Whether it’s a shortage of funds, a lack of time or simply the desire to stay in D.C. that keeps you from travelling this spring break, there are plenty of things to do to make your staycation a blast. After all, Washington D.C. is a city full of fun (and often free) things to do.
Check out some special exhibitions
Take a day to be a tourist and explore some new museum exhibits that often have free or discounted admission for students.
Check out the free Bettina Pousttchi: World Time Clock exhibit at the The Hirshhorn Museum which includes artworks of clocks taken in 24 different time zones. You can also check out the highly praised Yayoi Kusama exhibit “Infinity Mirrors,” where the artist channeled her mental illness into her art.
“9/11”, an exhibit in the Newseum that explores the difficult events of 9/11, is worth the discounted $22.45 admission price. The National Gallery of Art also currently has the free exhibit “Della Robbia,” which highlights colorful sculptures from the Italian Renaissance era.
Go see a movie
Sometimes popcorn just tastes better in a movie theater and there are several films being released over spring break. Keep an eye on what is showing at your local movie theater and check out The Eagle’s Silver Screen section for reviews of recent movies. Make sure to have your AU I.D. for a possible student discount as any AMC theater will offer reduced price tickets for students. Check out our schedule of releases over spring break:
- Kong: Skull Island - Friday, March 10
- Kidnap - Friday, March 10
- Battlestar Galactica Trilogy - Saturday, March 11
- Frantz - Wednesday, March 15
- Beauty and the Beast - Thursday, March 16
- 13 Minutes - Friday, March 17
- The Belko Experiment - Friday, March 17
- All Nighter - Friday, March 17
Take an exercise class
It’s time to work on those muscles that we have all been meaning to since January. The gym is always a classic option, but if you want to keep things interesting, take an alternative exercise class. There are plenty to choose from in D.C., such as Soulcycle, Pilates, yoga, Barre, pole dancing, Zumba and salsa dancing.
Take Zumba, samba or belly dancing classes at Jordan’s Paradise. Check out these occasional free drop-in classes. Usually, five classes cost $70, with the first drop in class at $30. Find discounts for classes on Groupon or get the buy one get one class free deal.
Start your day off early with Soulcycle on 14th Street or in Georgetown. Get your first ride for a reduced price at $20 or purchase multiple classes in advance for a discount.
If you want an option closer to campus, try Zengo Cycle on Wisconsin Avenue. One class costs $24 and there is a discount for $15 during off-peak hours of 7:15 a.m., 07:30 a.m. and noon.
Try out a cuban salsa class at Dance in Time at the Emergence Community Arts Collective studio on Saturdays at 12:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. All levels are welcome. The first class is free and the rest is discounted for students at $10.
Take Barre classes at Barre3 at Union Station or Georgetown either in the either in the morning or evening. It includes a full body workout with $26 for one class, or new members can purchase three classes for $40.
Take a hike
While this may require you to venture a little further, it will be worth it. Check out the beautiful and serene scenery at Sugarloaf Mountain, only 40 minutes away from campus. If you like adventure that takes some effort but pays off in the long run, venture two hours away to the Overall Run Falls. But, if you want to stay closer to campus, there is always the option of visiting the National Arboretum by taking the Blue or Orange line to the Stadium-Armory station.
Pack a picnic
This year, the cherry blossoms are predicted to be at peak bloom over spring break. Grab a few friends, pack some lunch and embrace nature in the many great picnic spots near campus. D.C.’s Meridian Hill Park, located by Adams Morgan, is the perfect spot for a quiet picnic by the reflecting pool and the largest fountain in North America.
Also closeby is the Hillwood Estate, a beautiful mansion with botanical gardens that guests can explore, which has a suggested $10 donation fee from students. March is “Orchid Month” at the estate and it offers exhibitions on site as well as floral design workshops. Check out the full schedule of events here; there is something to do almost every day.
Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 15 until April 16. Get the week started by visiting the Tidal Basin welcome area, open daily starting March 15 until April 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, where you can find souvenirs, food and books, with performances from noon to 6 p.m.
You can also splurge on the Pink Tie Party Fundraiser, an evening affair with entertainment and gourmet food made by the best chefs in D.C. on March 16 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Finally, make sure to take advantage of this $14 Cherry Blossom boat tour for two.
