23 ideas for entertaining children after Daylight Savings Time

Most of us dread Daylight Savings Time. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not Benadryl =) Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers and my own DST adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this winter. Don’t forget to check out our Indoor Fun Guide for other options!  

Ideas for fun outside of your home-

1. Go for a dip at Wilson swimming pool.

2. Bloombars has evening performances.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon events.

5. Take a trip to Target or Whole Foods and walk the aisles. Try not to buy everything.

6. Cardoza High School Pool is opening their doors and allow the public to come swim.

7. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier,  Little Loft Art, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play or Barnes and Noble (Bethesda location closes Dec. 31, 2017) can be great places for your kids toys and books. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk.

13. Check the bus route and take a random ride.

14. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

15. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that usually begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it , explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

Ideas for indoor fun- 

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s).

2. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie or read stories.

3. Put on a play.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun (put your OCD tendencies aside).

5. Make your own play doh.

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry.

8. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy.