Free Things to Do: Spring in Washington, DC

The National Cherry Blossom Festival isn't just a celebration of the blossoms—it's a three-week-long cultural festival held across the city. The full calendar of events includes the Opening Ceremony, the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza  and the Parade, among many other events. Many of these are free to attend or enjoy online. The National Park Service will share a peak bloom forecast as spring draws closer, which we'll share here. The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts four to seven days after peak bloom begins, but the blossoms can last for up to two weeks under ideal conditions.

Seeing the blossoms on the National Mall is essential during any spring vacation to DC, but your flower exploration does not have to stop there. Check out the Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral, which was planned to suit the 14th-century-style Gothic cathedral, or check out the Rock Creek Park, which offers blooming wildlife all year long.

Passport DC (May 1-31) offers a month of programming across the city that focuses on highlighting international cultures. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge.

Washington, DC is always celebrating the success of all women in the nation’s capital. Be proud of what women have accomplished and check out the numerous ways you can celebrate amazing women in DC, including visiting the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

The Tidal Basin, including the cherry blossoms that surround the incredible Stone of Hope at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and East Potomac Park are not the only places to feature cherry blossoms in DC. Stanton Park in historic Capitol Hill features a dramatic display of the trees, as does the U.S. National Arboretum.

The Wharf’s Recreation Pier is perfect for catching some rays in its lounge chairs, or you can take a seat at any of its outdoor desks. There are also modern swing sets, where you can swing back and forth while admiring breathtaking views of the Washington Channel. 

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Located on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, adjacent to the Arlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillon was a gift from the Dutch to the U.S. in 1954 as thanks for assistance during World War II. The grounds on which the open steel tower sit are perfect for picnicking and provide a glorious vista of the DC skyline.

Smithsonian's National Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with entry passes required. Families can see a wide range of species from habitats all over the world. Make sure to visit the Zoo's website for more information about what to expect.