LIST: Free, engaging options in DC for your kids, families during Winter break

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), is offering dozens of activities for kids and families during the 2024-2025 Winter break.

“These initiatives provide young people with safe and engaging activities from Dec. 21 through Dec. 31. While many events are designed for all age groups, DPR is also hosting specialized programming for teenagers, creating dedicated spaces for them to connect, socialize, and have fun,” the Mayor said in a press release.

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Here are a list of the activities:

Community Toy Giveaway: Toy distribution and cocoa for children in the community

• When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Where: Fort Stevens Recreation Center, 1327 Van Buren Street, NW

Movie Field Trip: Sonic 3: Young people can enjoy a field trip to see Sonic 3, with multiple pickup locations

• When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Register HERE

Grinchmas at Kenilworth: Join us for a community holiday Grinch-themed party

• When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Where: Kenilworth Recreation Center, 4321 Ord Street, NE

Community Christmas Extravaganza: An event for the distribution of toys, hygiene products, coats, and used clothing to those in need

• When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

Holiday Hype: A festive gathering at the MLK Library for all ages

• When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Where: MLK Library, 901 G Street NW
• Register HERE

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Just Cares Toys for Tots Youth Basketball Tournament: This holiday basketball tournament and charity event will include Santa picture booth, entertainment, toy giveaways, and adult and kids basketball games!

• When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Where: Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th Street, NE

Water Cycle and Aqua Fitness: Water-based activities and fitness sessions

• Where: Ferebee-Hope Aquatic Center, 700 Yuma Street SE
• Water Cycle: Dec. 24 and 26, 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
• Aqua Fitness: Dec. 24 and 26, 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

eSports and Gaming Tournaments

• eSports Throwback & Brawlhalla Tournament: Columbia Heights Community Center, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• eSports 2K24 Tournament: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Winter E-Gaming Tournament: Hillcrest Recreation Center, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• eSports Madden Tournament: Deanwood Community Center, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Holiday Drip: Celebrate the season with music and water-based fun

• When: Dec. 27, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Where: Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE

Holiday Sing-Along: Come out to sing your favorite holiday carols

• When: Monday, Dec. 30, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Where: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street, NW

Holiday Movie Night: Come out to the Joseph Cole Recreation Center for a holiday movie

• Where: Joseph Cole Recreation Center, 1299 Neal Street, NE
• When: Monday, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win-it games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

• When: Friday, Dec. 27, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Where: Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Road, SE,

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

• When: Monday, Dec. 23, Tuesday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

High School Lifeguard Training: Comprehensive lifeguard training for high school students at multiple locations

• Ballou HS Aquatic Center, 3401 4th Street SE: Dec. 22 – 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Dunbar HS Aquatic Center, 101 N Street NW: Dec. 26 – 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Roosevelt HS Aquatic Center, 4301 13th Street NW: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Rumsey Aquatic Center, 635 North Carolina Avenue SE: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Junior Lifeguard Academy: A training program for youth ages 9 to 15 interested in lifeguarding, with sessions offered at various aquatic centers

• When: Dec. 23 through 31
• Locations:
• Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Ferebee-Hope Aquatic Center, 700 Yuma Street SE: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• Deanwood Aquatic Center, 1350 49th Street NE: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• Reservoir Park Aquatic Center, 10 Lower Service Court NW: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.