1. Party
Although you can’t legally drink in the District if you’re under 21, it’s still fun to gather a group of friends and hit the dance floor. A limited number of DC clubs allow entry for the 18+ crowd; a few are listed below.
Try:
Ultra Bar, 911 F St., NW; 202-638-4663; https://ultrabardc.com/
Decades DC (Thursday nights only), 1219 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-650-7326; https://decadesdc.com/
9:30 Club, 815 V St., NW; 202-265-0930; https://www.930.com/
2. Shop
DC is a fabulous destination for retail therapy. With luxury stores, local boutiques, and vintage vendors, the shopping scene features many different ways to liberate money from your wallet.
Try:
M Street, Georgetown, https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/m-street/
Georgetown Flea Market (Sunday only), http://www.georgetownfleamarket.com/
Tysons Corner Center, https://www.tysonscornercenter.com/
CityCenter DC, https://www.citycenterdc.com/
Union Market, https://unionmarketdc.com/shop/
3. Explore the monuments
Sometimes it’s okay to be a tourist, especially in DC. Take in the sights of the National Mall while cruising on a bike, or step inside a few monuments: an elevator can bring you 500 feet up to the top of the Washington Monument (free if you get same-day tickets, $1 for advanced registration), or you can check out the new exhibit underneath the Lincoln Memorial (same fees).
Try:
Washington Monument, https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234635
Lincoln Memorial, https://www.nps.gov/linc/planyourvisit/index.htm
Capitol Building, https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/book-a-tour
4. Catch a game
No matter the season, sports are always there for young fans both serious and casual. In the fall, head to Northwest Stadium to see if a healthy Jayden Daniels can lead the Commanders back to the playoffs. In the winter, visit Capital One Arena to see No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa play for the Wizards, or hockey’s greatest goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin.
Try:
Nats, https://www.mlb.com/nationals
Caps, https://www.nhl.com/capitals/
Commanders, https://www.commanders.com/
Wizards, https://www.nba.com/wizards/
Mystics, https://mystics.wnba.com/
DC United, https://www.dcunited.com/
Washington Spirit, https://washingtonspirit.com/
5. Sing-along
Capital One Arena isn’t just for sports; world-renowned artists frequently perform there. And, of course, smaller venues around the city host concerts, too.
Try:
Capital One Arena, 601 F St., NW; https://www.capitalonearena.com/
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St., SW; https://theanthemdc.com/
9:30 Club, 815 V St., NW; https://www.930.com/faq/
The Bullpen, 1201 Half St., SE; https://www.thebullpendc.com/concerts/. Under 21s are allowed but need a parent/guardian.
Black Cat, 1811 14th St., NW; https://www.blackcatdc.com/
6. Hit the water
Both the Potomac and Anacostia rivers run through DC. Rental kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, as well as small cruises are all available for getting out on the water. Two of the most popular waterfront attractions are pedal boats at the Tidal Basin Boathouse and sunset dinner voyages via City Cruises.
Try:
Tidal Basin Boathouse, https://capital.adventuresunbound.com/tidal-basin/
Key Bridge Boathouse, https://capital.adventuresunbound.com/key-bridge-boathouse/
City Cruises DC, https://www.cityexperiences.com/
Anacostia River Keeper, https://www.anacostiariverkeeper.org/
7. See the Smithsonian
DC is home to 17 Smithsonian museums plus a zoo, and all are free. Explore history, art, science, and architecture along the Mall, or take the Red Line to see giant pandas, apes, sea lions, and elephants at the National Zoo.
Try:
Museum of Natural History, https://naturalhistory.si.edu/
Air & Space Museum, https://airandspace.si.edu/
National Museum of African American History & Culture, https://nmaahc.si.edu/
National Portrait Gallery, https://npg.si.edu/home/national-portrait-gallery
National Zoo, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/
8. Uncover hidden gems
Don’t stop at the Smithsonian—other DC museums are worth a look. These spots inform and entertain:
Try:
Planet Word Museum, 925 13th St., NW; 202-931-3139; https://planetwordmuseum.org/
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza, SW; 202-393-7798; https://www.spymuseum.org/
National Geographic Museum, 1600 M St., NW; 202-857-7700; https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en
O Street Museum, 2020 O St., NW; 202-496-2070; https://www.omuseum.org/visit
Museum of Illusions, CityCenterDC, 927 H St., NW; 202-993-5992; https://moiwashington.com/
9. Admire art
The National Gallery houses some of the most iconic art pieces in the world, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts is the world’s first museum “dedicated solely to championing women through the arts.” For under-21s, admission is free at both. DC also features an array of other galleries, gardens, and events with a diverse roster of artists. We’ve listed a few to try, but check out this guide for more spots.
