200+ FREE Things To Do In Washington DC 

Free Things to Do in Washington DC, because exploring doesn’t have to cost a dime, you know, especially in today’s economy. As a local, I’ve spent years uncovering the hidden gems and popular spots that make our nation’s capital unique. From the majestic monuments and memorials on the National Mall to the vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown and Adams Morgan, there’s always something new to discover in Washington DC.

I’ve walked along the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season, attended concerts at the Kennedy Center, and explored the latest exhibits at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. And, of course, I always make time for a visit to my favorite spot, the United States Botanic Garden – it’s a serene oasis in the heart of the city! During the summer months, you can also find me at one of the many splash pads or cool playgrounds, like the Yarks Park or  Lafayette RC Spray Park, where kids can run wild and have a blast.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, there are countless good things to do in Washington DC that won’t break the bank. From historic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial to cultural events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival, I’ve got the scoop on all FREE THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC. 

In this post, I’ll share over 200 free things to do in Washington, D.C., including ideas for weekend activities.

Table of Contents
  1. Free Museums in Washington DC
  2. Related Post: 8 Fun & Interactive Free Museums in Washington DC
  3. Nature Center & Washington DC Gardens
  4. Related Post: 3 Affordable Road Trip Ideas Near Washington, D.C.
  5. Landmarks & Memorials In Washington DC 
  6. Related Post: DC Best Rooftop Pools 
  7. Don’t Leave DC Without Experiencing This Spots 
  8. Public Libraries
  9. Playgrounds in Washington DC 
    1. Northwest Playgrounds
    2. Northeast Playgrounds
    3. Southeast Playgrounds
    4. Southwest Playgrounds
  10. FREE Splash Pads in Washington DC  
  11. FREE Annual Events in DC| Things To Do In Washington DC on The Weekend
    1. Spring Events in Washington DC 
    2. Summer Events in Washington DC 
    3. Fall Events in Washington DC 
    4. Winter Events in Washington DC 
    5. Outdoor Spaces in Washington DC
    6. Murals in Washington DC
    7. Kids Eat Free in Washington DC
  12. Related Post: For Parents and Kids- Best Kids-Friendly Restaurant in Maryland 
  13. Top FREE Things to Do Near Washington DC 
    1. Indoor Activities Near Washington DC 
  14. Related Post: Free Things To Do In Alexandria Virginia
    1. Outdoor Activities Near Washington DC 
    2. Historical Sites Near Washington DC 
    3. Events Near Washington DC 
    4. Related

Free Museums in Washington DC

DC has some of the best Free Museums in Washington DC, and if you’re exploring with kids, here are 8 must-visit spots you want to visit first if traveling with kids. Here’s why: many of these museums are FUN and interactive, and others have an indoor FREE play area you do not want to miss.

1. National Postal Museum– 2 Massachusetts Ave NE | 10-5:30 pm (open daily) 

2. Planet Word Museum– 925 13th Street Northwest | 10-5 (weekdays) & 10-6 (weekend) 

3. National Museum of African American History and Culture– 1400 Constitution Ave| 10- 5:30 pm (open daily) 

4. National Museum of American History–1300 Constitution Ave NW | 10-5:30 pm (open daily) 

5. National Museum of Natural History– 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW | 10-5:30 pm (open daily) 

6. National Air and Space Museum–600 Independence Ave SW | 10- 5:30 pm (open daily) 

7. National Portrait Gallery– 8th St NW & G St NW | 11:30 – 7 pm ( open daily) 

8. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art– Jefferson Drive and 12th St., SW Washington, DC | 10-5:30 pm (open daily) 

9. Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden–Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW| 12-5:30 pm (Monday only) & 10-5:30 pm (Except Mondays) 

10.  Smithsonian American Art Museum– G Street Northwest &, 8th St NW| 11:30 – 7 pm (daily) 

11.  National Museum of the American Indian– 4th St SW | 10-5:30 pm (daily) 

12.  National Gallery of Art–  Constitution Ave. NW| 10-5 pm (daily) 

13.  United States Holocaust Memorial Museum– 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW | 10-5:30 pm

14.  National Museum of Women in the Arts– 1250 New York Ave NW | 10-5 pm 

Related Post: 8 Fun & Interactive Free Museums in Washington DC

15.  National Building Museum– 401 F St NW| 10-4 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) 

16.  Glenstone Museum—12100 Glen Rd| 10- 5 pm (closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). Reservations are required, and this museum is for children 12 and older. 

