Best Indoor Things To Do In DC
Winter in Washington DC
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Looking For Things To Do In Washington D.C. That Are Indoors?
Washington D.C. is a fantastic place to visit with many fun things to do, although there are times when it rains, snows, it’s sweltering outside, or you just want to be indoors. If that’s the case, you don’t have to worry! There are plenty of indoor activities for you to enjoy in Washington DC! You just need to know where to look! This blog post will cover twenty-one different options so that you can make the most out of your time in the area.
Best Indoor Things To Do In DC: An Overview
Washington DC, the United States capital, is a cultural and historical hub. It’s a great place to visit because there is something to do for everyone! Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, nature enthusiast, bookworm, or foodie, you’ll find something you enjoy in DC. Not only that, but this list contains exclusively indoor activities, so you can enjoy them year-round, no matter the season or weather,
21 Best Indoor Things To Do In Washington DC
One of the great things about DC is that most of the great attractions are indoors. You won’t be left wondering what to do with an off day if it decides to rain or the cicadas are making their appearance that day (if you know, you know). There are plenty of opportunities to visit a fascinating place, learn some history, and stay entertained while inside. Let’s discuss twenty-one indoor attractions and activities and dive deeper into what they offer!
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is a fascinating museum filled with historical and modern portraits of influential American figures. Even if you don’t necessarily enjoy art too much, it’s entertaining looking at all the different portraits of different people across history. You’ll see the faces of famous people who shaped the nation, including artists, poets, activists, presidents, and even villains!
The National Portrait Gallery has rotating and permanent exhibits. Their hours are from 11:30 am to 7 pm daily. The only day the gallery is closed is Christmas Day, but other than that, it’s free to enter!
Accessibility: The museum can be accessed via two entrances. Only the entrance at 8th and G Streets is wheelchair accessible; it has two ramps, one on either side of the stairs. The F and 8th Street entrance is stairs only.
Limited metered parking is available on the streets around the museum. Red Top meters are reserved for drivers with disabled parking placards.
Elevators serve all areas of the building. All restrooms and water fountains are wheelchair accessible. Family/companion care restrooms are located on the first and second floors near the F Street elevators.
Wheelchairs are available for your comfort. To borrow one, ask the security officer stationed at the G Street entrance.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is a must-see when you visit Washington D.C! You’ll discover the world’s largest collection of space and aerial artifacts. The museum features missiles, rockets, and other spacecraft. You can look forward to seeing Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit, Star Trek’s Starship Enterprise Studio Model, and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia!
The National Air and Space Museum is under renovation, but eight exhibits are currently running. You’ll need to book a reserved time-entry, though this museum is also free to the public. The hours are between 10 am to 5:30 pm daily, excluding Christmas Day.
Click here for a guided wheelchair-accessible tour of the Smithsonian Museums.
Accessibility: A limited number of designated accessible parking spaces are located on Jefferson Drive across from the Museum. Visitors with disability hang tags or license plates can park for free at metered spaces controlled by the DC government along Independence Avenue, SW.
The Museum has a wheelchair accessible ramp on the Independence Avenue SW , just west of the intersection with 6th Street SW.
An elevator is available at the entrance to the Innovations gallery and the The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age gallery.
A limited number of standard and bariatric wheelchairs are available for loan while visiting the Museum. Please visit the Security Desk to inquire about availability. Wheelchairs are provided on a first come, first served basis.
National Museum of Natural History
To all nature lovers, a great way to learn about the natural world is at the National Museum of Natural History! It’s a great way to connect to the outdoors when you can’t explore one of DC’s hiking trails! The museum has plenty to see, including a Butterfly Pavilion, an African and Egyptian exhibit, Bone and Fossil halls, a Human Origin exhibit, a Mineral exhibit, and so much more!
You could spend an entire day at this museum. I went once back in 2022 and had only wished I had dedicated more time there. There is something there for everyone, including exhibits of different animals, fossils, cultures, insects, minerals, biomes, flora, and more. This museum is open weekly from 10 am to 5:30 pm, excluding Christmas Day, and is free to enter. Tickets are not required.
Click here for a guided wheelchair-accessible tour of the Smithsonian Museums.
Accessibility: All exhibits are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with the exception of strollers inside the Butterfly and Spider Pavilion. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be checked out by leaving a driver's license or other form of valid identification. Inquire with Guest Relations staff once you arrive.
Limited accessible parking is available in NHM car park.
