U.S. National Arboretum
About
U.S. National Arboretum - 446-Acre USDA Research Arboretum in Northeast DC
446-acre research and public garden in northeast DC, operated by USDA's Agricultural Research Service. The arboretum was established by Congress in 1927 to advance landscape and ornamental plant research and includes the National Capitol Columns, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and themed plant collections.
Programs for Kids
Public education programming through USDA. Programs include:
- School field trips
- Self-guided family activities
- National Bonsai & Penjing Museum tours
- Public events throughout the year
What's Included
- 446 acres of curated plant collections and woodland
- National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
- National Capitol Columns
- Free admission daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Dec 25)
Experience
DC families use the Arboretum for free outdoor exploration, especially during azalea and dogwood bloom seasons. The New York Avenue location is in northeast DC, reachable by car from the I-295/DC-295 corridor.