(Washington, DC) – With winter break approaching, Mayor Muriel Bowser is encouraging families to explore a variety of programs offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and other District agencies. These initiatives provide young people with safe and engaging activities from December 21 through December 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.
Featured Activities
Community Toy Giveaway: Toy distribution and cocoa for children in the community
- When: Saturday, December 21, 9 am – 12 pm
- 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, December 21, 10 am - 3 pm
- Register here: ostpfieldtripsonic3.splashthat.com/
Grinchmas at Kenilworth: Join us for a community holiday Grinch-themed party
- When: Saturday, December 21, 10 am – 1 pm
- 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, December 21, 10 am – 4 pm
- Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE
Holiday Hype: A festive gathering at the MLK Library for all ages
- When: Saturday, December 21, 2 pm - 6 pm
- Where: MLK Library, 901 G Street NW
- Register here: dprholidayhype.splashthat.com/
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, December 22, 2024, 9 am – 5 pm
- 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: December 24 and 26, 3 pm - 3:45 pm
- Aqua Fitness: December 24 and 26, 6 pm - 6:45 pm
eSports and Gaming Tournaments
- eSports Throwback & Brawlhalla Tournament: Columbia Heights Community Center, December 23, 11 am - 3 pm
- eSports 2K24 Tournament: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, December 26, 11 am - 3 pm
- Winter E-Gaming Tournament: Hillcrest Recreation Center, December 27, 2 pm - 6 pm
- eSports Madden Tournament: Deanwood Community Center, December 27, 11 am - 3 pm
Holiday Drip: Celebrate the season with music and water-based fun
- When: December 27, 3 pm - 5 pm
- Where: Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE
Holiday Sing-Along: Come out to sing your favorite holiday carols
- When: Monday, December 30, 3 pm – 5 pm
- 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: Mondays, December 23 and December 30, 4 – 6 pm
Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win-it games, board games, art activities, and basketball!
- When: Friday, December 27, 5 – 6 pm
- Where: Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Road, SE,
Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win-it games, board games, art activities, and basketball!
- When: Monday, December 23, Tuesday, December 24, Monday, December 30, and Tuesday, December 31, 5 pm – 6 pm
- 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: December 22 - 24, 10 am - 6 pm
- Dunbar HS Aquatic Center, 101 N Street NW: December 26 - 28, 10 am - 6 pm
- Roosevelt HS Aquatic Center, 4301 13th Street NW: December 29 - 31, 10 am - 6 pm
- Rumsey Aquatic Center, 635 North Carolina Avenue SE: December 29 - 31, 10 am - 6 pm
- Register here
Junior Lifeguard Academy: A training program for youth ages 9 to 15 interested in lifeguarding, with sessions offered at various aquatic centers
- When: December 23 through 31
- Locations:
- Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE: 2 pm - 3 pm
- Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE: 2 pm - 3 pm
- Ferebee-Hope Aquatic Center, 700 Yuma Street SE: 12 pm - 1 pm
- Deanwood Aquatic Center, 1350 49th Street NE: 12 pm - 1 pm
- Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren Street NW: 12 pm - 1 pm
- Reservoir Park Aquatic Center, 10 Lower Service Court NW: 1 pm - 2 pm
- Register here
Winter Wondercamp
DPR is hosting three days of Winter Wondercamp for youth ages 6-12. While registration has closed for most locations, a limited number of slots may still be available. Register here.
Open Swim at DPR Indoor Pools
DPR's indoor pools are open across the District for free swim during the break. Check hours and locations at dpr.dc.gov/IndoorPools.
For additional details and to register for selected events, visit winterbreaktime.splashthat.com/
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