PLACES TO GO:

The Smithsonian Institution
(202) 357-2700
smithsonian.org

A visit to Washington, DC is not complete without experiencing at least one of the 14 Smithsonian museums. The museum complex continues to grow and expand. In December, the National Air & Space Museum opened a second facility—the Stephen Udvar Hazy Center-- at Dulles International Airport, housing such treasures as the Enola Gay and other large aircraft.

The following are highlights of the myriad of exhibits and activities offered especially for children. All museums are open from 10 am-5:30 pm, every day of the week, and admission to all is free.

On the Mall: Outside the National Air and Space Museum, a scale model of the solar system entitled Voyage: A Journey through our Solar System helps children grasp the magnitude of the world around them.

National Air & Space Museum: Provides a world-renowned collection of flying machines from the Wright Brothers' Kitty Hawk Flyer to the Apollo 11 Command Module. Kids can see a moon rock, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and a variety of special films. The museum’s IMAX theatre provides large-format and 3-D glimpses of space and beyond.

National Museum of Natural History: After visiting the Hatcher, a digitally-restored Triceratops, dining in the special dinosaur café, visiting the brand new mammal hall and ogling the massive Hope Diamond, check out the famous Insect Zoo. Kids can learn all about these creatures and non-
squeamish types are allowed to handle them for an up-close look.

National Museum of American History: Closed for renovation. "Treasures of American History," opened in 2006 at the National Air and Space Museum, while American History is closed for renovation. To view the museum's collections & exhibitions online and learn about the renovation, visit: americanhistory.si.edu. The museum is scheduled to reopen summer 2008.

Hirshhorn Gallery: The Smithsonian’s modern art museum’s “Young at Art” program introduces young visitors to different artistic disciplines through hands-on activities. Participants can act in a play, create portraits in chocolate, make clay sculptures, and more. On Saturdays, drop in for an “Improv Art” program—including a tour of the gallery with a special activity sheet and an art project to take home. The museum also offers regularly-scheduled guided family tours.

Sackler Gallery: Through the Sackler Gallery’s ImaginAsia, kids visit a featured exhibition with a special guide written for children and create an art project to take home. Other special family programs include Asian dance and music lessons, storytelling, and more.

National Zoological Park: Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is especially popular for children. Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian amuse and delight visitors, yet also provide a living tutorial in the scientific method, thanks to the on-site scientists who monitor their behavior. The Zoo has added a number of new additions—recent births include a mountain gorilla and a Sumatran tiger. Children can also visit over 2,000 other animal species in this beautiful park setting. Located off the Mall at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW.

National Geographic Explorers Hall
17th & M Streets, NW
(202) 857-7588
nationalgeographic.com/explorer/

This fascinating museum has great appeal to all age groups. Its main attraction is an 11-foot globe—the largest of its kind in the world-- that dominates the main hallway. Open 9 am-5 pm, Mon.-Sat.; 10 am-5 pm Sun. Free.

National Museum of Health and Medicine
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Ave, NW
(202) 782-2200
nmhm.washingtondc.museum/

Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and displays at this museum, which features the world’s largest collection of microscopes, the bullet that took Abraham Lincoln’s life, and a pool of live leeches. The museum also holds regular programs for children, exploring body systems, functions, and other matters.

National Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE
postalmuseum.si.edu

Located next to Union Station, the National Postal Museum offers its young visitors insights into the interesting world of mail service. Children can create a souvenir postcard, learn about the history of the Pony Express and the legend of Owney the Postal Dog, and participate in a direct mail marketing campaign.

U.S. Capitol
East End of the National Mall
(202) 225-6827
aoc.gov/visit/visit_overview.htm

Bring the children to the seat of our nation's government. Guided public tours are available Monday through Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm Tickets for the tours are required and available on the day of your visit, beginning at 8:15 am Call for additional information and updates. Free.

The Lincoln, Jefferson, WWII Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials
nps.gov

Among the city’s most familiar sites are its popular memorials. The towering salutes to Lincoln and Jefferson and the rambling tribute to Roosevelt are always popular with younger visitors. Open daily 8 am-midnight. Free.

 

Library of Congress
10 First Street, SW
(202) 707-8000
loc.gov

The world’s largest library is home to much more than just books. At the Library of Congress, kids can see a perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible, a collection of Houdini’s magic tricks, the Wright Brothers’ flight log books and more. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 am to 5:30 pm Free public tours. Free admission.

Supreme Court of the United States
1st Street & Maryland Ave, NE
(202) 479-3211
supremecourtus.gov

The highest court in the land is open to visitors of all ages Mon.-Fri., 9 am to 4:30 pm Visitors can watch an oral argument when the court is in session or enjoy a regularly-scheduled lecture when the court is not in session. Free.

 

Union Station
40 Massachusetts Ave, NE
(202) 289-1908
unionstationdc.com

Washington, DC’s magnificent train station has been restored as a breathtaking shopping and entertainment complex—while remaining an active train station. Located on Capitol Hill, the station serves a variety of cuisine in its extensive food court, while kid-friendly restaurants fill the main concourse.

International Spy Museum
800 F Street, NW
(202) 393-7798
spymuseum.org

Washington, DC’s newest attraction is a big
hit with children and adults alike. Packed with high-tech, interactive displays and activities, visitors can take on a spy’s cover, test their skills of observation and surveillance, while learning about the history and the future of espionage. Open daily, 10 am to 8 pm April-October; 10 am to 6 pm November-March. Admission: $11 adults; $8 children 5 & up.

