Is There An Admission Fee
Admission for children and adults was $10.95 during the soft opening. Children younger than one receive free admission. Members can access the Museum for free year-round. Credit cards are accepted.
Admission includes all exhibits , daily pop-up experiences, weekend family workshops, and early childhood programs. Soft-opening pricing for tickets and membership are still available at nationalchildrensmuseum.org.
Community outreach and accessibility programs provide free admission to low-income families and classrooms in the District and Northern Virginia.
All tickets for the Museum are timed entry, including Member tickets. We strongly encourage booking ahead of time to ensure availability for your preferred date and time.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
About: From their website: “The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is Americas national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history, and serves as this countrys memorial to the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust.” I have visited a couple of pre-kids and hope to take my children when they are a bit older.
Mom Tip: Free timed-entry tickets are required so plan ahead at their website. Some same-day tickets are available online at 7 AM. Note:
Note for 2022: The exhibit “Daniel’s Story” is currently closed. It presents the history of the Holocaust through the experience of one child and is recommended for children 8 and older.
Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024
Bureau Of Engraving And Printing
This massive building offers guided tours that engage both kids and adults as you can watch real currency being printed right in front of your eyes. This may just make it on the list of fun places for kids in Washington D.C. Watching millions of dollars being printed can be surprisingly entertaining!
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National Museum Of African American History And Culture
About: Who should visit the National Museum of African American Museum History and Culture? Everyone! We visited the NMAAHC Smithsonian when my kids were 5 and 2 and then again when my kids were 8 and 5. It is such a powerful and important museum so if you are able, I highly encourage DC moms, dads, and families to visit.
Mom Tip: I wrote all my tips about options for viewing the sensitive exhibits with my kids here.
Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
Dream Machine Climber + Slide
This three-story centerpiece of the capital Childrens Museum captures the imagination of dreamers as they explore, climb and play inside a cloud-themed climbing structure and includes a simple block-based coding activity.
For adventurous dreamers, a 40-foot slide awaits! A smaller slide designed for all dreamers is also available.
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Best Museums For Kids In Dc
There are so many museums in DC for kids of all ages. Besides the Smithsonian Institutions, there are many other free museums in Washington DC. Most of the museums are located in the National Mall area.The Hop-on Hop-off bus tour can also be taken to visit the museums of DC along With other attractions. So head out with the kids and explore these great DC museums.
Honor The Heroes Of America At The Memorials On The National Mall
My family has lived in the Washington DC Metro area for several years. Weve visited the monuments and memorials in Washington DC dozens of times. Ive visited them by foot in the spring, on a bike in the fall, on a warm summer evening when theyre lit up brightly with lights, and in January when theyre covered in snow. It never gets old.
The view of the Tidal Basin filled with white puffy cherry blossoms in the spring during the National Cherry Blossom Festival is probably my favorite. However, I do also enjoy listening to the Army Band playing beneath the Washington Monument at sunset in the summer.
It can take three or four hours to walk past all of the memorials and monuments, especially if you take the time to complete Junior Ranger activity sheets available at most memorials.
My favorite path through the memorials is to begin at the Jefferson Memorial and walk along the Tidal Basin through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. A quick walk along the Tidal Basin then brings families to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
At that point, leave the Tidal Basin and walk towards the Lincoln Memorial, visiting the nearby Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the way. After climbing the steps to the Lincoln Memorial and admiring the view, walk along the reflecting pool back towards the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial.
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Textile Museum At George Washington
701 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052 | 202-994-5200
The Textile Museum at GW is a really interesting place to see rugs and clothing from around the world.
You will have the opportunity to see how they change in locations as well as in time from 3000 BC to the present.
This is one of the smaller museums and will only take a couple of hours to go through. Its completely worth it though as there is a lot to see and do for kids!
Kids will have the opportunity to learn about where materials such as cotton, silk and wool come from and how clothes are made.
They can even try on clothes from different parts of the world and theyll definitely like the Kids Room.
Tip: this museum is a short walk from the Renwick Museum if youd like to explore another museum on the same day.
Cost: Children are free and there is a suggested donation of $8.
Advanced Tickets Required: Subject to change on re-opening.
Hours: Temporarily closed
1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560 | 202-633-1000
The National Museum of Asian Art has 2 galleries The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery which has rotating exhibits and the Freer Gallery of Art.
The galleries give kids the opportunity to see Asian Art from around the world and gain an understanding of this art.
These 2 large museum galleries are connected. When you visit, make sure to pick up a family guide at the Visitors Center.
Stop by the Peacock Room as well for one of the kids favorite areas.
