From cultural celebrations and dance parties to learning opportunities and storytime, there are plenty of free, family-friendly activities this February in the DMV. Here is our list of the best free things to do in February in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
DC Story Time
Feb. 7-28. The National Museum of the American Indian is hosting a family-friendly interactive story time from a Native author or illustrator, or one created in collaboration with the Indigenous community. Kids will have the chance to see objects from the museum’s Teaching Collection, like photographs, textiles or natural materials. This event runs on each Saturday of February.
Location: 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
2026 Camp & Family Fitness Fair – Tysons Corner Center
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Feb 7. This free event brings together camps and fitness programs, allowing families to meet camp teams and explore sports, arts, STEM, overnight programs and other fitness activities.
Location: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, VA
Sunday Storytime
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Feb. 8. Visit Planet Word for their monthly Sunday Storytime, an hour of stories, songs and activities. The ideal age is 2-6.
Location: 925 13th St. NW, Washington, DC
February Barn Dance
Feb. 8. The Glen Echo Bumper Car Pavilion invites families to enjoy live music and a variety of dancing.
Location: 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
Lights, Camera… SOUND! A Kids Fun-with-Foley Workshop
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Feb. 14. This free event is an opportunity for kids interested in movies to learn about how sound is designed and implemented. The recommended age is 6-12.
Location: 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC
2026 Camp & Family Fitness Fair – Dulles Town Center
Feb 14. This free event brings together camps and fitness programs, allowing families to meet camp teams and explore sports, arts, STEM, overnight programs and other fitness activities.
Location: 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling, VA
250th Festival: Celebrating Our Story
Feb. 14. Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the National Portrait Gallery. This free, family-friendly event will feature 250 years of art, history and culture, along with live performances, guided tours, stories, games, crafts and more.
Location: 8th Street NW & G Street NW, Washington, DC
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
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Feb. 15. Celebrate Mardi Gras at The Wharf with a parade, live music and a fireworks finale.
Location: 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Family Day at the Library of Congress: Happy Birthday, George Washington
Feb. 14. Celebrate Washington’s Birthday and America’s 250th anniversary with a free Family Day at the Library of Congress. Families can explore The Two Georges exhibition, learn about the lives of George Washington and King George III, and create a take-home sculpture inspired by the exhibit. Tickets are required for entry to the Jefferson Building.
Location: Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, D.C.
Petting Zoo
Feb. 15. Animal lovers of all ages are invited to Shipgarten’s Petting Zoo, offering safe, up-close interactions with furry and scaly friends.
Location: 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean, VA
Rosslyn Lunar New Year
Feb. 19. Ring in the Year of the Horse with this free, family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Rosslyn BID. Families can enjoy festive fun and vibrant traditions, including a live Lion Dance performance at Central Place Plaza.
Location: Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington, Va.
2026 Camp & Family Fitness Fair – Springfield Town Center
Feb 21. This free event brings together camps and fitness programs, allowing families to meet camp teams and explore sports, arts, STEM, overnight programs and other fitness activities.
Location: 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA
Kiddo Rave
Feb. 22. This is a family-friendly dance party designed for kids, while parents can relax on scene with food and beverages.
Location: 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean, VA
2026 Camp & Family Fitness Fair – Fair Oaks Mall
Feb 28. This free event brings together camps and fitness programs, allowing families to meet camp teams and explore sports, arts, STEM, overnight programs and other fitness activities.
Location: 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA
Black History & Culture Fest
Feb. 28. Celebrate Black excellence, culture and history at this free community expo featuring local vendors, live performances, artists, speakers and educational exhibits that honor the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.
Location: Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling, VA.
Related
12 family-friendly Black History Month events happening in the DMV
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
