Attractions in Washington DC

Consider "Saturday Morning at the National," National Theatre's free performance series designed for the whole family. Shows range from puppet and magic shows to showcases of music and ballet. Seating is limited and tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Take in a free performance at The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage every evening at 6pm. This summer's lineup includes notable acts like Sweet Honey in the Rock, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Manhattan Transfer and many others.

Feel the beat of a local tradition: head to Meridian Hill Park on Sundays (weather-permitting) between 3 and 9pm to hear the famous drum circle, a fixture in the park for more than 40 years that brings together people together from all different backgrounds to hear drum beats and watch African dancing. For a hands-on experience, bring your own drum to join in.

Check out free, live music at the National Gallery of Art on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm. Concerts feature choral, Afghan, opera music and more, and are held in the West Building (6th St. & Constitution Ave, NW entrance). Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 6pm. No entry after 6:30pm.

Head over to George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium, where throughout the year, free shows are sprinkled throughout the performance calendar. If you're lucky, you'll catch a live performance by the United States Air Force Band's Jazz Ensemble.

Get half-priced, day-of-show tickets for theatre seats at Signature Theatre, the Kennedy Center, Folger Theatre, Imagination Stage and more online at TICKETPLACE.org Tuesday - Saturday, from 12 midnight through 4:00pm. Or, visit the TICKETplace booth in Penn Quarter at 7th & D Sts, NW to purchase tickets in person. Call 202-TIC-KETS for more information.

Experience culture at the National Museum of the American Indian, where free programming from storytelling and dance festivals to music performances by Native composers and classical musicians is available to audiences of all ages. Check website for performance schedule.

Get a taste of the Bard for a great value at the Harman Center of the Arts. Patrons 35 and under can see the Shakespeare Theatre Company's productions of plays including "Romeo and Juliet", "The Way of the World," and more for just $10/ticket. An allotment of these discounted tickets is released every Tuesday morning during show season starting at 10am.

Keep your wallet full with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company's "Pay-What-You-Can" tickets for the first two performances (usually Monday and Tuesday) of every main stage subscription series production. Tickets are sold at the theatre 90 minutes prior to showtime. Two per person, cash or check only.

Enjoy free, live jazz at the Smithsonian American Art Museum's "Take Five!" performance series. It usually takes place on the third Thursday of each month, and the museum's café stays open so guests can enjoy beer, wine and light snacks during the performance. Call (202) 633-7970 for more information.

Watch the National Zoo's conservation efforts first-hand and pay a visit to Tai Shan, only the third panda to be born and thrive in the U.S.

See the stars in Rock Creek Park at the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service.

Explore an exhibition and create a related art project to take home through the Freer & Sackler Gallery's Imaginasia family programming.

See the National Mall with DC by Foot, a walking tour company that gives free, kid-friendly tours (gratuity recommended) infused with games, fun facts and trivia.

Take pictures with Fala, the famous presidential pooch, at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Make money (or see money made) with a free tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Explore the beautiful grounds of the National Cathedral, the sixth largest cathedral in the world, and then take a Gargoyle Tour ($5/ages 10+), and see how these whimsical creatures reflect history in stone. There's even one fashioned after Darth Vader.

Play pilot in a mock cockpit at America by Air, an exhibition on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Walk among living butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Pavilion (adults $6/children $5). Tuesdays are free, but timed-entry tickets are required and are available at the Butterfly Pavilion box office beginning at 10am each Tuesday.

Teach kids about history at the newly renovated National Museum of American History. The redesigned attraction reopens Nov. 21 and will offer visitors a rare look at the original "Star-Spangled Banner," the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.

Check out the latest performance at the Smithsonian's family-friendly Discovery Theater. Shows range from tap dance performances to puppet show workshops, and tickets are always under $10.

Let kids roam free at Friendship Park (aka Turtle Park), DC's most popular playground, located in the city's Van Ness neighborhood. Little ones love the huge sandbox (always full of toys).

Take a ride on DC 's clean and safe Metrorail system to give kids a taste of a train ride, and a break from the summer heat. Day Passes cost just $7.80 and the Metro travels all over the city.

Fly a kite next to the Washington Monument for a great family photo.

Give kids an inspiring lesson in freedom with a stop at the National Archives Building to view the Emancipation Proclamation followed by a visit to the Lincoln Memorial.