What to do in Washington DC for cheap or free???

Question

I am going to DC this weekend and am looking for fun and interesting things to do for cheap or for free. I will have my 5 year old son with me, so possibly age appropriate for him too.

Answer 1

You're in luck!
All the Smithsonian Museums are free.
Here's there website that tells you about each one, what exhibits are there, and you can print a Visitor Guide and map.
http://www.si.edu/visit/
The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian, so it's free (metro stop National Zoo)
In addition you can visit the U.S Capital, {For information on free, guided tours, call [phone]. To obtain passes to see the House and Senate in session, call your representative or one of your senators at [phone]}, The White House (get there EARLY in the morning so you'll be at the head of the line),
all the memorials,
There's the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (metro station Catholic University_
and the National Cathedral (metro station Woodey Park)
Here's a link of all the free things to do and places to visit
http://www.dcpages.com/Tourism/Attractions_and_Memorials/
and here's a map of the Metro System
http://www.wmata.com/maps/metrorail_street_map.cfm
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Monuments and memorials, eclectic neighbourhoods, correct regional flavor it's this that Washington, DC is; a place unlike every other; just like this site hotelbye . Washington it's your home abroad with free museums and America's top yard. Washington is recognized around the world as a mark of the United States. Here, the spot you cannot skip is the Capitol. Capitol may be the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The huge dome, on the basis of the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, sticks out most importantly different Washington buildings. Like Washington itself, the building has developed over the years since the key portion was developed between 1793 and 1812. The last addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the key façade where presidents get the oath. On the other part, a marble terrace presents lovely views on the mall and the city. The inner is resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, specially the rotunda underneath the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and big paintings of scenes from American history on the walls.

Answer 3

Almost everything cultural is free in Washington. There are tons of museums you can visit for free (go to the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums), at the Kennedy Center there are free concerts daily at around 6 or 6:30.

Answer 4

The National Zoo was free when we went and I checked it on-line and it still is.There is a fee for parking in Zoo lots (Parking Rates). . My kids loved it and it was not to far from the museums, but be prepared to walk a lot. They also loved the Natural History museum and going to see the back of the penny. There is a ton of stuff to do there, we have been there a few times with the kids and they have enjoyed every time. You will have fun.
Go to these site and hunt around they looked like they would be of interest to you planing your trip.
This one is a map of the DC sites to see.
http://map.mapnetwork.com/flash/?id=15329

Answer 5

See a FREE show at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage - the center puts on GREAT free performances every day at 6pm, for more info visit http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html

Here's what's happening at Millennium Stage this weekend

Friday, September 15, 2006
Asha Vattikuti
LOCAL DANCE COMMISSIONING PROJECT
Asha Vattikuti, who specializes in Kathak—a classical dance style of Northern India—presents Gul-E-Bakawali, the story of Prince Taj-Ul-Muluk and the fairy Princess Bakawali. Collaborator Laurel Victoria Gray and Silk Road Dance Company perform the Middle Eastern dances.

Saturday, September 16, 2006
Nanci Griffith
OUTDOORS ON THE SOUTH PLAZA – PART OF THE 22ND ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE ARTS FESTIVAL
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for Nanci Griffith, hailed by Rolling Stone as “the Queen of Folkabilly.” The Grammy Award®–winning singer/songwriter brings together folk and country in such classics as “Gulf Coast Highway.” Click here for more information on other Open House Arts Festival events.

Sunday, September 17, 2006
Tremé Brass Band
2006 NEA NATIONAL HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT
The Tremé Brass Band brings a fresh exuberance to New Orleans jazz by mixing elements of funk, soul, and modern jazz to the delight of all listeners.

Answer 6

Fabulous Smithsonian museums are free...
Air and Space Museum
Museum of American History
Museum of the American Indian
National Zoo...

Visit Lincoln Memorial too, and Jefferson Memorial...

Answer 7

The National Zoo would be a great choice, and he would probably be fascinated by the Air and Space Museum.

Answer 8

You could go visit the Fredericksburg area of Virginia, a lot of incredible history there, and in the immediate area! It is about 55 miles South/Southwest of D.C., and well worth the visit!

SEE:
http://www.visitfred.com/
http://www.fredericksburgva.gov/

Answer 9

If you go to this website:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/cityguide/?nav=left

You will find things to do for this weekend (or any other). Plus you can search for kid-friendly things too.

I use this every Friday to plan my weekends.

Answer 10

In addition to the great tips others have provided, be sure to read our Washington, D.C. travelogue for more ideas for your trip: http://www.thetravelzine.com

Have a great time in Washington!