The National Zoo, Washington DC's 163-acre zoological park set within the Rock Creek National Park, features more than 400 different species of animals. The National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and admission is FREE! (There is a fee however, for parking in Zoo lots.)

To see all of the animals and exhibits at the National Zoo takes several hours. You should pick up a map and plan ahead so that you don't miss any of your family's favorite animals. Among some of the favorites are giant pandas, other bears, lions, giraffes, tigers, monkeys, sea lions, and much more.
Visiting the National Zoo involves a lot of walking. You should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. To avoid crowds, arrive early in the day or after 2 p.m. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, and fall and winter are less crowded than spring and summer.

Address
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008.

The main entrance to the Zoo is along Connecticut Avenue. There are also two entrances at the east side of the Zoo, near Rock Creek Park. One is off Rock Creek Parkway, the other is at the intersection of Harvard Street and Adams Mill Road.

Closest Metro Station to the National Zoo
Woodley Park/ Zoo /Adams Morgan stop and the Cleveland Park stop.

Parking at the National Zoo
Parking rates are $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. If you are a FONZ member, parking is free. If you do not mind a short walk, you can usually find free street parking nearby.

Hours
The National Zoo is open every day of the year except December 25.
October 30 to April 1: Grounds are open 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Buildings are open 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
April 2 to October 29: Grounds are open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Buildings are open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Food and Shopping
Food concessions offer burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, ice cream, hot pretzels and other snack foods. Snack stands are scattered throughout the park. Visitors may bring their own food and drinks.

The National Zoo Store offers a great selection of gift items including apparel, hats, toys and games, books, videos and jewelry. You may also shop online.

Official Website
http://nationalzoo.si.edu

Conservation and Research
The National Zoo operates a 3,200-acre facility, located in Front Royal, Virginia, that houses between 30 and 40 endangered species. Research facilities include a GIS lab, endocrine and gamete labs, veterinary clinic, radio tracking lab, 14 field stations, and biodiversity monitoring plots, as well as a conference center, dormitories, and education offices.

Special Programs at the National Zoo
Daily programs at the zoo include animal training, feeding demonstrations, and keeper talks. The National Zoo offers some great special programs throughout the year.
Special events are hosted throughout the year by the National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), the Zoo’s nonprofit partner. Here's the calendar of events for 2010:

Wild Side Stage
Sundays, Jan. 10 - March 7, 2010, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
A brand new educational performance series for children ages 2-10. Families are invited to sing with award-winning musicians, boogie with acclaimed dancers, and interact with enchanting storytellers and puppeteers. Each performance includes a trip to one of the Zoo's animal houses, where guests will get a chance to meet and greet keepers and watch up-close demonstrations of the animals that inspired the performances. Tickets are $5 for FONZ members, $7 for nonmembers. Children under two receive free admission with a parent.

African-American Family Celebration
Easter Monday, April 5, 2010. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more than 100 years, families from Washington's African-American community have visited the National Zoo on Easter Monday to socialize and celebrate the holiday with a variety of activities and entertainment. The event is free and all are welcome. (202) 633-3040.

Earth Day Celebration
April 24, 2010, 9 to 11 a.m.
The Zoo and FONZ will commemorate Earth Day with a clean up of Rock Creek. Volunteers will assist staff of the Zoo, FONZ, and Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment as they collect trash along the banks of Rock Creek near Amazonia and the spectacled bear exhibit at the lower end of the Zoo. Help beautify this important waterway and provide a cleaner habitat for local wildlife. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Guppy Gala
May 14, 2010, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The benefit for public education programs at the zoo features family-oriented activities, educational and informational booths, and a variety of foods. Enjoy strolling musicians, jugglers, dancers, costumed characters, a mock construction site, rock-climbing wall, moonbounces, and an obstacle course. (202) 633-4470.

National ZooFari
May 20, 2010, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
FONZ's annual fundraising event, a casual, exciting evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, and fabulous entertainment. Live music, animal encounters, a sweepstakes, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit a variety of programs at the National Zoo, including conservation and science projects, exhibit development and construction, and the Zoo's revitalization project. (202) 633-4470.

Brew at the Zoo - Young Professionals Beer-Tasting Event
July 15, 2010, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join more than 2,000 young professionals from the D.C. area and enjoy handcrafted beers brewed by more than 20 local and European breweries, as well as live music and hors d'oeuvres. (202) 633-3026.

Sunset Serenades
Thursdays, July 22-August 5, 2010, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Free summer concert series featuring a wide variety of artists, including jazz, blues, rock/pop, reggae, rock-and-roll revival, and patriotic music and marches. (202) 633-4480.

