Family-Friendly Events Around NoVa

There’s plenty to do this week around Northern Virginia! We’ve compiled your list of activities, from Lunar New Year celebrations, to the 2023 Washington Auto Show, to guided campfire hikes, and more.

Here’s our list of 10 family-friendly events to check out now through January 22:

Stories in the Nest

Pop in on Tuesday mornings for Stories in the Nest, a storytime experience filled with songs, learning, magic, and fun. This interactive storytime is geared toward preschool-aged kids and their caregivers, but is open to all ages.

When: Tuesday, 1/17 from 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Price: Free to members, $12 for non-members
Address: The Toy Nest, 125 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046
Sign up here.

Lion King Parent’s Night Out at InCourage Martial Arts

InCourage Martial Arts invites families to a special Lion King event on January 20! Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy fun activities, like a Jungle Obstacle Course, Lion’s Den Dodgeball, and king crown craft.

When: Friday, 1/20 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: $35
Address: InCourage Martial Arts, 42910 Winkel Dr., Ste. 135, Ashburn, VA 20147
Click here to register.

Washington Auto Show

The 2023 Washington Auto Show kicks off this week! The show will feature hundreds of new models from more than 35 manufacturers, including concept, luxury, electric, hybrid, exotic, and historic cars! As one of our nation’s top five auto shows, this special event will feature VIP tours led by award-winning automotive writers and free seminars offered throughout the week. Plus, enjoy special exhibitions, stages, and a family fun activity area with games for kids.

When: Friday, 1/20 - Sunday, 1/29, with varying open and closing times.
Price: Tickets for children ages 6-12 are $6. Weekday adult tickets are $12 and weekend adult tickets are $15. Prices vary for VIP tours.
Address: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20001
See all the events and purchase tickets here.

Feeding Day at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

Join a naturalist this Saturday as they demonstrate how the park’s staff feed the site display animals. Plus, make a birdfeeder to take home, search for worms and insects, and assist in serving dinner to the animals. This is ideal for children ages 4-13. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Saturday, 1/21 at 10 a.m.
Price: $8
Address: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly, VA 20151
Find out more here.

The Goonies Brunch at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Join Alamo and escape into this daring, heartwarming story of lost treasure and enduring friendship. With The Goonies’ (rated PG) endearing cast of quirky kids and a plot filled with swashbuckling adventure, it serves as the ultimate fantasy for anyone who feels stuck in the humdrum of everyday life. Plus, the Alamo’s tasty brunch menu, which features Egg BLT, French Toast, Breakfast Tacos, and brunch cocktails, while watching this classic movie!

When: Saturday, 1/21 at 11 a.m.
Price: $5 for kids, $10 for adults
Address: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 20575 Easthampton Plz., Ashburn, VA 20147
Get your tickets here.

Old Town Alexandria Lunar New Year Celebration

Lunar New Year is an important, festive, and deeply traditional holiday that is celebrated across the U.S. and around the world! This celebration is a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to Northern Virginia and provides an opportunity for all community members to participate in the significance of the Lunar New Year. The event will be held inside the Atrium Building located in Old Town Alexandria, featuring free activities such as live performances, face painting, craft activities, a market, and raffles & giveaways.

When: Saturday, 1/21 from 12 p.m. - 4p.m.
Price: This event is currently at capacity, but a waitlist is available
Address: 227 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Find out more here.

DC’s Lunar New Year Parade

Join Mayor Muriel Bowser in the 2023 Lunar New Year Parade as we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit! The parade will include colorful and diverse contingents and a ceremony with traditional performances, capped off with an exciting firecracker finale. The assembly time is 1PM, the parade will step off at 2pm and a staged ceremony will begin at the end of the parade route at approximately 3pm.

When: Saturday, 1/21 beginning at 1 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Sixth & I, 600 I Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001
Click here to see the event page.

The Great Dino Hunt and Campfire at Claude Moore Park

An invisible dino is loose in the park! Bundle up and get ready to track its trail at Claude Moore Park. This exciting adventure, led by a park naturalist, brings children and adults of all ages on a hunt for a prehistoric beast. End your trek by roasting marshmallows by the fire (Halal available), and bring home your very own dino buddy. Registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Saturday, 1/21 from 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Price: $5
Address: Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd., Sterling, VA 20164
Register here.

Night Hike and Campfire: Astronomy at Potomac Overlook Regional Park

There’s more ways to get outside this weekend! You and your family are invited to join a naturalist at Potomac Overlook Regional Park and learn about the stars, planets, constellations, and more! The program concludes with a campfire.

When: Saturday, 1/21 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Price: $10/participant
Address: Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Rd., Arlington, VA 22207
Learn more on their website.

Black Music Excellence Throughout the Ages at The Alden

This weekend, Charlottesville, VA, native Richelle Claiborne brings her joyous ride through the history of African-American music across the diaspora to The Alden. It’s more than a soul revue, more than a gospel concert, more than a night of great jazz…it is one part history lesson, one part testimonial, and filled with inspired musical performances.

When: Sunday, 1/22 at 2 p.m.
Price: $20 for general attendees, $10 for MCC district residents, $15 for students and seniors
Address: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101
Get tickets here.