A trip to Washington DC is incomplete without visiting the best Museums for children in DC including the world renowned Smithsonian museums. Washington DC has over 70 unique museums including a wide range of family friendly museums in DC.
Must Read: Check out the Things to do in Washington DC with kids to help plan a wonderful family vacation in DC.
Choosing from 70 museums in Washington DC? It’s a grueling task, isn’t it?
So we make it easier by listing the handpicked Kids museums in DC so that you can have your perfect family vacation in Washington DC.
This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.
Pin for Later
10 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.
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
Editor’s Pick
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum is one of the best Smithsonian museums for children in D.C.. This is a delight for all kids and grown ups who love reading and knowing everything about space.
The first thing that grabs the attention entering the museum are the huge aircrafts hanging from the ceiling. The hall has a big display of spaceship, jet aircrafts that are significant in history.
There are many galleries in the museum with exhibits showing everything from the history of American Air transportation, the expedition to the moon, Wright Brothers gallery. The Apollo gallery has some amazing artifacts related to the missions including an astronaut suit, instruments of the astronauts, the rover that stepped on the moon and so much more to fascinate you. There is the glider and flyer on display in the Wright Brothers Gallery that they created and flew.
The museum even has some flight simulators to experience. There are IMAX theaters to watch 3D films on space and aviation history making it a great experience. There is a ticket to watch a show at the IMAX theater though.
You could even take a guided tour of Air and Space Museum to maximize the experience.
Address: The museum is located on Independence Ave SW, between 4th and 7th streets.
Entry Fee: The entry to the museum is free. But timed entry-passes are required to be booked.
Timings: The regular hours of the museum are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with extended hours during summer till 7:30 p.m.
Website: For more info, refer to Air and Space Museum website.
Note: The museum is closed due to major renovation work and will open on July 30, 2021
The National Children’s Museum DC
Recommended by Corinne Vail of Grannies Go Digital
The National Children’s Museum in Washington, DC, is strictly for families of young children. The museum is set up so that the exhibits are just the right height for those little bodies. The museum is all about movement and interaction, learning by doing.
Science and motion, flight and weather, data, art, and technology, and lots and lots of gross and fine motor skills development, children will want to go back again and again.
There are six major exhibits in Children’s museum Washington DC that children can rotate in and out of: Dream Machine – climbing and sliding through the clouds, children explore clouds from within a huge climbing and sliding structure. Innovation Sandbox – A tactile experience from relaxation to discovery. Art and Tech – A complete weather experience where kids can shoot lightning bolts and make rain. Data Science Alley – a favorite, this exhibition leads children through the world of statistics. Little Movers – for the youngest children, this space lets them move and move some more, climbing, running, and sliding.
Don’t miss this engaging and fun museum when you visit Washington, DC.
Timings: The museum is open everyday from 9:30 AM until 4:30 PM. It’s closed only on major holidays.
Entry fee: The admission tickets to the museum is for USD 10.95 for adults and kids aged more than 1. It is a timed-entry ticket.
Museum Website: Refer to website here.
Planet Word
Recommended By Terri at FemaleSoloTrek.com
Planet Word is Washington, DC’s newest museum. It bills itself as “the museum where language comes to life.” This is a bibliophile’s dream destination.
But kids will want to make their voices heard in the Lend Me Your Ears where they can record a speech using a teleprompter. At Word Worlds, turn into an artist and paint with words. The room turns into a swirl of colors.
Planet Word’s six core values are: fun, playful, unexpected, motivational, meaningful and inclusive. Each exhibit seeks participation from young and old alike.
Travel around the world at the Speaking Willow Tree where hundreds of languages are whispered under the sculpture. Track how a baby turns into a talking toddler at First Words. And listen to the speakers from around the world talk about what’s unique with their language at the Spoken Word exhibit, speakers from around the world.
Finally, no visit is complete without stopping at The Library. Behind a hidden door lies a secret room to listen to poetry. Watch books light up when read.
After the Planet Word visit, call an Uber or walk down to Dupont Circle to explore this historic neighborhood. The kids would love a picnic at the fountain.
Timings: The museum is currently open Thursday through Sunday (10 am-5 p.m.) The last entrance is at 3:30 pm.
Entry Fee: There is no entrance fee, but the suggested donation is $15.
Address: Planet Word is located at 925 13th Street. Its entrance is on K Street.