Wheelchair accessible and all-gender restrooms are available throughout the museum.
Artechouse DC
For an immersive indoor experience, head to ARTECHOUSE DC! It’s a curated space where innovation, art, and technology combine to create a unique experience for all its visitors. They have rotating exhibits that make you feel a part of the scene. It’s a new way to experience an art exhibit that will make you want to return for the multi-sensory exhibits for years.
Since ARTECHOUSE DC is not a part of the Smithsonian Institute, you’ll need to purchase tickets to enter. They cost anywhere from $15 to $40, or you can buy an annual pass for unlimited access. Tickets provide access to one-hour sessions, though if space allows, you may be allowed to stay longer than your hour timeslot.
Accessibility: Mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers are allowed on the exhibition floor. Some individual programs may have an intended use or method of interaction that may be difficult for some visitors, but each is nonetheless fully maneuverable and compliant with the ADA.
Please note that some of the programs utilize strong lighting effects and loud sounds, for details, please refer to the disclosure for each installation.
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is another great indoor activity in Washington, DC. It has collections of photography, modern art, portraits, and more. They have multiple collections in their West Building and East Building. After checking out the exhibits, head to one of the museum’s coffee shops to enjoy espresso or gelato!
The National Gallery of Art is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, excluding December 25th, and admission is free. The museum offers tours, performances, workshops, festivals, and more. Make sure to check their calendar for fun events happening!
Accessibility: The 6th Street entrance to the West Building and the 4th Street entrance to the East Building have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs and elevators at these entrances provide access to galleries and public areas.
There is limited parking set aside for vehicles bearing appropriate tags or placards for visitors with disabilities on the 4th Street Plaza outside of the East Building.
Visitors may borrow wheelchairs at all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis for use within the East and West Buildings. The two buildings are connected by an underground moving walkway. All public spaces and facilities are accessible by elevator. If you require assistance, please ask a security officer.
Visitors who need assistance standing for long periods are asked to bring a wheelchair or use one of the limited number of wheelchairs the National Gallery has made available.
Please note: for elevator access throughout the East Building, there are two available elevators outside of Tower 1 and Tower 2. For elevator access from the East Building Ground, Mezzanine, Upper Levels, or Towers to the Concourse Level or West Building, please use the elevator outside of Tower 2. A larger elevator, located in Tower 1, is also available and provides access to all levels of the East Building.
The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection is another art museum in D.C. focused on modern art in DuPont Circle. You can explore the exhibitions or attend a lecture, talk, or event that the museum puts on. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. It’s not required to make a reservation, but it is a good idea to ensure your spot. You must purchase a ticket to enter.
Accessibility: All galleries and public facilities of the museum are wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available at the coat check. Elevators are available throughout the museum; a wheelchair lift is also available between Goh Annex Floor 3 and the bridge walkway to House Floor 2U. Please see a museum assistant for access to the lift. The Center for Art and Knowledge also has an elevator available for its public programs.
National Postal Museum
A unique and unconventional thing to do indoors in DC is the National Postal Museum. Explore the history of how the postal service came to be in the US and explore different delivery methods. At this museum, you’ll learn the inside scoop of what goes into how you receive your mail every week!
Not only will you learn about the postal museum’s history, but you’ll also learn how they sort through the mail, identify dangerous packages, and more. Like all other Smithsonian museums, admission is free. They’re open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, excluding Christmas Day. If you collect stamps, you’ll want to check out this museum!
Accessibility: There are is one accessible entrance to the museum with ramps: First Street & Massachusetts Avenue NE Entrance. This entrance is on Level 2 of the museum.
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To borrow a wheelchair, go to the museum's information desk and request a loaner.
U.S. Capitol Visitors Center
A great way to learn more about DC is heading to the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center. You can book a tour, attend an event, or participate in the Democracy Lab! You’ll learn about the House and the Senate, special topics such as the nation’s symbols, and more.
The visitors center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. All tours, programs, and activities are free to the public, and reservations are not required but recommended, as the visitors center can get jam-packed in the afternoons.
Click here for a wheelchair-accessible tour of the US Capitol and Library of Congress.
Accessibility: Capitol Tours are accessible. Service animals are allowed inside the Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol. Family and accessible restrooms are available throughout the Visitor Center. Look for Visitor Services staff in red jackets and vests for assistance.