Fiesta Musical
September 19, 2010, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A celebration of the diversity and richness of Latin American culture and wildlife. Enjoy a variety of family-oriented cultural activities, live music and dance performances, special keeper talks about animals native to Latin American countries, and a Latin American food court. (202)633-3040.

Grapes with the Apes
September 23, 2010, 6 to 9 p.m.
Sample wines from Virginia and Maryland wineries and hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants, and enjoy live music, wine seminars with a local expert, and exclusive access to the Zoo’s Great Ape House. Ticket price includes all wine samples, food, entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Zoo’s Asian Elephant Conservation Fund. You must be 21 to attend this event. Tickets are $40 for FONZ YP members and $55 for nonmembers.

Autumn Conservation Festival
October 4-5, 2010. Bring the whole family for a day of fun, tours, and activities at the Zoo's Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia. Scientists at CRC study and breed endangered species from around the world, including clouded leopards, Eld’s deer, black-footed ferrets, and Przewalski’s horses, on 3,200 acres nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This two-day event offers members of the public a rare opportunity to visit this normally closed campus. Parking passes gain admittance for one vehicle with an unlimited number of passengers.

Boo at the Zoo
October 22-24, 2010, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This popular event regularly sells out weeks in advance, and is a fun and safe way for kids and families to celebrate Halloween by trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo. Children also enjoy hands-on activities and interpretive talks about some of the Zoo's creepiest creatures and watch as the Zoo's elephants, lions, and tigers smash and stomp some pumpkins at the Elephant House and Great Cats exhibit. (202) 633-4470.

Night of the Living Zoo
October 29, 2010, 8 p.m. to midnight. Attendees must be over 21! This Halloween, enjoy a new adults-only Halloween party with bone-chilling performances, live music and a costume contest. Entertainment will including palm readers, fire eaters, talking bats, and illusionists.

ZooLights
December 3, 2010 - January 1, 2011. 6-8:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at the National Zoo and see larger-than-life displays featuring many of the Zoo’s most popular animals, plus fun activities and live entertainment.

For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit the FONZ website or call (202) 633-3040.

Washington sports teams compete in a variety of national leagues including baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, soccer, and tennis. Learn about the professional sports teams of Washington DC.

Washington Redskins

Football. Washington's most popular pro sports team plays in the National Football League (NFL) at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The team's headquarters and training facility is located at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia. Redskins season's tickets are hard to come by and are generally sold out years in advance.

Washington Nationals

Baseball. The Major League Baseball (MLB) team, owned by the Washington, DC based Lerner Family, was relocated to DC in 2005 from Montreal. The team plays 81 home games each season at Nationals Park, located in Southeast Washington DC. See a guide to everything you need to know about Washington Nationals baseball including information about the stadium, the team members, tickets, souvenirs, special events and much more.

Washington Wizards

Basketball. The National Basketball Association (NBA) team has played for Washington since 1997 at the Verizon Center.

Washington Mystics

Basketball. The team plays at Verizon Center in downtown Washington DC for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Mystics are the counterpart to the Washington Wizards, although the two franchises are owned by different companies.

Washington Capitals

Ice Hockey. Washington's professional hockey team plays for the National Hockey League (NHL) at the Verizon Center. Four Capitals players have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: Mike Gartner, Rod Langway, Larry Murphy, and Scott Stevens.

DC United

Soccer. The Major League Soccer (MLS) team plays at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. The team has won the U.S. Open Cup twice and holds the record for most MLS Cups and MLS Supporters' Shields.

Washington Freedom

Soccer. The professional soccer team plays as part of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) at the Maryland Soccer Complex in Germantown, Maryland.

Washington Kastles

Tennis. Since 2008, the Advanta World TeamTennis (WTT), has played live tennis tournaments in Downtown Washington, DC each July. Owned by local entrepreneur Mark Ein, the Washingtn Kastles roster now has a total of 61 Grand Slam titles including 19 women¹s singles, 26 women¹s doubles, six men¹s doubles and 10 mixed doubles championships.

GLEN ECHO PARK

Glen Echo Park was established as a Chautauqua retreat in 1891 and was a premier amusement park serving the Washington, DC area from 1900 until 1968. Since 1971, this National Park has served as a vibrant arts and humanities center managed by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture. The Park presents year-round activities in dance, theater, visual arts and environmental education.

Among the most popular activities at Glen Echo Park are weekly dances in the Spanish Ballroom, performances by the Puppet Co. and Adventure Theatre, programs sponsored by Discovery Creek Children's Museum, and special events such as Family Day and the annual Labor Day Art Show. The antique Dentzel carousel (dating back to 1921) is open May through September.
Location
Glen Echo Park is located at 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland. (301) 634 -2222
Carousel Schedule:
April 28 - June 30
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10 a. m. – 2 p. m., Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 6 p. m.

