Twelve FREE Things to See & Do in Washington, D.C.

One of the most historic and interesting cities in America is our nation’s capital, Washington. If you’re headed to Washington, DC for a summer vacation or anytime, our nation’s capital offers some sweet savings for visitors (and this really adds up for families):

1. Washington Zoo (FREE!) FYI: This is one of the best zoos in America. Go early or late to avoid long lines to see the adorable and popular Giant Pandas. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/
2. The Smithsonian (FREE!) The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education, and research institution. We’re talking about 19 museums and galleries (including the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of American History), as well as 9 research facilities. https://www.si.edu/
3. D.C. by Foot (Pay what you want on these guided tours that have been rated #1 by TripAdvisor. No matter what you choose to pay, you’ll learn about ghosts, scandals, history & trivia. http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/washington-dc-tours/tour-calendar/
4. Kennedy Center (FREE nightly performances!) http://www.kennedy-center.org/
5. Supreme Court (FREE!)  https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/courtbuilding.aspx
6. National Mall includes the Washington Monument & more. (FREE!) https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/index.htm
7. U.S. Botanical Gardens boasts more than 4,000 tropical plants (FREE!) https://www.usbg.gov/
8. National Cathedral (There is a fee to take the tour, but evening prayer time is FREE, as is Sunday service).
9. National Gallery of Art (FREE!) . http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/visit/maps-and-information.html
10. Folger Shakespeare Library (FREE!) Folger has the largest collection of Shakespeare works & exhibits in the U.S http://www.folger.edu/visit
11. Rock Creek Park, near the national zoo, includes a planetarium that has FREE entry on Wednesday, Saturdays & Sundays. https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
12. Library of Congress (FREE!) https://loc.gov/visit/

Bonus: There is a huge July 4th celebration that includes special events and free fireworks display, which is the biggest and best in the nation. http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly.htm

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