FAMILY-FUN FREEBIES

1. Even though Tai Shan, the third panda to be born in the US is back in China, you can still watch the National Zoo's conservation efforts first-hand and pay a visit to his parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.
2. See the stars in Rock Creek Park at the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service.
3. Explore an exhibition and create a related art project to take home through the Freer & Sackler Gallery's Imaginasia family programming.
4. See the National Mall with DC by Foot, a walking tour company that gives free, kid-friendly tours (gratuity recommended) infused with games, fun facts and trivia.
5. Take pictures with Fala, the famous presidential pooch, at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
6. Make money (or see money made) with a free tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
7. Explore the beautiful grounds of the National Cathedral, then take a Gargoyle Tour (April through October, $10/adult, $5/child, or $30/family), and see how these whimsical creatures reflect history in stone. There's even one fashioned after Darth Vader. Enjoy a picnic in the picture-perfect medieval Bishop’s Garden afterwards.
8. Play pilot in a mock cockpit at America by Air, an exhibition on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
9. Walk among living butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Pavilion (adults $6/children $5). Tuesdays are free, but timed-entry tickets are required and are available at the Butterfly Pavilion box office beginning at 10am each Tuesday.
10. Teach kids about history at the National Museum of American History. See the original “Star-Spangled Banner” that inspired our national anthem, explore the history of the American presidency, and check out Dorothy’s red slippers in the permanent exhibition “National Treasures of Popular Culture.”
11. Check out the latest performance at the Smithsonian's family-friendly Discovery Theater. Shows range from tap dance performances to puppet show workshops, and tickets are always under $10.
12. Let kids roam free at Friendship Park (aka Turtle Park), DC's most popular playground, located in the city's Van Ness neighborhood. Little ones love the huge sandbox (always full of toys).
13. Take a ride on DC ‘s clean and safe Metrorail system to give kids a taste of a train ride, and a break from the summer heat. Day Passes are a great value at just $8.30 and the Metro travels all over the city.
14. Fly a kite next to the Washington Monument for a great family photo.
15. Give kids an inspiring lesson in freedom with a stop at the National Archives Building to view the Emancipation Proclamation followed by a visit to the Lincoln Memorial.