With summer nearly upon us, you might be looking for some ideas for days out in the DMV. In this post, we share some ideas of things you can do in the area.

A great day out doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, so let’s get started with three ideas for free days out in DMV.

Memorial Park and National Mall

Both of these are iconic venues can be appreciated time and time again. All of the monuments are free to visit, and the National Park Service Tours offer regular free guided tours.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail

Beginning in Georgetown, take a scenic tour (walk, jog or run) taking in some of the monumental buildings along the way.

Library of Congress

Regardless if you have been there already, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the District. It was first opened in 1897, and there are occasional free tours where you can view and learn more about the architecture and art that belong to the world’s largest library.

Here are three of the more unusual things you can do on a day trip in the DMV.

Visit the International Spy Museum

Here, you can enter into the not-so-secret world of the spies and learn about the tools, techniques, and tales of spies throughout history. Once you have finished touring the huge range of items on display, some from famous movies such as Mission Impossible, there is an interactive game you in which you get to walk in the shoes of a spy.

National Bonsai Museum

Some of the items here date back to 1625 and survived the Hiroshima bombing! There are so many different styles and species here to see.

Washington National Cathedral

Did you know that the space window at the Cathedral contains an actual piece of the moon that was brought back from the Apollo 11 spacecraft? It was presented to the Cathedral by Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins.

Finally, we will conclude the post with three fun things to do in the DMV.

National Air and Space Museum

Guests and young astronauts will enjoy live presentations, space stations, aircraft, and missiles. You can even touch a real lunar sample!

Rock Creek Park

One of the best places for those who love to skate, run, bike, and ride horses. The park offers more than thirty miles of stunning trails, along with places such as the Old Mill and historic Civil War earthworks. You can also download a free guided tour on your mobile phone or take a guided hike. There are regular shows at the planetarium in the Nature Center, and, if you are traveling with kids, there are toys and period clothing items to get dressed up in on offer as well.

National Zoologic Park

A trip to the zoo is a great day out that can be enjoyed by all ages. The zoo is open year-round and is home to more than two thousand different animals. The giant pandas are simply adorable and a must-see.

Would you like some more ideas of fun activities in the DMV? Read our article Out and About: Plan a Staycation or Getaway in the DC Area.