Try:
National Gallery of Art, between 3rd/9th Streets along Constitution Ave.; 202-737-4215; https://www.nga.gov/
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW; 202-783-5000; https://nmwa.org/
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave. at 7th St., SW; 202-357-1429; https://hirshhorn.si.edu/
Dupont Art Walk, https://dupontcirclebid.org/events/artwalk-dupont
Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris St., NW; 202-783-2963; https://zenithgallery.com/
10. Laugh
Check out these comedy clubs that allow entry for 18-and-overs. DC Improv even hosts their own comedy workshops if you’re looking to try standup.
Try:
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-296-7008; https://www.dcimprov.com/
DC Comedy Loft, 1523 22nd St., NW; 202-293-1887; https://www.dccomedyloft.com/
Underground Comedy, https://www.undergroundcomedydc.com/. Events at the DC Drafthouse location allow 18+.
11. Watch a show
DC has a rich performing-arts community and several beautiful and historic theaters to go with it. See performances from groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Ballet, or the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Check each theater’s website to see what they are offering.
Try:
Ford’s Theatre, https://fords.org/
Shakespeare Theatre Company, https://www.shakespearetheatre.org/
Signature Theatre, https://www.sigtheatre.org/
Warner Theatre, https://www.warnertheatredc.com/
12. Sip (coffee)
Who doesn’t love a good morning pick-me-up? Coffee is easy to find in DC, with familiar chains and local shops on nearly every corner. Ethiopian coffee is especially popular in the District.
Try:
Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St., NE; 202-558-6900; https://www.ebenezerscoffeehouse.com/
Dolphin Cafe, 1510 H St., NW, Suite 100; 301-675-2838; https://dolphincafedc.com/
Yellow, Georgetown and Union Market; https://www.yellowthecafe.com/
Bluestone Lane, multiple locations; https://bluestonelane.com/
Swing’s Coffee, multiple locations; https://www.swingscoffee.com/
Gola Ethiopian Coffee, 2159 Industrial Pkwy., Silver Spring; 202-597-8178; https://golaethiopianrestaurant.com/#hero
The Coffee Bar, Shaw and downtown DC; https://www.thecoffeebardc.com/
Blank Street Coffee, M St. and Prospect St.; https://www.blankstreet.com/en-US
Lost Sock Roasters, Takoma and NoMa; https://lostsockroasters.com/
13. Break a sweat
Sometimes you just want to put on a fun set, head to a workout class with a friend, and then grab coffee or a smoothie. Sweat DC, Soulfire, and RTR Pilates are just a few spots that locals love. Additionally, the Georgetown Alo is one of only three locations in the country with in-person fitness classes. DC also has several locations for puppy yoga, but these classes tend to focus more on cuddling with adorable puppies than perfecting poses.
Try:
Sweat DC, multiple locations; https://sweatdc.com/
Soulfire Collective, Bethesda and Arlinton; https://soulfirecollective.com/index.html
RTR Pilates, multiple MD and VA locations; https://rtrpilates.com/
Georgetown Alo, 3200 M St., NW; 771-220-0410; https://www.aloyoga.com/pages/georgetown
Puppies & Yoga, multiple locations; https://puppies-yoga.com/products/washington-dc-studio-2?variant=55704720507220
14. Team up and play
Put on a hazmat suit to complete puzzles before a paint bomb explodes, participate in your own game show, or escape prison. These immersive game experiences are sure to test your and your friends’ skills (and maybe patience).
Try:
Beat the Bomb, 2005 Hecht Ave., NE; 518-207-9440; https://www.beatthebomb.com/locations/dc
Great Big Game Show, 3345 M St., NW; 202-733-6460; https://greatbiggameshow.com/dc/
The Escape Game, Penn Quarter and Georgetown; https://theescapegame.com/dc/
15. Stroll gardens
Spend a day taking in the sights and smells of your favorite flowers. Some places even allow you to set up a picnic on their grounds.
