Museums
IconicSmithsonian National Museum of American History
No admission feeDorothy's ruby slippers, the actual Star-Spangled Banner, and Julia Child's kitchen, America's attic, free on the National Mall.
Transit: reachable by public transit
Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick
National Children's Museum
Let kids under 12 play their way through hands-on science, technology, art and math exhibits a short walk from the National Mall.
Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 · Washington, DC
About National Children's Museum
This children's museum fills a 30,000-square-foot space beside the Ronald Reagan Building, a short walk from the National Mall and the White House. Its hands-on exhibits teach science, technology, engineering, art and math through play for children under 12, and a visiting exhibit hall hosts traveling shows. General admission is $19.95 for adults and children 1 and older, rising to $23.95 at peak times; babies under 1 get in free. Buy tickets ahead, and note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
- #children's museum
- #hands-on exhibits
- #steam
- #kids
- #downtown dc
What's around here?
The closest stops to National Children's Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
0.2 mi awayMore like this
- MuseumsHistory Buff
National Museum of African American History and Culture
No admission feeA powerful journey through African American history and culture, from the slave trade galleries to Motown and beyond.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.3 mi awayMore like this
- Theater & EventsHistory Buff
Ford's Theatre
Under $25Stand in the theatre where Lincoln was shot, then cross the street to the Petersen House where the story ended.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theater & Events
- MuseumsIconic
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
No admission feeThe Hope Diamond, the Nation's T. rex, and Henry the elephant, the Mall's busiest free museum packs the whole natural world under one green dome.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.3 mi awayMore like this
- SightseeingHistory Buff
Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site
No admission feeWalk the inaugural parade route between the White House and the Capitol, past Freedom Plaza, the Navy Memorial and Ford's Theatre.
0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
- SightseeingIconic
National Cherry Blossom Festival
No admission feeAnnual spring celebration around DC's Tidal Basin with cherry blossoms, a parade and cultural events.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Near National Children's Museum
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington
- National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington
- Ford's Theatre, Washington
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington
- Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, Washington
- National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington