Have the winter doldrums set in? The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our usual activities, making these cold dark winter months even more challenging. We’ve created a list of some COVID-friendly winter activities in DC for you to check out. Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, we have a fun option for you!
Outdoor Activities
Take a Winter Hike
9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Take a road trip to Great Falls Park for a spectacular winter hike. A short walk along the River Trail will bring you to the frozen waterfalls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. You can safely view the falls from one of three safe observation decks. Great Falls Park is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after sunset.
U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Bundle up to explore the U.S. National Arboretum’s 450 acres of spectacular plant, tree, and flower collections. Stroll the 9.5 miles of paths that wind through the collections. Be sure to check out the Old Capitol Columns in the middle of the Ellipse Meadow and the beautiful koi in the aquatic garden.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019
Birders will enjoy spotting the great blue herons, Canada geese, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and bluebirds and may even catch sight of red-shouldered hawks at Kenilworth Park. Explore the Gardens’ historic ponds, filled with Freshwater plants including a 500-year-old lotus and tropical lilies. The grounds are open from 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Go Ice Skating
Outdoor ice skating is available throughout the DC area. Try Pentagon Row, The Wharf, or Silver Spring Outdoor Ice Skating.
Indoor Activities
Visit the Kennedy Center’s Digital Stage
Members of the Kennedy have access to the Digital Stage+, an exclusive collection of brand-new on-stage events and never-before-released shows and performances. Otherwise, you can peruse past performances, including Kennedy Center Honors and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Axe Throwing
Looking to work out some stress? Try axe throwing! Visit one of Bad Axe Throwing’s two area locations (Fairfax and the District) to try your hand at this traditional Canadian backyard pastime. Prices range from $35 – $44.25 per person depending on options. Bad Axe is open daily by appointment only and advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
DC Improv
Need a laugh? Take in an online comedy show at the DC Improv, including team competitions and open mic nights. DC Improv also offers a wide variety of reasonably priced online improv classes to help aspiring comedians hone their craft.
Channel Your Inner Artist
Try Artjamz virtual painting class or a private lesson with one of our jamming local artists. The two-hour adult classes are just 12.50 and a private online lesson is $25.Artjamz also sells 
ArtJamz At-Home Paint Kit which offers everything you’ll need to create your masterpiece. Group options are also available if you’re looking for an activity for your next family Zoom!
The Bottom Line
There are so many options for winter activities in DC. Try to think outside the box and try a new one during this unusual winter. If you find one you love, let us know so we can check it out too!
