Who doesn’t appreciate the springtime in the greater D.C. area of a long winter? With so many things to do in D.C., there is nothing better than getting out and exploring free things to do around the city. Read on to learn about all the wonderful free things to do in Washington D.C. to check out this spring!
Top Free Things to Do in Washington D.C. This Spring
National Cherry Blossom Festival: The festival runs from March 20 to April 17, with signature events and performances. Visit the Tidal Basin for stunning views of the cherry blossoms, best enjoyed during sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.
Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo: This spring, see the debut of siamangs, Adi and Guntur, alongside other exciting exhibits. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and support wildlife conservation.
Walk the C&O Canal in Georgetown: Explore the revitalized Georgetown section of the C&O Canal with scenic strolls or runs, and enjoy nearby cafes. A canal boat will also be offering tours this spring.
Passport D.C.: This month-long celebration in May features cultural events such as embassy open houses, live performances, and festivals celebrating global cultures.
Explore Planet Word Museum: A newly opened interactive museum where language comes to life. General admission is free with a suggested donation.
Visit the Library of Congress: As the largest library in the world, this site offers historic collections, stunning architecture, and events like lectures and concerts.
Bloomaro Celebration and Fireworks at The Wharf: Head to The Wharf on April 2 for a day of Cherry Blossom celebrations, featuring live performances, art, food, and a grand fireworks display.
Picnic at Georgetown Waterfront Park: Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at this 10-acre park with lovely views of the Potomac River, complete with a labyrinth and beautiful spring blooms.
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum: Located at the U.S. National Arboretum, this museum showcases exquisite bonsai trees, offering a serene and romantic setting for a stroll.
Washington Monuments at Night: Experience the iconic Washington monuments illuminated at night for a magical and unforgettable visit, perfect for a quiet reflection or a date night.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Nothing is more symbolic of spring than Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. Taking a stroll around the Tidal Basin loop to spy the Cherry Blossom trees in all their glory during their short-lived yet spectacular bloom—usually at the end of March or the beginning of April—is a right of passage for all D.C. residents.
You’ll want to arrive either first thing in the morning or later in the day to avoid the big crowds. To capture the most breathtaking images, take advantage of a sunrise or sunset trip.
Check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 – April 17th for an array of signature events and performances at this year’s festival.
Visit the New Siamangs, Adi and Guntur at the Smithsonian National Zoo
You don’t need a reason to visit the zoo in spring…it just makes sense. It’s a perfect way to get outdoors after the long cold winter and enjoy all that the Smithsonian National Zoo has to offer.
This spring, siamangs, Adi and Guntur will be making their debut appearance for visitors to see for the first time since their arrival last fall. Learn more about Adi and Guntur and check out other happenings at the zoo this spring.
Take A Walk Along the Historic C&O Canal in Georgetown
The Georgetown section of the C&O Canal has undergone a revitalization and is the perfect place to go for a run or stroll. Enjoy a late morning walk and then visit one of the many nearby cafes or bakeries for a special treat and relax by the canal.
This spring there will even be a Georgetown Canal boat offering scenic tours. Visit Georgetown Heritage to learn more about the canal boat and upcoming events.
Experience a Variety of Cultural Events with Passport D.C.
Passport D.C. is a month-long celebration throughout May that highlights D.C.’s international diplomacy and celebrates cultures from around the globe.
A variety of organizations across the district will offer cultural programming from embassy open houses and tours to festivals, food, and live performances—there will be something for everyone.
Check out Passport D.C. for a list of events happening this May you won’t want to miss out on!
Stop by the Planet Word Museum
A newer museum opened in 2020, Planet Word is “The museum where language comes to life.” Visitors of all ages will enjoy an interactive experience in this voice-activated museum located in the historic Franklin School.
General admission is free with a suggested donation. Check out Planet Word for more information and upcoming special exhibits.
Visit the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the largest in the world. That’s right…in the world! It has millions of books, artifacts, photographs, maps, and other documented gems within its walls.
The Main Reading Room is an impressive must-see as is The Great Hall. The library is where the United States Copyright office is located and it’s also an important location for the U.S. Congress to do research.
The library hosts lectures, workshops, concerts, and other events throughout the year including movies on the lawn in the summertime.
Check out the Library of Congress to see a list of upcoming events or to find ways to stay in touch and engage with this very important institution.
