1. Rent a paddle boat at the Tidal Basin.
Renting a paddle boat is a great way to see a whole new view of the Tidal Basin and you will also get a great work out!
2. Head to the zoo.
The National Zoo is open 364 days a year. Explore 163 acres and see the 1,500 animals that call the zoo home. Best of all, it’s free to visit!
3. Have a picnic at Yards Park.
Yards Park is one of DC’s newest outdoor destinations. Enjoy beautiful views of the Anacostia River, relax on the open green space or splash in the splash in the fountains and canal basin.
4. Walk the C&O Canal Towpath.
The C&O Canal runs through historic Georgetown and it makes an excellent spot to stroll under leafy greens next to the canal. You can run or bike the area as well!
5. Bike around Hains Point.
Grab a bike from the Capital bike share program and enjoy a peaceful ride through Hains Point, which is peninsula between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River.
6. Take a pedicab tour.
A perfect way to enjoy beautiful weather and relax! Pick up pedicab around the Mall or the monuments and cruise past some of the biggest sights in the area.
7. Canoe on the Anacostia.
There are various rental places along the Anacostia River where you can rent a kayak or canoe. Commune in the quiet oasis of the Anacostia River!
8. Take a boat ride on the Potomac.
If you would rather that your boat be motored, hop on board one of the tour boats around the Potomac.
9. Ride a horse in Rock Creek Park.
The Rock Creek Park Horse Center offers trail rides and riding lessons for individuals of all ages!
10. Roller skate at Anacostia Park.
Anacostia Park is the only national park with a roller skating pavilion. Skate rentals are free and during the summer you can skate seven days a week. During school hours, rentals are available on the weekends and holidays.
11. Catch a movie.
Screen on the Green hosts outdoor movies on huge video screens at various places around the Washington DC area. Screenings are usually announced starting in April.
12. Enjoy an outdoor concert.
Hear jazz in the Sculpture Garden in the summer or listen to the military bands on the steps of the Capitol or on the Avenue. There is also live music programming in different areas of the city including Yards Park, The Wharf and Adams Morgan.
13. People watch on the Mall.
Be in the heart of the action and watch the joggers, kickballers, bikers and tourists wander by as you relax on the National Mall.
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