10 Cheap Things To Do In Washington D.C. For Under $10

Explore the nation’s capital without breaking your wallet. We’ve rounded up a list of ten ways to enjoy the city with the budget-conscious traveler in mind. Whether you’re a history buff, a sight-seer or a star-gazer, read on to plan your next D.C. itinerary, while spending no more than $10 a pop.

Calling all theatre fans! Get a taste of the Bard for a great value at the Harman Center of the Arts. Guests 35 and under can buy discounted tickets to see the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s most famous productions, like Henry V, The Merchant of Venice, and Candide for just $10 a ticket. For more information, call the theatre at 202-547-3230.

Check out Washington D.C.’s impressive monuments and other historic sites with the ever-popular DC by Foot group. This local walking tour company offers free, kid-friendly tours, infused with games, fun facts and trivia. Experience the “More Than Monuments” tour, or learn more about the Lincoln Assassination or Arlington Cemetery. Donations are welcome. For more information, call 202-683-6692.

Explore the gorgeous grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, and take a Gargoyle Tour (available April-October) to see how these whimsical creatures reflect history in stone. Follow up the tour with a lovely picnic in the picture-perfect medieval Bishop’s Garden. Gargoyle tours are just $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, call 202-537-6200.

Take a walk among the living butterflies at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The museum’s Butterfly Pavilion is a brightly lit space full of living plants and multiple types of butterflies that roam freely among the space, feeding on fruit and nectar. Tuesdays are always free, but timed-entry tickets are required and can be obtained at the box office. Regular daily admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, call 202-633-4629.

Have any train enthusiasts in your family? Take a ride on D.C.’s impressive Metrorail system. Not just a reliable and clean mode of transportation, the Metro is a great way get from place to place in fast and affordable manner. Summer time visitors will especially appreciate the mass transit’s air-conditioned cars, providing a break from the notorious heat waves that D.C. is known to encounter. Day Passes cost only $8.30 and the Metro makes frequent stops all over the city.

Venture into D.C.'s surrounding neighborhoods to learn more about history beyond the National Mall. Cultural Tourism provides free self-guided walking trails throughout the area. They are marked with illustrated signs revealing the fascinating stories behind the city’s historic neighborhoods.

March on down to Meridian Hill Park on any given Sunday between 3-9 p.m. Here, you will find the park’s famous drum circle, a fixture for more than 40 years. The drum circle has been bringing people from all different backgrounds together to embrace the beauty of drum beats and African dancing. Bring along your own drum and join in for an interactive musical experience!

Impressed by the night sky? View the stars in Rock Creek Park, home to the only planetarium operated by the national park service. The planetarium serves as an astronomy laboratory, with shows catering to everyone from the beginning stargazer to the experienced astronomy buff. So, lean back and take in the wonders of the cosmos. Free tickets for the planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays can be obtained at the info desk in the Nature Center. For more info, call 202-895-6067.

Journey to the Library of Congress to see the archives of our nation come alive. Witness interactive scenes, such as the re-creation of Thomas Jefferson's original library. Time your visit just right so you can catch one of the free lectures, concerts, exhibits, and poetry readings held regularly. To check the event schedule, call 202-707-8000.

Round out your Washington D.C. vacation with a free performance at the Kennedy Center. Starting at 6 p.m. every evening, the center showcases a variety of talent on Millennium Stage. Audiences have enjoyed performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, jazz concerts, gospel sing-alongs and poetry slams. For more information, call 202-467-4600.