It is not hard to find free things to do here in DC. You can find something free in almost every part of the city. As the weather warms up and you are planning some spring and summer fun, you can find plenty in DC. Grab your sunglasses and have fun at one of these 15 free outdoor activities in DC.
1. Lay out at one of DC’s 20 public pools.
If you are a DC resident, you can visit your local public pool, as long as you bring a license to prove your a resident. Pools open Memorial Day weekend.
2. National Zoo
The National Zoo is free to visit all year round. Stroll through 163 acres and see exotic animals like lions, tigers, zebras and elephants.
3. Walk the C&O Canal Towpath
Walk, run, jog or bike down the C&O Canal Towpath in Georgetown. The full path is 184.5 miles long and goes all the way into Cumberland MD, so you may want to just stay local.
4. Play on the National Mall
Grab a blanket, a book and a picnic to the National Mall where you can people watch, play frisbee, kickball or even a game of cards with your friends.
5. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Enjoy the gorgeous lotus and lilies at Kenilworth and learn about the thousands of years of history in the land.
6. Explore Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is a fantastic natural gem in DC. Hike and bike through 32 miles of trails in the middle of the city.
7. Stroll through the National Arboretum
The arboretum is one of the quieter places in the city that’s perfect for a warm day. There are several exhibits including the bonsai exhibit, the state tree grove and the capitol columns.
8. Play tennis at one of the free tennis courts
There are hundreds of free tennis courts located through out DC. You can play on any of the tennis courts for free but you may want to reserve a court beforehand as they can get crowded.
9. United States Botanic Gardens
Enjoy the beautiful flowers from all over the world at the Botanic Garden. Something is always in bloom at the Botanic Gardens. There are three different areas of the Botanic Garden: the conservatory, the National Garden and Bartholdi Park.
10. Watch planes at Gravelly Point Park
Technically Gravelly Point is in Northern Virginia but it’s a great place to lay on the grass and watch the planes flying overhead from National Airport.
11. Follow one of the neighborhood heritage trails.
The neighborhood heritage trails are the walking trails DC. The trails are a fun way to learn about the history of the different neighborhoods.
12. Drum circle at Meridian Hill Park
The drum circle at Meridian Hill Park is one of the most beloved traditions in DC. For the last 40 years every Sunday, the park is filled with drummers, dancers and acro-yogis.
13. Explore Theodore Roosevelt Island
In the 1930s, landscape architects transformed the neglected farmland into Theodore Roosevelt Island, as a memorial to one of the most beloved presidents. There are miles of woods and swampy areas, free to explore!
14. Tango at Freedom Plaza
Tango at Freedom Plaza is a secret of DC. Dancers of all levels show up on Sunday evenings dancing the Argentinian tango under the city lights.
15. Party at Yards Park
There is always something to do at DC’s newest outdoor spot. There are so many fun and free events at Yards Park, like concert series and free movies.
Don't miss out on the 18 fun things you can do in DC without spending a dime!
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