(Washington, DC) – As DC Public Schools (DCPS) prepares to go on Winter Break, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will offer “Teen Break Time” to provide youth with fun, engaging activities from December 23 – December 30. Programming includes Teen Open Rec nights, a roller skate party, ice skating nights, recording studio sessions, swimming, and more. Programming for youth of all ages will also be available.
Teen Swim at Takoma Aquatic Center
Youth ages 13-18 are invited for a night of swimming, pool games, and holiday music and treats.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW
Friday, December 23
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Teen Open Rec Nights
DPR will extend hours at select recreation centers from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. each night during the week of December 27-December 30, offering additional activities and open play.
Tuesday, December 27 | Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard Street NW
Wednesday, December 28 | Edgewood Recreation Center, 300 Evarts Street NE
Thursday, December 29 | Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th Street NE
Friday, December 30 | Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie Street, SE, and Bald Eagle Recreation Center, 100 Joliet Street, SW
“Enchant” @ The Nationals Park
Youth are invited to enjoy Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park with DPR. Youth ages 18 and under who register online with DPR will receive a free ticket on Thursday, December 29 and Friday December 30. Adults older than 18 must pay the full ticket price. Enchant Christmas turns Nationals Park into a holiday-themed village with ice-skating, live entertainment, dining and shopping, and the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Nationals Park (Center Field Gate), 1500 South Capitol Street SE
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 29 and Friday December 30
Roving Leaders’ Skate Party
Join DPR Roving Leaders for a free glow in the dark skate experience with family fun and music.
Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street NW
Friday, December 30
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ice Skating Nights @ Canal Park Ice Skating Rink
Join DPR for a night of fun ice skating. Each evening tailored to an age group and family members. Youth ages 18 and under who register online with DPR will receive a free ticket. Adults older than 18 must pay the full ticket price.
Canal Park Ice Skating Rink, 200 M Street SE
Tiny Tuesday Skating (ages 3-6)
Tuesday, December 27, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Teen Thursday Skating (ages 13-18)
Thursday, December 29, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Family Friday Skating (ages 5 and older)
Friday, December 30, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Open Studio Recording
DPR offers access to its recording studios for youth to live out their musical dreams for the day.
Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard Street NW
Wednesday, December 28
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th Street NE
Thursday, December 29
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Esports Open Play
Youth are invited to join DPR for a day of video games and fun. Snacks will be provided.
Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th Street NE
Tuesday, December 27 and Wednesday, December 28
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE
Wednesday, December 28
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Raymond Recreation Center, 3725 10th Street NW
Thursday, December 29
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Aquatics Activities @ Turkey Thicket Recreation Center
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NW
Youth Morning Meditation (ages 13 - 17)
Tuesday, December 27 – Friday, December 30
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Youth Aquatic HydroSpin (ages 13 - 17)
Tuesday, December 27: 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 28: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 29: 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Friday, December 30: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Youth Aquatic Kickboxing (ages 13 - 17)
Tuesday, December 27: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 28: 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 29: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday, December 30: 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
A full list of DPR events will be posted and updated at dpr.events.
DPR is also providing various out-of-school activities that are already fully enrolled with over 1,000 youth set to participate in Winter Break Camps at nine locations, teen field trips, and a late-night teen party at North Michigan Park Recreation Center.
Open Indoor DPR Pools
Ten indoor pools will be open across the District, including Marie Reed, Takoma, Roosevelt, Turkey Thicket, Dunbar, William H. Rumsey, Deanwood, HD Woodson, and Ferebee-Hope. For hours of individual pools, please visit dpr.dc.gov/page/indoor-pools (DPR facilities will be closed on certain days for the holidays).
In addition to DPR programming, there are other available programs throughout the city for families to check out.
Open DCPL Neighborhood Libraries
DC Public Library (DCPL) locations will be open December 27- December 30. All Library locations will be closed on Sunday, December 25, Monday, December 26, Saturday, December 31, Sunday, January 1, and Monday January 3.
For a calendar of events and available programming at each library, visit dclibrary.org or download the Library’s app.
Family Success Centers
The District’s family success centers located throughout Wards 7 and 8 will be open Tuesday, December 23 – Friday, December 30, from 8:15am – 4:45p.m.. The centers offer a variety of programming, from nutrition workshops and professional development training to stress management, parenting classes, and more. For a calendar of events at each Family Success Center, visit cfsa.dc.gov/page/families-first-dc-family-success-centers.
| Ward 7 | Ward 8 |
|---|---|
| Benning Terrace/Benning Park | Woodland Terrace |
| Clay Terrace | Anacostia |
| Mayfair/Paradise | Congress Heights |
| Stoddart Terrace/37th St. | Washington Highlands |
| Benning & Minnesota Ave. | Bellevue |
Out-of-School Time Programming
The District’s Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST) partners with community-based organizations to offer youth enriching opportunities to grow and thrive outside the classroom. A full list of available programs across all eight wards can be found here.