Plan a fun-filled, family-friendly holiday weekend in the nation’s capital
Spring is a wonderful time to visit DC, so why not take advantage of one of the season’s holidays to explore all the vibrant city has to offer? We’ve detailed a mix of timely and family-friendly things to do that are sure to make an Easter weekend trip to the District memorable.
Check out a kid-friendly museum
DC’s wealth of museums and attractions means there are always magical places where kids are transported from the ho-hum of touring to the “Wow!” of experiencing. Many of these sites feature interactive exhibits and entertainment to help capture the attention of even the smallest sightseer.
Stay at a family-friendly hotel
The District’s status as a family-friendly destination can’t be denied, as the nation’s capital is filled with free things to do and also features America’s most famous monuments and memorials. The city makes for an engaging and educational destination for the kids, and there are numerous DC hotels sure to make your family’s visit that much more enjoyable, with many offering seasonal deals and discounts.
Take advantage of free things to do all over the city
It’s easy to budget for a holiday weekend in DC thanks to the fact that so many of its coolest attractions, including Smithsonian museums and monuments and memorials, are free to visit. There are also free seasonal activities to enjoy, as well as arts and culture-focused things to do and off-the-beaten-path attractions to visit.
Treat the family to dinner at an award-winning restaurant
Since you’ve saved so much thanks to DC’s awesome hotel deals and free things to do, you can splurge on dinner or lunch at an award-winning restaurant in the city. Don’t worry; there’s a bounty of high-value and family-friendly fast-casual spots as well.
Events
Bond In Motion – March 1 – April 2025
Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Print Generation – through April 27, 2025
Early in the 20th century, a new generation of Japanese print artists took hold of the entire process of creation, from designing to carving to printing. The new approach, known as “sōsaku hanga”, led to raw and unique works throughout a period of turmoil in Japan. Many of these fascinating pieces are on display in this exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Through July 6, 2025
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return – Through July 6, 2025
The National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present an exhibition that goes in-depth on artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ engagement with portraiture, identity and history. Gonzalez-Torres’ groundbreaking work revolutionized the artform, elevating the notion of what a portrait could be.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay – Through Summer 2025
In honor of one of the great fiber artists, the National Museum of the American Indian showcases 48 works by DY Begay. Across these dozens of tapestries, Begay explores her homeland and heritage through a divine sense of color, stirring innovation and sharp eye for design. Her pieces effectively illustrate a non-Western way of being to contemporary audiences.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo – Through Aug. 17, 2025
The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors three of the most important female American artists of Japanese descent in the years leading up to World War II. Across eight decades, the careers of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo helped shape modern American art. This exhibit examines the three trailblazers like never before, tracing their artistic evolution before, during and after the internment and displacement of Japanese Americans during World War II.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture – Through Sept. 14, 2025
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025
The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
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