You know how the song lyric goes: “And mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again.” For those looking to get the kids out of the house during winter break, here are six activity options.
Go Wild at Hyper Kidz!
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Hyper Kidz’ goal was to create a play space where children in different age groups can have fun together. Its facilities feature soft foam play equipment with a colorful and whimsical theme. The center accepts walk-ins daily for unlimited open play. Parents are free with a paid child’s admission, and infants up to 12 months old are free with a paid sibling admission. It is advised to check the center’s Facebook page in case of inclement weather. 21641 Beaumeade Cir., Ste. 311, Ashburn, $8.99–$17.99
Try Story Time at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Tuesdays and Thursdays in December, 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center offers story time. Tuesdays and Thursdays in December, enjoy the tale of children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown’s Away in My Airplane. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free admission, $15 for parking
Ice Skate at Reston Town Center
Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
*Holiday hours vary, check website for details.
If you’re looking to take the family on a quintessential winter break activity, Reston Town Center’s ice-skating pavilion is a fun option. The skate shop is stocked with over 500 pairs of skates from toddler size 8 through men’s size 15, so the whole family will find a pair to lace up and go. Skate rentals are $7 a pair. 1818 Discovery St., Reston, $11 for adults, $9 for kids 12 and under, seniors and military, $9
Play at Jolly Yolly Kids
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
*Holiday hours vary, check website for details.
Jolly Yolly Kids has an expansive indoor play and learning center for children ages 13 and under. The indoor gym is bright and welcoming. The facility is cleaned daily and there are multiple sanitizers placed around the space. Socks are required. Best of all, for parents trying to limit screen time, there are no video games on site. 11001 Lee Hwy., Ste. D, Second Floor, Fairfax; Weekdays: $11.95 for children 2 and younger, $12.95 for ages 3–13; Weekends: $14.95 for children 2 and younger, $16.95 for ages 3–13
Walk Outdoors at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge hours are daily 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
*Check website or call ahead for holiday hours.
At Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find 4 miles of trails to hike. Look for birds and other migratory wildlife. You may even see a bald eagle. 14050 Dawson Beach Rd., Woodbridge, free
See Frozen at The Kennedy Center
December 20–January 21, 2024
Just in time for winter break, Elsa and Anna and all their friends sing their way to The Kennedy Center’s Opera House. The show by the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin and includes songs from the movie, as well as an expanded score with a dozen new songs from the movie’s songwriters, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $69
Feature image courtesy Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
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