July 1 - August 31
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 10 a. m. – 2 p. m., Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 6 p. m.

September 1 - 30
Saturdays and Sundays only, 12 – 6 p. m.
The Puppet Co.
A puppet theatre designed and built specifically for puppetry offers visitors to Glen Echo Park a variety of puppet performances throughout the year. Hand Puppets, rod puppets, body puppets, marionettes and shadow puppets bring children’s stories to life.

Phone: (301) 320-6668. Website: www.thepuppetco.org

Adventure Theatre
The childrens theater stages live productions of fables, fairy tales, popular stories, musicals and children's classics for children ages four and up. Adventure Theatre also offers drama classes and workshops. The theatre is located in the Arcade building at Glen Echo Park.

Phone: (301) 634-2270. Website: www.adventuretheatre.org

Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region
(previously Discovery Creek Children's Museum) Explore science and nature through hands-on activities at this small museum inside Glen Echo Park. Outdoor environmental programs are offered for toddlers, families, school groups and scouts. The facility is located in the former Stables building.

Phone: (202) 488-0627 ext 243. Website: www.livingclassroomsdc.org

Spanish Ballroom and Bumper Car Pavilion
Glen Echo Park offers dance events and classes in waltz, swing, contra, salsa, and more. Dances are for all ages and are open to the public. Tickets are $7 - $15 and are sold at the door.

Classes, Camps and Workshops
Glen Echo Park offers classes in painting, photography, glass blowing and fusion, pottery, crafts for children and adults, music and dance for all ages, theater and more.

NEW AT SIX FLAGS

This summer, Six Flags America near Washington DC will open Thomas Town, a new family entertainment area based on the popular Thomas & Friends™ brand. Thomas Town is the park's largest expansion in over a decade, nearly doubling the number of attractions, featuring eight new rides and attractions and a new retail store and a new character. The cornerstone of Thomas Town will be a train ride on a Thomas the Tank EngineTM replica that will take guests on a journey through Thomas' mythical home on the Island of Sodor. Other new rides and attractions include:

• Harold the Helicopter- Kids can control how high they can fly through the air above Thomas Town in their very own helicopter.
• Cranky the Crane Tower Ride- Guests will enjoy high-flying family thrills on this unique, 3o-foot drop tower on Cranky the Crane.
• Bertie the Bus Ride- Bertie the Bus takes riders on an unforgettable trip as they go round and round and high into the sky.
• Diesel Derby- Guests join the parade of train cars moving through Thomas Town.
• Sodor Carnival Ferris Wheel- Guests of every age will experience Carnival Fun on the Island of Sodor while riding this classic Ferris wheel.
• Thomas Town Play Structure- This multi-level play area is themed with Thomas & Friends character images and features slides, climbing areas, and interactive fun!
• Thomas Town Pop Jet Fountain- Children and children-at-heart can take a break and cool off in this delightful pop-jet water feature.

Tickets
Admission to the park's Hurricane Harbor water park is included in the Six Flags ticket price. Why wait in line at the gate, you can buy your tickets online and print them at home. When you arrive at Six Flags, go straight to the gate.

MUSEUMS IN DC - FUN FOR KIDS!!

The National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution and houses a national collection of more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. This museum is also a research facility dedicated to inspiring discovery about the natural world through its exhibitions and education programs.
The National Museum of Natural History is a favorite with kids, but has plenty to intrigue all ages. Popular displays include dinosaur skeletons, an enormous collection of natural gems and minerals, artifacts of early man, an insect zoo, a live coral reef and much more.

The Samuel C. Johnson Theater features the latest IMAX movies. The Box Office is open from 9:45 a.m. until the last show. Tickets must be purchased at least 30 minutes before the show and may be purchased up to two weeks in advance. For ticket prices and show times, please call (202) 633-4629 or (877) 932-4629.

Address:
10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000

Nearest Metro Station :
Blue, Orange lines to Smithsonian or Federal Triangle

Museum Hours and Tours:
Open daily except December 25. Regular hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The museum extends their hours during the summer months. Please check the official website for updates. Free weekday highlights tours begin in the Rotunda, Tuesday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., September through June.

Dining at the National Museum of Natural History:
The Atrium Café provides fast food options and the Fossil Café features soups, sandwiches, salads, Gelato and an Espresso Bar. Live jazz performances are offered in the Smithsonian’s Jazz Café on Friday evenings from 6 – 10 p.m. There is a $10 cover charge. Children under 12 are free.

