Washington DC has so many things to do and so much to offer. No matter how much time you have to spend in this big city, there is a lot to see and do. Here are a few things you might want to add to your summer to do list in Washington DC.

9 Things to do in Washington DC – Summer 2016

1. Attend the DC Jazz Festival

This year the DC Jazz Festival will be June 10-19.

2. Visit the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is house to The Declaration of Independence and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Be sure to check the calendar of events, sometimes there are special concerts, lectures or tours.

3.Celebrate Father’s Day at Mount Vernon

Your family can spend Father’s Day with the Father of our Country, June 18-19 at Mount Vernon. According to the website General Washington will greet visitors and pose for photographs. He will even talk about his role as husband, stepfather and the Father of our Country.

4. Spend time at the Smithsonian Museums

All the Smithsonian Museums are free. Spend the day at the National Mall visiting one of the many museums; take your pick art, history, nature, space, etc.

5. Tour the White House

If you want to tour the White House this summer now is the time to contact your member of Congress and request tickets. You need to request tickets at least 21 days in advance (you can request them up to 6 months in advance).

6. Walk the C & O Canal Towpath

The C & O Canal towpath follows the Potomac from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. This path is 185 miles long so pick a section and have fun walking or biking the path (you can even camp along the path if you want!)

7.  Explore the Franciscan Monastery Gardens

Free tours of the Franciscan Monastery Gardens are offered Saturdays at 11 am and noon (12 pm). The tours are about 45 minutes long.

8. Visit the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Building is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm (it is closed on weekends and national holidays). When the Court is not in session there are Lectures every hour on the half -hour. there are also exhibitions and a visitors’ film to be enjoyed.

9. Watch the Changing of the Guard

Visit Arlington National Cemetery. The Changing of the Guard happens every half hour from 8 am – 7 pm April 1- September 30. October 1 – March 31 the Changing of the Guard only happens every hour from 8 am – 5 pm.