Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History?
What makes it 96% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can hold insects, join Q?rius Jr., see mammal dioramas, and attend story playdates; free entry, elevators, and family restrooms aid parents, but ticketless entry causes queues.
Positives:
- Free admission: No entry fee makes it easy to visit on any day.
- Stroller-friendly: Wide aisles and elevators on every floor accommodate strollers.
- Hands-on exhibits: Live insect zoo and Q?rius stations engage kids directly.
Challenges:
- Crowds: Main halls get busy by late morning, leading to queues at popular exhibits.
- Sensory overload: Large displays and crowds may overwhelm younger children.
- Limited seating: Benches are scarce in some exhibit areas; bring a small mat for kids to sit.
What is Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History?
- A landmark natural history museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
- Repository of more than 145 million specimens, ranging from dinosaur fossils and rare gemstones to cultural artifacts
- Housed in a Beaux-Arts building with a grand marble Rotunda, neoclassical facades and modern research wings
What is so special about Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for with kids?
- Free entry lets families explore famous exhibits at no cost.
- Interactive insect zoo and Q?rius Jr. stations keep kids engaged.
- Life-size dinosaur and mammal halls spark curiosity.
- Drop-in family programs like Little Beasts add hands-on fun.
- Stroller-friendly design and family restrooms make visits smooth.
Recommended visit duration: 3–5 hours
Why 3–5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 3–5 hour visit lets families see core exhibits and join drop-in programs without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Play Date at NMNH: Little Beasts:
Join a free drop-in session at 10:30 am to explore nature through stories, objects, art, and play.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to secure a spot for your kids.
O. Orkin Insect Zoo:
See and handle live insects like tarantulas and cockroaches while learning about their habitats.
Tip: Encourage kids to ask the educator questions for a more engaging experience.
Q?rius Jr. Science Stations:
Explore hands-on science drawers designed for grades K–5 with guided inquiry.
Tip: Pick up a digital Field Book at the entrance to track specimens as you go.
Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals:
Walk among life-size mammal specimens and learn about animal diversity.
Tip: Use the museum app’s audio guide to hear fun animal facts.
Deep Time Hall T. rex & Rotunda Elephant:
Marvel at the T. rex skeleton and the 11-ton African elephant statue in the grand Rotunda.
Tip: These are popular photo spots—visit early to avoid crowds.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Start early: Arrive at opening to enjoy popular exhibits before crowds build.
- Map your route: Plan stops at kid zones (Insect Zoo, Q?rius Jr.) to break up walking.
- Use drop-in programs: Join the 10:30 Little Beasts session without pre-registration.
Reviews of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Guadalupe
This museum is full of information. It is a lot to see, you might spend the whole day if you bring little ones. The building itself looks amazing from the outside. There are two entrances the main one where you see the stairs, behind the building there is also an entrance. There is only street parking, you might spend time looking for a parking spot. I’m pretty sure there are parking garage. I...
PL Lau
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History was truly amazing! The best part? It’s completely free and there was no waiting time at the entrance when we arrived. The museum is absolutely huge. It took us nearly 4 hours to see everything, and even then, we felt like we were just scratching the surface of their massive collection. There are definitely a lot of tourists ar...
Stephanie Vargas
There are no words to describe how massive this museum is. Its gorgeous and you can spend most of your day here. If you are into Geology, they have an incredible Gem exhibit. Amethyst, geodes, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, quartz. So many pretty rocks. I lost dinosaurs as well and their Dino exhibit is great. They have 2 food courts. 1 is on the 2nd level and the other Is on level 2m. The one on t...
Mina Zamanpour
This museum never disappoints! There’s something fascinating in every corner — from the massive dinosaur fossils to the sparkling gems and the incredible ocean exhibits. The Hope Diamond is a must-see, and the animal displays are so realistic and detailed. It’s perfect for both kids and adults, and you can easily spend a whole afternoon here. Best of all, admission is free! Truly one of the highli...
Alex Ros
The National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC is one of the most fascinating and visually stunning museums in the world. From the moment you walk through the entrance and see the towering elephant in the Rotunda you know you are in for an unforgettable experience. The building itself is beautiful, with grand halls, elegant architecture, and impressive exhibits that make every step exciti...
When is the best time to visit Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C., United States)?
Visit spring or fall to avoid summer crowds. Morning weekdays are quieter. Check holiday hours in winter.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Metro round-trip tickets for 2 adults | USD 24 |
| Café snacks | USD 20 |
| Souvenirs | USD 30 |
| Total Estimated | USD 74 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
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About Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 202-633-100010 BEST nearby Activities
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