Cost: Free
Cost: Free
Cost: $3 per person
Pay Respects At Arlington National Cemetery
A visit to Arlington National Cemetery is at the top of many to-do lists in Washington DC and it can be respectfully done and even keep them interested with kids.
There are many ways to visit Arlington Cemetery, whether you join us on a guided tour, or take our audio tour. We also have a list of some things to keep in mind when visiting Arlington Cemetery with kids below.
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Washington Dc Museums For Kids
Lets explore the best museums for kids in DC! While museums arent always the most exciting, DC Museums are quite amazing and most of them keep the little ones in mind.
Here youll find all the dc museums for kids so you can pick the best ones for your family.
Youll find a lot of the museums are free and only some that are paid.
Please note: weve done our best to share accurate information. As protocols are regularly changing, please make sure to check directly with the venue before going. While some museums may be closed, many also have virtual programs at this time so you and the kids can explore before you visit when they re-open.
1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020 | 202-633-4820
Did you know the Anacostia Community Museum actually falls under the umbrella of Smithsonian Museum?
This local museum was also the first federally funded museum in the country.
The museum focuses on a number of issues facing urban communities today. Its actually a quite powerful museum.
Kids will enjoy the looking at the displays which gives parents enough time to read and dive a little deeper into the history
Cost: Free admission and parking
Advanced Tickets Required: No
Is The Museum Accessible
Yes! Exhibits within the Museum are physically accessible, including the Dream Machine Climber + Slide. Additional resources for dreamers include social narratives, quiet spaces, and sensory backpacks. An elevator connects the Museums two floors and all videos with audio content are captioned.
Dream Machine credit National Childrens Museum
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Best Dc Museums For Teens
Teens may be hard to impress sometimes, but theyll love these Washington DC museums for families! Whether your kid is interested in US history or modern art, theres something in the city to keep them happy. Keep reading for the best DC museums for teens!
Discover the secrets of DCs elite government officers at the International Spy Museum. Located in LEnfant Plaza, families visiting this kid-friendly museum can tap into their secret agent abilities to learn about spy life. Itll be a real thrilling experience for everyone! Visitors will receive their cover identity and mission at the Briefing Center. Then, families can go undercover to test their skills at 17 physical and digital interactive exhibits spread across several floors. Learning about famous spies then put some of their practices into action to get immersed in life as covert operatives. The museums primary audience is ages nine and older, though the museum notes younger children can have a fun and fulfilling experience. Its definitely one of the best DC museums for teens!
Advance purchase of tickets is recommended for the museum, which is open daily. Children six and under are free. Learn more at the museums website .
What Should I Expect From A Visit To The Kids Museum Dc
As soon as you enter, youll pass through a bag check, so be ready. Then your tickets will be scanned or you can purchase tickets at the desk. A waiver is required to enter and you are not able to complete a waiver online, at this time. Once that is complete, kids are off to explore.
Note: There arent any bands, stamps or tickets unlike other museums where adults and children are checked before exiting. There is security montioring the play areas and staff.
There are multiple areas to visit. Currently, all of the open exhibits are on one floor, minus the two-story climbing structure. Each exhibit is individually reviewed to give visitors an idea of what to expect during their visit and to determine if the childrens museum in DC would meet their familys needs. So without further ado, lets check out the new childrens museum, Washington DC.
Re-entry: You are able to exit and re-enter, just let astaff member know.
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National Air And Space Museum
Airplanes and rocket shipsdo you really need to say more to get a toddler out the door?
The National Air and Space museum is actually in two separate locations. The original National Air and Space Museum is downtown, but it has a counterpart, the Udvar-Hazy Center, which is basically a big hanger out by Dulles airport that is filled with aircrafts, like the space shuttle Discovery, the Concorde Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.
The downtown museum has a How Things Flyexhibit that is the best place to start with younger children. This hands-on exhibit allows kids to touch and sit in an airplane, push buttons and find out just how these massive vehicles get into the sky.
An online counterpart to this exhibit is a fun way to prep kids for a visit or continue their flying education at home.
What Should Parents Of Young Children Know Before Visiting The Museum
The Museum is designed for full family engagement! While learning content within experiences focuses on children age 12 and under, adults are encouraged to explore alongside their child.
Additionally, parents of young children should know that there are two dedicated toddler areas for safe exploration and play.
While we encourage parents to feed their children wherever they are most comfortable, there is a dedicated Mothers Room for those who wish to do so in a more private setting.
