D.C. Weekend Ideas

A walk or bike ride along the C and O Canal towpath is one of many popular D.C. weekend activities.C & O Canal Towpath image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com

As the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of activities to satisfy all ages and interests. With so much to choose from in such a large geographic area, it's a good idea to plan weekend activities ahead of time in order to thoroughly appreciate a few select sites. Whether it's an outing at the National Zoo, a tour of historical exhibits or a walk in one of D.C.'s many parks, there's plenty to explore and enjoy.

Family Fun

For a D.C. weekend activity the whole family can enjoy, nothing beats the National Zoo, located a short walk from the Cleveland Park Metro stop on Connecticut Avenue, NW. The zoo covers 163 acres, so it's best to wear comfortable shoes and check the map before you strike out. An online "Stroller Brigade" guide for visitors with young children highlights such exhibits as "Great Cats," with kid-sized viewing windows, the baby gorilla in the Great Ape House and the Kid's Farm, where children can help with the animals in the Caring Corral. The giant pandas, of course, remain the zoo's most popular attraction. The zoo has several restaurants and snack stands, or visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages and use one of the picnic areas about the grounds. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. from April through October and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from November through March.

For those interested in American history and government, there are more than enough activities to fill a weekend in Washington, D.C. A good place to start is at the Capitol building itself, where a new Visitor Center features educational exhibits about the House and Senate and the legislative process, as well as the history of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol. Across the street, the Library of Congress offers interactive displays, films, lectures and other activities. From there, it's only a few subway stops to the National Archives, home of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence; the National Portrait Gallery, with its complete collection of presidential portraits; and the National Museum of American History, the highlights of which include the American flag that inspired the composition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814, Edison's light bulb, First Ladies' inaugural gowns and Thomas Jefferson's desk. The Capitol Visitor Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, but is closed on Sunday. Portrait Gallery hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; American History Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

The nation's capital has an unusual amount of green space for such a large metropolis, from the National Mall to Rock Creek Park to the National Arboretum. A walk in any of these areas is good way to learn about the area and discover new landmarks. Another option is to take a bike ride along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, which follows the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. In the warmer months, Thompson Boat Center, located right off Rock Creek Parkway, rents bikes, as well as canoes and kayaks. In the winter, the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden also becomes an ice rink, where skaters can enjoy the outdoor sculptures along with music from a state-of-the-art sound system. Skates are available for rent and hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.