Free Things to Do in Washington DC

Free attractions abound in Washington DC. After all, most of the museums and even the zoo are free. But these are some attractions you might otherwise miss. Please check the websites for current times and details.

Museums That Are Off the Mall: Not all free museums are on the mall so don't miss these if they interest you: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Renwick Gallery (part of the American Art Museum but devoted just to arts and crafts), National Geographic Museum, National Postal Museum and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Free Performances: The National Gallery of Art has Sunday evening concerts most of the year in the West Building often linked to exhibit themes. And in warm weather months, there are jazz concerts in the Sculpture Garden. The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage hosts free performances every evening at 6 pm. And the National Theatre has a free performance series designed for the whole family called Saturday Morning at the National.

Rock Creek Park: Rock Creek Park has 1,754 acres to visit. To find out how to get started you can try the Nature Center and Planetarium at 5200 Glover Road NW. The free offerings include Ranger led programs, Cell Phone Tours (look for Dial and Discover signs), bicycle and hiking paths and exercise trails. Plus, while the museums are free, food can be very expensive so you may want to take advantage of the 30 free picnic areas throughout the park - some have rain shelters and many can be reserved for groups up to 75.

Folger Shakespeare Library: The Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill is home to the world's largest collection of materials on Shakespeare and related topics. You can enjoy special exhibits in the Great Hall and the small but lovely Elizabethan garden which includes a knot garden as well as flowerbeds, trees and hedges.

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG): USBG is on the Capitol Grounds. The main building includes a large greenhouse divided into different simulated habitats. Just across the street is Bartholdi Park showcasing modern horticulture trends. Also adjacent is the National Garden with several gardens and an outdoor amphitheater.

The National Arboretum: The National Arboretum covers 446 acres and 9.5 miles of roadways. Here you'll see trees, shrubs, herbs and pillars from the original U.S. Capitol burned during the War of 1812. It's about 2 miles from the Capitol in northeast DC. Start at the Administration Building to plan your visit and choose among such favorites as the Dogwood Collections, Fern Valley, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and National Grove of State Trees.