National Gallery of Art
6th St. & Constitution Ave, NW
(202) 737-4215
nga.gov

Visitors with children can participate in drop-in workshops, take several postcard tours of the collection using a packet of cards with pictures of objects and questions for discussion or rent a family-oriented audio tour.

Washington National Cathedral
Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves, NW
(202) 537-6200
cathedral.org

The Washington National Cathedral towers above the city at its highest point. Older children can enjoy special gargoyles tours that point out the unique grotesques of the beautiful gothic structure. The Cathedral also offers special family programs on select days, ranging from stone carving to stained glass.

Rock Creek Park and Nature Center
5200 Glover Rd, NW
(202) 426-6829
nps.gov/rocr/naturecenter/

This 2,000-acre park provides a perfect setting for an urban escape or a family outing. The park has a golf course, tennis courts, picnic tables, bike trails, jogging trails, and horseback riding. The Rock Creek Nature Center is home to the only planetarium in the National Park system. The park is open daily; the Nature Center is open Wed.-Sun. 9 am-5 pm Free

Theodore Roosevelt Island
Off George Washington Memorial Parkway (northbound)
near the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge
(703) 289-2530
nps.gov

Open 7:30 am - 4 pm Monday - Friday, this deeply wooded island is a wildlife preserve dedicated to the memory of President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid conservationist. There are no picnic tables, but the island is a perfect place for an outing with guided nature walks - and it's located just across the Potomac River from Georgetown. Rent a kayak or canoe and cross the river for a refreshing family adventure. Free.

Old Post Office Pavilion
Pennsylvania Ave, between 11th & 12th Streets, NW
(202) 289-4224
oldpostofficedc.com

This unique complex of shops and restaurants is located inside the Old Post Office building, built in 1899. Tours of the clock tower offering a terrific view of the city. Free.

 

National Aquarium
14th Street & Constitution Ave, NW
(202) 482-2826
nationalaquarium.com

Tucked inside the United States Department of Commerce building, the National Aquarium is a hidden treat for families, displaying a variety of marine life. Open 7 days a week, 9 am –5 pm Admission: $3 for adults; 75 cents for seniors and children; school group rates available.

Washington Dolls' House and Toy Museum
5236 44th Street, NW
(202) 244-0024

Contains a fascinating collection of antique doll houses, toys and games, mostly from the Victorian era. Open 10 am-5 pm, Tues.-Sat.; 12 pm-5 pm Sun. An "Edwardian Tea Room" can be reserved for birthday parties or group tours. The museum also features seasonal exhibits at Christmas, Easter, Halloween and other holidays. Admission: $4 adults; $3 seniors; $2 for children under 12.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl, SW
(202) 488-0400
ushmm.org

Geared for visitors ages 11 and up, the permanent collection of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum tells the moving story of the persecution of the Jewish people. A special children’s exhibition, “Daniel’s Story,” presents the story of the Holocaust for younger visitors. Open daily except Yom Kippur and Christmas, 10 am to 5:30 pm Extended hours in the summer. Timed tickets required for permanent exhibition; available same day or in advance at tickets.com (1-800-400-9373).

Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
(703) 780-2000
mountvernon.org

This beautiful plantation overlooks thePotomac River and is the home and burial place of the first President, George Washington. Admission: $9.00 for adults; $8.50 for seniors 62 and older, $4.50 for children 6-11, children 5 and under are free. Open to visitors April through August 8 am-5 pm; in March, September, and October 9 am-5 pm; November through February 9 am-4 pm

The National Archives
Constitution Ave, between 7th & 9th Streets, NW
(202) 501-5205
nara.gov

The National Archives is home to the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, as well as other historical American documents and records. Free.

ENTERTAINMENT & PERFORMANCES

Stages for the Ages: More than 30 area theatres offer a free ticket for kids 17 and under for each adult ticket purchased at regular price. Sponsored by the League of Washington Theatres and The Washington Post, the promotion is valid for select performances, February through May. Call (202) 334-5885 or visit lowt.org.

Saturday Morning at the National Theatre: Sponsored by Marriott International, Inc. and the J. Willard Marriott Foundation, "Saturday Morning at the National" provides a constantly changing program of free entertainment each Saturday at 9:30 am & 11 am, from puppet shows to tap dancers. Shows are held in the Helen Hayes Gallery of the restored National Theatre. Runs September through April. Reservations required. 1321 Pennsylvania Ave, NW; (202) 783-3370; nationaltheatre.org

Discovery Theatre at the Smithsonian: An on-going series of plays specifically for children is what "Discovery Theatre" at the Smithsonian is all about. Held in the Arts & Industries Building; admission charge. Call (202) 357-1500 for current schedules and information about other activities. http://discoverytheater.si.edu/.

Imagination Celebration at the Kennedy Center: The Kennedy Center’s on-going calendar of performances is peppered with youth and family programming. Call (202) 467-4600. kennedy-center.org.

MORE INFORMATION

For other ideas and for a listing of child-friendly events and activities, refer to the Washington Post Weekend section, published each Friday. The “Saturday’s Child” column highlights special events and activities to appeal to young visitors.

CHILD CARE AGENCIES AND SPECIAL SERVICES

For additional resources and specialized assistance, contact:

Bring Along the Children: (202-484-0889)
Children’s Concierge: (301-309-6601)
Family & Childcare, Inc.: (202-723-2051)