United States Botanic Garden
About
United States Botanic Garden - Oldest Continuously Operating Public Garden in the U.S.
Federal botanical garden established by Congress in 1820, the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States. The garden maintains 12,000+ accessions (about 65,000 plants) for exhibition, study, conservation, and exchange with other institutions.
Programs for Kids
Year-round programming through the Garden's Education department. Programs include:
- Family programs and events
- School field trips
- Children's Garden interactive zones
- Self-guided exploration with printed materials
What's Included
- Conservatory with 12,000+ plant accessions
- National Garden outdoor zone
- Bartholdi Park across the street
- Free admission daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Dec 25)
Experience
DC families use the Botanic Garden as a free year-round indoor destination, with covered conservatories serving as a winter option. The Maryland Avenue location is at the foot of Capitol Hill and walkable from the Federal Center SW Metro Blue/Orange/Silver Line stop.