From fall foliage on the National Mall to free festivals in Northern Virginia and Maryland, here's how to make the most of autumn in the DMV without spending a cent.

While getting into the fall spirit can be as simple as watching reruns of "Gilmore Girls" with a cup of apple cider, leaving the house to experience fall in the DMV is definitely worth it. The humidity drops, the leaves turn orange, pumpkins appear everywhere and that classic fall scent fills the air.

Best of all, families can find plenty of ways to enjoy the season for free. From scenic trails and Smithsonian museums to festivals and neighborhood celebrations, here are 13 ways to make the most of fall in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia without spending a dime — or with tips for visiting for free when fees apply at certain times.

WASHINGTON, DC

1. Stroll the National Mall and see fall foliage

The National Mall is a beautiful spot to experience fall foliage. Monuments and memorials surrounded by autumn leaves make for one of the most memorable seasonal views in DC. Fall can also be a comfortable time for families to explore the Mall on foot and stop at favorite monuments along the way.

  • When: All season
  • Address: National Mall, Washington, DC
  • Best for: All ages
  • Cost: Free
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate
  • Reservations: Not required

2. Visit the Smithsonian museums

On unpredictable fall days, Smithsonian museums offer families an indoor getaway with free admission. Popular choices include the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History. The Smithsonian's National Zoo is another family favorite.

Admission is free, but don't mistake free for reservation-free. The National Air and Space Museum in DC, National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Zoo currently require free timed-entry passes. Check the Smithsonian's current visitor information before heading out.

  • When: All season
  • Address: Various locations in Washington, DC
  • Best for: All ages; different museums suit different age groups
  • Cost: Free; passes are required at select locations
  • Setting: Indoor; National Zoo is primarily outdoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate
  • Reservations: Required at select Smithsonian destinations

3. Take a fall hike in Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is one of DC's best places to watch the seasons change. Miles of hiking trails wind through wooded areas that turn shades of red, orange and gold during fall.

Families should note that the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium building is currently closed until further notice for remediation. Check the National Park Service calendar for ranger programs and other activities being offered elsewhere in the park.

  • When: All season
  • Address: Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC
  • Best for: All ages; easy to moderate trails are available
  • Cost: Free
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate on weekends
  • Reservations: Not required

4. Listen to jazz during DC JazzFest

DC JazzFest returns Sept. 2-6, bringing performances to venues across Washington, DC. Families who want to enjoy the festival for free can listen to performances from the Wharf Street promenade during the festival's Wharf weekend.

Keep in mind that access to performances on District Pier, Transit Pier and at indoor venues requires tickets, so check the festival schedule before making plans.

  • When: Sept. 2-6
  • Address: Various locations in Washington, DC
  • Best for: Families with kids 5 and up
  • Cost: Free listening opportunities are available from the Wharf Street promenade; ticketed performances are also offered
  • Setting: Outdoor and indoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate to high
  • Reservations: Not required for free listening opportunities

5. Celebrate local talent at the DC State Fair

The DC State Fair showcases local talent and creativity through contests, demonstrations, entertainment and community activities. It's a chance for kids to experience a citywide celebration inspired by traditional state fairs without leaving DC.

  • When: Sept. 6
  • Address: Anthem Row, 800 K St. NW
  • Best for: All ages
  • Cost: Free
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate
  • Reservations: Not required

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

6. Explore the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail

The George Washington Memorial Parkway follows the Potomac River through Northern Virginia, offering scenic views and access to parks and overlooks along the way. Families can also bike, walk or run along the approximately 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail, which stretches from George Washington's Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island.

  • When: All season
  • Address: George Washington Memorial Parkway
  • Best for: All ages; great for families with bikes
  • Cost: Free to use the Mount Vernon Trail
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate on fall weekends
  • Reservations: Not required for the trail

7. Take a fall hike at Bull Run Regional Park

Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville offers miles of free trails through some of the most beautiful wooded terrain in the region. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail runs along the creek, offering perfect scenic family hikes. Check NOVA Parks for current entrance-fee rules before visiting.

  • When: All season
  • Address: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
  • Best for: All ages
  • Cost: For visitors from outside NOVA Parks member jurisdictions, current entrance fees are $8 per vehicle Monday through Friday and $10 per vehicle on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Low to moderate
  • Reservations: Not required

8. Browse DePaul's Urban Farm

DePaul's Urban Farm in Vienna is a local stop for plants, produce and other farm-market finds. Families looking for a casual fall outing can browse the farm and see what's available for the season without paying an admission fee.

Seasonal products and activities can change, so check with the farm for its latest fall offerings before making a special trip.

  • When: Check current hours before visiting
  • Address: 2599 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna
  • Best for: All ages
  • Cost: No general admission fee; purchases are optional
  • Setting: Indoor and outdoor
  • Crowd level: Low to moderate
  • Reservations: Not required

9. Spend the day at Art on the Avenue

Art on the Avenue turns Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood into an outdoor arts festival featuring hundreds of artists along with entertainment and activities.

  • When: Oct. 3
  • Address: Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria
  • Best for: All ages
  • Cost: No general admission fee; purchases are optional
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate to high
  • Reservations: Not required

MARYLAND

10. Walk or bike the Sligo Creek Trail

Sligo Creek Trail in Montgomery County is a paved trail that winds through wooded creekside scenery, with playgrounds and picnic areas along the way. It's an easy option for families looking for a free fall walk or bike ride.

  • When: All season
  • Address: Multiple access points along Sligo Creek Parkway
  • Best for: All ages; good for strollers and bikes
  • Cost: Free
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Low to moderate
  • Reservations: Not required

11. Visit Seneca Creek State Park on a fee-free day

Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg offers woodland hiking trails and views around 90-acre Clopper Lake, making it a scenic place to spend a fall day.

  • Note: Maryland Department of Natural Resources charges day-use fees on weekends and holidays from April through October. To keep this outing free, plan a qualifying weekday visit or check whether your family qualifies for free entry under one of the state's exemptions or passes.
  • When: All season; visit on a fee-free day for a no-cost outing
  • Address: 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
  • Best for: Kids 4 and up
  • Cost: Free on qualifying days; entrance fees apply on weekends and holidays through October
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Low to moderate
  • Reservations: Not required

12. Walk the C&O Canal Towpath

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park's towpath stretches 184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, offering families plenty of opportunities for a fall walk or bike ride along the historic canal.

  • When: All season
  • Address: Multiple access points in Maryland and Washington, DC
  • Best for: All ages; some flat towpath sections can work well for families
  • Cost: Free at most park locations; Great Falls Tavern entrance fees apply
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Moderate on peak fall weekends
  • Reservations: Not required

13. Go birding at Patuxent Research Refuge

Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel encompasses thousands of acres of protected wildlife habitat and offers opportunities for hiking and birding. Fall migration can make the season an especially interesting time for families to look for birds and other wildlife.

Because refuge facilities, trails and access can be affected by closures or changing conditions, check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's current visitor information before your trip.

  • When: All season, subject to current refuge access
  • Address: 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel
  • Best for: Kids 4 and up; especially good for nature and birding enthusiasts
  • Cost: Free
  • Setting: Outdoor
  • Crowd level: Low
  • Reservations: Not required