Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
Washington, D.C., offers many budget-friendly family activities, including many free options to keep you and your family engaged. There’s so much to do in the area that you might need two trips to complete them all.
1. Visit the Lincoln Memorial
The 19-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln commemorates the 16th president of the United States, with Lincoln’s most famous speech inscribed. Thirty-six Doric columns surround the monument, one for each state at the time of Lincoln’s death. Plus, it’s free to visit this infamous monument.
2. Watch Planes at Gravelly Point
Located in Arlington County, within the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Gravelly Point is a great place for the entire family to watch planes take off and land. Take a picnic and observe the planes and the view of the Washington Monument.
3. Enjoy a Performance at Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
The family doesn’t need tickets to enjoy a free performance at the beautiful Kennedy Centre Millennium Stage theater. Catch a poetry reading, listen to a band or children’s choir, or watch a dance company performance. The best thing is it’s entirely free.
4. Smithsonian National Zoo
Smithsonian National Zoo is a zoological park and one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Alongside the elephants and lions, the zoo has a spectacular Amazonia exhibit where the family can walk through its jungle-like environment. Admission is free, but make a reservation before attending.
In January 2024, the zoo celebrated the birth of a female Addax calf, a rare endangered antelope species.
5. Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill Park is open until 9 p.m. in the winter and midnight during the summer. The stunning mansion, built in 1819, is on the top of Meridian Hill and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Its most famous feature is the cascading fountain on the lower plaza. If you plan a weekend visit, catch the drum beating on Sunday. Bring a drum or something to make a beat and enjoy this weekly Meridian Hill Park event.
6. Planet Word Museum
Planet Word is a unique immersive language arts museum that opened in Washington in 2020. It’s an ideal venue for the entire family because its voice-activated interactive exhibits and galleries bring words to life in fun and imaginative ways. The Planet Word Museum advises booking in advance, especially during busy seasons like the summer.
7. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is a 1,750-acre city park that stretches from northwest Washington D.C. to Maryland. With its lush greenery and miles of trails and forests, Rock Creek Park byline is “An oasis in the city.” Embrace history with a visit to the colonial houses, working mills, and Civil War fortifications. The park offers outdoor pursuits like horseback riding, tennis, golfing, hiking, boating, biking, and concerts.
8. Georgetown Waterfront Park
Georgetown Waterfront Park is on the edge of a busy neighborhood, but once inside the park, you could be anywhere. The 10-acre park hugs the Potomac River shoreline across from Roosevelt Island. It has walkways, benches, large lawned areas, and a labyrinth. On the eastern region of the park is a spectacular fountain, with stadium-type steps leading to the river’s edge. Enjoy a picnic in the park, birdwatching, or watching canoes on the river.
9. Watch an Outdoor Movie on the Potomac
If you visit Washington during the summer, why not enjoy the unique experience of watching a movie outside? If you can hire a babysitter, Thursday nights are date night movies. On Sundays, the Potomac screens family-friendly films from 6 p.m.
10. Visit the District Wharf
The District Wharf will keep the kids occupied for hours with family-friendly activities. Choose from splashing in the 7th Street Park fountain to playing on the swings, sailing, ice skating, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Head to the Transit Pier Floating Stage to catch a movie or concert. Rent a bike or take a Water Taxi Ride or Shuttle Bus to the National Mall.
11. Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is a stunning 800-acre park where the Potomac River cascades over jagged rocks, building up speed through the narrow Mather Gorge. The public can choose to overlook three river falls, all within a ten-minute walk from the visitor center. Two of them have wheelchair access. Families can choose activities such as climbing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, birdwatching, and biking.
12. National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art offers guided tours to view collections. The gallery serves the nation as a center for education, visual art, and culture. It has over 150,000 paintings, decorative art, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs spanning the history of Western art. The gallery is open all year round and is entirely free of charge.
13. Clemyjontri Park
Clemyjontri Park is an inclusive and sensory-rich environment that welcomes children of all abilities. It has wide openings, ramps, rubber surfacing, and lowered monkey bars, making it easy for wheelchair users. Swings have safety features such as armrests and higher backs. The park’s objective is for children to play with their peers regardless of physical, developmental, or sensory issues.
14. Smithsonian National Post Museum
The Smithsonian National Post Museum opens from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is always free. Children can sit in a stagecoach replicating those used to deliver mail across the United States before the railroad system became established. It’s an interactive experience for kids who can design stamps, sort packages, and write postcards.
15. The Hirshhorn Museum
The Hirshhorn Museum displays contemporary and modern art, including sculpture, painting, and photography. The museum opens daily between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and admission is free. It runs daily guided tours and events, which include interactive ‘Storytime’ programs for children. One of the museum’s popular features is the 1.3-acre Sculpture Garden, a whimsical garden sunken below street level.
12 U.S. Landmarks That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
America is so huge that there seem to be endless iconic monuments and exciting places to see. It’s hard to know what is going to be worth your while. After all, taking time off work, saving up for a trip, and planning is no easy feat. According to a recent poll by people who have visited them, these are the best U.S. landmarks worth visiting. What would you add to the list?
12 U.S. Landmarks That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
18 Underrated U.S. Destinations Worth Exploring
Every state in the United States has its unique charm and attractions. However, some states are often perceived as less exciting or engaging than others. This perception, which may not always reflect reality, could be based on various factors, from a state’s geography and culture to its lack of iconic landmarks or tourist hotspots. Here are 18 states that some Americans might dread visiting due to a perceived lack of exciting activities or attractions.
