10 Great Washington D.C. Museums for Kids

Traveling with kids to Washington DC is always a good idea because there’s so much for them to see and do. It’s like a history lesson brought to life, which is why so many tours of Washington DC cover these monuments, memorials, and interactive exhibits. Here’s a short guide to ten places your kids shouldn’t miss.

1. National Geographic Museum

A great stop for kids and adults alike, that shows how international scientists work nonstop to protect the natural world’s resources.

2. U.S. Botanic Garden

Here’s where you can be part of a scavenger hunt that involves identifying all kinds of plants. There’s also a Children’s Garden that lets kids pump water, plant flowers and dig with shovels.

3. National Museum of Natural History

Visit it for the interactive learning space that allows teenagers to engage in real-life science experiments. Also, check out the Butterfly Pavilion.

4. National Museum of American History

What you get here are interactive exhibits on the American Presidency, along with daily programs that change constantly and focus on various aspects of how our ancestors lived. There’s also Spark!Lab, where kids are encouraged to try and invent something!

5. International Spy Museum

Who doesn’t love a spy? Kids will love this place even more for the interactive experiences it offers.

6. National Gallery of Art

This is great for families because of the many hands-on art activities and interactive guides it offers. Young kids will enjoy its Stories in Art series, so check out schedules for that in advance.

7. National Postal Museum

Kids can create a stamp using their own design here. They can also sit in a postal truck, ride in a stagecoach, write and mail a postcard or sort packages in a mail room.

8. National Air and Space Museum

This museum welcomes kids to make and fly their own paper airplanes, look through a real telescope, climb in an aircraft or watch a show at the Planetarium.

9. National Museum of the American Indian

For those with an interest in ancient cultures, here’s where you can step inside a traditional Native home, play with early instruments or participate in an interactive quiz show.

10. Madame Tussauds Washington, DC

Fun for the whole family, with a little help from all kinds of celebrities. Pick from movie stars, Presidents, sportspersons, musicians or other interesting wax figures.

Get more recommendations from DC Trails

There are a lot more hidden gems across Washington DC for you and your kids to discover. If you need advice or recommendations, the tour experts at DCTrails will be happy to help. Contact us today to start planning your next vacation!