Top 7 Free Activities in Washington DC: A Weekend Traveler's Guide

With a kid, a full-time job, and my husband in school we have found our traveling time to be more limited than it used to be. However that has not kept us from exploring new places when we can, now we opt for weekend trips rather than longer excursions. These are great because they fit our schedule and offer a good amount of time to travel with a small child, we have noticed that longer trips sometimes leave our little guy exhausted. But if you are like us, on a budget and strapped for time... here are some fun free ideas for a weekend trip or 3 day itinerary to our Nation's Capital!

1. National Air and Space Museum

If you have ever ridden in an airplane, this museum will spark your interest. Not only does it cover the birth of aviation and space exploration, but it has models and real life planes galore! If you have kids they are sure to be in awe the entire time you visit, and you will be an expert on all things air travel by the end. It is a treasure trove of aviation and space exploration artifacts and you will be able to get up close to historic aircraft, spacesuits, and even moon rocks. We spent a large chunk of our afternoon here, you can plan on spending anywhere from 1-3 hours here, depending on how quickly you move through the exhibits.

While you do not have to pay to enter, you do need a ticket. Tickets can be reserved here. I would suggest reserving your tickets as soon as you know what days you will be in D.C. It is a very popular museum and chances are you won't get a slot if you are looking the day of.

Added bonus, this museum also offers a private suite for nursing mothers, find it in the basement next to the Cafe.

2. The National Mall

Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic National Mall, flanked by the Capitol Building on one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the other. In between the two you will be able to visit the Washington Monument, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the World War II memorial. There are sidewalks and bathrooms available throughout the entire outdoor space.

Many people choose to rent bikes or scooters to travel the distance quickly, but this is not necessary. I do suggest a stroller though, as the distance is long for little legs. You do not need to plan ahead for any of the sites in the Mall other than the Washington Monument. You are required to have tickets to go inside, and you can reserve those here.

We took time to admire the stunning monuments, memorials, and vast green spaces that make up this historic area and spent an entire afternoon here. We brought a picnic lunch and ate it on the lawn underneath the Washington Monument. The wide open grassy spaces are a nice change from the museums and indoor attractions, this is a great place to let your little ones loose to burn off some energy and play. Many people also bring kites and fly them in this open space on windy days.

Pro Tip: Consider visiting at sunset or at night for breathtaking views and fewer tourists. The monuments are all lit after dark and it is truly an incredible site.

3. Visit the Capital Building with a Tour

Explore the heart of American democracy with a free guided tour of the Capitol Building. If you call ahead to the state department of your home state they will offer you a guided tour by one of their office interns. This can be especially fun, compared to the normal tour, as they will have extra facts about your state's history and how it intertwines with the Capital's.

Another advantage to scheduling your tour ahead of time is you can choose a tour that includes a visit to the roof top. Beyond providing a stunning lookout point, it gives a different angle to the interior architecture. Unfortunately we were not able to secure the rooftop tour, but we did enjoy learning about the legislative process, seeing the beautiful architecture, and soaking in the rich history of each room.

Tip: Book your tour in advance to secure a spot for the rooftop tour.

4. United States Botanic Garden

Okay do not sleep on the Botanic Gardens. I have seen a lllllot of Botanical Gardens in my day, so I wasn't expecting to be too impressed. But let me tell you, it was one of my favorite spots. What I loved about it, was that it did a great job of representing the whole of the United States, and it's agriculture, and it had several sensory stations for kids throughout to keep their little hands busy. There is an entire outer garden that you can enjoy before entering inside. Once inside you navigate through a series of room each representing a different climate of the U.S. bursting with the plants of the region. You can experience the dry deserts and cacti of the southwest, or bask in the warm, humid, tropical climate of Hawaii. We had a great time exploring and learned a thing or two about agriculture in the U.S.

Since no tickets are required, you can walk in and out any time, making it the perfect stop for your Washington D.C. itinerary.

Tip: There are benches, bathrooms, and water fountains inside, so this is a great place to take a break and recharge.

5. The Declaration of Independence

Nicholas Cage would be disappointed if you didn't add this stop to your weekend itinerary.

It is a must to pay homage to American history by viewing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution at the National Archives.

These documents are located on the third floor of the archives and do not require a ticket. They do require you to enter through metal detectors and bags are searched so I suggest packing light. I had no problems getting through with our diaper bag that did have a few snacks in it.

We went about midday which I would not recommend since that was a common time to visit. The room was packed and to actually get close to the documents we had to push through a lot of people. Its definitely worth seeing this document up close just remember, no flash photography.

Tip: Visit during off-peak hours for a more serene viewing experience.

6. The White House

Okay I felt a bit duped on this one, I am not telling you not to visit, however I will tell you its not as big as I expected. Like any American, I have seen countless pictures of the white house, but they must be taken closer up, because from the vantage point open to the public, it looks pretty small.

However, no visit to Washington DC is complete without a glimpse of the iconic White House and it doesn't cost a penny, so again I don't regret checking it out, I guess I would just advise you to manage your expectations. It is still very cool to see a building that you heard about so much in person, and to know that the President is somewhere inside!

7. Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

Experience serenity at the Tidal Basin while marveling at the majestic Jefferson Memorial. This is to the far side of the Lincoln Memorial, and does require an additional walk, but in my opinion it is well worth it. We enjoyed a leisurely walk along the waterfront, but you have the option to go out onto the tidal basin in paddle boats. This is such a cool experience especially during cherry blossom season when the pink flowers are in full bloom. It is important to note though, that this is THE BUSIEST time to visit, so if you don't want to deal with the crowds avoid the first weeks of May.

Tip: Bring a picnic and relax by the water for a tranquil afternoon. Check the cherry blossoms schedule here to ensure you get the full experience, peak season is usually early May.

Extra Tips for Navigating Washington DC

• Public Transportation: D.C. has arguably the best Metro system in the United States and you can access it using the tap to pay feature on your phone. Download the app, and follow instructions to add it to your digital wallet, from there it is as easy as adding funds when you need a ride. The stops are conveniently located, the trains are clean, and a few day pass is pretty affordable. Skip the Uber and use the trains!

  
  

• Food Trucks: Sample a variety of eats from the city's vibrant food truck scene for a budget-friendly culinary adventure. You can find a million of these offering anything from Gyros to Ice cream. While I can't wholeheartedly recommend the food, its a good option for a quick bite and sometimes the prices are even negotiable.

  
  

• Museum Free Days: Everything I have listed above is free, but there are plenty of other things to checkout. If you are looking for more ways to save check for special free admission days at museums and galleries to maximize your experience. For example visiting George Washington's home on Mt. Vernon generally requires a paid ticket, but on certain days throughout the year they offer free admission.

There you have it, weekend warriors! You are now armed for your Washington D.C. escapade with these free things to do in Washington DC and insider tips for an unforgettable weekend getaway.

Happy exploring!

The American Gypsy