Outside the Gate

Sunset Parade

Bring the family to the Sunset Parade at Marine Barracks Washington to enjoy a family-friendly military tradition, where you can spread out a blanket to watch members of the Silent Drill Platoon spin and toss their rifles. Listening to the Marine Band and the Drum and Bugle, Corps with the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial in the background contributes to the event's patriotism. The Sunset Parades are conducted on Tuesdays beginning June 5 - Aug. 14. No reservations are needed. The Marine Barracks of Washington are located on the corner of 8th and I Streets in Southeast Washington, D.C.

Dupont Kalorama Museums Consortium

Discover nine diverse museums in one of Washington, D.C.'s most beautiful neighborhoods during the 29th Annual Museum Walk Weekend to be held June 2 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and June 3 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. You can save on gas and museum admission by hitting the pavement and taking a walking tour or riding the free shuttle between sites. New in 2012 is the National Geographic Museum, featuring Titanic: 100 Year Obsession. Admission to the event is free. Visit museums in any order you choose. For more information, call 202-387-4062 or visit www.dkmuseums.com/activities.html.

Jazz 'n Families Fun Days at the Phillips Collection

During the Dupont Kalorama Museums Consortium, Jazz 'n Families Fun Days will be held at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. from June 2-3. The two-day event will feature dynamic entertaining and interactive programs where visitors can create and enjoy performances and activities, like an instrument petting zoo, storytelling, family jazz band portraits and face-painting. In the galleries, art inspires musical interpretation as musicians interpret art through improvised sound. Children have opportunities to create their own art surrounded by masterpieces by Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keefe and many others. Featured jazz artists in the past include: the Berklee World Jazz Nonet, Michael Bowie Trio, Charles Rahmat Woods Quartet, Reginald Cyntje and the DC Jazz Collaborative. America's first museum of modern art is located at 1600 21st Street Northwest in Washington, D.C. For more information, call 202-387-2151.

Dandy Restaurant Cruise Ships

If you haven't been on a cruise ship before and can't seem to find the time to fit one in to a busy work or school schedule, look no further than right outside the gate for a getaway excursion. Dandy Restaurant Cruise Ships offers gourmet dining, dancing and an unparalleled view of our Nation's Majestic Monuments, day or night, rain or shine, year round. Dandy Cruises pioneered fine dining on the water and has 29 years of successful operating experience. Saturday brunch is $52, dinner is $98; Sunday brunch is $57 and dinner is $88. For more information, call 703-683-6076.

Library of Congress

Come out and experience the world's largest collection of knowledge, culture and creativity at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., at any of these three historic locations: the Thomas Jefferson Building, the James Madison Memorial Building or the John Adams Building. Take a tour or visit fascinating exhibitions that bring to life the library's unparalleled collections and enjoy activities for kids and families - all free! For more information about visiting the library or participating in tours, contact the Visitor Services Office (VSO) at 202-707-9779.