Visiting Tips:

• This is the most popular Washington DC museum for families. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
• Purchase IMAX tickets in advance or as soon as you arrive.
• If you are visiting with kids, be sure to save time for the Discovery Room where there are lots of hands-on activities.
• Allow at least 2-3 hours.

Official Website:
http://www.mnh.si.edu

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. The museum features 22 exhibition galleries, displaying hundreds of artifacts including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," and the Apollo 11 command module.
Address:
Independence Ave. at 7th St. SW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 357-2700

Nearest Metro Station to the National Air and Space Museum:
Blue, Orange lines to Smithsonian or Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange lines to L’Enfant Plaza

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Hours :
Open daily except December 25.
Regular hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

About Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum:
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must-see for visitors to Washington, DC. It is the most visited museum in the world and appeals to all ages. Many of the exhibits are interactive and great for kids.

You can ride in several 4-minute flight simulator rides for $6.50 per ride. Take a journey through space or to natural and manmade wonders of the world at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater. Watch a film projected on a five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. Take a 20-minute tour of the universe at the Albert Einstein Planetarium with its high tech dual digital projection system, Sky Vision. IMAX movies and the Planetarium each cost $8 per adult or $6.50 per child. Shows often sell out, so purchase your tickets before viewing the rest of the museum. Tickets can be purchased in advance at (877) WDC-IMAX.

The National Air and Space Museum continues to develop new exhibits on the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. The museum is a center for research and provides guided tours, educational programs and school group activities.

The museum’s three-story gift shop is a great place to find memorable souvenirs and gifts. A food court style restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In 2003, the museum expanded by opening a companion facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Visiting Tips:

• This is one of the busiest Washington DC museums. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
• Purchase IMAX or Planetarium tickets in advance or as soon as you arrive.
• Allow at least 2-3 hours.
• The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center can be easier to get to from the suburbs and is usually not as crowded as the Mall location.

Official Website

http://www.nasm.si.edu

The Smithsonian's Discovery Theater

The Smithsonian's Discovery Theater is a live theater geared towards children. Classic stories and folktales are told through puppet shows, storytellers, dancers, actors, musicians, and mimes. Performances are open to the public. Advance reservations may be arranged for school groups, youth organizations, and families with children.

The Discovery Theater also presents shows at The Round House Theater in Silver Spring, MD and Baird Auditorium in the Natural History Museum.

Location
Discovery Theater is located on the 3rd level of the S. Dillon Ripley Center, located at 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, on the National Mall, adjacent to the Smithsonian Castle.

The closest metro station is the Smithsonian on the Orange and Blue line and L'Enfant Plaza stop on the Yellow and Green line.

Schedules
All shows are Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Tickets
Tickets are $6 per adult, $5 per child and $4 for Smithsonian Resident members. You may purchase tickets in advance by calling (202) 633-8700.

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History collects and preserves more than 3 million artifacts of American history and culture, from the War of Independence to the present day. The Smithsonian's world class museum offers a wide range of exhibits that demonstrate the diversity of America’s history and culture.
The National Museum of American History reopened its doors on November 21, 2008 after a 2 year and $85 million renovation. The remodeling provides a dramatic new presentation of the original Star-Spangled Banner, a chance to see the White House copy of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and a transformation of the museum's extensive collections. New exhibits and programs will reopen throughout the year.

Exhibits at the National Museum of American History:
The museum maintains temporary and traveling exhibits that offer visitors something new each time you visit. The Star-Spangled Banner - a must-see - tells the story of the flag that inspired the national anthem. America on the Move is a favorite for all ages, using sights, sounds, and sensations to explore the history of transportation in the United States from 1870 to the present. Other popular exhibits include The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, First Ladies at the Smithsonian and the Price of Freedom: Americans at War.

Hands-on Activities for Kids:
Kids will have the most fun using their imaginations at the Spark! Lab, a hands-on science and invention center and riding a Chicago Transit Authority car in America on the Move. They'll marvel over displays of Kermit the Frog and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Throughout the museum there are plenty of opportunities to use touch stations to learn something new.

Programs and Tours of the National Museum of American History:
The National Museum of American History hosts a wide range of public programs, from demonstrations and lectures to storytelling and festivals. Music programs include chamber music ensembles, a jazz orchestra, gospel choirs, folk and blues artists, Native American singers, dancers, and more.

Guided tours are given Tuesday–Saturday, 10:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; other times as announced. Tours begin at the Mall or Constitution Avenue Information Desks.

Address:
14th Street and Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 357-2700

The nearest Metro stations to the National Museum of American History are Smithsonian or Federal Triangle.

Museum Hours:
Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed December 25.