Head to the Bloomaro Celebration and Stay for the Fireworks
Head to The Wharf on April 2nd to celebrate the Cherry Blossom blooms for a day and night of fun-filled activities. The family-friendly event will have live performances, plenty of art, entertainment, food, and drink. The night will end with a spectacular fireworks display—you won’t want to miss this fun-filled event!`
Check out the calendar of events for Bloomaro and other happenings at The Wharf this spring.
Pack a Picnic and Spend an Afternoon at Georgetown Waterfront Park
Georgetown Waterfront Park is a 10-acre national park situated in historic Georgetown along the banks of the Potomac River. The park offers plenty of shady nooks to throw a blanket down and enjoy a spring picnic.
Be sure to check out the park’s labyrinth at the west end of the park, and keep an eye out for all those spring blooms.
Step Into the World of Bonsai at The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Located on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum, The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum boasts a stunning open-air display of artfully crafted bonsai trees.
The museum is the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon walk while taking in the horticultural art and makes for a very romantic date too!
Take in the Majestic Washington Monuments at Night
There’s something magic about outdoor task lighting at night—the shadows they cast, the beautiful architectural details they illuminate. Illuminating special, beautiful objects with light turns an object into an artful experience.
Visiting the Washington Monuments at night, while they’re all lit up is a whole different experience than seeing them during the day. It is an enchanting experience that will for sure become a core memory.
Walking under the moonlight while reflecting on the history of our nation makes a great date night too!
Exploring D.C. in the Spring
If you love D.C. in the springtime and are interested in exploring the idea of living in our nation’s capital, check out our apartments available for lease. We have properties spanning across the district in the best neighborhoods in D.C. Whether you’re seeking a quaint community neighborhood or a bustling urban city living experience, we have an apartment with the perfect amenities in a great D.C. neighborhood for you.
Check out our apartment buildings to find a location that’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle, like The Parkwest Apartments and Sedgwick Gardens for unbelievable locations right on Connecticut Avenue in NW DC.
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Ready to see what DC Apartments for Rent has to offer? Schedule a visit today and discover your new home in the heart of Washington DC!
FAQs: Exploring Free Spring Activities in Washington D.C.
What is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 17. It celebrates the beautiful cherry blossoms in D.C., with signature events and performances. The best time to visit the Tidal Basin to view the blossoms is either early in the morning or during sunset to avoid large crowds and capture stunning photos.
What can I see at the Smithsonian National Zoo this spring?
This spring, you can see the debut of siamangs, Adi and Guntur, at the Smithsonian National Zoo. The zoo is a perfect place to explore the outdoors while enjoying various animal exhibits and wildlife conservation efforts.
What can I do at the C&O Canal in Georgetown?
The Georgetown section of the C&O Canal has been revitalized and is perfect for a relaxing stroll or run. You can also enjoy nearby cafes or bakeries. This spring, there will be scenic tours offered by a Georgetown Canal boat.
What is Passport D.C. and when does it take place?
Passport D.C. is a month-long event held in May that celebrates D.C.’s international diplomacy and highlights global cultures. It includes a variety of cultural programs, embassy open houses, food festivals, and live performances throughout the district.
What is the Planet Word Museum?
The Planet Word Museum, located in the historic Franklin School, is an interactive museum where visitors of all ages can engage with language through voice-activated exhibits. Admission is free with a suggested donation.
Why should I visit the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, housing millions of books, artifacts, and documents. It offers visitors the chance to explore impressive architectural spaces, including the Main Reading Room and The Great Hall, and attend lectures, concerts, and other events.
What is the Bloomaro celebration at The Wharf?
On April 2, The Wharf hosts the Bloomaro celebration to mark the cherry blossom season. It includes live performances, art, food, and a grand fireworks display, making for a fun-filled day and evening.
Where can I have a picnic in Washington D.C. this spring?
Georgetown Waterfront Park is a beautiful 10-acre park along the Potomac River, perfect for a spring picnic. The park features shaded spots and scenic views, as well as a labyrinth and beautiful spring blooms to enjoy.
What can I see at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum?
Located at the U.S. National Arboretum, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum features an impressive collection of bonsai trees. It’s an ideal place for a peaceful afternoon walk, perfect for nature lovers or a romantic date.
What is special about visiting the Washington Monuments at night?
Visiting the Washington Monuments at night offers a unique and magical experience. The monuments are beautifully illuminated, showcasing their architectural details, and walking beneath them in the moonlight is an enchanting way to reflect on the nation’s history.
