5 Fun Things to do in Washington D.C.

The National Zoo

The National Zoo in Washington D.C. packs over 400 species on exhibit over 166 acres. The zoo features animals from around the world, including Asian giant pandas, stingrays native to the Amazon River basin, and African savannah herds.

While the National Zoo is a fun thing to do in Washington D.C. all on its own, several special events scheduled throughout the year add dimension to the experience. Special events at the zoo include live musical entertainment, gourmet food excursions, wine- and micro-brew tasting events, and holiday-themed festivals.

For more on the animals of the city, check out the full Washington D.C. Zoo article.

The National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is part of the Smithsonian Institute, located directly on the National Mall. The museum tops off lists of fun things to do in Washington D.C. due to the enormity of the flying and space travel machinery on display.

Visitors of the National Air and Space Museum view the evolution of flying through impressive models and displays, starting with the very first airplane built by the Wright Brothers, the Wright Flyer. NASM is simply unmatched in its collection with other definitive pieces such as the Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11, and the Apollo Lunar Module. Gaining perspective on the history of flight is a fun thing to do in Washington D.C.

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Your first glance of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will explain why it is a fun thing to do in Washington D.C. The building itself is a piece of contemporary architectural art, with its circular concept that allows for walkways underneath the building into the large, open courtyard with fountain in the center.

The pieces featured at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden are modern, from famous artists such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, and Milton Avery.  Viewing the thought-provoking artwork of the Hirshhorn is a fun thing to do in Washington D.C.

The Lost Symbol Tour in Washington D.C.

In Dan Brown’s novel The Lost Symbol, symbologist Robert Langdon takes us through an exciting tour of Washington D.C. on his quest to locate the lost symbol to unlock ancient mysteries. Fans of the story can view the locations and famous landmarks featured in the book on The Lost Symbol Tour.

The tour stops at the US Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Museum complex, US Botanical Gardens, the Washington Cathedral, and the Library of Congress. The tour is a fun thing to do in Washington D.C. even for those who have not read the book.

The International Spy Museum

Visitors of the International Spy Museum choose a cover identity on a mission before entering the exhibit space and are stopped and questioned by museum staff dressed as police about their mission. This interactive portion of the International Spy Museum makes it a fun thing to do in Washington D.C.

The museum features modern, interactive displays that place visitors in the thick of intelligence work and the exciting world of international espionage dating back from ancient civilizations.

Need to have some fun after the sun goes does? Check out the best clubs in Washington D.C.