MAP IT
Enjoy free summer activities in Washington, DC, including Smithsonian museums, holiday celebrations and much more.
It’s not summertime in the nation's capital without an epic Independence Day celebration featuring fireworks soaring over the iconic National Mall. After the music of 'A Capitol Fourth' concludes, the night sky lights up with a colorful display that you will never forget. Make sure to stay tuned to the event website for details. We've also compiled a list of the best spots to watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Washington, DC, as well as other ways to celebrate Independence Day in the District.
If you think DC’s National Mall is stunning during the day, you’re in for a treat when you explore its monuments and memorials on a summer night for the first time. The Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and World War II Memorial are all stunning in moonlight, as is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Summertime and movies go hand-in-hand. Yes, the biggest blockbusters are in theaters, but step your movie-going experience up a notch and relax outdoors while taking in a classic film or one you’ve never seen before. These outdoor movie screenings, which feature beautiful scenery, are often free to attend (stay tuned for 2026 events). Turn a summer night into a monumental memory.
Celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial with special events at museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. In the nation's capital, you can engage with American history like nowhere else. Plan your trip now and enjoy an array of experiences throughout the year in honor of America's 250th birthday bash.
The National Gallery of Art and its gorgeous outdoor sculpture garden make for the ideal spot for an afternoon stroll. Inside the West Building, you can discover thousands of essential works, organized by period and national origin and arranged in spectacular and comprehensive galleries across two floors of exhibition space. The Sculpture Garden hosts a free outdoor concert series in the summer.
The Smithsonian's National Zoo awaits you with a free, family-friendly afternoon that can include DC's two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao. Also, make sure to check out the calendar for can't-miss events.
The National Native American Veterans Memorial is a fitting and outstanding addition to the grounds of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, located at 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW. The intimate space was designed by architect Harvey Pratt and opened on Veterans Day in 2020. The memorial is specifically tailored to inspire remembrance, reflection and healing as visitors contemplate the immense sacrifice of Native soldiers. Be sure to check out the museum as well.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is a state-of-the-art building that addresses nearly every aspect of the African American experience, covering the arts, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, athletics and much more. Make sure to reserve your timed passes ahead of your visit.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens equals paradise for nature lovers, with its famous water lilies and lotus flowers providing picturesque scenery. The gardens even host an annual festival in honor of the plants, which typically takes place in mid-July. There’s also plenty of space for picnicking and you may even spot some wildlife during your adventure.
There’s nothing like some water-themed fun in the summertime. DC has plenty of options, including Yards Park and its 11-inch basin and dancing fountains, Canal Park’s interactive fountain, Georgetown Waterfront Park’s 50-foot space and Petworth’s spray park.
Sharing a building with the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Kogod Courtyard is an ideal spot for an afternoon cool-down. There is plenty of space to lounge, an incredible roof that lets in natural light and even a cafe so you can power up with a snack or drink.
The National Museum of American History is located on Constitution Avenue NW and runs along the National Mall. Through research, in-depth exhibits, extensive collections and public outreach, the museum presents America’s history in all of its complexity. The collection features more than three million artifacts, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and sheet music written by DC legend Duke Ellington.
Partner Content