The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are a great excuse to get kids excited about winter sports and active fun, even in and around Washington, DC, where snow and mountains aren’t exactly in our backyard. While ice skating and hockey are winter classics, the DMV offers a variety of sporty and Olympic-esque activities that kids can try throughout the season. From ski-style training and indoor challenges to athletic clubs and special programs, there are plenty of ways to celebrate winter’s energy and embrace the Olympic mindset right in the city.
From learning new physical skills to trying creative movement and sporty games indoors, this guide has winter-themed experiences and sports opportunities that go beyond just skating. These local organizations and seasonal activities help kids stay active, inspired and ready to cheer on Team USA during the 2026 Winter Games!
Winter skills and training at Volo Sports DC
Help kids build athletic skills that translate to winter sports performance, from balance to agility, at this indoor multi-sports facility. Volo Sports DC offers classes and programs that focus on coordination, strength and movement fundamentals that benefit young athletes, whether they dream of skiing, snowboarding or even Olympic biathlon events. The welcoming space includes open play, youth clinics and ways for kids to get active on cold winter days indoors.
- Address: 1200 G St. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
- Phone: (202) 919-3955
Adaptive, inclusive sports with Special Olympics DC
Kids and teens can discover winter-sport enthusiasm through inclusive athletics with the Special Olympics District of Columbia. This organization provides year-round sports and fitness programs that celebrate ability, teamwork and skills development. While not strictly winter sports, many movement and athletic programs build strength, coordination and confidence in a fun, supportive setting that fits the Winter Games spirit.
- Address: 415 Michigan Ave. NE, Ground Level, Washington, DC
- Hours: Vary based on activity
- Phone: (202) 408-2640
Winter skate and learn at The Wharf Ice Rink
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The Wharf Ice Rink brings Olympic-style winter fun to the waterfront with seasonal public skating and youth skill-building sessions. Kids can join Future Caps Learn to Play to build balance, movement and beginner skating confidence, a great starting point for young athletes inspired by the Winter Games. Families can enjoy the atmosphere, scenic views and a chance to explore skating beyond just laps around the rink.
- Address: 970 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC
- Hours: 9-10 a.m. select dates
- Phone: (202) 688-3590
Cross-training and movement at Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
Get active and try winter-style athletic drills indoors at one of the region’s largest sports complexes. Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex offers open gym spaces, track activities and youth programs that help kids work on endurance and athletic skills. Great cross-training for snow sports like cross-country skiing or ski jumping conditioning.
- Address: 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (301) 583-2400
Washington Figure Skating Club
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The Washington Figure Skating Club is a longtime DMV hub for skaters who want to grow in the same disciplines you’ll see under the spotlight at the Winter Olympics — from freestyle and ice dance to moves in the field, synchronized skating and theater on ice. Founded in 1938 and sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating in 1939, WFSC supports skaters across ages and ability levels through affiliated rinks, club sessions, and a strong community focused on excellence on the ice. With various rinks in Maryland and Virginia, the club is great resource for future Olympic contenders!
- Address: Cabin John Ice Rink (home rink), 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, MD
- Hours: Hours vary by training session
- Phone: (301) 765-8620
Washington Capitals
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The Washington Capitals Youth Hockey program offers clinics designed to introduce young players to the sport and build skills in a fun, inclusive environment. Through hands-on instruction and certified coaching, kids learn fundamentals such as skating, stickhandling and teamwork, creating a foundation that mirrors the dedication and development seen in elite international play like Olympic hockey. As youth athletes progress through these grassroots clinics, they gain confidence and the basic skills that are part of the long journey from beginner to potential future Olympian.
- Address: 627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 850, Arlington, VA
- Hours: Hours vary on program
- Phone: (202) 266-2352
