Free Activities in D.C.
🎟️ Sometimes you can make same day reservation but I highly recommend making a reservation early online because they can be booked out for weeks! You can view the visitor center without a pass but to go further into the Capitol you must be booked on a tour. All tours are 100% free.
🕰️ The tour lasts around an hour and a half. You get to visit the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and the Crypt.
♿️ All Capitol tours offer wheelchair rentals, adaptive tours, and sign language interpretation and all films have open captioning and standard listening devices are available!
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
🎟️ Tickets must be reserved in advanced at the Smithsonian website but are 100% free.
🕰️ Open Daily from 10 AM - 5:30 PM, except Christmas. You should plan to spend at least half your day here.
♿️ The Museum has a wheelchair accessible ramp on the Independence Avenue SW , just west of the intersection with 6th Street SW. An elevator is available at the entrance to the Innovations gallery and the The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age gallery. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan while visiting the museum. Sensory bags includes noise reduction headphones, fidget toys, and other tools to help make the museum more accessible for neurodiverse visitors. These bags can be checked out at the Southwest Airlines Welcome Center on a first come, first served basis.
DISCLAIMER The National Air and Space Museum is undergoing a multi-year renovation, which began in 2018. The first eight galleries opened in October 2022 and the remaining galleries and spaces will reopen in phases from spring 2025 through 2026.
🎟️ A limited number of timed-entry tickets are available for each day the library is open, can be booked up to 30 days in advance on their website and a limited number of same day tickets are released at 9AM the day of.
🕰️ The self-guided tour lasts about 90 minutes. There is a tunnel that connects the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress that makes visiting both in one day very easy!
♿️ For touch tours and any ADA accommodations other than interpreting please contact the ADA coordinator by mail, phone or email.
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Washington, D.C. is teeming with free activities that cater to history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and bibliophiles alike. The U.S. Capitol offers free guided tours, providing insights into America’s legislative process while showcasing stunning architecture. Don't miss the National Statuary Hall and the Crypt, which are highlights of the one-and-a-half-hour tour. At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, explore the awe-inspiring exhibits ranging from the Wright Brothers' historic flight to current space explorations. Be sure to check ahead for any ticket requirements during the ongoing renovation. Plan for at least half a day to absorb the numerous displays and interact with hands-on exhibits. Finally, visiting the Library of Congress is a must for any literary lover. Marvel at its grandeur while enjoying a self-guided tour that takes you through its remarkable collections. The seamless connection between the Capitol and the Library allows for an easy day trip between these two monumental sites. With advance reservations often available for same-day entry, visiting these cultural pillars is made even easier. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, make the most of your visit to Washington, D.C. by taking advantage of these enriching, cost-free experiences!