Museum’s website: www.planetword.com.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Editor’s Pick
One of the most popular museums of Washington DC is the National Museum of Natural History. With the aim to throw light into the evolution and history of the planet, there are many exhibits on the various species.
As you enter the museum, you are welcomed by a huge African elephant inside the rotunda setting up high expectations as you begin exploring. Spread over 3 floors, there are over 12 exhibits from Fossils, birds, dinosaurs, mammals, human life, Ocean life, Gems & Minerals, and many more. There are some galleries that keep changing with time like the newest addition ‘Outbreak: Epidemics of the world’.
The younger kids love the exhibits of Dinosaurs, mammals, and birds. The museum houses some of the world’s biggest gems and sparkling diamonds that are an interesting visit. The Hall of Animals feature 274 animals from leopard to squirrel to okapi and so many more and their evolution.
There are many events and activities planned for kids at the museum.
The museum has a gift shop and cafeteria to take a break and munch on some snacks.
Timings: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday.
Address: 1000 Madison Drive NW Washington, D.C. 20560
Entry fee: The admission to National Museum of Natural History is FREE. But Free, timed-entry passes are required.
Website: Visit the museum Website for more info.
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Recommended by Melissa of The Family Voyage
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is a hidden gem in the crowded pack of free museums in Washington DC. Unlike so many choices, it’s located several blocks from the National Mall (across the street from Union Station). That location makes it far less crowded than other popular museums in DC. It’s a great way to add variety to list of things to do in DC with kids! And the best part is that DC is also a great destination for a car-free vacation for families.
In addition to being generally uncrowded and free, the National Postal Museum is downright fascinating. It takes visitors through the history of mail service in the United States with life-size exhibits covering The Pony Express, high-tech mechanical mail sorting and everything in-between. Kids will love the opportunity to sit in the cab of a mail-hauling big rig or sort letters into tiny antique post boxes.
The upper level has a wonderful exhibit all about stamps. It showcases a mix of historically important stamps along with those with more cultural appeal. There’s even a station where kids (and their parents) can design their own stamps and retrieve them by email.
Timings: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Friday to Tuesday .
Entry Fee: The admission is free.
Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. , Washington, DC 20002
Museum’s website: Refer to the museum website
Note: The museum is closed currently and will reopen on August 27, 2021.
National Museum of American History
Recommended by Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids
One of the best museums to visit with kids in Washington, DC is the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Not only is this a fascinating look into the history of the United States of America. But it includes a wide variety of authentic, treasured collections of significant American artifacts. Things like the original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s Top Hat, the first artificial heart, and Dorothy’s original ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz movie.
It also includes an array of important American documents, photographs, and historical moments that have been significant political and pop culture moments in America. There are also sections dedicated to historical events like wartime, significant inventions and innovations in America, important historical figures, and notable influencers.
One of my favorite areas is the hall of First Ladies. I have always loved this area because I love looking at the changing history of the First Ladies, their clothing, and the significant impact they have each had in America.
There is a section called Wegman’s Wonderplace, which is perfect for kids ages 0 to 6, where they can interact and explore artifacts up close at an age-appropriate level.
Entry fee: The National Museum of American History is FREE. Free, timed-entry passes are required and may be reserved up to 30 days in advance. In order to gain complete info about the American history, you can book a guided tour.
Timings: Current hours are Friday–Tuesday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Website: https://americanhistory.si.edu
National Museum of American Indian
Recommended by Noel Morata of Oahu Travel Now
One of the finest Washington DC museums is also a fantastic family friendly museum to explore at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. This museum is dedicated to advancing and educating visitors to Native American Indian culture, tradition and history and was coordinated with many native people to share their rich history and lifestyle.
It is a wonderful museum to take children to learn about the many tribes in America including Alaska and Hawaii and what the native people from each region has contributed to understanding their daily life, traditional values and culture.
There are so many fascinating exhibits and collections to explore here along with amazing dioramas, mock villages and structures along with rotating shows that pay tribute to all the native peoples that lived and are still living in the United States. You’ll enjoy exploring the entire museum which draws you in with compelling exhibits and showcases their history in an easy and educational production.
Timings: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday.
Address: 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
Entry fee: Visiting the museum now is done on a reservation process in a timed entry set up and also a security screening at the entry. This ensures safety and limited entry for families to enjoy and be safe in an indoor setting.