17.  National Museum of Asian Art — 1050 Independence Ave. SW | 10-5 pm

18.  Arts and Industries Building— 900 Jefferson Dr. SW | Temporarily Closed

19.  Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum – 1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | 10-5:30 PM (Daily)

20.  Anacostia Community Museum —1901 Fort Pl SE | 10-5 PM (Daily)

21.  National Archives Museum — 701 Constitution Ave NW | 10- 5:30 PM (Daily)

22.  National Zoo — 3001 Connecticut Ave NW | 8–4 PM (Daily)

Nature Center & Washington DC Gardens

1. Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium – 5200 Glover Rd NW | 9-5 PM (Wednesday – Sunday)

2. Butterfly Pavilion – 10th St & Constitution Ave NW | 10-5:30 PM (Daily

(FREE on Tuesday)

3. United States Botanic Garden – 100 Maryland Ave SW | 10-5 PM (Daily)

4. Constitution Gardens – 1850 Constitution Ave NW | Open 24/7

5. US National Arboretum – 3501 New York Ave NE | 8-5 PM (Daily)

6. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens – 1550 Anacostia Ave NE | 8-4 PM (Daily)

Related Post: 3 Affordable Road Trip Ideas Near Washington, D.C.

7. Franciscan Monastery – 1400 Quincy St NE | 9-5 PM (Daily)

8. Tudor Place Gardens – 1644 31st St NW | 10-4 PM (Wednesday – Sunday)

9. The Washington National Cathedral Bishops Garden – 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW | Open 24/7

10.  Dumbarton Oaks Gardens – 1703 32nd St NW | 2-6 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)

(Free from Nov. to March)

11.  The White House Spring Gardens – 1450 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

12.  Cherry Blossom Bloom Viewing on the Tidal Basin– 20245 National Dr | Open 24/7 (March & April)

Landmarks & Memorials In Washington DC 

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – 1964 Independence Ave SW | Open 24/7

2. President Abraham Lincoln – 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW | Open 24/7

3. Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 5 Henry Bacon Dr. NW | Open 24/7

4. Korean War Veterans Memorial – 900 Ohio Dr. SW | Open 24/7

5. WWII Memorial – 1750 Independence Ave SW | Open 24/7

6. President George Washington Monument – 2 15th St NW | 9 AM – 5 PM (Daily)

7. President Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial – 1850 West Basin Dr SW | Open 24/7

8. President Thomas Jefferson Memorial – 16 E Basin Dr SW | Open 24/7

9. George Mason Memorial – 900 Ohio Dr. SW | Open 24/7

10.  Japanese American Memorial – 400 New Jersey Ave NW | Open 24/7

Related Post: DC Best Rooftop Pools 

11.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower – Near Capitol Hill in Washington 540 Independence Ave SW | Open 24/7

12.  American Veterans Disabled for Life  – 150 Washington Ave SW | 9-5 pm (Daily)

13.  President Ulysses S. Grant – Washington, DC 20004 | 10-1 pm, 2–5 pm

14.  Air Force Memorial –  Air Force Memorial Dr, Arlington, VA | 8-8 PM

15.  Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial —Arlington, VA 22209 | 6-12 am (Daily)

16.  US Naval Memorial—701 Pennsylvania Ave NW | 

17.  Law Enforcement Memorial — 450 F St NW | Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-5 pm

18.  Albert Einstein – 2101 Constitution Ave NW | Open 24/7

19.  DC War Memorial – 1750 Independence Ave SW & West Basin Dr SW | Open 24/7

20.  Pentagon 9/11 Memorial – 1 N Rotary Rd, Arlington, VA | Open 24/7

21.  WWI Memorial at Pershing Park – Pennsylvania Ave NW & 14th St NW | Open 24/7

Don’t Leave DC Without Experiencing This Spots 

1. Washington Monument– 2 15th St NW | 9-5 PM (Daily, Free Tickets Required)

(Reserve Free Tickets Here to see DC’s Best View) 

2. Old Post Office Museum– 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW | 9-11:30 am, 1:30-4:30 pm (Daily) (Second Best DC Views)

3. The White House Visitor Center – 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW | 7:30-4 PM (Daily)

4. The White House Tour – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW | Tours are available by reservation

5. Culture House – 700 Delaware Ave SW | Hours vary by event

6. Lincoln Book Tower at Ford’s Theater – 511 10th St NW | 9-5 PM (Daily)

7. Library of Congress – 101 Independence Ave SE | 10-5 PM (Tuesday – Wednesday – Friday – Saturday), 10-8 pm (Thursday), Closed (Monday – Sunday)