The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) can provide tours designed for visitors with disabilities. For information about these tours or any accessibility questions, please call OCAS at 202-224-4048 (Voice)
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The American Art Museum, paired with its partner museum, the Renwick Gallery, holds one of the largest art museums dating from the colonial period to the present, all from the United States. It’s the nation’s first collection of American art and includes exhibits on photography, self-taught art, African American and Latino Art, New Deal art, and more.
The museum is in one of the oldest public buildings in DC, constructed in the early days of Washington. The museum is open daily from 11:30 am to 7 pm (excluding December 25th) and has free admission.
Click here for a guided wheelchair-accessible tour of the Smithsonian Museums.
Accessibility: Barrier-free access to both SAAM’s main building and its Renwick Gallery are available.
At SAAM, ramps are located on both sides of the 8th and G Streets NW entrance. At the Renwick Gallery, a ramp at the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW leads to an accessible entrance.
All areas of both buildings are served by elevators. Service animals are welcome in both museum buildings.
Accessible restrooms are located on all floors of SAAM.
At the Renwick Gallery, accessible restrooms are located on all levels with unisex accessible restrooms on the first floor and basement level.
Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge in the G Street and F Street lobbies at SAAM. Please ask a security guard.
The Renwick Gallery offers manual wheelchairs at the basement security desk.
United States Botanic Gardens
You might be surprised, but a part of the United States Botanic Gardens is indoors! If you want to be surrounded by greenery and learn about different biomes, head to the US Botanic Gardens to wander through lush gardens. The conservatory hosts a variety of landscapes like the desert, the rainforest, and orchards. The gardens are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, excluding Christmas, and are free with no required ticket.
Accessibility: The Garden loans wheelchairs to our visitors as a courtesy on a first-come, first-serve basis. A valid driver's license or government-issued picture identification card is needed to borrow a wheelchair and will be returned upon return of the wheelchair.
There are accessible paths throughout the Conservatory and outdoor gardens.
Benches can be found throughout the indoor Conservatory and provide ample opportunity for rest. Seasonal tables, umbrellas, and chairs can also be found throughout the outdoor gardens and offer a place to stop and admire the surroundings.
International Spy Museum
Next, we have the International Spy Museum, one of my all-time favorites! Learn about how spies have operated in the past, from gadgets to iconic vehicles and more. It’s interactive, and you could spend hours trying the different activities!
The International Spy Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Tickets generally cost between $25 and $35, but the experience is well worth it. Schedule a few hours out of your day to make the most out of this museum!
Accessibility: The Museum is fully accessible for guests with mobility disabilities or in wheelchairs:
Elevators provide access to all floors and exhibits.
All restrooms in the Museum complex are accessible. Family/companion restrooms are located on all Museum public floors.
Family/companion restrooms are open to all genders.
All theaters include wheelchair locations.
A limited number of manually operated wheelchairs may be borrowed at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are requested to leave a photo ID at the Information Desk while using Museum wheelchairs
National Museum of African American History
The Museum of African American History is another Smithsonian museum, highlighting the rich and diverse African American experience and how it shaped the United States. Some of the main features of this museum include Harriett Tubman’s hymnal, a South Carolina plantation cabin, Nat Turner’s bible, a guard tower from Angola prison, and so many more. You can book a tour or attend one of their in-person events.
The museum is free to enter, but a timed reservation pass is required. I recommend reserving them well in advance because this museum is heavily visited. Tuesday through Sunday, the museum is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and Mondays from 12 pm to 5:30 pm, and is closed on Christmas Day.
Accessibility: The Museum has two entrances, located on Madison Drive and Constitution Avenue NW. Both entrances are accessible, however, the entrance on Madison Drive has a drop-off area and is the recommended entrance for any visitors arriving by vehicle.
The History Galleries are comprised of ramps, which are more than a mile in length. For visitors with limited mobility, they offer manual wheelchairs to make navigating the ramps less challenging.
The Museum is accessible to visitors with limited mobility via escalators, elevators, and ramps. Manual wheelchairs, standard and bariatric-sized, are located near the Madison Drive entrance and are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no fees or requirements to borrow a wheelchair, just ask when you arrive.
Fords Theatre
For an indoor date night in DC, head to Ford’s Theatre to explore the legacy and assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Nowadays, you can attend one of the theatre performances or a tour. The museum also features Civil War milestones, the assassination conspiracy, and an aftermath exhibit. After visiting, you’ll leave with more insider knowledge on April 14th, 1865!