Dining at the National Museum of American History:
The Constitution Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and hand-dipped ice cream. Stars and Stripes Cafe offers American fare.
Official Website:
http://www.americanhistory.si.edu

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Watch real money being printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC! This is a fun tour for all ages. You will see how U. S. paper currency is printed, stacked, cut and examined for defects. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing also prints White House invitations, Treasury securities, identification cards, naturalization certificates, and other special security documents.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing does not produce coins. Coins are produced by the United States Mint. (Although the headquarters to the Mint are in Washington, DC, the production facilities are located in Philadelphia and Denver and tours of the Mint are given in those cities.)

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing was established in 1862. At that time, just six people separated and sealed notes by hand in the basement of the Treasury building. The Bureau moved to its current location just off of the National Mall in 1914. To keep up with the increase in demand, a second production location was set up in Fort Worth, Texas in 1991.

Address
14th and C Streets, SW, Washington, DC
(202) 874-2330 and (866) 874-2330 (toll-free)

The closest Metro stop is the Smithsonian Station, Independence Avenue exit (12th & Independence, SW) on the Blue and Orange line trains.

Tours and Hours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Tours last about 30 minutes and are offered every 15 minutes, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The facility is closed on weekends, federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Years. From April through August hours are extended from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Because of heightened security, tour policies are subject to change. If the Department of Homeland Security level is elevated to CODE ORANGE, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is CLOSED to the public.

Admission
March through August
Free tickets are required for all tours during the peak season. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street). Tickets are not available in advance. The Ticket Booth opens at 8:00 a.m. - Monday through Friday. This is a very popular attraction and lines form early. All of the tickets are usually gone by 9:00 a.m., so if you want to visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, you must plan ahead.

September through February
No tickets are required. You may line up at the Visitors’ Entrance on 14th Street.
Official Website
www.moneyfactory.gov

The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument, a memorial to George Washington, our nation's first president, is the most prominent landmark in Washington, DC and stands as the centerpiece of the National Mall. It is the tallest structure in Washington, DC and measures 555 feet 5 1/8 inches high. Fifty flags surround the base of the Washington Monument symbolizing the 50 states of America.

Washington Monument Address:
Constitution Ave. and 15th St. SW.
Washington, DC
(202) 426-6841

Nearest Metro Station to the Washington Monument:
Blue, Orange lines to Smithsonian
or Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange lines to L’Enfant Plaza

Washington Monument Hours:
Open daily except December 25.
Regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Day through Labor Day, the hours are extended until 10:00 p.m.

Washington Monument Admission:
Free time assigned tickets are required. Visitors may obtain same day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge located on the 15th Street side of the monument, midway between Constitution and Independence Avenues. Tickets are distributed beginning at 8:30 a.m. daily until tickets for that day are gone. During peak season, arrive early to avoid long lines. Advance tickets are also available for $1.50 service fee. Call (877) 444-6777 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m..

About the Washington Monument:
The Washington Monument is one of the country's most recognizable structures, a white-colored obelisk at the west end of the National Mall. An elevator takes visitors to the top to see a spectacular view of Washington, DC including unique perspectives of the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Capitol Building.

Construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848. However, the memorial was not completed until 1884, due to lack of funds during the Civil War. Beginning in July 1848 the Washington National Monument Society invited states, cities and patriotic societies to contribute memorial stones to commemorate George Washington. The 192 memorial stones adorn the interior walls of the monument.

From 1998 to 2000, the Washington Monument was restored and a new information center was built just below the observation deck. In the winter of 2005, a new wall was constructed around the monument to improve security.

Sylvan Theater, an outdoor amphitheater located near the base of the Washington Monument, is a popular venue for a wide range of events including free concerts and live theatrical performances, commemorative ceremonies, rallies and protests.

Official Website
http://www.nps.gov/wamo/home.htm

Washington, DC is a fascinating city with dozens of free attractions. There is so much to see and do in the nation’s capital that you can easily save money by spending your leisure time exploring free museums, parks, memorials, and historic sites. Here’s a guide to Washington, DC attractions with no admission fees.

1. African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
© African American Civil War Memorial
1200 U Street, NW. Washington, DC. This Washington, DC attraction honors the African American struggle for freedom in the United States. A Wall of Honor lists the names of 209,145 United States Colored Troops (USCT) who served in the Civil War and the museum showcases artifacts from this time period.

2. Air Force Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA. One of the Washington, DC area's newest attractions features soaring spires that can be seen from a great distance. This memorial honors the millions of men and women who have served in the United States Air Force.

3. Anacostia Community Museum
© Smithsonian Institution
1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC. The Smithsonian Institution’s museum of African American history and culture offers exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, lectures, film screenings and other special events that interpret black history from the 1800s to the present.

