The best camps to send your kids to for winter break in the DMV

When school’s out, it can be a bit of a challenge to keep the kids active, entertained and challenged. Luckily, there are plenty of winter break camps for kids in the DMV, offering everything from sports and outdoor adventures to arts, STEM and musical activities.

Key Takeaways

• The bigger picture: DMV families have a wide range of winter break camp options across DC, Virginia and Maryland, covering everything from STEM and arts to outdoor adventures and civic engagement.
• More details: Highlights include Polite Piggy’s full-day, working-parent-friendly schedule in DC, Steve&Kate’s flexible, choose-your-own-activity format in Alexandria, and arts-focused options like Glen Echo Camp and VisArts in Maryland, which even includes daily ice skating.
• Why this helps: Since fees tend to increase the later you register and several camps take off around Christmas, signing up early and packing a nut-free lunch can help families lock in lower costs and avoid day-of surprises.

Washington, DC

Polite Piggy’s 

Polite Piggy’s Winter Camp is known within the DC area for its abundance of activities that keep kids thoughtfully engaged with structured activities including STEM projects, art, music and fitness classes. Running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the camp is perfect for working parents.

• Location: 920 F St. NE, Washington, DC
• Contact: (240) 480-3195
• Ages: The site says the camp is open to everyone and gives packing lists for 3- and 4-year-olds, but it doesn’t give an upper age limit. “Through elementary school” is my best guess, so confirm with them.
• Cost expectation:
• Parent tip: Winter weather means slush, snow and wet clothes from outdoor play. Polite Piggy’s explicitly requires parents of younger campers to pack a complete, labeled change of clothes sealed inside a large Ziploc bag.

Girls in Politics Initiative 

Contrary to the name, both boys and girls can participate in this winter camp aimed toward slightly older kids who have an interest in political and legislative activities. While taking advantage of the DC atmosphere, this camp helps push kids out of their comfort zone and toward causes/issues they can learn to support and speak in favor of!

• Location: 1st Street Southeast, Washington, DC
• Contact: (866) 277-2123
• Best ages: 9-16 years old
• Cost expectation: $176.67
• Parent tip: These camps focus heavily on leadership, public speaking and simulating the legislative process. Brainstorm a couple of fun causes before camp starts so your kid has a cause to be passionate about!

Virginia 

Fitwize 4 Kids

Fitwize 4 Kids was named a 2026 Washington Parent Picks winner in the Cheer & Gymnastics category. Each day starts with an open gym, where kids pick from outdoor play (weather permitting), floor games, building projects and board games. Then come high-energy group games until lunch. Afternoons bring games and friendly competitions like dodgeball tournaments, drawing contests and dance-offs, plus a healthy snack and more free play to finish the day. Fitwize is nut-free, so pack a nut-free lunch and a refillable water bottle. 

• Location: 21720 Red Rum Drive, No. 112, Ashburn
• Contact: (703) 723-4176
• Best ages: Kindergarten through seventh grade. The camp suits active kids who like games and team challenges more than sitting-down crafts.
• Cost expectation: About $70 per day for families not enrolled in Fitwize’s after-school program, or about $40 per day for families who are. A 10-day package cuts 15% off either price. 
• Parent tip: Register by Nov. 30 for Dec. 21–23 or Dec. 7 for Dec. 28–30 to save $5 a day. 

Steve&Kate

Steve & Kate’s Winter Camp has an abundance of activities to choose from, tailoring to the needs and interests of every kid. Including one-of-a-kind activities such as coding, fashion, sewing, baking, sports, music and even “a tinkering lab,” where kids have access to 3D printing.

• Location: Alexandria Country Day School, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria
• Contact: (703) 997-9147
• Best ages: 5-12 years old, age limit of 13
• Cost expectation: $124-$149 (flexible day pass plan)
• Parent tip: Steve & Kate operates on a loose schedule where kids get to choose their activities the day of. This works for a lot of kids but if your child needs a strict structure, be sure to notify the company.

Virginia Zoo

Join the Virginia Zoo Winter Camp and learn the chilly side of nature through winter habitats and how animals adapt to the cold season. Explore their safari camps, which are known for being hands-on and action-packed!

• Location: 3500 Granby St., Norfolk
• Contact: (757) 441-2374
• Best ages: 6-11 years old
• Cost expectation: $275/members and $325/non-members
• Parent tip: Winter camps are explicitly separated into tight age groups (typically first and second grade and third and fifth grade). Your child must be currently enrolled in these grades to participate.

Maryland 

Glen Echo Camp 

Holding many awards and the title of being a Washington Parent Picks finalist, Glen Echo Camp has the credentials alone to be an amazing winter camp for the kids. Leaning into the arts, Glen Echo has activities such as painting, glass fusing, theater, dancing and much more to entertain the kids this winter.

• Location: 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
• Contact: (301) 634-2222
• Best ages: 5-11 years old
• Cost expectation: $340-$425 per week depending on program chosen, not including mandatory $18 registration fee.
• Parent tip: Be on time for pickup. Glen Echo gives out $50 late pickup fees. 

VisArts 

School’s out but camp at VisArts is in. Tap into your creative side with a full day of arts, crafts and ice skating. To top it all off, every day ends with a nice warm cup of hot cocoa.

• Location: 155 Gibbs St., Rockville
• Contact: (301) 315-8200
• Best ages: 5-12 years old
• Cost expectation: $160-$600 depending on the time slot chosen
• Parent tip: Bring a nut-free packed lunch as well as a spare bag to bring home all the amazing artwork made during the day!

More Camps

Not sure which camp format will suit your child? Explore our age-by-age guide to choosing a camp.