There are four parts to Ford’s Theatre - the museum, theatre, Peterson house, and aftermath exhibit. Tickets are required, but you can receive one of the limited free entry tickets at the box office on a first-come-first-serve basis. Research before purchasing your tickets because there are a few different package options!
Accessibility: You can access the lower-level museum and the balcony levels of the theatre via an elevator in the main lobby. You can access the Aftermath Exhibits and the back porch of the Petersen House via an elevator in the lobby of the Center for Education and Leadership.
You can purchase accessible seating for mainstage performances in the rear orchestra and the balcony sections of the theatre online, by phone at (888) 616-0270, or in person at our Box Office. Please note all seats in the theatre, with the exception of the accessible seating areas, require the use of stairs.
Ford’s Theatre has in-house accessible chairs available for visitors to use on-site at no charge. These are available first come, first served at the Box Office. Photo ID required.
Union Station
You can access many indoor activities and museums in DC via the metro. There’s a high possibility that if you’re exploring DC, you’ll stop at Union Station! Union Station is a renowned metro station with dining, shopping, and transportation options for all! Take some time out of your day to grab a bite to eat and explore some stores after stopping at a few of DC’s indoor Smithsonian museums!
Accessibility: The station and both train lines have wheelchair areas, special seating, and ramps.
John F. Kennedy’s Center of the Performing Arts
If you’re looking for something indoors to do in DC at night, head to the Kennedy Center for a performing arts show! The center hosts over 2,000 performances per year, and you can find shows including opera performances, dance classes, chamber music concerts, comedic acts, and more. You can also enjoy their digital stage, which releases daily series, stories, and specials!
The center is open daily from 10 am until midnight. Ticket prices vary based on the performance, though some are free. The center is on the Potomac River and has breathtaking views on its outdoor patio. Book your tickets online beforehand or head to their Rooftop Terrace for food.
Accessibility: All entrances to the building, theaters, restaurants, and gift shops are accessible. Elevators operate between the garage, Foyer, and Terrace levels on the north (States) and south (Nations) sides of the building. Elevators also operate within theaters between the orchestra, tier, and balcony levels.
All theaters have wheelchair- and scooter-accessible locations where patrons can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to theater seats. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theater seat should request wheelchair-accessible locations when ordering tickets. Seats with removable armrests are available in the Terrace Theater, Concert Hall, Opera House, Eisenhower Theater, Theater Lab, and Family Theater. Bariatric chairs are also available in all theaters with advance notice.
Wheelchair-accessible seating may be purchased by phone, in person, and online. For assistance selecting accessible seats or for more information about accessibility for a person with a disability, please contact the InstantCharge at (202) 467-4600 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Courtesy wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Hall of States and REACH Welcome Pavilion. A limited number of bariatric wheelchairs and wheelchairs with elevating leg rests are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make a reservation for a wheelchair, please contact the Visitors Information Desk at (202) 416-8340 or the Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727.
National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is about architecture, design, and urban planning. It’s a private non-profit that is fascinating to those interested in architectural design in the US. There are a ton of exhibits you can check out, both in person and digitally!
It’s open Thursday through Monday from 10 am until 4 pm but is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Prices vary from $7 to $10, and your ticket grants you access to the Great Hall and Museum shop!
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is located at the G Street NW entrance. For after-hours programs, use the 4th Street NW entrance via the parking lot. If you are in need of a wheelchair upon arrival, during normal business hours, visit the Information Desk to inquire. Elevators are centrally located on the north and south walls of the building. The Museum’s exhibition galleries and other public spaces are designed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest research facility and has the largest library and historic documents like copies of the Declaration of Independence! The library hosts talks, concerts, and tours. You can also find historic prints and photographs if you’re more of a visual person!
The Library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, but on Thursdays, it stays open until 8 pm. Before you visit, you must reserve a timed entry ticket, but they are all free. The last entry for all visitors is 130 minutes before the library closes.
Click here for a wheelchair-accessible tour of the Library of Congress and US Capitol.
Accessibility: The Library has taken many steps to provide accommodations and universal design features to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Wheelchairs are available on a first come first serve basis from the Visitor Services Office in the Jefferson and Madison buildings.
Kramers Bookstore and Restaurant
Enjoy a romantic evening in DC at Kramers with your partner. It’s the perfect place to be in the evenings because it’s a space that has a bookstore, bar, and restaurant. Browse the selection of books, trinkets, games, and more before grabbing a bite to eat with a fantastic cocktail.
