Introduction

Welcome to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), located in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Given all the hustle and bustle in this city of 700,000 residents, you’ll never run out of unique things to do in Washington, D.C. You can take advantage of all the things the JBAB MWR has to offer, catch a movie, or visit some of the most renowned museums in the country. Below, we’ve listed some of the best things to do in Washington, D.C., into several categories. The list is not exhaustive, but it provides a good starting point for your adventures during your stay at JBAB. Due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, many businesses and venues may be subject to some form of restrictions. It is best to call ahead to confirm what their specific rules and hours are.

JBAB ITT & JBAB MWR Equipment Rental

The JBAB Information, Tickets, & Travel office offers discounted tickets to many local attractions, like water parks, theatrical performances, festivals, and sporting events. They even have offers for theme parks like Disney World for your next family vacation. They can also assist you with booking air and hotel accommodations for future trips. At the same address is the Outdoor Recreation Center. There, you can get information regarding local outdoor activities and rent equipment, like kayaks, grills, canopies, chairs, and more. JBAB MWR equipment rental is convenient and easy, so be sure to check it out!

JBAB ITT/Outdoor Recreation Center

928 Giovannoli Way Washington, D.C. 20032

Phone

: 1 (202) 284-3104

Hours

: Daily from 0900-1700

Things To Do Near JBAB

JBAB Gym

1. Fitness Center I

Building 15 130 McChord St. Washington, D.C. 20032

Phone

: 1 (202) 284-3034 The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Gym, or Fitness Center, offers a convenient way for personnel to stay in shape during their posting. The Fitness Center features all the amenities of a modern gym, from cardio machines to free weights. There are even full-sized basketball and racquetball courts. If you have children, the on-site daycare will watch your child while you work out. Another cool perk is the free personal training for active-duty personnel in one-on-one training or small groups of 3-10 people.

JBAB Movie Theater

2. AMC Rivertowne 12

6075 Oxon Hill Rd. Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Phone

: 1 (240) 766-8414 AMC Rivertowne delivers the classic multiplex experience on all of their 12 screens. Catch all the latest blockbusters and enjoy your favorite movie snack in one of their comfortable recliners. AMC Stubs members can enjoy discounted tickets on Tuesdays, too.

JBAB Bowling Alley

3. Potomac Lanes Bowling Center

Building 1310 McChord St. Washington, D.C. 20032

Phone

: 1 (202) 767-8202 Another perk of the JBAB MWR is the Potomac Lanes Bowling Center, where you can enjoy a night of bowling with friends or family. It’s a great option for birthday parties, too! Avid bowlers can even join leagues to compete and work on their game.

JBAB Museums

4. Smithsonian Institution

One of the coolest aspects of living in the Beltway is its proximity to so many world-famous Smithsonian Institution facilities. According to their website, the Institution is the “world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.” Most of those complexes are in the D.C. area, such as the National Air and Space Museum, American Art Museum, and Museum of Natural History. The Zoo is particularly great for families, and kids will get a kick watching the Smithsonian Zoo live cam from home with feeds of pandas, lions, and elephants. Take advantage of these facilities and experience some of the most unique things to do in Washington, D.C.

5. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

524 Rhode Island Ave. Washington, D.C. 20002

Phone

: 1 (213) 277-2954 If you’re an art fan, you have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh. Washington, D.C., has many museums, but none of them are quite like this exhibit dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh. Rooms feature Van Gogh’s works stretched from floor to ceiling, and galleries cover different phases of his life, including technique and influences. You can also participate in a 10-minute virtual reality element where you experience what a day in Van Gogh’s life could have been like.

6. Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

1644 31st St. NW Washington, D.C. 20007

Phone

: 1 (202) 965-0400 At Tudor Place, D.C., you’ll get a chance to step into the past for a few hours. Tudor Place is the former home of Martha Washington, and its mission is to preserve the stories of the generations that followed her. On-site, you can enjoy the home’s rich history and, if it’s a pleasant day, take a stroll through the expansive garden.

Washington, D.C., Indoor Activities

7. Insomnia Escape Room D.C.

2300 Wisconsin Ave. NW #200b Washington, D.C. 20007

Phone

: 1 (202) 838-3258 One of the coolest Washington, D.C., indoor activities is the Insomnia Escape Room, which USA Today ranked as one of the ten best escape rooms in 2017. If you’re not familiar with escape rooms, they are games where you and your team are locked in a room and need to solve puzzles in the room to “escape” before the timer runs out. Usually, the rooms are themed, and Insomnia has several different themes to choose from at a variety of difficulty levels, such as Mafia or Dungeon. Games typically run at $28 per person.

Washington, D.C., Outdoor Activities

8. JBAB Pool

51 Theisen St. Washington, D.C. 20007

Phone

: 1 (202) 838-3258 Beat the summer heat at the JBAB pool, available for open swim Tuesday through Sunday from 1200 to 1930. The pool is a great place to take the kids while you soak up some sun; you can even rent them inflatables from the Outdoor Recreation Center if you don’t have your own.

9. East Potomac Golf Links

972 Ohio Dr. Washington, D.C. 20024

Phone

: 1 (202) 554-7660 Golf fans will love East Potomac Golf Links’s convenience to base, as it’s only a six-mile drive. They offer a nine-hole and 18-hole course, as well as a driving range if you just want to whack some balls without committing to a full round. Military members receive discounts on rounds from Monday through Thursday. Lessons are available if you’re interested in improving your game, and they have a mini-golf course on-site if you want to bring the kids.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy your time at JBAB and that this list provided some unique things to do in Washington, D.C., that you’ll love. Whether your idea of a perfect recreational afternoon is hitting the pool, visiting a museum, or playing 18 holes, the D.C. area has something everyone in the family will enjoy. As this list is just a jumping-off point, check with friends and neighbors to see what some of their favorite local activities are.