Free & Affordable Activities in Washington, DC

⮕ The Smithsonian Institution

Explore world-class museums and discover fascinating exhibits for all ages.

The Smithsonian Institution

What is the Smithsonian Institution?
- The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and educational complex, located along Washington, D.C.'s National Mall.
When was the Smithsonian Institution established?
- The museum system was established in 1846, named in honor of British scientist James Smithson.
How many artifacts does the Smithsonian Institution have?
- The Smithsonian Institution showcases more than 154 million artifacts held across artistic, science and technology, history, and design collections.
How many visitors does the Smithsonian Institution receive annually?
- More than 30 million annual visitors attend the Institution's 11 museums and art galleries.
Is there an admission fee for the Smithsonian museums?
- All Smithsonian museums are open to the public for free daily, with the exception of Christmas Day.
What are some notable Smithsonian museums?
- Museums include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, the American Art Museum, and the Postal Museum.
Does the Smithsonian Institution have locations outside of the National Mall?
- The Smithsonian Institution also offers six museum and public park facilities throughout the greater D.C. Metro area, including the free-admission National Zoo, located in D.C.'s Woodley Park neighborhood.
What is the contact information for the Smithsonian Institution?
- 600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20002, Phone: 202-633-1000

⮕ Arlington National Cemetery

Walk along hallowed grounds and honor America’s fallen heroes.

Arlington National Cemetery

What is Arlington National Cemetery?
- Arlington National Cemetery is a 624-acre military cemetery in Arlington County, located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.'s National Mall.
Who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery?
- The cemetery inters military personnel from American conflicts dating back to the Civil War, along with relocated burials from earlier conflicts.
- More than 3,800 enslaved Africans are also buried at the cemetery, along with national political and civic figures, including President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Can visitors explore Arlington National Cemetery?
- Visitors can explore the cemetery as part of self-guided tours 365 days a year, with seasonal summer and winter hours.
What historic sites are near Arlington National Cemetery?
- Nearby, the Arlington House, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, and the Hemicycle are listed alongside the cemetery as part of the Arlington National Cemetery Historic District, which may also be explored by visitors.
What is the contact information for Arlington National Cemetery?
- Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211, Phone: 877-907-8585

⮕ The United States National Arboretum

Admire vibrant gardens and discover diverse plant collections.

The United States National Arboretum

What is The United States National Arboretum?
- The United States National Arboretum is a public arboretum located in Northeast Washington, approximately 10 minutes north of the United States Capitol Building and Union Station.
When was the National Arboretum established?
- The arboretum was opened to the public in 1927 and is operated as part of the Department of Agriculture as a facility of the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.
What are the hours of operation for the National Arboretum?
- Visitors can explore the 446-acre facility daily for free between 8:00am and 5:00pm, with the exception of Christmas Day.
What can visitors see at the National Arboretum?
- Visitors can see a variety of gorgeous landscape and ornamental plants, including significant collections of azalea blossoms.
- The arboretum is also home to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, which showcases collections of miniature Chinese and Japanese bonsai trees.
- The site features the iconic 22 Corinthian-style columns of the National Capitol Columns display.
What is the contact information for the National Arboretum?
- 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, Phone: 202-245-2726

⮕ White House Tours

Visit America’s iconic residence and explore its historic rooms.

White House Tours

What are White House Tours?
- White House Tours let Washington, D.C. visitors explore the official residence and offices of the United States President and executive branch staff.
Who designed and constructed the White House?
- The White House was designed by architect James Hoban and constructed in 1800.
What can visitors see on White House Tours?
- Tours showcase the historic residence's architecture, art, and notable rooms within its East Wing.
- Notable rooms featured include the State Dining Room, China Room, and Rose Garden.
How can visitors request a White House Tour?
- Visitors wishing to take White House tours must submit tour requests in advance through local district members of Congress.
- All visitors must provide valid government-issued identification or international passports.
What are the White House Tour hours?
- Self-guided tour times are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays during the morning hours and Fridays and Saturdays during the morning and afternoon hours.
- Tours are scheduled around White House availability.
What can visitors explore after their tour?
- Following tours, visitors can explore the White House Visitor Center, which features interactive museum exhibits and artifact displays.
What is the contact information for White House Tours?
- 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, Phone: 202-456-7041

⮕ The United States Botanic Garden

Walk through lush conservatories and admire exotic plant species.

The United States Botanic Garden

What is The United States Botanic Garden?
- The United States Botanic Garden is one of North America's oldest botanic gardens, located on the National Mall near the United States Capitol Building.
When was The United States Botanic Garden established?
- The botanic garden was established in 1820 and offers free admission to all visitors.
What notable attractions are at The United States Botanic Garden?
- The garden is home to beautiful secluded Bartholdi Park, named in honor of Statue of Liberty designer Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
- A conservatory building showcases tropical, subtropical, and arid plants, including collections of orchids and endangered plant species.
- The National Garden features a rose garden, a mid-Atlantic showcase garden, a butterfly garden, and the First Ladies' Water Garden.
Are there any special exhibitions at the Botanic Garden?
- Thematic exhibitions are showcased within the conservatory throughout the summer months.
What are the operating hours for The United States Botanic Garden?
- All gardens are open daily and are free to explore during daylight hours.
What is the contact information for The United States Botanic Garden?
- 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 2000, Phone: 202-225-8333

⮕ Meridian Hill Park

Stroll through scenic landscapes and admire historic fountains.

