What To Do This Week

We’ve compiled your weekly list of family-friendly events to check out! Below our list of 9 family-friendly events happening now through January 29. Keep reading to find everything from dinosaurs and monster trucks, to the annual Spy Fest, princesses, stargazing, and more:

Flights of Fancy Drop-In Storytime at Udvar-Hazy Center

On Tuesdays and Thursdays mornings, children and their families can drop in for fun and free storytime! In January, join in for a reading of Kersten Hamilton’s story Yellow Copter and learn about why helicopters are often painted bright colors and used as rescue vehicles. Stick around after the story to make your own spinning copter and test it in the center’s wind tunnel.

When: Tuesday, 1/24 and Thursday, 1/26 at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Price: Free
Address: Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA 20151
Find out more here.

Blue Sky Puppets: Three Not-So-Little Pigs

Meet Mrs. Pig, Little Yellow, Little Blue, Little Red, and Bernard in this hilarious puppet show about learning to cooperate this Wednesday! This program is recommended for kids ages 2 and up.

When: Wednesday, 1/25 at 10 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
Price: $5/guest
Address: Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcellville, VA 20132
Click here for tickets.

Jurassic Quest at Dulles Expo

T-Rex awaits your family for an adventure on the wild side! Jurassic Quest visits the Dulles Expo Center for a roarin’ good time this Friday through Saturday! This unique experience spans millions of years and includes up-close opportunities with baby dinos and animatronic beasts, like the Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and Megalodon. Guests are invited to excavate fossils or spend time training a raptor under the watchful eye of the world’s largest creatures.

When: Friday, 1/27 - Sunday, 1/29. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Price: Standard tickets are $22. Unlimited admission for kids (ages 2-10) is $36.
Address: Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, VA 20151
Learn more and find tickets here.

Spy Fest at International Spy Museum

This Friday, families are invited to find out how they measure up at the International Spy Museum’s annual Spy Fest! Learn tradecraft from experts in the field and participate in spy skill challenges that will give KidSpy agents and their handlers an insiders-peek into the shadow world of spying.

When: Friday, 1/27 from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Price: $20 for youth ages 4-17, $30 for adults 18+. $5 discounts for museum members.
Address: The International Spy Museum, 700 L'Enfant Plz. SW, Washington, DC, 20024
Click here for tickets.

Monster Jam at Capital One Arena

This live-action performance at Capital One Arena features intense competition between some of the most recognizable trucks in the world! Watch names like Grave Digger, snarling El Toro Loco, and the mighty Megalodon duke it out in the pit. Between sets, enjoy competitions between race-modified ATVs and Speedsters that can reach up to 85 mph in open spaces. And come early for the Monster Jam’s Pit Party! With an additional purchase, you can see the massive trucks up close, watch live pre-race interviews, participate in Q&As with the drivers, take pictures, and enjoy other family-friendly fun.

When: Saturday, 1/28 and Sunday, 1/29 with different start times for the events
Price: Tickets vary depending on time and seat, but typically range from $40-$60/seat.
Address: Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, VA 20004
Read more and purchase tickets here.

Encanto Family Winter Festival at Shipgarten

Come out for a Shipgarten Winter Family Festival on Saturday featuring some favorite Encanto characters! Grab a hot drink from a special winter menu to enjoy by the fire pits, browse vendor tables, listen to live music, participate in games and activities for all ages, and more.

When: Saturday, 1/28 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, VA 22102
Learn more here.

Stargaze at Udvar-Hazy Center

Do you ever look up at the night sky and wonder what exactly you’re seeing above you? Join Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for an evening of stargazing! Staff and members will help you to observe planets, stars, and the moon.

When: Saturday, 1/28 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA 20151
See more info here.

Grand Princess Show & Ball at the Masonic National Memorial

Princess Parties invites young royalty to a Grand Princess Show and Ball! This Sunday, dress to impress and join your favorite princesses for an unforgettable show and ball. Twirl on the dance floor, enjoy live performances, and meet your favorite characters!

When: Sunday, 1/29 at 11 a.m.
Price: $25 for adults, $35 for kids, and free for infants under 12 months
Address: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria, VA 22301
Get your tickets here.

Washington Auto Show

The Washington Auto Show is still going strong! Now through Sunday, 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: Now - 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.