Stuck at home this summer, you want to go out, but you’re bored of both Downtown Bethesda and Montgomery Mall and you’ve already watched everything on Netflix—twice. Instead of watching that show for the third time around, summer is the perfect time to check out the variety of activities D.C. offers right in our backyard.
Movies
The warm summer weather provides a bigger incentive to go out and enjoy the fresh air, but that doesn’t mean movie nights have to stop. There are plenty of outdoor movie options all over the DMV that show a range of genres, letting moviegoers enjoy both the sun and the silver screen all summer long.
Golden Cinema Series
The Golden Cinema Series at Farragut Park, about 25 minutes from Whitman, is a great option for classic movie fans, showing newer hits like The Butler on June 24 as well as classics like Clear and Present Danger on July 8 . Movies are played every Friday night at 7:30 PM, and admission is free.
Marie Reed School
Every Tuesday at 8:00 PM, the Marie Reed School in Adams Morgan shows popular, usually comedic, favorites on their soccer field. Only 25 minutes from Whitman, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy classic rom coms and family friendly flicks outdoors. Admission is free and upcoming showings include Inside Out on June 21.
Capitol Riverfront
The Capitol Riverfront, located between the Anacostia River and Capitol Hill, plays the same types of crowd-pleasers as the Marie Reed School every Thursday. It’s just over one half hour away from Whitman, and offers a more welcoming atmosphere compared to a movie theater because of its relaxed outdoor setting. Upcoming flicks include Hitch on June 23 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens on June 30, and admission is free.
NoMa Summer Screen
Feel like an action or fantasy film? Check out NoMa Summer Screen, located about 35 minutes from Whitman in DC’s up-and-coming NoMa neighborhood, where popular action flicks are played every Wednesday night at 7 PM. This venue’s upcoming showings include Jumanji on June 22 and Fast Five on June 29.
National Gallery of Art
Rain doesn’t have to stop you from seeing free movies this summer. The National Gallery of Art regularly shows sophisticated films about art and culture in their East Building Auditorium. The shows are not exclusively in English; some are foreign films and have English subtitles. Admission is free and doors open 30 minutes prior to start time, which varies day to day. Upcoming productions include an series focusing on the life of dancer and choreographer Yvonne Rainier.
Here’s more information on all of these options, including links to their websites and upcoming showings. The National Gallery films are not included on this website.
Museums
The national mall houses a wide range of museums, many of which are public and free. The Smithsonian Institution includes all of the Smithsonian museums, so it has a wide range of exhibits that can interest any visitor. Whether it’s classic paintings and sculptures, dinosaurs and gemstones, or anything in between, the Smithsonian has it all. All of its museums are free and located only one half hour from Whitman.
The Hirshorn
The Hirshhorn Museum, one of the Smithsonian’s modern art museums, has some of the best contemporary collections and sculpture gardens in D.C.. It also is home to ARTLAB+, a free class which teaches teens how to use digital media in art. Drop-in hours are Wednesday-Friday 4-8 PM.
The Renwick Gallery
Another option for the modern art enthusiast is the ever-popular Renwick Gallery, one of the Smithsonian’s newer additions. With its colorful exhibits and powerful social media presence, the Renwick’s hallmark exhibit, WONDER, has been a popular student destination all year.
The Museum of Natural History
If dinosaurs are more up your alley, try the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. The museum has exhibits that feature both prehistoric and extinct animals and those that are alive today, so there is something for everyone. A current highlight is the exhibit on color and light, which explores how we see color and how it affects the world around us.
The Museum of American History
If you want to learn more about our country’s history, the Smithsonian has museums for that too. Their collections of artifacts at the Museum of American History range from wars and industrialization to pop culture. So whether you’re interested in Civil War artifacts or Dorothy’s ruby slippers, you’re in for a treat. The Museum of American History currently has an exhibit on politics and voting throughout American history, a great choice for anyone who is interested in the current election.
The National Zoo
The National Zoo, which also falls under the Smithsonian umbrella, has some exciting things going on this summer. One is the exhibit Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, which features 17 sculptures made out of trash found in the oceans. The sculptures will be placed throughout the zoo and represent a range of marine wildlife, according to the National Zoo’s website. And of course, there’s always the animals.
The National Gallery of Art
While the Smithsonian Institution may encompass most of the museums on the mall, there are still other free options. Another strong choice is the National Gallery of Art, which has the most variety of any museum in Washington. Its collection ranges from art of all periods to historical artifacts as well.
The National Gallery is currently displaying an exhibit called “Intersections” with photos spanning the entire history of photography. The exhibit also includes the history of film as well. “They are amazing,” said Ann Davis, a curatorial assistant in the Photography Department at the National Gallery. “They should be seen by anyone who is interested in the history of movies and cinema.”
So while being stuck at home may not be everyone’s first choice, there is still plenty to do in D.C., and summer is the perfect time to explore.