8. The Kennedy Center – 2700 F St NW | 10-12 AM (Daily)

Public Libraries

1. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library–– 901 G St NW | (M, T, W, T) 9:30 am–9 pm (F,S) 9:30 am–5:30 pm (Sunday) 1–5 pm

2. Anacostia Library–1800 Good Hope Rd SE | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

3. Benning Library– 3935 Benning Rd NE | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

4. Capitol View Library–5001 Central Ave SE | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

5. Cleveland Park Library– 3310 Connecticut Ave NW | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

6. Deanwood Library–1350 49th St NE | (M, T, W, F, S) 10-6 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

7. Georgetown Library–3260 R St NW | you can check hours here

8. Lamond-Riggs Library– 5401 South Dakota Ave NE | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

9. Mount Pleasant Library–3160 16th St NW | Temporarily closed

10.  Northwest One Library–155 L St NW | (M, T, W, F, S) 10-6 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

11.  Parklands-Turner Library–1547 Alabama Ave SE | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

12.  Petworth Library–4200 Kansas Ave NW | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

13.  Rosedale Library–1701 Gales St NE | (M, T, W, F, S) 10-6 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

14.  Shaw Library–1630 7th St NW | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

15.  Southeast Library–403 7th St SE | Temporarily closed

16.  Southwest Library–900 Wesley Pl SW | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

17.  Tenley-Friendship Library–4450 Wisconsin Ave NW |  (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

18.  West End Library–2301 L St NW |  (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

19.  Woodridge Library–1801 Hamlin St NE | (M, T, W ) 9-8 pm, (Thursday) 12-8 pm, (F, S) 10-6 pm, (Sunday) 1–5 pm

Playgrounds in Washington DC 

Northwest Playgrounds

1. Guy Mason Community Center – 3600 Calvert St NW | 9-9 pm (Monday to Friday), 9-1 pm (Saturday), closed (Sunday

2. Beauvoir Playground – 3500 Woodley Rd NW | 7-8:30 pm (Monday to Sunday)

3. Chevy Chase Rec Center – 4165 Chevy Chase Dr., Los Angeles | 10-9 pm (Monday – Thursday), 10-7 pm (Friday), 10-4 pm (Saturday), Closed (Sunday, Permits Only)

4. Palisades Rec Center – 851 Alma Real Dr., Pacific Palisades | 9-9 pm (Monday – Friday), 9-5 pm (Saturday & Sundays) Tennis Courts: 8-8 pm, Tennis Court Reservations: Saturdays & Sundays 9-5 pm

5. Macomb Rec Center – (Monday – Friday) 12-8 P.M, Closed on Saturday and Sunday 

6. Takoma Playground – 301 Van Buren St NW | 6-8 pm (Daily)

7. Kennedy Recreation Center – 6050 Wells Rd, St. Louis | 8-10 pm (Daily)

8. Turtle Park Playground – 45th St & Van Ness St NW | 9-12 PM (Monday to Friday), Closed (Saturday and Sunday)

9. Stead Park – 1625 P Street NW | 9-9 pm (Monday-Friday), 9-5 pm (Saturday), Closed (Sunday) 

10.  Lafayette-Pointer Park Playground – 5900 33rd Street, NW | 12-8 pm (Monday-Friday), Closed (Saturday and Sunday) 

Northeast Playgrounds

1. Turkey Thicket Recreation Center – 1100 Michigan Ave NE | 6-9 pm (Monday to Friday)

2. RFK Stadium – The Fields 401 Oklahoma Ave NE | 8-10 pm (Monday to Thursday), 8-8 pm (Friday to Sunday)

3. Rosedale Rec Center Playground – 1701 Gales Street, NE | 6-9 pm (Monday to Friday), 9-5 pm (Saturday), Closed (Sunday)

