Best FREE Activities in Washington, DC

Yoga in the Botanic Gardens

Start your Saturday morning with good vibes in a free yoga class at the United States Botanic Garden. Be sure to bring your own towel or mat with you because the grass might still be wet from a rainstorm the night before and the Botanic Garden does not provide you with one. Don’t forget your water bottle as well to stay hydrated! After the yoga class you can walk around the Botanic Garden for another free activity and start your morning surrounded by the beautiful nature and fresh smell of the outdoors.

Smithsonian Museum

At the Smithsonian Museum you’ll find all of the presidential portraits. It also has featured events and exhibitions that change periodically. Additionally, they offer free, guided tours providing their visitors with an extremely informative and well-rounded tour of the museum, which I highly recommend. Our tour guide was passionate about the stories she shared showcasing important photos and intriguing stories surrounding them. She even included history about the museum building itself. I wouldn’t have learned as much as I did had I not taken a free, guided tour.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts puts on free shows at 6:00 pm every day for anyone to attend. Additionally, this historical building is open to the public for passerby’s to explore and walk around free of charge. Check their upcoming events schedule on their website to find out what the 6 o’clock show will be that day.

The Renwick Gallery

The Renwick Gallery is open daily 10:00 am – 5:30 pm and their programs and tours are all free of charge. They change exhibits periodically so you’ll want to check their website to find the current and upcoming exhibitions. I recently experienced No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man, which is going on through January 21, 2019.

The Wharf District Recreation Pier

The Wharf District in DC is an exciting waterfront destination. On the Recreation Pier you can take in the views of the Washington Channel while swinging on one of their giant modern swing sets. Stay late to watch a striking sunset or enjoy the breeze on a sunny afternoon. If you’re not sure where it’s located, check out their map to help you locate the pier and other spots in the district.