Museum Website: For details refer to the website.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Recommended by Jennifer of DC Family Travel
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest Smithsonian museum and a must-see destination for any family visiting Washington, D.C. The building itself is incredible and filled with meaning.
The tour starts 3 levels underground with the transatlantic slave trade and then as you rise through the levels, you travel through history. There are also 3 levels above ground that celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans in Culture, History, the Military, ARts, Science and more.
Note: In the History Galleries, the museum has put red boxes around exhibits that might be too sensitive for younger or sensitive visitors.
The amount of exhibits and information might seem overwhelming at first but there are 3 main areas that are great for kids. First the Paradox of Liberty Gallery, especially for elementary and up. Second, the Contemplative Court with a beautiful fountain for all ages. And finally, the Explore More! Interactive Gallery on L2 level. They include the Step Afrika Interactive Dance and Green Book exhibits. The latter is a helpful entry into sharing about inequality in America.
And check out some of the best playgrounds in DC if you want some more kid-friendly fun in the Nation’s capital.
Timings: The Museum is currently open Wednesday through Sundays 11 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee: The museum is always free to visit. You do need to reserve free timed entry passes and they are made available 30 days in advance.
Website: Check the website for up to day hours as they are changing this year and to reserve tickets.
International Spy Museum
Recommended by Yulia Saf of Miss Tourist
The DC International Spy Museum is always a favourite amongst the whole family. While kids (and kids at heart) of course love the interactive exhibits, all members of the family can enjoy reliving their childhood dreams of becoming an international super spy. The museum is recommended for children aged 7+ and hosts a variety of permanent and changing exhibits as well as special programs and events throughout the year.
Children and parents alike will enjoy learning about the history of espionage going all the way back to ancient times. The interactive exhibits here will send you on a special mission to crack the codes and discover the stories from real life spies of the past. Kids can also learn some new super secret skills on the museum’s camps and workshops, and if you haven’t already chosen your hotel in DC, the museum even offers overnight sleepovers.
So if you are ready to try your hand, head to the International Spy Museum to be assigned your mission!
Timings: The Spy Museum is open 9am-7pm weekdays and 9am-8pm Friday – Sunday.
Entry Fee: Tickets cost $24.95 for ages 13+ and $16.95 for youth (7-12). Children under 6 are free (but still require a ticket) and seniors, military, law enforcement, intelligence community and college students (with valid ID) cost $22.95. It is best to book the skip-the-line voucher to save time.
Website: More details can be found on the Spy Museum website.
National Building Museum
Recommended by Kristy of JJ and the Bug
The National Building Museum is located in Judiciary Square. Visitors enter into the building’s soaring, expansive Great Hall. It is a perfect entrance for a museum that focuses on the impact that architecture and engineering have on our lives.
The National Building Museum is known for summer programs that transform the Great Hall each year. Visitors of all ages love these immersive exhibitions. They invite whimsy and wonder through unexpected interactive spaces. Past exhibits have featured a playful ball-filled “Beach” and hidden slides in “Icebergs.” Always check out what’s happening at this museum in the summertime!
No matter when you visit, expect to find hands-on exhibits like “Play, Work, Build”. This permanent exhibition introduces children to the mindset of building professionals through hands-on play. Adults appreciate the section of classic building toys like Lincoln Logs and Ringa-Majigs.
And, of course, don’t forget to make a stop in the carefully curated gift shop for a unique souvenir on the way out!
Address: 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Timings: Friday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Entry Fee: Tickets to access all exhibitions are split into two sessions: 11am – 1pm and 1pm – 4pm. Advance purchase is recommended. Adult Tickets are $10. Youth (3-17), Student, and Senior (60+) tickets are $7.
Visits to the Great Hall, Museum Shop, and Gun Violence Memorial Project are Free.
Note: The Building Museum recently reopened following a year of closure due to the pandemic. Hours may change.
Website: For more details refer to museum website.
Have you visited any of these Washington DC museums for kids? Which on is your kids favorite museum in DC? Do share your experiences with us in comments.
Save Museums in DC for Kids Pin to Pinterest
Sharing is nice :) If you have liked our post please share it with your friends and family and feel free to subscribe to our mailing list or you can also follow our stories on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
The post Museums for children in DC [including Free museums in Washington DC] appeared first on Travel Melodies.
