DC Department of Parks and Recreation
- Things to do
- Low cost
- Online or statewide
Recreation centers, pools, parks and classes across DC. Many programs are free or low-cost.
Who it's for: Open to DC residents; fees vary by program.
District of Columbia
8 resources in District of Columbia, plus programs open to everyone.
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Pins mark main service locations. Scroll the list and the map follows. Check each website for hours and other sites.
In District of Columbia
Libraries, parks and things to do
Library of Congress
- Things to do
- Free
Free tours and exhibits in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Free timed-entry tickets are required, so reserve ahead or check for same-day tickets.
Who it's for: Open to everyone.
- Thomas Jefferson Building 10 First St SE, Washington, DC 20540 Directions
National Gallery of Art
- Things to do
- Free
Free art museum on the National Mall with paintings, sculpture, and free talks and tours.
Who it's for: Open to everyone.
- West Building 6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565 Directions
National Mall and Memorial Parks
- Things to do
- Free
Free access to the monuments and memorials on the National Mall, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Who it's for: Open to everyone.
- Lincoln Memorial 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037 Directions
- Washington Monument 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024 Directions
Rock Creek Park
- Things to do
- Free
Free trails, picnic areas and a nature center with programs, in a large park in the city.
Who it's for: Open to everyone.
- Nature Center 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015 Directions
Smithsonian Museums
- Things to do
- Free
Free admission to the Smithsonian's museums in DC, including several on the National Mall.
Who it's for: Open to everyone. Some exhibits or busy times may need a free timed pass.
- Smithsonian Castle (Information Center) 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560 Directions
Smithsonian's National Zoo
- Things to do
- Free
Free admission to see animals and explore the grounds. Free entry passes are required: reserve online, or use the limited walk-up passes.
Who it's for: Open to everyone.
- National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 Directions
United States Botanic Garden
- Things to do
- Free
Free indoor gardens and outdoor plantings near the Capitol. Timed tickets are not required.
Who it's for: Open to everyone.
- Conservatory 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 Directions
Available everywhere
Libraries, parks and things to do
Every Kid Outdoors
- Things to do
- Free
- Online or statewide
A free pass for fourth graders and their families to visit national parks, lands and waters for a year.
Who it's for: Fourth graders and their families.
Museums for All
- Things to do
- Low cost
- Online or statewide
Free or reduced admission to participating museums across the country for people receiving SNAP benefits. Bring your EBT card and a photo ID.
Who it's for: People receiving SNAP benefits.
National Park Service Entrance Passes and Free Days
- Things to do
- Free
- Online or statewide
Free entrance days at national parks, plus discounted or free passes for eligible groups.
Who it's for: Open to everyone on free days; passes have their own rules.