4. Arlington National Cemetery
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Located across the Potomac River from Washington at the west end of the Memorial Bridge, Arlington, VA. This popular Washington, DC attraction serves as a cemetery and a memorial to America's war heroes. More than four million people visit Arlington National Cemetery each year, attending graveside services and special ceremonies to pay tribute to veterans and historical figures.

5. Botanic Gardens
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
First Street, SW, between Maryland Ave. and C St. Washington, DC. The living plant museum located on the National Mall showcases an impressive state-of-the-art indoor garden with approximately 4,000 seasonal, tropical and subtropical plants. The U.S. Botanic Garden is administered by the Architect of the Capitol and offers special exhibits and educational programs throughout the year.

6. Bureau of Engraving
14th and C Streets, SW, Washington, DC. This is a fun attraction for all ages. Visitors see how U. S. paper currency is printed, stacked, cut and examined for defects. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing also prints White House invitations, Treasury securities, identification cards, naturalization certificates, and other special security documents.

7. Capitol
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
E. Capitol St. and First St. NW, Washington, DC. The U. S. Capitol Building is open to the public for guided tours only. Visitors learn about the work of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the impressive architecture of the most recognizable historic buildings in Washington, DC.

8. C & O Canal
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, a national historic park that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, stretches 184-miles from Georgetown along the Potomac River to Cumberland, Maryland. The tow path is a popular place to walk, bicycle and picnic.

9. DAR Museum
1776 D Street NW. Washington, DC. The museum of the Daughters of the American Revolution is a small Washington, DC attraction that is often missed by visitors. The collection features more than 30,000 examples of decorative and fine arts, including objects made or used in America prior to the Industrial Revolution.

10. East Potomac Park
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The 300+ acre park features many of Washington's famous cherry trees, has terrific views of the city and is a popular place for biking, running, fishing and picnicking. There is a golf course, tennis center and swimming pool.

11. Ford’s Theatre
© Miller Taylor
The historic theater where Lincoln was assassinated is a national landmark and also functions as a live theater. Visitors can enjoy a short talk by a National Park guide and learn the fascinating story of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. On the lower level, the Ford's Theatre Museum displays exhibits about Lincoln’s life and explains the circumstances of his tragic death.

12. Fort Dupont Park
Randle Circle, SE, Washington, DC. The 376 acre park is located east of the Anacostia River in southeast Washington, DC. Visitors enjoy picnics, nature walks, Civil War programs, gardening, environmental education, music, skating, sports, theater and concerts.

13. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
1850 West Basin Dr. SW Washington, DC. The memorial dedicated to Franklin Delano Roosevelt features four outdoor gallery rooms depicting the 12 years of FDR’s presidency. The memorial includes ten bronze sculptures of President Roosevelt, his wife Eleanor Roosevelt and World War II.

14. Frederick Douglass Historic Site
1411 W Street SE Washington, DC. The National Historic Site honors Frederick Douglass' life and accomplishments. Douglass freed himself from slavery and helped to free millions of others. Learn about Douglass and visit his home at Cedar Hill. This site is known as having one of the best views of Washington, DC.

15. Freer and Sackler Gallery
© Smithsonian Institution
Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW. Washington, DC. The adjoining Smithsonian art museums feature a world-renowned collection of Asian art including paintings, ceramics, manuscripts, and sculptures. The Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Auditorium provides free performances of Asian music and dance, films, lectures, chamber music, and dramatic presentations.

16. George Mason Memorial
© Miller Taylor
900 Ohio Drive, SW. Washington, DC. The monument is dedicated to the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which inspired Thomas Jefferson while drafting the Declaration of Independence. Mason persuaded our forefathers to include individual rights as a part of the Bill of Rights.

17. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
© Smithsonian Institution
Independence Avenue at 7th St. SW, Washington, DC. The Smithsonian's museum of modern and contemporary art is comprised of approximately 11,500 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs, collages, and decorative art objects.

18. Iwo Jima Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Marshall Drive, between Route 50 and Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, VA. This memorial, also known as the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, is dedicated to the marines who gave their lives during one of the most historic battles of World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima.

19. Jefferson Memorial
© National Cherry Blossom Festival
15th Street, SW. Washington, DC. One of Washington, DC's most popular attractions, this dome-shaped rotunda honors the nation's third president. The 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson is located on the Tidal Basin, surrounded by a grove of trees making it especially beautiful during Cherry Blossom season in the spring.

20. Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
2700 F. St. NW, Washington, DC. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet and American Film Institute. Performances include theatre, musicals, dance, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, & folk music; youth and family programs and multi-media shows. Free daily performances are held on the Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer.

