Get out and do something! Even though it's cold outside, there is always something to do in Arlington, Virginia. Below is a list of five fun, local, and free or low-cost events in Arlington that anyone can enjoy!   

1) Children's Theatre Festival

Event: Children's Theatre Festival

Date/Time: Saturday, January 16, 11 am-5 pm

Location: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent Street, Arlington, VA 22209

Event Description:
The Children's Theatre Festival is a full day theatre event including exciting live performances, workshops, theatre activities and more. The theatre lobby will be filled with activities for children such as painting, drawing, and storytelling beginning at 11 am. There will be a performance of The Cat and the Seagull at 12 pm and again at 4pm. This theatre performance is based on The Story of the Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her How to Fly, by Luis Sepulveda. At 1 pm there will be additional performances by Los Quetzalitos, the Children's Mexican Dance Group, and Las Lunitas.

Contact and Other Info:
Admission to The Cat and the Seagull is $10.00. All other activities are free. Free Parking in the building garage. Food and drink will be available for sale throughout the festival. Call 703-548-3092 for more information or visit http://www.teatrodelaluna.org.

2) Painting Class for Beginners

Event:  Painting Class for Beginners

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 20, 10 am – 12 pm 

Location: Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204 

Event Description:
Learning how to paint is easier and more fun than ever! Longtime art teacher Blanche Kirchner is opening her painting class on Wednesday morning to help people who are new to the wonderful world of art creation and painting. Blanche will consult new artists on what materials they should bring and discuss the options of different media. This event will get anyone interested in art on the road to their own creative expression!

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is $24 for 4 sessions. Call Nelly Urbach at 703-228-0955 for more information. Sessions run Jan. 20 - Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 - March 10. Event website can be located at:  http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerwalterreed.aspx.

3) Comedy Club

Event:  Comedy Club

Date/Time:  Friday, January 22, 10:30 am - 11:30 am 

Location: Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 18th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202

Event Description:
Come to laugh and relive the classic comedy of times past at Aurora Hills. Guests will enjoy video and audio selections of The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Bill Dana, and Burns and Allen. Later, guests can take a stab at sharing their own funny stories together. The event will be led by Mike Bloom, comedy book author and former write for Walt Disney pictures.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Julie Albers at 703-228-5722 to register. The Comedy Club meets monthly on Fridays. The event website can be found at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centeraurorahills.aspx.

4) Under the Ice 

Event:  Under the Ice 

Date/Time:  Saturday, January 23, 2 pm-3 pm 

Location: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Bring children ages 6 and up to a winter wonderland in the Gulf Branch Nature Center pond. Children will learn what's lurking in that cold dark water and then go outside and discover what can be hauled up from its depths. The nature centers is nestled in lovely park setting and the event will be staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people who are there to help you and your family learn more about the great outdoors. This interactive event is an environmental education programs for both children and adults. Registration is required.

Contact and Other Info:
A fee of $3 will be due upon registration. Event is for children ages 6 and up, registered children only. Call 703-228-3403 or 703-228-4747 for more information or visit the event website located at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/nature/parksrecreationscriptsnaturegulfbranch.aspx.

5) Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Event:  Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 27, 1 pm – 3 pm 

Location: Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 Culpeper Street. Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Challenge yourself and learn to work Sudoku puzzles in your head using the systematic approach developed by instructor Nort Beckerman. This two-hour class will build brain function and cognitive abilities, including memory, while teaching strategies for solving Sudoku puzzles. The class is fun and stimulating. Guests must be registered for the event.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Eva Mayor at 703-228-5321 to register for the event. Event website is located at:
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerlangstonbrown.aspx.