Best Museums for Kids in the Washington, DC Area

We are lucky to have a terrific selection of museums in the Washington, DC area. Many of the museums have special programs for kids and lots of hands-on activities that are educational as well as entertaining. Here are the top picks of museums for kids in the area, including Maryland and Virginia.

National Museum of Natural History
The Discovery Room is a great hands-on display for young children. Feel the skin of a crocodile, examine the jaws and teeth of different animals or try on clothes from around the globe. Be sure to check out the Insect Zoo, Dinosaur Hall and Sea Life Hall.

National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar–Hazy Center
Kids love to explore the planes and spaceships, watch an IMAX movie and visit the planetarium.

National Museum of American History
Newly remodeled, the Smithsonian museum is a great place for kids of all ages to use their imaginations and learn about our nation's history. Head to the the Spark! Lab, a hands-on science and invention center and America on the Move where you'll see how transportation shaped America.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Watch real money being printed! Tours are every 15 minutes, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mount Vernon
Kids are fascinated to learn about the father of our country. Visit the 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family. Tour the 14-room beautifully restored mansion furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740's. Tour the outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house and stables.

Discovery Creek Children’s Museum
Explore science and nature through hands-on activities at the small museum inside Glen Echo Park. Outdoor environmental programs are offered for toddlers, families, school groups and scouts.

National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall
This small high-tech exhibit hall features temporary exhibits that explore nature and human cultures of all over the world through spectacular photography and interactive displays. The museum, located in downtown Washington, DC, appeals to all ages and takes about an hour to visit.

Washington Navy Yard
Learn about more than 200 years of naval history through interactive exhibits and displays including naval artifacts, models, documents and fine art. Exhibits include model ships, undersea vehicles, sub periscopes, a space capsule, a decommissioned destroyer and much more.

College Park Aviation Museum
Visit the world's oldest continuously operating airport, with a museum of interactive exhibits and programs for kids including aviation crafts, kite and model making, movie and a lecture series.

Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum
Take a tour of this historic manor located in Frederick, Maryland. The manor was the retirement home of Maryland's first elected Governor, Thomas Johnson and a Children's Museum, Carriage Museum, and Farm Museum.

Good Night Magic Castle and Museum
This small theme park in Beltsville, Maryland offers magic shows, workshops and interactive mythical programs for families, school groups, scout troops and children's clubs. Summer camp programs and birthday parties are available.

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