21. Korean War Veterans Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Daniel French Drive and Independence Avenue, SW. Washington, DC. Our nation honors those who were killed, captured, wounded or remain missing in action during the Korean War (1950 -1953). Nineteen figures represent every ethnic background. The statues are supported by a granite wall with 2,400 faces of land, sea and air support troops. A Pool of Remembrance lists the names of the lost Allied Forces.

22. Lafayette Park
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
16th & Pennsylvania Ave., NW (across from the White House), Washington, DC. The seven-acre park provides a prominent arena for public protests, ranger programs and special events. Buildings surrounding the park include the White House, the Old Executive Office Building, the Department of the Treasury, Decatur House, Renwick Gallery, The White House Historical Association, Hay-Adams Hotel and The Department of Veterans Affairs.

23. Library of Congress
© Capital Region USA
101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC. The world’s largest library contains more than 128 million items including books, manuscripts, films, photographs, sheet music and maps. Visitors can explore the library and navigate books through page-turning technology and learn how America’s greatest thinkers were inspired.

24. Lincoln Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
23rd St. NW, Washington, DC. The memorial is one of Washington, DC's top attractions and occupies a prominent space on the National Mall. It is a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln, who fought to preserve our nation during the Civil War, from 1861-1865. The Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many famous speeches and events since its dedication in 1922.

25. National Air & Space Museum
© Smithsonian Institution
Independence Ave. at 7th St. SW Washington, DC. NASM displays the largest collection of air and spacecraft in the world. Visit here and learn about the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. There are IMAX films and planetarium shows several times a day.

26. National Archives
© Richard Schneider/National Archives
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Washington, DC. The National Archives and Records Administration stores and provides public access to the original documents that set up the American government as a democracy in 1774. See the United States Government's Charters of Freedom, the U. S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.

27. National Building Museum
© National Building Museum
401 F Street NW Washington, DC. The museum examines America's architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. Exhibits include photographs and models of buildings in Washington, DC and offer insight into the history and future of our built environment. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and special events, including informative lectures, interesting demonstrations and great family programs.

28. National Cathedral
© National Cathedral
Wisconsin & Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC. The Cathedral is an impressive structure, English Gothic in style, with exquisite architectural sculpture, wood carving, gargoyles, mosaics, and more than 200 stained glass windows. The top of the Gloria in Excelsis Tower, the highest point in Washington, DC offers dramatic views of the city. The grounds include beautiful gardens and a gift shop.

29. National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden
© National Gallery of Art
7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Washington, DC's most popular attraction for art lovers is a world-class museum that displays one of the largest collections of masterpieces in the world including an international collection of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and decorative arts from the 13th century to the present. A six-acre sculpture garden includes 17 major sculptures by internationally renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Mark di Suvero, Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, and Tony Smith. Free jazz concerts are held in the garden on Friday evenings during the summer months.

30. National Geographic Museum
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
17th and M Sts. NW Washington, DC. The high-tech exhibit hall houses exhibits that explore nature and human cultures around the world through spectacular photography and interactive displays. The National Geographic Museum is a small museum that appeals to all ages and takes about an hour to visit.

31. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
400 block of E Street, NW Washington, DC. The memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcers for their dedication and sacrifice. Bronze sculptures depict a series of adult lions protecting its cubs, symbolizing the protective role of law enforcement officers. Blue-gray marble walls are inscribed with the names of more than 17,500 officers who have been killed in the line of duty (dating back to 1792).

32. National Museum of African Art
© Smithsonian Institution
950 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC. The Smithsonian museum features a collection that includes ancient as well as contemporary works from Africa. There are special events, storytelling, demonstrations and children’s programs.

33. National Museum of American History
© Smithsonian Institution
14th Street and Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC. The museum displays more than 3 million artifacts of American history and culture, from the War of Independence to the present day. The Smithsonian's world class museum offers a wide range of exhibits that demonstrate the diversity of America’s history and culture.

34. National Museum of the American Indian
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
4th St. and Independence Ave., SW. Washington, DC. The Smithsonian museum showcases Native American objects from ancient pre-Columbian civilizations through the 21st century. Multimedia presentations, live performances and hands-on demonstrations bring the Native American people’s history and culture to life. The museum also features films, performances of music and dance, tours, lectures, craft demonstrations and special programs.

35. National Museum of Natural History
© Smithsonian Institution
10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC. This Smithsonian museum is one of Washington, DC's most popular attractions. It houses a collection of more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. The museum is a favorite with kids, but has plenty to intrigue all ages. Popular displays include dinosaur skeletons, an enormous collection of natural gems and minerals, artifacts of early man, an insect zoo, a live coral reef and much more.

