3 Things To Do In And Around Washington, D.C. This February

February is a great time to be in Washington, D.C., especially when there’s a dip in the crowds between the holidays and the start of Cherry Blossom season in March, and weather is crisp but lovely—especially if you pack the right coat. The city’s ice skating rinks are still open, most running through the end of the month and into March, and new bars, restaurants, and attractions are opening ahead of the spring and summer rush.

Even if you don’t live in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, D.C. is easily reachable by air, train, bus or car from most U.S. locales and makes a great day trip from closer cities like Baltimore, Annapolis and Harpers Ferry. Here’s a look at some things to do if you plan to visit this month.

Enjoy D.C.’s Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

If you’re a fan of outdoor ice skating—or you’re looking for a fun Valentine’s Day activity—head to one of D.C.’s seasonal rinks, which typically open around Thanksgiving and run through February or early March.

For the chance to ice skate over the Potomac River from your perch on the Transit Pier, try The Wharf Ice Rink, which is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday through Feb. 28, 2023. Check the website for the official schedule, as the rink is used for curling and other events on certain days. Admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors over 65 and military with a valid I.D. and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Skate rental is $7.

On the Capitol Riverfront side of town, Canal Park is offering public ice skating through Feb. 28, 2023. Visit Sunday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. to enjoy a two-hour long skating session in the heart of the Navy Yard neighborhood. Reserve your spot ahead of time online, as prices for walk-ins are slightly higher than the online rates listed below—and based on availability. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and under, seniors over 60, students and military members. Skate rental is $5.

For a the ultimate only-in-D.C. ice skating experience, visit the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden, located next to the National Gallery of Art along the National Mall, through Mar. 5, 2023. It’s open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and your admission includes two consecutive 45-minute ice skating sessions. Admission is $12 for adults; $9 for children 12 and under, seniors over 60, and military members and students with a valid I.D. Skate rental is $6.

Closer to Georgetown, the Washington Harbour Ice Rink is open through March 12, 2023, operating Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Your ticket includes access to 90-minute skating sessions (there’s a 30-minute break between them to clean the ice), and impressive views of the Potomac River. Admission is $10 for adults, and $9 for children ages 12 and under, seniors and military members. Skate rental is $7.

Visit Union Market’s Newest Brewery

With two locations in Sterling and Leesburg, Virginia, Crooked Run Fermentation opened its first outpost in late-January, becoming Union Market’s first taproom and restaurant. Sip the brewery’s best beers, seltzers, ciders, and natural wines, and nosh on sandwiches and pizza provided by Pizza Serrata and Michelin Star chef, Anthony Falco.

Not sure where to start? Try the Italian-style pilsner, Alora, before moving on to creative craft brews like Sticky Rice—made with Berliner Weisse, mango, coconut and rice milk—or Raspberry Empress, a sour IPA made with raspberries. If you’re hungry, the Unicorn pan pizza is a real treat, featuring sourdough bread, tomato, ricotta, roasted mushrooms, mozzarella, onions, honey and pickled cherry peppers.

Geek Out at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Forest

Calling all Harry Potter fans, whether you grew up reading the books or watching the films. There are still a few nights left to enjoy Harry Potter and the Forbidden Forest, a whimsical walk-through experience taking place through Saturday, Feb. 11 at Morven Park, located in Leesburg, Virginia, about an hour’s drive from downtown D.C.

Fans of all ages can geek out over interactive moments from the movies. You’ll have the chance to bow to Buckbeak the Hippogriff, see what your Patronus is with the wave of a wand, challenge your friends to an epic forest wand battle a la Harry vs. You-Know-Who and step into Aragog’s spidery lair—not to worry, there’s an option for those with arachnophobia to skip this part of the trail if they need to.

Dress warm, as you’ll be outside for a good 60–90 minutes depending on how many of the interactive activities you choose to take part in. If you’re working up an appetite, British-style food (think pasties, sausage rolls and fish and chips) and beverages are available for purchase near the middle of the trail, though you can also grab a snack or a drink—hot cocoa or non-alcoholic butterbeer, among other options—near the start.