3 Kids Favorites at Smithsonian Museum of American History
All of the Smithsonian Museums have great kids areas or ways to include kids in the exhibits but there are definitely 2 standouts. Natural History and American History. Despite being one of the most visited museums on the National Mall, my kids are always asking to go back to the American History Museum!
We’ve been to the Smithsonian Museum’s National Museum of American History half a dozen times and here are my kids’ favorites!
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1) Wegman’s Wonderplace at American History Museum
Now open in Fall 2022!
This is truly amazing! It feels like a real museum (because it is!) with paintings and artifacts behind child-safe glass and at their eye level. It is created for ages 0-6 and is perfect for babies and toddlers! Complete with bathrooms and a nursing room in the back and a gate with volunteers keeping kids inside. My favorite feature has to be the amazing kid-sized replica of Julia Childs’ Kitchen!
Free: Open Wednesday–Friday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Closed Saturday–Tuesday. Hours subject to change.For ages 0-6.
2) Places of Invovation
Highly recommend “Places of Innovation” where you travel to the Bronx to learn DJing, Silicon Valley to make your own icon on an old Mac and other spots around the country. More in this Instagram Reel here!
3) America on the Move
This exhibit on the Main Level in the East Wing is a wonderful place to explore! Toddlers will love going inside the huge train and subway cars. Elementary Kids will love the variety of vehicles and Teens will enjoy the retro vans and even a (gasp!) Plymouth Voyager van!
4) Bonus: Spark!Lab has re-opened!
From their website: “Draper Spark!Lab is open in a limited capacity on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Visit https://americanhistory.si.edu/visit for hours and more information.”
Spark!Lab is a maker-creator space with tons of hands-on activities and experiments. Located right next to Wegman’s Wonderplace for ages 6-12.
Visiting with out of town guests? I have a blog post with all my tips!
And check out 19 more amazing Museums for Kids in DC!
