Cheap or Free things to do in D.C.

[craftymom7]

Wanting to plan a small getaway for the family for next April/May. Needs to be family friendly as we will have our 3 kids with us ages almost 7, almost 3 & 8 months.

 

[Gigi22]

Wanting to plan a small getaway for the family for next April/May. Needs to be family friendly as we will have our 3 kids with us ages almost 7, almost 3 & 8 months.

The big bargain is the Smithsonian. There is no admission charge at all. Particularly child-friendly are the Postal Museum, and the Air and Space (not sure I have name correct?) Museum.

 

[mom2jacob]

http://washington.org/100-free-and-almost-free-things-do-dc

Go to the website above there is tons of stuff to do there. We have been quite a few times due to family leaving there. We love it there.

 

[crisi]

The National Zoo is also free. Probably the best of the Smithsonians for the kids you are bringing.

 

[Eureka]

Wanting to plan a small getaway for the family for next April/May. Needs to be family friendly as we will have our 3 kids with us ages almost 7, almost 3 & 8 months.

Don't forget the Natural History Museum (one of the Smithsonians). It's right on the Mall. When my kids were 5-7-ish, we went almost every week during the winter. They also really liked the American Indian Museum. There are also free concerts at the Sculpture Garden on Friday nights in the summer, not sure how early in the season it starts though. And the merry go round on the Mall is only a couple of dollars, or at least it used to be. We used to have to do that every week too, lol.

 

[Schmoodle]

Twilight tatto is fun and free:
http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/schedule

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

If you are renting a car or driving there, don't forget about parking fees. It is true the Zoo is free admission, but last time we were there it was $20 just to park. And food - if going during meal time, food at the zoo is very expensive. The museums are fabulous and free, too! But again, parking fees (and super limited parking in DC) and food everywhere in DC is high.

 

[Megkel]

Growing up an hour outside of DC we have done it forwards and backwards.

The museums all of them are great, even with kids. They are a bit busy during the summer with tourists however they are awesome. There is pretty much something for everyone. (It's not free however Groupon has a deal $12 for a visit to the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. I know it's not especially child friendly however if your oldest is into police or being a detective.)

The zoo is awesome. I have been to countless other zoos and the National Zoo is ranked high on my list. It's a HUGE zoo though so be prepared to do a lot of walking. If you take the metro the entrance into the zoo is downhill so your walk back up will be up hill which can be hard on little ones. My daughter is 7 and she is a huge animal fan and usually can do the whole zoo. We try to grab ice cream as a treat and then head out for dinner. If you drive you can also pack a picnic the zoo has a huge grassy area to sit and play in near the large cats. The zoo has a lot of inside exhibits to cool down in and to get out of the sun.

The sights are always fun, although that also means more walking. If you want to go inside the National Monument you have to pay and make a reservation. However to walk down the mall is free and it's close to the National History Museum.

The biggest tip is do not be scared to ride the metro. It is really easy if you just breathe. If you go during the week the rush hour is the worst times, but even then people are used to the tourists not knowing where they are going.

If you are going to drive be prepared for stop, go, and some less than patient people. People are very aggressive drivers and there is a lot going on from people walking, carts on the street, and people trying to figure out where to go. I hate driving in DC and honestly everywhere in Northern VA is just as bad.

I hope you enjoy your trip, sorry for being so long winded!

 

[disney1990]

DC is a perfect city for free stuff. Almost all of our museums & zoo are free - unlike other cities. We live right outside of DC and love being able to "tour" our own city on weekends.

 

[craftymom7]

Thank you all for your replies!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Most stuff to do in DC is free!!! Consider staying somewhere you can take the meto into the city, pretty easy and very reasonable. Food is expensive and most places you can not take food into. I would load the diaper bag with tons of healthy snacks (doubt they would question that) and budget more than you expect to pay for food.

 

[darnheather]

Growing up an hour outside of DC we have done it forwards and backwards.

The museums all of them are great, even with kids. They are a bit busy during the summer with tourists however they are awesome. There is pretty much something for everyone. (It's not free however Groupon has a deal $12 for a visit to the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. I know it's not especially child friendly however if your oldest is into police or being a detective.)

The zoo is awesome. I have been to countless other zoos and the National Zoo is ranked high on my list. It's a HUGE zoo though so be prepared to do a lot of walking. If you take the metro the entrance into the zoo is downhill so your walk back up will be up hill which can be hard on little ones. My daughter is 7 and she is a huge animal fan and usually can do the whole zoo. We try to grab ice cream as a treat and then head out for dinner. If you drive you can also pack a picnic the zoo has a huge grassy area to sit and play in near the large cats. The zoo has a lot of inside exhibits to cool down in and to get out of the sun.

The sights are always fun, although that also means more walking. If you want to go inside the National Monument you have to pay and make a reservation. However to walk down the mall is free and it's close to the National History Museum.

The biggest tip is do not be scared to ride the metro. It is really easy if you just breathe. If you go during the week the rush hour is the worst times, but even then people are used to the tourists not knowing where they are going.

If you are going to drive be prepared for stop, go, and some less than patient people. People are very aggressive drivers and there is a lot going on from people walking, carts on the street, and people trying to figure out where to go. I hate driving in DC and honestly everywhere in Northern VA is just as bad.

I hope you enjoy your trip, sorry for being so long winded!

Actually the zoo is uphill first and then downhill going back if you get off at Woodley Park/Zoo stop. The 3 and 8 month old will be free on the metro. I HATE driving in the city so the only place I drive is the zoo always took the metro with my two girls otherwise. My girls love the Natural History museum, Museum of Air and Space, Botanical Gardens, zoo, Mount Vernon (not free but inexpensive IMHO), and just walking the mall between the Washington and Lincoln monuments. If you go late April/early May there will be a lot of school tour groups but they are easy to get around and usually well behaved, plus the weather will be gorgeous.

 

[craftymom7]

Thank you.

 

[danygirl]

check Living Social and Groupon. One of them has a good deal on the crime and punishment museum.

Kids are free at the newseum all summer. I HATE the newseum, my child found it depressing and so did I. but for those who think it is interesting, at least you can save money.

 

[GAGirlInVA]

What everyone else said.

But check your dates, because you may be paying a premium price for your room for the Cherry Blossom festival, unintentionally.

You may want to book around it... or you may want to attend. Just wanted to give you a head's up.

 

[Gorechick]

It's been a long time since I've been but 2 places i enjoyed were the National Portrait Gallery and the Philips Collection. Try those if you like history and fine art. The Philips has Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party. It is stunning in person.

 

[craftymom7]

Thank you!