ICE! at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
ICE! at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on the Potomac (in National Harbor) is fabulous. My family and I were generously given a chance to preview this winter wonderland the day before it opened and we were awed. And you can experience it too through January 10th! Here’s what to expect.
The biggest hits for my kids were an icy Santa’s Toyland and four super fun ice slides. Oh, and those slides are not just for kids. Grownups all over the place were taking rides too. Just be warned – two slides are faster than the other two. The nice young ski-instructor looking dudes at the top will advise you on which is which.
Tickets to ICE are not cheap, but you can save cash by attending at certain times. Here are the rates:
|
Adults (13 and up) |
WEEKDAY Mon-Thurs (before 4pm) $19.99 |
WEEKDAY Mon-Thurs (after 4pm) $24.50 |
WEEKEND Fri-Sun (all day) $24.50 |
| Seniors (62+) | $18.00 | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Kids (4-12) | $13.00 | $13.00 | $13.00 |
| Kids (0-3) | Free | Free | Free |
| Groups of 10 or more | $18.00 | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Military Adults (13 and up) | $18.00 | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Military Kids (4-12) | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
As you can see, going on a weekday before 4pm or getting a group together like your moms’ club or playgroup could result in the best rates. And kids 3 and younger are always free. You can simply walk up, but to avoid any lines (especially on weekends,) you are encouraged to purchase your tickets in advance here.
Additionally, there’s a special Toys for Tots Discount: if you bring a new, unwrapped toy on December 1, 8 or 15 you’ll receive one adult ticket for only $20 – giving you about 15% off. (And helps make a kids’ Christmas brighter, of course.)
More Holiday Fun at Gaylord National Harbor
After you see ICE! there’s still lots more fun stuff to do. (And if you’re short on cash, you can still have a fun field trip at the resort with their free or less expensive activities.)
- Peeps Pursuit: Peeps yellow chicks (giant versions) are hiding all over the Gaylord National’s atrium. Families grab a scavenger hunt brochure in the lobby and then hunt them all down! When you’re done, take your finished hunt page to the Peeps & Company store for a free candy sample.
- Tree of Light: In the atrium of the resort is a 60 foot tall glass lit tree. Every night at 6pm the tree is ceremoniously lit with music, synchronized lights and a dancing fountain that shoots 60 feet high.
- Brightest Star Fountain Show: Every night at 8pm and 9pm, there’s a narration of the Chrsitmas story choreographed by dancing water and special effects.
- Indoor Snowfall: Snow falls nightly inside the atrium at 6:15pm and 9:15pm.
- Musical Performances: A 75-voice choir sings Christmas music for a 40 minute free concert at 7pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through December 20. And various local vocalists and musicians perform from Nov. 20-Dec. 20, every Monday through Thursday night at 7pm; from Dec. 21-Jan. 3 7pm performances daily.
- Ice Skating: At an outdoor rink right next to the ICE! exhibit. Open weather permitting, $8 per person. Skate rental available on-site or you can bring your own.
- Miniature Holiday Train Display: All season, all the time. In the atrium lower level.
We sprung for yummy hot cocoa and cookies from the Java Coast cafe in the Gaylord atrium to enjoy while watching all the light displays and listening to the holiday musical performances. It was a very Christmas-y special event on it’s own.
National Children’s Museum Launch Zone Holiday Activities
You know I recommend a visit to the Launch Zone for some free learning play any time with your kids. But the staff of the future National Children’s Museum will also be on hand around National Harbor all season helping our kids have holiday fun.
- Holiday Crafts, Tree Lighting & Fireworks Celebration: On November 27 from 5-7pm, kids can make holiday crafts at the Holiday Market at National Harbor Plaza! And they’ll also watch National Harbor’s 65-foot tree sparkle to life while enjoying special musical performances, holiday goodies, and a grand fireworks finale. The whole family can enjoy this winter celebration! (This is outdoors, so dress warmly and FYI, the Launch Zone will be closed at this time.)
- Science Saturdays at Gaylord by the National Children’s Museum: Get a sneak peek at the science behind ICE! with interactive demonstrations of dry ice with the staff. (My son LOVED LOVED doing this.) It’s totally FREE and the walk-up sessions are held at 1:15pm and 3:15pm on December 5, 12 and 19 in the Lower Atrium of the Gaylord.
- Gingerbread Family Experience: Construct a yummy house for $30 (includes all materials and candy) and a portion of the proceeds benefits the construction of the upcoming Museum. The fun’s happening on December 6, 13 and 20 at two times on all days, 11:30am AND 1:30pm, in the Belvedere lobby bar at Gaylord.
