Washington D.C. is rich with history and culture and its museums offer programs and exhibits aimed at educating kids about various aspects of the world.
The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum is a popular stop for families offering free docent tours of the museum twice-daily. They offer family days, story time and discovery stations that provide children with hands-on activities that help them learn about topics such as aviation, space exploration and astronomy. For an interactive experience, visit the Einstein Planetarium, enjoy an IMAX show or participate in a flight simulation. As of 2010, the museum is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended summer hours. The cost to get into the museum is free, but special admission fees apply for some shows and activities.
Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Independence Ave at 6th Street
Southwest, Washington, DC 20560
202-633-2214
nasm.si.edu
Washington D.C.'s National Museum of Natural History offers a Butterfly Pavilion. Children can take in the sights of real butterflies and exotic plants. As of 2010, admission for children ages 2-12 is $5, while adults pay $6 and seniors over 60 pay $5.50.
National Museum of Natural History
10th St. and Constitution Avenue
Northwest, Washington, DC 20004
202-633-1000
mnh.si.edu
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers free 40-minute tours for families to learn about U.S. money. Kids can watch as money is printed, take a gallery tour and watch a film which explains paper currency and the process of making it. Tours are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
300 14th Street
Southwest, Washington, DC 20228
202-874-2330
moneyfactory.gov
A first-time visit to Washington D.C. can be overwhelming; with so many kid-friendly activities at your disposal you may find it impossible to map out a plan. Begin your trip with a sight seeing tour provided by a company such as Tourmobile Sightseeing. This narrated mobile tour takes passengers along the National Mall and Arlington National Cemetery between the hours of 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily.
You and your kids can enjoy learning about D.C.'s history and can hop off at various stops to explore museums, shopping and restaurants.
The tour stops at kid-friendly D.C. Landmarks such as the Smithsonian, Air & Space Museum, National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Natural History. For information on tickets, tour schedules and other questions, contact Tourmobile Sightseeing.
Tourmobile Sightseeing
1000 Ohio Drive
Southwest, Washington, DC 20024
202-554-5100
tourmobile.com
If your kids love animals, they'll enjoy learning about the mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians that fill Washington D.C.'s zoo. Visit the Smithsonian's National Zoo offers guests free admission. They're open April--October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and November--March from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Avenue
Northwest, Washington, DC
202-633-4800
nationalzoo.si.edu
