My family and I are already fans of the Gaylord National. The location is steps away from the National Harbor, the hotel itself is beautiful, and there are plenty of free activities included in your stay! The summer is the perfect time to visit, because Gaylord National pulls out all the stops for SummerFest! Here are some of the best free activities at Gaylord National’s SummerFest.
Thank you, Gaylord National, for hosting a stay for my family and I to experience all the cool SummerFest fun!
Free Activities at Gaylord National SummerFest
My family and I love a destination that feels like a relaxing resort stay. This is the Gaylord National. There are plenty of things to do within walking distance at the National Harbor. As part of Gaylord National’s SummerFest, they offer many free activities that are included in your stay.
Also, during the week of July 4th, from July 2nd-July 6th, there are even EXTRA free activities at Gaylord National SummerFest, so you can enjoy your time before you head out to see the fireworks. The following are free for overnight guests at the Gaylord National. SummerFest is from May 24 – September 2!
Silent Disco at Gaylord National
This is by far my favorite free thing at the Gaylord National during SummerFest! Every Saturday night from 9 p.m. – 11 p.m., head to the Belvedere Lobby Bar. You can pick up your Silent Disco headphones and choose which channel you want to listen to. A live DJ also takes requests, so you can dance to your favorite tunes. I closed out the night with a little NSYNC.
Whoever doesn’t have headphones can’t hear the music, so will other guests look at you funny while you’re dancing? Maybe. But then it’ll bring a smile to their faces when they see how much fun you’re having. Works every time.
Pool Parties and Sunset Jams
Saturdays 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. at the pool, you can hear a live performer sing some of your favorite songs. Personally I loved when he busted out Ed Sheeran. He’s outside by the bar, so you can hear him better when relaxing in a lounge chair outdoors. There’s a splash pad outside and an indoor pool at the Gaylord National. My kids enjoy both!
Movie Under the Stars at Gaylord National
Saturdays at 9:15 p.m. have a seat in the Atrium and catch a movie. When the lights go down and little ones are not in the mood for Silent Disco relax by the big screen for a family-friendly film.
Campfire Tales and S’more
Catch this cute show Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. in the Atrium Level. Your kids will enjoy stories and songs by a “campfire.” You may not be roasting marshmallows by the fire, but those s’mores were actually really good. I do not pass up chocolate and graham crackers!
Bug Quest
Pick up your clue sheet at one of the stations located throughout the Gaylord National’s Atrium Level and go on a bug quest! Even my teenagers liked going around looking for the clues around the hotel. They were not giving up until they solved the puzzle!
Best of Summer Atrium Show
If you have a room that faces the Atrium, you can see the show from your balcony nightly at 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. You can also watch directly from the Atrium by the fountain which changes colors during the music and light show! It’s a short, fun show for the whole family. I recommend the 9:00 p.m. show, because sometimes it’s still light outside at 8:30, and the lasers and lights are much cooler in the dark.
Free Activities 4th of July Week at Gaylord National
July 2nd – July 6th, you can also enjoy some extra free activities at the Gaylord National. These include Creation Station for kids (and adults). I don’t know about your children, but anytime mine see a craft, they go crazy.
You can color and paint tote bags and also paint rocks to leave around for other guests to find. Write a kind note or let your artistic creations do the talking. A kind message can do wonders.
There will also be free trivia at National Pastime Sports and Grill, a restaurant inside the Gaylord National. My group won our trivia competition! There’s nothing like a little friendly competition, especially when you can beat your spouse.
There are so many free activities included with your overnight stay at the Gaylord National for SummerFest! It adds great value to a vacation and staycation. These are great ways to relax and unwind between visits to the National Harbor and downtown Washington D.C. The Gaylord National is one of our family’s favorite destinations, and we can’t wait to go back, especially for Gaylord ICE!
Book your SummerFest stay!
