Prohibited Items

Prohibited Items Guns, knives, or ammunition Unmanned aerial systems (drones) Alcohol Glass containers Explosives or fireworks

Banner: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service arrowhead logo

Title: July 4th - Prohibited Items
Text and Images: The following items are prohibited at all access points:
Symbol of a handgun crossed out with text "No Guns, Knives, or Ammunition"
Symbol of a drone crossed out with text "No Unmanned Aerial Systems"
Symbol of a wine bottle and glass crossed out with text "No Alcohol"
Symbol of a broken bottle crossed out with text "No Glass containers"
Symbol of a firecracker crossed out with text "No Explosives or Fireworks"

Recommendations:
Symbol of a dog on a leash with text "Leave Pets at Home
Symbol of the Letter "M" with text "Please Use Metro"
Symbol of a glass of water with text: Bring Plenty of Water
Recycling symbol with text "Please Recycle"
www.nps.gov/foju

Celebrating Independence Day in the nation's capital can be an exciting experience. Some items are prohibited at national parks in the DC area during July 4th events to make it a safe one too. Check back for any additional information and updates. Find more information to plan your visit, including safety tips, closures, and things to know before you go.

Visitors will be screened at all entrance points to the National Mall. All coolers, backpacks, packages, and persons will be subject to inspection. 

The full list of prohibited items include:  

  • Alcohol   
  • Ammunition   
  • Balloons   
  • Bladed, edged, or sharp tools or implements 
  • Coolers/thermal Containers larger than 36 quarts (23”x15”x15”) 
  • Club-like items and striking devices (including selfies sticks and golf umbrellas) 
  • Destructive Devices, Explosives, or Combustible Chemical Compounds and Mixtures 
  • Disabling chemicals including mace and pepper spray 
  • Firearms and projectile weapons 
    • Possession of firearms in national parks is prohibited, governed by federal as well as local law, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the national park is located. All visitors should be aware of and follow applicable firearms laws of the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia 
  • Glass bottles or containers 
  • Laser pointers   
  • Packages (including wrapped packages, parcels, containers, or bundles where the inside cannot be visually inspected, including gift wrapped or plain paper wrapped packages) 
  • Props and displays, such as coffins, crates, crosses, theaters, cages, and statues; furniture and furnishings, such as desks, chairs, tables, bookcases, cabinets, platforms, podiums and lecterns; shelters, such as tents, boxes and other enclosures; wagons and cars, podiums, and platforms, and folding chairs. (Wheelchairs in active use by disabled people, prams, bicycles and small umbrellas are not included) 
  • Supports for signs. These cannot exceed four (4) feet in length, one-quarter (1/4) inch in thickness, with no sharp points, and may not be made of wood, steel or metal) 
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).  
    • Launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft (drones) on National Park Service property is strictly prohibited 
  • Weapons of any kind 
  • Any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard

  • Leave pets at home 

  • Travel by Metro 

  • Bring plenty of water 

  • Recycle 

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Last updated: June 27, 2022

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