2020-02-13 12:17:30
Enjoy marvelous museums, majestic memorials, outdoor activities and performances for free in DC. For more free things to do, check out washington.org. 1. CELEBRATE THE WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL The year 2020 marks the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the constitutional right to vote in the U.S. DC offers a plethora of programs that showcase and educate on this monumental occasion. Participating organizations include the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution. 2. STEP INTO THE WILD AT THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO More than 2,700 animals across 390 species call the National Zoo home. Giant pandas, orangutans, elephants, zebras … you have a lot of exploring to do. Kids will love the Me and the Bee Playground, featuring larger-than-life bee replicas and towering flowers. 3. PAY HOMAGE TO SACRIFICE AT THE WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL Sept. 2, 2020 marks 75 years since the conclusion of World War II and there’s no better place to pay tribute than at the National Mall’s contemplative memorial. To the north and south of the memorial’s central fountain are arches symbolizing America’s victories in the Pacific and the Atlantic. 4. TAKE IN FREE PERFORMANCES DURING DC JAZZ FESTIVAL The DC Jazz Festival (June 12-21) spreads smooth sounds and grooves throughout the nation’s capital. In addition to its many exciting paid concerts, the festival also offers Jazz ‘n’ Families Fun Days, which lets the kids try out instruments. Jazz in the ‘Hoods brings live shows to venues all over the city, many of which are free. 5. ELEVATE TO THE TOP OF THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT The recently reopened crown jewel of the National Mall now offers a state-of-the-art elevator that takes you on an epic journey to the top of the 555-foot-tall obelisk, leading to an incredible view that stretches nearly 25 miles into the horizon in either direction. Tickets can be reserved online or attained day-of beginning at 8:30 am. 6. CATCH A PERFORMANCE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER Experience a free show every day at 6 pm on The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, which hosts acts ranging from live music to comedy shows to plays. Check the calendar at the on-site REACH campus, which includes an arts cafe, an outdoor stage and multiple venues that regularly host free performances. 7. COOL OFF AT THE KOGOD COURTYARD Natural light pours through the undulating glass roof of this atrium, a covered oasis that occupies the middle passage between the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Flowing water features, a cafe and tables and chairs make it a popular place to rest, read or relax. 8. EMBRACE THE ABSTRACT AT GLENSTONE The indoor-outdoor private museum located 40 minutes outside of DC presents a holistic experience of contemporary art, modern architecture and breathtaking installations. One of its newest additions, The Pavilions, includes works by Jackson Pollock, Barbara Kruger and Andy Warhol. Note that children ages 12 and under are not permitted and online reservations are strongly suggested. 9. REVEL IN NATURE AT KENILWORTH PARK & AQUATIC GARDENS Located along the Anacostia River, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens equals paradise for lovers of the outdoors. You can see its famous water lilies and lotus flowers, spot some wildlife and pack a picnic, too – there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a sunny day. 10. ADMIRE THE LARGEST PUBLICLY HELD COLLECTION OF AFRICAN ART IN THE U.S. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art features roughly 12,000 objects, providing a detailed and insightful portrait of artistic expressions in Africa. Docent-led tours through the museum are recommended and note that the museum frequently hosts workshops, panel discussions and film screenings. For more free things to do, visit WASHINGTON.ORG
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