8 Rainy Day Activities in Washington, DC

April showers bring May flowers and in Washington, DC, April also brings busloads of tourists who want to See the Sights. If you find yourself in Washington, DC, on a rainy day in April or any other time of the year, head to one of these eight alternatives to the Smithsonian and the Spy Museum. They are guaranteed to entertain, energize, and even inspire you.

US Botanic Garden

Awaken your senses in this verdant oasis next to the US Capitol building which showcases plants found around the world, including a special room dedicated entirely to orchids. In the center is a 93-foot tropical greenhouse where leafy trees tower over the catwalks and you’ll find palm fronds big enough to shelter the whole family in a storm. In December, don’t miss the intricate display of model trains weaving through miniature landmarks (get there early!) or the scale models of DC landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial all made from plants. Cost: Free. Suitable for children.

Library of Congress

Delight your inner art-lover and history buff with a tour of this grand building adjacent to the US Capitol, where you’ll learn about its architecture, history, and symbolic artwork. You’ll get a glimpse inside the famous Reading Room (think Nicholas Cage prowling the stacks in National Treasure) and can check out exhibitions of the Library’s collections too. Cost: Free. Young kids might get bored.

Folger Library

After your Library of Congress tour, Shakespeare-lovers can pop down the street to the Folger Library, which features an impressive collection of books and artifacts from Elizabethan England, not to mention the world’s largest Shakespeare collection. The high ceilings and rich wood paneling in the Great Hall will transport you back to a time of knights and nobles. Cost: Free. Young kids might get bored, except in the small gift shop.

Lucky Strike Bowling and Billiards

If you’ve had your fill of history and culture, head to this bowling alley/billiard room for some fun and friendly competition and food and drink. Go in the afternoon to avoid the evening crowds. Cost: Varies. Suitable for children.

Pinstripes Georgetown

Enjoy bowling, bocce, and Italian food all under one roof at this popular Georgetown venue that has something for the whole family. Go for lunch and stay for the afternoon. Cost: Varies. Suitable for children.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Watch money being made (okay, printed) before your very eyes during this 40-minute tour. The Bureau is located south of the National Mall, not far from the Washington Monument and the Holocaust Museum. Cost: Free. Suitable for children.

National Cathedral

Ever seen a Darth Vader gargoyle? You can at the National Cathedral, a soaring example of Gothic architecture in Northwest Washington. The Cathedral hosts church services as well as lectures and concerts throughout the year and has a large gift shop in the basement that goes far beyond religious-themed nick-knacks. For the best experience, take a 30-minute tour of the main level or, even better, a behind-the-scenes highlights tour. Be sure to go up to the tower for unparalleled views of the city and keep your eyes peeled for other unusual gargoyles too. Cost: Free to enter and walk around but admission charged for tours; regular tour: $11/adult; behind-the-scenes tour: $26/adult. Young kids might get bored.

Udvar-Hazy Center

If you have a car or are willing to spring for a taxi and like aviation, head out to the huge, connected hangars of the Udvar-Hazy Center—an extension of the Air and Space Museum near Dulles airport—to see an awe-inspiring array of planes, gliders, helicopters, and even a real space shuttle. You can also ride in a flight simulator, take in an IMAX movie (extra charge), or go to the top of the tower and watch the planes take off from and land at Dulles airport. Cost: Entrance is free but there’s a $15 per-vehicle parking fee. Suitable for children.

Now grab your umbrella and go have some fun!