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National Childrens Museum Dc: A Real Mom Review
Looking for a childrens museum in the DC area? The National Childrens Museum in DC has officially opened after five years. The new DC Childrens Museum is 33,000 square feet of interactive and STEAM-focused exhibitsscience, technology, engineering, arts, and mathwith an emphasis on combined digital and hands-on learning aimed at children from the ages of 0-12. The museum features hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, fun learning centers, athletic zones and a massive climbing structure with 50- foot metal slide. Many of the exhibits are tech-focused for even the littlest innovators.
Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History & Culture
The National Museum of African American History & Culture is the newest addition to Smithsonians lineup. Its exhibitions tell the history of African Americans, from hardships in slavery to current culture and political issues. Its a beautifully-curated museum, and definitely worth the visit for anyone interested in whats on display. Here, families can literally walk through centuries of history, starting from the basement level up. Plan your visit beforehand to ensure a spot, though! Free, timed-entry passes are required for weekends, which are available on their website.
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Where Is The Museum Located
Location: National Childrens Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Childrens Museums new home is located in downtown DC at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue atop Woodrow Wilson Plaza.
This new location is close to major tourist destinations like the White House, National Mall, and the U.S. Capitol, but is equally as accessible for our local visitors. We sit just steps from the Federal Triangle Metro, multiple parking garages, a safe school bus drop-off zone, and amenities in the Ronald Reagan Building, including a group-friendly food court!
Tidal Basin Cherry Trees
In the spring season, cherry trees explode into bloom with bright, magnificent, pink colors. Get a family portrait done with a backdrop of amazing pink hues.
This spot is a photographers dream! Weddings are a popular choice among the pink cherry trees as well. Dont forget to check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival, either!
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Smithsonians Air & Space
Smithsonians Air & Space is one of the most popular museums in the world! Anything air or space-related is housed here, from early aircraft replicas to model rockets. Kids can also see the Apollo 11 Command Module that housed Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins during the first manned lunar landing mission! Its truly striking how small this module isand it took the astronauts more than 51 hours to reach lunar orbit.
Older kids will love the museums upgraded IMAX theater, which has a new dual 4K laser projection system with a 74-by-49-foot screen, one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic. A Beautiful Planet in 3-D IMAX is amazing, filmed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station! The most breathtaking part was seeing the cities of South Korea aglow at nightand then seeing its neighbor North Korea, which was shrouded in darkness.
Younger kids can attend the museums planetarium for a daily free show at 10:30 am starring Elmo and Big Bird! And theres storytime most Thursdays and Fridays at 11 am, and Saturdays at 11 am and 1:30 pm.
- Photo Courtesy: Nicole Ross Peirce
Smithsonian National Museum Of The American Indian
Want a meaningful DC museum experience for your kids? The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indianprovides families with a deeper look into the culture and lives of those indigenous to the United States. Its located on the National Mall near other Smithsonian Museums, so its easy to add to your trip. The museum provides a special look at the Algonquian people of the Chesapeake region, the American Indians local to the mid-Atlantic region, alongside several rotating exhibits. Uncover the philosophies and worldviews, historical events, and modern-day life, and historic leaders of American Indian communities. In addition to compelling exhibits, the museum also has a fantastic food court Mitsitam Café that highlights relevant cuisines from various U.S. regions .
Smithsonian museums are free to enter, and the National Museum of the American Indian is open daily. Review the website for more information.
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Engineering Games + Play
The Engineering Games exhibit is designed for kids ages 2 12 and is an amazing way to learn how to design and build structures. Plus even learn how science, especially physics, can affect their build.
There are also baseball related digital games they can play where they can discover how different bats, balls, and techniques can have different results.
Arts And Industries Building
About: The Arts and Industries Building recently re-opened after years of being closed to the public. The current exhibit is entitled FUTURES and focuses on the creative exchange of ideas and objects.
Mom Tip: I visited without my kids first but kids would love all the interactive exhibits! It is not large so you could just pop in after a visit to the Smithsonian Castle nearby or one of the art galleries .
Address: 900 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20560
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How Do I Get To The Childrens Museum Washington Dc
Driving to the childrens museum DC area: Park at the Ronald Reagan Building . The parking entrances require your car to pass through security, so dont forget to stop at the guard gate for a quick inspection.
Proceed down to the public parking. If you cant find aspot, free valet is provided, so feel free to use it. Locate the elevators and then head to the Concourse level .
Once at the concourse level, follow the signs to the metro. Youll see the entrance to the left just as you pass a security checkpoint. This is their current entrance location as of March 2020. Eventually, the entrance will be on the top floor and kids can enter directly into the Dream Machine.
Taking the Metro: The entrance is steps away from Federal Triangle metro station and three blocks from Metro Center. Nearby bus routes include 30N, 30S, 32, 33, 34, 36, D6, and P6.