4. Fort Lincoln Park – 3201 Fort Lincoln Dr NE | 7-9 pm (Daily)

Southeast Playgrounds

1. Pirate Ship – Anacostia River Park – 1700 Anacostia Ave. SE |  Temporarily close

Southwest Playgrounds

2. Hains Point – East Potomac Park– 1100 Ohio Dr. SW Washington, DC 

FREE Splash Pads in Washington DC  

1. Dancing Fountains at Yards Park – 355 Water Street SE

2. Georgetown Waterfront Park – 3100 K St NW

3. Petworth Spray Park – 801 Taylor Street, NW | 12-8 pm (Monday – Friday), Closed (Saturday & Sunday) 

4. Canal Park Fountain – 200 M Street SE | 8-10 pm (Daily)

5. Turkey Thicket – 1100 Michigan Ave NE | 6-9 pm (Monday – Friday), 8-5 pm (Saturday), Closed (Sunday)

6. Palisades Playground and Splash Park – 5200 Sherier Pl NW | 9-9 pm (Monday – Friday), Closed (Sunday)

7. Joseph Cole Community Center – 1299 Neal St NE | 12-8 pm (Monday – Friday), Closed (Saturday & Sunday)

8. 14th and Girard Street Spray Fountains – 14th and Girard Street, NW | 10-6 PM (Daily)

9. Chevy Chase Recreation Center – 5500 41st St NW | 8-5:30 pm (Monday – Friday) Closed (Saturday & Sunday)

10.  Columbia Heights Community Center – 1480 Girard St NW | 6-9 pm (Monday – Saturday) Closed (Sunday)

11.  Columbia Heights Civic Plaza – 1400 Park Rd NW | Open 24/7

12.  Harrison Recreation Center – 503 N Irving Ave | 3-8 PM (Monday – Friday), 12-5 PM (Saturday), Closed (Sunday) 

13.Park at LeDroit – 286 V St NW | 6:30-10 pm (Daily)

14.  Westminster Playground – 911 Westminster St, NW | 

FREE Annual Events in DC| Things To Do In Washington DC on The Weekend

Spring Events in Washington DC 

1. National Cherry Blossom Festival – Location and more details can be found here | Wednesday, March 20, to Sunday, April 13, 2025

2. Blossom Kite Festival – Washington Monument Grounds | Saturday, March 29, 2025, Adult Kitemakers Competition Registration 10:15-12 PM, Youth Kitemakers Competition Registration 10:15-11:30 AM 

3. White House Easter Egg Roll – 1450 Pennsylvania Ave | 7:30-4 PM (Daily)

4. White House Garden Tour Spring – 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW | 7:30-4 PM (Daily)

5. Passport DC – 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW | Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

6. Flower Mart at the Washington National Cathedral – Cathedral Grounds (Outside) | Usually happens in May

7. Smithsonian Garden Fest – Online only | 12-1 pm (March 6, Let’s Talk Gardens), The East Terrace of the Enid A. Haupt Garden | 10-11 AM (Garden Play Seeds!), Mary Livingston Ripley Garden | 10-11 AM  (Garden Play: Amazing Plants!)

8. National Gallery Nights – 2000 South Club Drive, Landover, MD | Varies by event

9. National Arboretum’s Flower Festival – 501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC | 8 AM – 5 PM (Daily)

10.  Fiesta Asia – Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC | Varies by event

11.  International City Food Festival – 1850 K St NW | 2 days event, 4-9 pm (May 3, Friday), and 10-9 pm (May 4, Saturday)

Summer Events in Washington DC 

12.  Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – Historic Pennsylvania Ave, NW (3rd to 7th Streets) | June 21 – 22, 2025

13.  Broccoli City Festival – FK Stadium Washington, DC | July 12-13, 2025 (Tickets required, can be purchased from here)

14.  A Capitol Fourth – 1st St, Washington, DC 20515 | 8:00 P.M. ET (JULY 4, 2025,  FRIDAY) 

15.  Smithsonian Folklife Festival – National Mall, Washington, DC | Youth and the Future of Culture (July 2–7, 2025)

16.  Winter and Summer Restaurant Week – Various locations in DC | Varies by restaurant (January 27 – February 2, 2025)

17.  Jazz in the Garden – 6th St and Constitution Ave NW | 10-5 pm (Daily) 

18.  National Book Festival – Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW | Sep. 06, 2025 (Saturday)

20.  Screen on the Green (outdoor movie screenings) – National Mall | 8:30-9 pm (7th and 12th streets)

21.  Navy Band Concerts – Varies by event

22.  Marine Corps Sunset Parade – Iwo Jima Memorial | 6-11:59 pm

23.  Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion – Open 10:15-4:45 pm (Sunday through Thursday) Closed (Friday & Saturday)

