Some of the best family memories cost nothing at all. Around DC, we are lucky to live surrounded by world-class museums, gorgeous parks, and neighborhoods made for wandering, and most of them are completely free. Here are 21 easy outings to keep on your list for the next “what should we do today?” morning. Every museum on this list is free every day, and every park is free unless we say otherwise.
Museums That Are Always Free
1. National Museum of Natural History. The giant elephant in the rotunda, the Hope Diamond, and a whole hall of dinosaurs. Arrive at opening for the calmest visit.
2. National Air and Space Museum. Rockets, moon rocks, and planes overhead. Free timed-entry passes go fast, so grab them online ahead of time.
3. Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Giant pandas, elephants, and sea lions in the middle of Woodley Park. Entry is free, and parking is the main cost if you drive.
4. National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden. Wander the galleries, then let the kids stretch their legs among the outdoor sculptures.
5. Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Two museums in one beautiful building, with a stunning covered courtyard made for snack breaks.
6. Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden. Quirky, kid-pleasing sculptures right on the Mall, perfect for a quick stop between bigger stops.
7. U.S. Botanic Garden. A warm, green escape at the foot of the Capitol, with a jungle room, a desert room, and seasonal train displays little ones adore.
Fresh Air and Green Space
8. A National Mall monuments walk. The Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, and WWII Memorial make a perfect loop, especially at golden hour. Our fall foliage guide has more ideas for pairing scenery with your walk.
9. Rock Creek Park. Miles of trails, picnic groves, and a free planetarium at the Nature Center on weekend afternoons. Our hiking guide covers kid-friendly loops here.
10. Theodore Roosevelt Island. A wooded island hideaway with boardwalk trails and a memorial plaza, minutes from Rosslyn.
11. U.S. National Arboretum. Room to roam, the famous Capitol Columns, and wide-open lawns that beg for a picnic blanket.
12. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Lotus flowers and water lilies in summer, boardwalks over the ponds, and a truly one-of-a-kind feel. We wrote a whole love letter to it in our Kenilworth guide.
13. Dumbarton Oaks Park. A wild, romantic valley tucked behind Georgetown, with bridges, streams, and meadows that feel miles from the city.
14. Clemyjontri Park. Just over the river in McLean, this rainbow-colored playground is designed so kids of all abilities can play side by side. The carousel has a small fee; everything else is free.
Water and Wandering
15. Georgetown Waterfront and the C&O Canal towpath. Watch kayakers on the Potomac, then stroll the shady towpath and peek into the canal locks.
16. The Wharf. Free people-watching, boat-spotting, and the historic Municipal Fish Market. Splurge on a popsicle and call it dinner’s appetizer.
17. Eastern Market. Browsing Capitol Hill’s beloved market costs nothing, and the weekend flea market outside is a treasure hunt for all ages.
18. Yards Park. In warm months, the splash fountains and wading canal are a free water park along the Anacostia. Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
19. Gravelly Point. Pack a snack and watch planes roar overhead on their way into National Airport. Free parking, free thrills.
20. Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and Kingman Island. Flat, stroller-friendly paths with river views, playgrounds along the way, and a surprisingly wild island to explore.
Worth the Small Splurge
21. Great Falls Park. The most dramatic view in the area, with the Potomac crashing through rocky falls. It costs about $20 per car, and kids under 15 are free, so a carload of family gets a whole day out for less than the price of two movie tickets.
The Bottom Line
You do not need a big budget to give your kids a big childhood. Pick one spot from this list this weekend, pack snacks and water, and go make a memory. The best things in DC really are free.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.