Try:
US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave., SW; 202-225-8333; https://www.usbg.gov/
National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave., SE; 202-245-4523; https://www.usna.usda.gov/
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave., NE; 771-208-1571; https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm
Dumbarton Oaks, 1703 32nd St., NW; 202-339-6400; https://www.doaks.org/visit/garden
16. Hike
Escape the bustle of the city by visiting an area park or hiking trail that runs along the water. Most allow leashed pups to tag along.
Try:
Rock Creek Park, https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm
Billy Goat Trail, https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm. Section A is a “technical and strenuous” level, but Sections B and C are more moderate.
C&O Canal Towpath, https://www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-canal-towpath/
Great Falls Park, https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
17. Study in a cool spot
Studying may not seem deserving of a spot on this list, but doing it at a historical landmark, in a moody academic hall, or at the largest library in the world could make it fun. Bring your laptop, notebooks, and pens, and find a spot at one of these libraries, or simply browse vast collections of books for as long as you please.
Try:
MLK Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St., NW; 202-727-0321; https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit/martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-library. Visitors need a DC Public Library Card. Private rooms, labs, patios, and a rooftop terrace are available across five floors.
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave., SE; 202-707-5000; https://www.loc.gov/research-centers/main/about-this-research-center/using-the-reading-room/. Studiers 16+ with a free Reader ID card can access reading rooms with stunning mosaic-and-marble ceilings. To get a Reader ID, complete online pre-registration, then visit a Reader Registration Station with a valid ID.
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St., SE; 202-544-7077; https://www.folger.edu/. Preregister online for free library access, or visit the Quill & Crumb cafe located in the Great Hall (tables fill up quickly, so get there early).
18. Get Crafty
Painting, embroidery, origami, sewing, collaging, bracelet making—a new hobby awaits at one of these local spots. Shop for materials and work from home, or take an in-person class.
Try:
Merry Pin, 7350 Georgia Ave., NW; 202-204-1552; https://www.merrypindc.com/
Stitch Sew Shop, 1219 King St., Alexandria; 571-777-8783; https://www.shopstitchsewshop.com/
GW Textile Museum, 701 21st St., NW; 202-994-5200; https://museum.gwu.edu/. On select Saturdays: “Textiles 101 Pop-up.”
We Make DC, 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-271-5904; https://www.wemakedc.net/make-it-bar-classes
19. Take a swing
Not all of us possess the golf expertise to play a regular round of 18 holes, but scaling it down and playing mini-golf is an alternative. If you want to swing a little harder, Top Golf is also a popular high-tech game for groups of friends and family.
Try:
Perch Putt, 1805 Capital One Dr., 11th floor, Tysons; 703-639-4466; https://www.perchputt.com/
East Potomac Golf Links, 972 Ohio Dr., SW; 202-554-7660; https://www.nationallinkstrust.org/east-potomac-mini-golf. According to its website, it is “the country’s oldest continuously operating mini golf course”
Puttery DC, 800 F St., NW; 202-989-4300; https://www.puttery.com/locations/washington-dc/. All ages Sunday through Thursday. 18+ on Fridays and Saturdays after 5 PM. Three themed courses available.
Top Golf, National Harbor and Germantown; https://topgolf.com/us/
20. Stay out of the kitchen
Drop into a clinic or rent a court to practice your pickleball skills. Finding a court in a public park is also a great option.
Try:
DTL Sports Center; 4311 Ravensworth Rd., Annandale; 571-407-5983; https://dtlsportscenter.com/annandale/
Kraken Kourts & Skates, 514 Rhode Island Ave., NE; 888-865-1507; https://www.experiencekraken.com/
21. Dance!
Improve your salsa skills, learn the choreography to your favorite music video, or discover a new dance genre at one of these local studios. All are beginner-friendly.
Try:
CityDance Studios, Friendship Heights and North Bethesda; https://www.citydance.net/what-we-do/studios/adults-classes-workshops/
Diva Dance, multiple locations; https://divadance.com/locations/dc-maryland-va/
Salsa with Silvia, DC and Bethesda; https://salsawithsilvia.com/
Baila DC, 1280 4th St., NE; 202-946-3111; https://bailadc.com. Check out Baila Thursdays at La Cosecha in Union Market.
