monuments. This will be a fun mix of learning and sightseeing. Great for girls ages 8 to 17 who are interested in politics, history, and getting involved in their communities.
Dates:Dec 29 · 8:20 AM EST
Location: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center,1st Street Southeast, Washington, DC 20515 United States
Join this adventurus of a bike ride to Canal Park for free ice skating and pizza! This 4-mile ride is an awesome opportunity for adventurous teens (6th grade and up) who have helmets, lights, and water bottles. HFB will provide reflective vests, hand warmers, and adult guides to help keep you safe and warm during the ride and throughout your time at Canal Park-were you will get to explore some of Washington D.C’s landmarks and historic sites. There will also be a chance for help with any bike maintenance issues that arise before the ride begins. This is a no-drop ride, meaning everyone at the end of the ride returns together.
Dates: Jan 30 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm EST
Location: Maury Elementary Parking Lot on 12th Pl NE,12th Place Northeast, Washington, DC 20002 United States
At the Canisius Connections event, you can meet President Steve Stoute, Canisius alumni, accepted students, and their families. This gathering helps new students connect, get advice, and feel confident before starting at Canisius. Enjoy some light food, talk, and make new connections. Guests can also visit museums, monuments, restaurants, and other attractions close to Washington, D.C. The event is in Arlington, Virginia, and it’s a great way for families and alumni to meet in person.
Dates: Jan 29 from 6 pm to 8 pm EST
Location: Lyon Hall,3100 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 United States
Conclusion
There are so many options for events coming up that planning ahead will help you get the most out of them. Local event calendars, city websites, and community boards are great places to find fun things to do. There are a lot of fun things to do in Washington soon, whether you want to go to a cultural festival, do something outside, or spend time with your family.
Washington’s events show off the state’s creativity, openness, and natural beauty. All year long, it’s a great place to explore, learn, and have fun.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
🌎 Explore More Local Guides
Planning to visit or live in other cities? Discover events in other U.S. towns with our helpful guides:
- Things to Do in Arizona– Top Upcoming Events & Activities
- Things to Do in Pennsylvania—Exploring Upcoming Events
- Things to Do in New Hampshire—Exploring Upcoming Events
- Things to Do in Denton – Exploring Upcoming Events
- Things to Do in Edmonton – Exploring Upcoming Events
- Things to Do in Emeryville – Exploring Upcoming Events
- Things to Do in North York – Exploring Upcoming Events
