Between Fairfax City’s Chocolate Lovers Festival and Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, we’ve got desserts on the brain this weekend! Don’t have a sweet tooth? There are plenty of other family-friendly activities happening around DC such as Spy Fest at the Spy Museum and Lunar New Year celebrations that won’t run the risk of cavities.
Friday, January 31
Paw Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue Mayor Goodway has gone missing before the Great Adventure Bay Race against Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger! In this new live show, it’s up to the Paw Patrol to find the mayor while taking her place in the race. Through Feb. 2. Eagle Bank Arena, Fairfax, VA at 6 p.m. $19 – $175
Spy Fest KidSpy agents and their handlers get an insider’s peek into the shadow world of spying at this annual event. Mini-missions, espionage demonstrations and other challenges will determine whether your kids have got what it takes to be a spy! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Spy Museum, Washington, DC at 6 p.m. $16 for non-members, $14 for members.
Chocolate Lovers Festival Milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate fans alike are invited to this annual three-day family-friendly festival. Weekend activities include chocolate tastings, cake walks, a silent auction and much more. Fairfax City, VA. FREE, with the exception of certain activities
Saturday, February 1
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Be the first to try Jeni’s new ice cream flavor, Skillet Cinnamon Roll, making its debut on this delicious national holiday. Grownups can enjoy floats made with locally roasted hot coffee and a scoop of ice cream in a souvenir mug. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from 8 a.m. to noon will be donated to DoSomething.org. Jeni’s scoop shops in Washington, DC; Alexandria, VA; and Bethesda, MD at 8 a.m. Prices varies.
Chinese New Year Family Celebration Ring in the Year of the Rat with Chinese ribbon dancing, acrobatic yo-yo performances and an interactive magic show. Kids can make shadow puppets and dough figurines, watch wood printing and calligraphy demonstrations and create their own New Year craft. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC at 11:30 a.m. FREE
Portrait Discovery Kits Explore the lives of famous Americans through kid-friendly games and puzzles on a self-guided tour of the museum. National Portrait Gallery, Washington, DC at 1 p.m. FREE
National Harbor Restaurant Week Enjoy $20 lunch menus and $38 dinner menus at 18 participating restaurants. Mention “Restaurant Week” at the Capital Wheel ticket booth and ride the Ferris wheel for just $10 (plus tax). Through Feb. 8. National Harbor, MD. Times and prices vary.
Sunday, February 2
Lunar New Year Celebration Families can enjoy crafts, hands-on activities and a lion dance performance by Hung Vuong Lion Dance Team in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Central Library, Arlington, VA from 2-3 p.m. FREE
Super Bowl Fun Day If your little one loves trains and football, this is the event for them! A sports-related craft and snacks are included in the admission fee. Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax, VA from 1-4 p.m. FREE for children 4 and under, $3+
The REACH Winter Lanterns Today’s the last day to experience the magic of more than 100 colorful lanterns, including the Chinese Four Symbols and 12 Zodiac Signs, Panda Grove, and Mushroom Garden display, in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Enjoy performances, artisan demonstration, food trucks and more. The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC at 4 p.m. FREE
For even more fun things to do with your kids, check out our calendar.