36. National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
750 9th St. NW, Washington, DC. The restored historic building in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of downtown Washington, DC, houses two museums in one building. The National Portrait Gallery presents six permanent exhibitions of nearly 20,000 works ranges from paintings and sculpture to photographs and drawings. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is the home of the largest collection of American art in the world including more than 41,000 artworks, spanning more than three centuries.

37. National Postal Museum
© Smithsonian Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC. The museum displays the largest stamp collection in the world and examines the development of the postal system using interactive displays. This museum is located under Washington's old Main Post Office near Union Station.

38. National Zoo
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC. One of the most kid-friendly places to visit in Washington, DC is the National Zoo where you can see more than 400 different species of animals. Among some of the favorites are giant pandas, other bears, lions, giraffes, tigers, monkeys, sea lions, and much more.

39. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
© Navy Memorial
701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC. The Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center in Washington DC honor and commemorate the sailors of the United States Navy. The memorial is an outdoor public plaza and the Heritage Center serves as a place to learn about the history and heritage of the men and women of the sea services.

40. Navy Museum (Navy Yard)
9th and M Sts. SE, Building 76 Washington, DC. The former shipyard for the United States Navy houses the Navy Museum and the Navy Art Gallery with exhibits and artwork from the Revolutionary War to the present day. This is a great attraction for kids because of its interactive exhibits including naval artifacts, model ships, undersea vehicles, sub periscopes, a space capsule, a decommissioned destroyer and much more.

41. Renwick Gallery
© Smithsonian Institution
Pennsylvania Ave. and 17th St. NW Washington, DC. The Smithsonian museum highlights American crafts and contemporary arts from the 19th to 21st centuries. The Renwick Gallery features unique works of art including clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood.

42. Rock Creek Park
© National Park Service
Washington, DC’s urban park extends from the Potomac River to the border of Maryland. Visitors can picnic, hike, bike, rollerblade, play tennis, fish, horseback ride, listen to a concert, or attend programs with a park ranger. Children can participate in a wide range of special programs at Rock Creek Park, including planetarium shows, animal talks, exploratory hikes, crafts, and junior ranger programs.

43. Supreme Court
USDA Ken Hammond
One 1st St., NE Washington, DC. The Supreme Court is in session October through April and visitors may view sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Supreme Court Building is open throughout the year from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors can participate in a variety of educational programs, explore exhibits and see a 25-minute film on the Supreme Court.

44. Theodore Roosevelt Island
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
George Washington Memorial Parkway. The 91-acre wilderness preserve serves as a memorial to the nation's 26th president, honoring his contributions to conservation of public lands for forests, national parks, wildlife and bird refuges, and monuments. Theodore Roosevelt Island has 2 1/2 miles of foot trails where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna. A 17-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt stands in the center of the island.

45. Udvar-Hazy Center
© Smithsonian Institution
14390 Air & Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's companion facility, located adjacent to Washington Dulles International Airport, provides a second location with exhibits such as the massive space shuttle Enterprise, the Lockheed SR-71 and numerous aircraft, spacecraft and other artifacts.

46. U S Holocaust Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC. The museum is a memorial to the millions who died during the Nazi regime in Germany during World War II. The permanent exhibition presents a narrative history of the Holocaust, the annihilation of 6 million European Jews By Nazi Germany from 1933 – 1945. The exhibit uses more than 900 artifacts, 70 video monitors, and four theaters showing film footage and eyewitness testimonies of Nazi concentration camp survivors.

47. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Constitution Ave. and Henry Bacon Dr. NW Washington, DC. One of the most visited Washington, DC attractions, the Vietnam Memorial, features a v-shaped granite wall that is inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam War. Across the lawn is a life size bronze sculpture of three young servicemen.

48. Washington Monument
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Constitution Ave. and 15th St. SW Washington, DC. The memorial to George Washington, our nation's first president, is the most prominent landmark in Washington, DC and stands as the centerpiece of the National Mall. It is the tallest structure in Washington, DC and measures 555 feet 5 1/8 inches high. You can ride the elevator to the top and see a birds-eye view of the city.

49. White House
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC. The White House is the oldest public building in Washington, DC and has been the home of every president except George Washington. Public tours of the White House are limited to groups of 10 or more and must be requested through one's member of Congress. The White House Visitor Center is open to all and features a 30-minute video and exhibits about White House architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders.

50. World War II Memorial
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues. This beautiful structure serves as a peaceful place to remember those who served our country during World War II. The World War II Memorial is an oval shape with two 43-foot arches, representing the war's Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Fifty-six pillars represent the states, territories and the District of Columbia at the time of the war. Two sculpted bronze wreaths adorn each pillar. Small fountains sit at the bases of the two arches.