ICE!

This one is a little bit of a splurge, so if you see a coupon or deal for it- get it. 

It's called ICE! and it is basically a winter wonderland of... ice.  Before you walk in they give you a giant parka.  "I don't need this," you may think.  "I have my very thick winter coat."  Take the parka.

 Everything is made of ice.  Walls of ice. Carved ice.  Colored ice.  And you can touch it all. But because you can touch it they have to make sure it won't melt.  And that is why it is not only very, very cold inside but there are fans blowing as well.  It is cold.  It took me about 1/2 hour to walk through the whole thing, but I ready to get out at that point.

Inside, though, is amazing.  There is a slide! made of... ice! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.  This year is is a Madagascar theme.

ICE! is located in a series of tents at National Harbor.  It is $25 for an adult, less for military and kids, and runs though January 8th.

You will most likely have to drive to National Harbor, right across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.  You can also walk or bike over the WWB, but it's kind of a hike.  There is no free parking at National Harbor (so don't bother looking for it), but there are several parking garages and a few metered spaces (that take credit cards).