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Washington DC: Free or Almost Free Family Vacation Fun - Museums, Parks, and Metro Rides.  If you're looking for an affordable family trip, take a look at some of the fun, free and almost-free experiences that await you in DC. It's no secret that economic woes are causing Americans to pay more attention to vacation costs. We know for a fact that Washington DC is a bargain and we have a list from the experts to prove it.
Destination DC recently by created a list of 100 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in Washington, DC. And we have culled the list keeping our favorite free activities and cheap eats. From pandas at the National Zoo and stars at Rock Creek Park's planetarium, to soul food at Oohhs and Aahhs and historic landmarks like Arlington National Cemetery, DC offers activities for free and on the cheap for any visitor. With all of its fun family freebies Washington, DC is definitely a fantastic destination for families, now more than ever!
Check out our Top 25 Picks:
1. 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.
2. See the stars in Rock Creek Park at the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service.
3. Explore an exhibition and create a related art project to take home through the Freer & Sackler Gallery's Imaginasia family programming.
4. 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.
5. Take pictures with Fala, the famous presidential pooch, at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
6. Make money (or see money made) with a free tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
7. 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.
8. Play pilot in a mock cockpit at America by Air, an exhibition on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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). 
13. 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.
14. Fly a kite next to the Washington Monument for a great family photo.
15. 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.
16. Experience the serenity of the monuments by taking a jog at sunrise.
17. Make a power play and start a game of Frisbee on the National Mall, or a game of volleyball at one of the pits at Potomac Park.
18. Grab your coat, scarf and hiking boots to trek your way down the C&O Canal Towpath, which traces the Potomac from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD.
19. Head to Gravelly Point, a park area off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, to watch the planes take off from Reagan National Airport.
20. Let DC's green space surprise you with a visit the National Arboretum. While you're there, take in the beautiful fall colors and see the pillars from the original U.S. Capitol that was burned during the War of 1812.
21. Browse through the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden to take in art on view and fresh air at the same time. The garden features seating for visitors - so stay for a while to rest and reflect on the works on view.
22. Rarely travel without Fido? Bring him to Lincoln Park on pet-friendly Capitol Hill to make nice with the neighborhood's four-legged friends.
23. Spend just $5 to explore nature in Great Falls Park, 800 acres of beautiful parkland right outside DC consisting of beautiful green space, cascading rapids and several 20-foot waterfalls.
24. Enjoy a veritable feast for the senses each Sunday at the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market.  During peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering items including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish, baked goods and more. Market hours are 9am-1pm April thru December; 10am-1pm January thru March. 25. Discover a hidden treasure in Montrose Park, located between Dumbarton Oaks Park and Rock Creek Park (R St. NW, between 28th and 32nd Sts.), and make sure to stroll along Lovers' Lane - a beautiful 18th-century cobblestone path. The complete list “100 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in Washington, DC” may be viewed at www.Washington.org
List and images provided by Destination DC and comments by FTF staff. Copyright 2011.
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