Discovering the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. with the Kids
Check out the awe-inspiring model of the North Atlantic Right Whale in the revamped Ocean Hall. No visit to the museum would be complete without admiring this badass leviathan, nicknamed due to it being the "right" whale to hunt, and don't forget to peep the ocean sunfish and polar bear skinhang. Plus, don't pass up the opportunity to take a photo of your kid getting munched by an ancient Megalodon!
Check out the Oceans and More in Sant Ocean Hall
This badass exhibit is our runner-up favorite (yes, it's that good). Take a gander at the gigantic squid specimens, ogle the life-sized North Atlantic Right Whale, and marvel at the ocean sunfish and polar bear hide. History buffs, check out the fossilized prehistoric whale skeletons. If you've got kids, put them through the ringer in the interactive Journey Through Time exhibit. It'll give 'em a taste of how humans are short-lived shits but have made a colossal impact. And hey, who wouldn't want their kid's photo in a fake Megalodon's maw?
Enjoy the Bugs and Butterflies at the Insect Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion
If you've got a Steve Irwin in the making, the Insect Zoo is their kinda joint! They'll go bug-eyed over every creepy-crawly critter on display. This place is older than the grandparents of your grandparents' grandparents, so it's got some serious history. Kiddos can check out the insect nursery, see larvae and pupae developing, and even scramble around in a pretend-to-be-an-insect treehouse.
The Butterfly Pavilion is also a hit with our little bug enthusiasts. For less than ten bones, you can get timed tickets and wander amongst slews of intriguingly beautiful butterfly species.
Witness the Spectacle of the Hope Diamond and Berns Quartz
Gawp at the Hope Diamond, a legendary blue booger full of intrigue, and the Berns Quartz, an 8,000-pound slab of glittering quartz from Arkansas. Both are resplendent additions to the museum's collection of precious gems and minerals.
Know Before You Go to the National Museum of Natural History
When to Visit
Open every day except Christmas, from 9am-5:30pm. Get there early, hit the museum on a weekday, and avoid the mad crowd!
Parking
Take the Metro to avoid the headache of finding a parking spot on the National Mall. But if you're driving, clock in at the kiosks or snag a spot in a paid lot nearby.
Food and Drink
Pack a picnic and munch on it outside when your kids start whining. Inside, grab a bite at the Ocean Terrace Cafe, offering sandwiches, snacks, and sweets, or the fancier Atrium Cafe, with delicious eats and scrumptious ice cream.
Family Friendly and Accessibility
The museum is stroller-friendly, including elevators, accessible bathrooms, and family-friendly facilities like a dedicated family bathroom on the lower level and a lactation room in the Constitution Avenue lobby.
Advance your knowledge and self-development by exploring the vast array of education materials available throughout the museum. Delve into a world of exploration and learning, immersing yourself in a treasure trove of information about the natural world and marvellous wonders beyond the confines of your home-and-garden.
Unleash your wanderlust with the travel exhibits, as you embark on a virtual journey to discover diverse landscapes and captivating wildlife that span the globe. Venture deep into the heart of jungles, trek across deserts, or sail the vast oceans, all within the comfort of the museum. Let's enrich your lifestyle and foster a deep appreciation for the wonders that this world has to offer.