Meridian Hill Park

What is Meridian Hill Park?
- Meridian Hill Park is one of Washington, D.C.'s most beautiful public parks, located between the vibrant neighborhoods of Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan.
What is the historical significance of Meridian Hill Park?
- The park preserves the site of John Porter's 1819 Meridian Hill mansion, best known as the 1829 home of President John Quincy Adams.
- The estate is a designated National Historic Landmark.
When was Meridian Hill Park developed?
- The estate was converted into a Neoclassical-style public park between 1912 and 1940.
What are the notable features of Meridian Hill Park?
- The park is home to North America's longest cascading fountain, which extends across 13 basins.
- Other beautiful features include a spectacular Joan of Arc statue and lower-level landscaped formal gardens.
- The gardens are traversed by patterned concrete walkways and lined with visitor benches.
Is there an admission fee for Meridian Hill Park?
- The park offers free admission and is open to the public daily during daylight hours.
What events take place at Meridian Hill Park?
- The park is the site of popular Sunday afternoon drum circles, held each week since the 1950s.
What is the contact information for Meridian Hill Park?
- 16th St NW & W St NW, Washington, DC 20009, Phone: 202-895-6000

⮕ Rock Creek Park

Hike peaceful trails and enjoy nature in the heart of D.C.

Rock Creek Park

What is Rock Creek Park?
- Rock Creek Park is a 1,754-acre urban park located in Washington, D.C.'s Northwest quadrant.
When was Rock Creek Park established?
- The park was originally established by the United States Congress as the country's third national park in 1890.
Who oversees Rock Creek Park?
- Today, the park is overseen by the National Park Service.
What facilities are available at Rock Creek Park?
- The park is home to the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, which offers an outdoor summer concert series.
- It also features the 18-hole public Rock Creek Park Golf Course.
- Visitors can enjoy a year-round tennis center, a boating center, and several children’s playgrounds and day-use picnic areas.
What recreational activities are available at Rock Creek Park?
- The park offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails, accessible from trailheads at the park’s nature center.
- Visitors can also enjoy bicycling and horseback riding routes.
What ranger-led programs are offered at Rock Creek Park?
- Ranger-led programming is available year-round, including nature hikes, planetarium programs, and curriculum-incorporated school tours.
What is the contact information for Rock Creek Park?
- 5200 Glover Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20015, Phone: 202-895-6000

⮕ The National Zoo

See diverse wildlife and enjoy fun, family-friendly attractions.

The National Zoo

What is The National Zoo?
- The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in the United States, located in Washington, D.C.'s Woodley Park neighborhood.
When was The National Zoo founded?
- The zoo was founded in 1889 and is operated by the Smithsonian Institution.
Is The National Zoo open to the public?
- The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day.
What animals can visitors see at The National Zoo?
- The zoo is home to more than 2,700 animals across nearly 400 species.
- Notable species include Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, giant pandas, Aldabra tortoises, and Panamanian golden frogs.
What interactive experiences are available?
- Animal meet-and-greets are offered daily.
- Visitors can also enjoy sloth bear feedings and elephant training sessions.
Are there food and transportation options available?
- A free shuttle operates throughout the zoo daily, providing access to parking areas.
- Several cafes and restaurants serve cuisines to suit all diets and age groups.
What special events are held at The National Zoo?
- Annual free special events include the ZooLights holiday celebration, which illuminates the park with beautiful lighting displays throughout November and December evenings.
What is the contact information for The National Zoo?
- 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, Phone: 202-633-4888

⮕ The National Archives Museum

Explore American history and see the original Declaration of Independence.

The National Archives Museum

What is The National Archives Museum?
- The National Archives Museum is a free-admission museum in Washington, D.C., showcasing the original headquarters of the National Archives and Records Administration.
What are the operating hours of The National Archives Museum?
- The museum is open to the public daily between 10:00am and 5:30pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
- Last museum visitors are admitted one half-hour before closing time.
Where is The National Archives Museum located?
- The museum is located along Washington, D.C.'s National Mall.
What significant historical documents are displayed at The National Archives Museum?
- The museum displays important American government documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the American Constitution.
- Other notable documents include the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, the Articles of Confederation, and the Emancipation Proclamation.
- The museum also houses the 1297 Magna Carta, issued by British King Edward I.
Is photography allowed inside The National Archives Museum?
- Photography is not permitted inside the museum.
What is the contact information for The National Archives Museum?
- 700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408, Phone: 866-272-6272

⮕ The National Gallery of Art

Admire masterpieces and explore diverse art collections spanning centuries.

The National Gallery of Art

What is The National Gallery of Art?
- The National Gallery of Art is one of the largest public museums in the United States, located on the National Mall near Constitution Avenue.
When was The National Gallery of Art established?
- The museum was established in 1937 as a private art museum with substantial collection donations by Andrew W. Mellon.
What type of artwork is displayed at The National Gallery of Art?
- The museum showcases major works of art by Western artists from the Middle Ages through the present day.
What are some notable works at The National Gallery of Art?
- Works on display include Ginevra de' Benci, the only Leonardo da Vinci painting located in the United States.
- The museum also holds significant works by internationally-renowned artists such as El Greco, Rembrandt, Auguste Rodin, and Edgar Degas.
Is there an outdoor exhibit at The National Gallery of Art?
- Yes, the museum is home to an impressive 6.1-acre outdoor sculpture garden.
Is admission to The National Gallery of Art free?
- Yes, visitors can explore the museum for free daily.
What is the contact information for The National Gallery of Art?
- Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565, Phone: 202-737-4215