How to escape cabin fever with kids in the winter around the Washington, DC area

Tired of being indoors? Forget the cold, get out and have fun! There are lots of fun outdoor winter activities in Northern Virginia and DC for kids.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   The pizza playground at the National Zoo.

   Animals are great motivators! The National Zoo in DC is uncrowded in the winter and the animals are very active. You also can escape into the heated animals houses to warm up a bit. The pizza playground on a sunny day is lots of fun for younger children.

2. 
    
   Lots of skate sizes available.

   Try a new sport! Both Reston Town Center and the downtown mall in DC have wonderful outdoor ice skating rinks.

3. 
    
   The boardwalk in winter at Huntley Meadows

   Enjoy nature! Huntley Meadows in Alexandria is one of the crown jewels of the park system. Even during the winter, a walk along the boardwalk can turn up frogs, turtles, beavers, and a wide variety of ducks and geese.

4. 
    
   A very colorful place to play.

   Find a playground! Clemyjontri in McLean is wonderful in the winter. Lots of things to climb on and because the whole park was designed for children with disabilities, you'll find things you won't find at other parks. My kids never tire of this place. It's always hard to leave!

5. Go fly a kite! Bundle up and put the winter wind to good use.

6. 
    
   That's not snow, it's a sand angel.

   Head to the beach! The upside is no traffic and empty beaches. My kids love to dig in the sand and the beaches are just as much fun to run around on when it's cold. Assateague is our favorite because of the wild ponies.