Smithsonian Natural History Museum with kids: a route and tips
Quick answer
The Smithsonian Natural History Museum is free and very kid-friendly: a 60 to 90 minute route combines the elephant, dinosaurs, whale and insects. It is open 10am to 5:30pm, needs no timed pass and the best plan is to arrive at 10am, when it is quieter and little ones have the most energy.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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A 75-minute route with kids
The trick is to turn the visit into a treasure hunt. Pick three or four targets and treat everything else as a bonus.
- 1
0:00 · Rotunda · main level
Henry the elephant
Ask kids to guess how much he weighs and how tall he is. It is the quickest stop and the most popular.
- 2
0:10 · Deep Time · main level
Dinosaurs and fossils
The T. rex is the favourite. Look for the volunteer cart where you can sometimes touch real fossils.
- 3
0:40 · Sant Ocean Hall · main level
The whale
Challenge them to find the smallest and strangest sea creatures in the cases.
- 4
1:00 · Insect Zoo · upper level
Live insects
A classic with kids: spiders, beetles and other creepy crawlies. Confirm on the website that it is open.
- 5
1:10 · Gems · upper level
A sparkling finish
The Hope Diamond and gems are quick to see and impress younger children.
Tips for families
- Strollers are allowed; in the large halls a baby carrier helps too.
- Arrive at 10am and leave the gems for later, once kids have burned off some energy.
- There are cafés in the museum but prices are high; the National Mall is great for a picnic in good weather.
- Children's spaces such as Q?rius Jr. have existed for younger kids; check their status and hours on the website.
- With the AnyArt app, kids can scan animals and pieces to hear their story.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good museum for kids?
Yes. Dinosaurs, the elephant, the whale and the insects appeal to all ages, and entry is free for everyone.
How long should we spend with kids?
Between 60 and 90 minutes with younger children, and up to 3 hours with older kids interested in science.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, strollers are welcome. There are elevators between floors.
What if it rains?
It is a great rainy-day option: everything is indoors and you can combine it with other museums on the National Mall.
Where can we eat with kids?
In the museum cafés or, in good weather, a picnic on the National Mall. Check the website for outside-food rules.