Spring Garden Tours at the White House

Were your attempts at scoring tickets for the Easter Egg Roll “unsuccessful” too?  Well, here’s a chance to enjoy spring at the White House — and you don’t need to win a lottery to do it.  The annual Spring Garden and Grounds Tours, a tradition that dates back to 1972 when Pat Nixon first opened the gardens to the public, are about to take place.  And gaining admission to the event is as easy as picking up tickets the day of.

On Saturday, April 9 from 9am – 4pm and Sunday, April 10 from 9am – 3pm, visitors can view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, and the South Lawn of the White House. The Kitchen Garden will also be accessible to tour guests. I have never attended the Garden and Grounds Tours myself, but DC Like a Local offers some insight on the experience in a post from last year.

While the Garden Tours are free and open to the public, a ticket is required for all attendees, including small children. The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8am. Tickets will be distributed — one ticket per person — on a first-come, first-served basis.   I have heard it’s not difficult to get tickets as long as you’re flexible on times.

Strollers and cameras are permitted, however, be aware that certain items, including a few not-so-obvious no-nos, are prohibited at the event.  Here’s the full list:

• Aerosols of any kind
• Animals (except guide dogs)
• Backpacks (oversized)
• Balloons
• Beverages of any kind
• Chewing gum
• Duffle bags/suitcases
• Any pointed object
• Electric stun guns
• Fireworks/firecrackers
• Food of any kind
• Guns/ammunition
• Knives of any kind
• Mace
• Smoking