Free Attractions

Explore DC’s museums, memorials and other attractions without breaking the bank. There are more than 100 free things to do in Washington, DC.

Visiting the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC

A visit to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is to be transported to a trying time in American history, an era rife with economic depression and international conflict. The memorial, which honors the 32nd president of the United States, is composed of four “outdoor rooms” which represent each...

The Smithsonian Castle: Gateway to Museums & History

Brit benefactor and an American castle For a man who never set foot in Washington, DC, French-born, British-raised James Smithson has had a huge impact on the city. The British scientist (1765-1829), an illegitimate son of a Duke, left his considerable fortune to a nephew with the stipulation that...

Free Things to Do: Arts & Culture in Washington, DC

Washington, DC has so many free things to do for those who love to admire creativity, from art museums to cultural events and so much more. Explore the free activities and locations below and you will be amazed at the incredible arts and culture scene in the nation’s capital.

Visiting the U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing in Washington, DC

What and where is the U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing? The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing , founded in 1862, produces Federal Reserve Notes (also known as paper money, or U.S. dollars) for the Federal Reserve, our country’s central bank (note that coins are made by the United States...

Visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC

What and where is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum? The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is located on the National Mall , just south of Independence Avenue SW, between 14th Street and Raoul Wallenberg Place SW. Its official address is 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC...

Visiting the Smithsonian Freer and Sackler Galleries in Washington, DC

What are the Freer and Sackler Galleries and how do I get there? The vibrant and colorful world of Asian art is all around at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art , both located on the National Mall and part of the Smithsonian Institution museums . The Sackler Gallery is...

Visiting the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC

What and where is the U.S. National Arboretum? The U.S. National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE in Washington, DC. The grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Dec. 25. The Arboretum’s popular National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC

What and where is the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery? Painting a picture of the many influential people throughout America’s history, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-see for pop culture fans, history buffs and art lovers alike. From activists and actors to presidents and poets, the...

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

The list of free things to do in DC is quite long, headlined by Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, the monuments and memorials and annual events and festivals. We’ve detailed some of the most popular activities here, so on your next family trip to DC, make sure you cross all of these...

Free Things to Do: Family-Friendly Washington, DC

There’s no shortage of free things to do in DC with kids, as well as family-friendly events that won’t cost a cent. From kid-friendly attractions to cool activities that the entire family can enjoy, the nation’s capital is a great destination for a vacation any time of the year. We’ve put together...