Fall Events in Washington DC 

24.  National Book Festival – Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW | Sep. 06, 2025 (Saturday)

25.  Marine Corps Marathon – 3399 Russell Road, Quantico, VA | March 22, 2025

26.  White House Garden Tour Fall – 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue | October, Weekend Only

27.  Smithsonian Food and Wine Festival – Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets | 10-5:30 pm (Daily)

28.  Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens’ Russian Festival – 4155 Linnean Ave NW | October, Varies by event (Required Tickets)

Winter Events in Washington DC 

29.  The National Christmas Tree Lighting – 15th St NW &, E St NW | (Holiday season) 

30.  United States Botanic Garden Seasons Greenings – 100 Maryland Ave. SW | 7:30-5 p.m. (Holiday season) 

31.  Capitol Christmas Tree– West Lawn, U.S. Capitol East end of the National Mall, First St. SE

32.  Smithsonian’s National ZooLights –3001 Connecticut Ave., NW |  5 pm. – 9 pm (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays) 5 pm – 8 pm (Sundays) (Happens during the holiday season)

33.  National Menorah Lighting –The Ellipse, Washington, D.C. |  Every December

34.  Downtown Holiday Market– The 1500 block of 19th Street, NW | Mid-November – December, 12 Pm-8 Pm (2024 details)

35.  Georgetown’s GLOW (light installations)

Outdoor Spaces in Washington DC

1. National Mall | 2 15th St NW | Open 24/7

2. Rock Creek Park – 5200 Glover Rd, NW | Sunset – Sunrise (Daily)

3. Georgetown Waterfront Park – 3100 K St NW | Open 24/7

4. Yards Park – 355 Water Street SE | 7 am-10 pm

5. Theodore Roosevelt Island – George Washington Memorial Parkway | 6 AM-10 PM

6. Kenilworth Park – 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE | 8 AM-4 PM

7. West Potomac Park – 2912 Independence Ave SW | 6 am-10 pm

8. East Potomac Park – 1100 Ohio Dr. SW | 7 AM-8:30 PM

9. Anacostia Park – 1900 Anacostia Drive, S.E | Sunrise-Sunset (Daily)

10. Tidal Basin – 20245 National Dr | Open 24/7

11. Franklin Square – 9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD | Sunrise-Sunset (Daily)

12. Lafayette Square – Pennsylvania Ave NW &, 16th St NW | Open 24/7

13. Farragut Square – 912 17th St NW | Open 24/7

14. McPherson Square – 15th Street between K and I streets NW | Open 24/7

15. Dupont Circle – 1610 Connecticut Ave NW |  Open 24/7

Murals in Washington DC

1. Black Lives Matter Mural -16th Street NW

2. NoMa Murals -Multiple locations

3. Georgetown Mural -Georgetown Waterfront

4. Kennedy Street Mural -NW Washington D.C.

5. 11th Street Bridge Mural -Anacostia

6. Chuck Brown Mural – U Street Corridor

7. Columbia Heights Mural -Columbia Heights

8. Eastern Market Mural -Capitol Hill

9. Howard Theatre Mural – Shaw

10. Malcolm X Mural -Shaw

11. NoMa Walls – NoMa

Kids Eat Free in Washington DC

1. Matchbox – Multiple Locations | Kids eat free on Tuesday

2. Surfside – Multiple Locations | Kids eat free on Monday

3. Brookland Pint – 716 Monroe St NE | 10 AM – 12 AM EST Kids eat free on Tuesday

4. Pinstripes– 1064 Wisconsin Ave NW | 12 pm – 10 pm (Monday – Friday), 10 – 9 pm (Saturday Sunday) Kids eat free on Wednesday