Kramers is located in DuPont Circle and is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, excluding Sundays when they close at 9 pm. Their menu consists of upscale American cuisine, wine, and draft beer. It’s a cozy way to spend an evening indoors.
Accessibility: Entrance, dining area, and facilities are designed to accommodate wheelchair users comfortably.
Union Market
Union Market is a quaint space that hosts over 60 food and beverage vendors in booths. Choose from plenty of options for delicious yet quick cuisine for the experience, then head back to enjoy the food in the warmth of your home or hotel. They also host events and have a variety of shops to browse!
Click here for a wheelchair-accessible food tour of Union Market.
Accessibility: Union Market is wheelchair accessible. There are automated doors as well as wheelchair accessible restrooms. The only downside is that it can get very crowded; especially on weekends.
National Museum of The American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is a space dedicated to the culture and livelihood of the indigenous communities of the United States. It’s one of the world’s most expansive museums, full of indigenous artifacts and media that cover the entire Western Hemisphere. The museum was designed in collaboration with indigenous communities to share the stories of Native peoples across the West.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, excluding Christmas Day. Entrance is free, and we recommend dedicating a few hours to explore the various stories and exhibits. Many floors have a variety of visual, auditory, and written infographics to learn from.
Click here for a wheelchair-accessible guided tour of The National Museum of The American Indian.
Accessibility: Visitors with vehicles displaying the international symbol of accessibility may park in the two spaces available for this purpose located adjacent to the museum on the northeast corner of Jefferson Drive and Fourth Street, SW.
Entrances to the museum have ramps to accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. All levels of the museum, including exhibition spaces and public facilities, are accessible by elevator. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the security desks located near both entrances.
Escape Rooms
Last but certainly not least, a great way to spend time indoors in Washington is participating in an escape room! Gather a group of people to problem-solve your way out of situations of your choosing for a collaborative and mind-boggling time. There are a few different Escape Room options in DC, including Escape The Room DC, The Escape Game DC, and Escape Artist DC.
Accessibility: Accessibility varies. Please visit each escape room’s website for further information.
FAQs: Indoor Things To Do In DC
Great! Now that we have covered twenty-one indoor things you can do in Washington DC let’s discuss some of the most frequently asked questions!
What can you do in DC without a car?
Washington DC has a fantastic transportation system. You can get along just fine without a car! The city has an extensive metro system that will take you all over the city, or you can take cheap public bus transportation to places that aren’t metro destinations. It’s also easily walkable, or you can rent a bike. Take the metro or bus to explore different parts of the city, explore museums, or walk to find restaurants and eateries.
How to do DC in the rain?
Washington DC has so many indoor activities and attractions that you’ll never be stuck wondering what to do on a day the weather isn’t cooperating! Choose between fascinating museums, try a new restaurant, indulge in an escape room, or head to Union Station to shop!
What is inside Washington DC?
Washington DC is known for its free indoor museums, and there are so many of them that you could spend years exploring them all! You can shop in DC, see a live performance, or do an escape room!
What to do in Washington DC for 7 days?
There is plenty to do in Washington DC, so you won’t run out of things to experience in a week. Spend some time getting to know the National Mall and walk around the monuments and Tidal Basin. Then, head to some of the museums that pique your interest. Hike or drive around Rock Creek Park for some beautiful nature views. Explore different parts of the city, like DuPont Circle, Georgetown, Logan Circle, and U-Street for fun nightlife. There’s a variety of things to do, and you can spread them out over a week!
Wrapping Up: Best 21 Things To Do Indoors In Washington DC
There you have it! Twenty-one of the best things to do indoors in Washington DC. Washington Washington DC has plenty of indoor activities, so no matter what time of year you visit, you won’t run out of things to do. Whether the weather is poor or you want to stay away from the sun, this list covers a variety of attractions to explore to keep you entertained.
Check out one of the Smithsonian Museums, or head to other non-profits like the International Spy Museum, Artechouse DC, or the Phillips Collection. Try some new food in Union Market or Kramers, or shop at Union Station! Watch a performance at the Fords Theatre or the Kennedy Center. The options are endless, and we hope you’ve found at least a few new ideas from this list!
Enjoy your time in the United States capital!
Author Bio - Samantha Kaiser is the author and owner of www.thelifestyletravelers.com - a travel blog highlighting a budget-friendly, adventurous, outdoor lifestyle.