Related Post: For Parents and Kids- Best Kids-Friendly Restaurant in Maryland 

Top FREE Things to Do Near Washington DC 

    Indoor Activities Near Washington DC 

    1. Visit the Fairfax County Public Library – 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 324 | Office: 8:00–4:30 M–F, Branch: hours vary
    2. National Museum of the Marine Corps – 1775 Semper Fidelis Way Triangle | 9 am-5 pm (Daily) (Quantico) 
    3. Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center Museum – 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly | 10 am-5:30 pm (Daily) (Chantilly)
    4. National Museum of the United States Army – 1775 Liberty Drive Fort Belvoir, VA | 9 am-5 pm (Fort Belvoir)
    5. Arlington Arts Center – 3550 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA | 5-8 pm
    6. Torpedo Factory Art Center – 105 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA |10 am-6 pm 
    7. Reston Art Gallery – 11400 Washington Plaza West Reston | 12-5 pm (Saturday & Sunday noons)
    8. McLean Project for the Arts – 1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, VA | 10 am-4 pm (Monday – Saturday)
    9. The DEA Museum and Visitors Center – 700 Army Navy Dr. Arlington, VA | 10 am-4 pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
    10. NRA National Firearms Museum – 11250 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA | 9 am–4 pm
    11. Hidden Oaks Nature Center – 7701 Royce Street Annandale, VA | 11 am–4 pm (Closed – Tuesday) ( Annandale, VA) 
    12. Gulf Branch Nature Center – 3608 Military Rd, Arlington, VA | 10 AM–06 PM (Tuesday – Friday) 10 AM-05 PM (Saturday & Sunday) Closed (Monday)( Arlington, VA) 
    13. Hidden Pond Nature Center – 8511 Greeley Blvd. Springfield, VA | 11 am–4 pm, Closed (Tuesday) ( Springfield, VA) 
    14. Long Branch Nature Canter – 625 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA | 10 AM–6 PM (Tuesday – Friday), 10 AM–5 PM (Saturday), 1 PM–5 PM (Sunday), Closed (Monday) ( Arlington, VA) 
    15. Potomac Overlook Nature Center – 2845 N. Marcey Road Arlington VA | 10 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday – Saturday), 1 PM – 5 PM (Sunday) Closed (Monday) ( Arlington, VA)
    16. Walker Nature Center – 11450 Glade Dr, Reston, VA | 9 am–5 pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), 10 am-1 pm (Saturday), 1–4 pm (Sunday), Closed (Tuesday) ( Reston, VA) 
    17. Riverbend Park Visitor Center – 8700 Potomac Hills Street Great Falls, VA | 7 am–8 pm (Daily) ( Great Falls, VA) 

    Related Post: Free Things To Do In Alexandria Virginia

    Outdoor Activities Near Washington DC 

    1. Frying Pan Park – 2739 West Ox Rd, Herndon, VA | 9:30 am–4:30 pm (Monday – Saturday), 11 am–4:30 pm (Sunday)
    2. Gravelle Point Park – Gravelly Point Arlington, VA | sunrise to sunset 
    3. Huntley Meadows Park – 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria, VA | 4 am–7 pm (Daily)
    4. Manassas National Battlefield Park – 6511 Sudley Road Manassas, VA | Sunrise–Sunset
    5. Explore the Mount Vernon Trail – 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, VA | 8:15 AM–4:15 PM (Monday – Friday), Closed (Saturday & Sunday)
    6. Visit the Alexandria Waterfront – 1 Prince St, Alexandria, VA | Open 24/7
    7. The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD Trail) – Railroad Trail, Washington and, Arlington | 5 am –  9 pm
    8.  Burke Lake Park – 7315 Ox Road Fairfax Station, VA | Open 24/7
    9.  Lake Accotink Park – 7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA | 11 am–4 pm (Monday – Friday), Closed (Saturday & Sunday)
    10.  Mason Neck State Park – 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA | 7 am – dusk (Oct. 1, 2024 -April 30, 2025) and 6 am – dusk  (May 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2025)

    Historical Sites Near Washington DC 

    1. Arlington National Cemetery – Arlington, VA | 8 am–5 pm

    2. The Pentagon Memorial – 1 N Rotary Rd, Arlington, VA | Open 24/7

    3. Fairfax Museum – 10209 Main St., Fairfax | 11 am – 4 pm (Wednesday- Monday) Closed (Tuesdays)

    Events Near Washington DC 

    1. Free outdoor concerts at the Reston Town Center | Multiple Locations

    2. Arlington County Fair – 3501 SECOND STREET SOUTH Arlington, VA | August 13-17

    3. Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival – 12055 Government Center Pkwy.Fairfax, VA | 10 AM–3 PM and 5–8 PM (Friday), 10 AM–10 PM (Saturday), 10 AM–7 PM (Sunday), | July 31 – August 3rd, 2025

    4. Mount Vernon Farmers Market – 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane Alexandria, VA | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Saturday for 22 weeks beginning May 17, 2025)

    We hope this helps you plan a day trip to DC!

    Happy Travels! 🙂

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    Hey DMV Fam! I'm Yatzuri, a mom of three, entrepreneur, and digital creator passionate about making travel accessible to all families, regardless of budget! Join me for local hidden gems, family-friendly travel tips, and inspiration to explore the world with your tiny humans. Let's adventure together!

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