Looking for a meaningful Black History Month outing? The National Museum of African American History & Culture offers kid-friendly exhibits, interactive experiences and inspiring stories that help families explore African American history together. Free timed-entry passes required.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture
There’s no better place to honor and explore Black History Month with your family than the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC). Located on the National Mall, this landmark museum highlights the richness of African American history through storytelling, immersive exhibits and hands-on opportunities that help children connect with the past and understand its importance today.
While the museum is meaningful year-round, visiting in February adds deeper relevance, giving families an opportunity to celebrate resilience, creativity and contributions that have shaped the nation.
A powerful journey through history
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NMAAHC is intentionally designed as a walk through time. Families begin their journey three levels below ground, where the History Galleries trace African American experiences from the 1400s through the present. Exhibits explore the Middle Passage, slavery, abolition, segregation and the civil rights movement, all presented through artifacts, personal stories and multimedia elements.
Parents often appreciate how the museum balances honesty with accessible storytelling. While these galleries cover heavy topics, the layout allows families to move at their own pace, pause when needed and discuss what they’re seeing in age-appropriate ways.
Kid-friendly experiences on the upper levels
After the deeper historical sections, the museum shifts into bright, energetic interactive exhibits that children love.
Culture and Community Galleries
These upper-level floors celebrate contributions in music, dance, literature, sports, fashion and film. Kids can see Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, learn dance traditions and explore how African American artists shaped pop culture.
These exhibits explore family life, hometown traditions and stories of everyday heroes. Children can enjoy the visual displays, hands-on elements and multimedia stations that bring neighborhoods and communities to life.
The Explore More! area is especially engaging for kids, offering touch screens, puzzles, tools for investigating artifacts and other family-friendly learning experiences.
Can families bring younger kids? Absolutely!
NMAAHC is designed to welcome all ages. While some material is emotional or sensitive, the museum provides:
- Clear signage for content that may be intense
- Rest areas and quiet spaces
- Stroller-friendly walkways
- Kid-friendly galleries on the upper floors
Many families break up their time by exploring heavy content first and letting children experience the lighter, interactive exhibits afterward.
Don’t miss the Sweet Home Café
This award-winning restaurant celebrates the culinary history of African American communities. Visitors can try Southern classics, coastal dishes, Creole favorites and comfort foods that reflect the regions represented throughout the museum.
Families often stop here to regroup, talk about what they’ve seen and enjoy a meal that connects to the stories in the exhibits.
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (On days museum is open to public)
Plan your visit
- Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours: Noon-5:30 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
- Phone: (844) 750-3012
- Admission: Free; timed-entry passes required and available at NMAACH Tickets
Tips for visiting during Black History Month
February is a popular time to visit, so planning ahead makes the experience smoother.
- Timed-entry passes are required (free online).
- Arrive early to explore the lower-level History Galleries before they get crowded.
- Consider discussing exhibit topics with kids in advance, especially younger children.
- Schedule time for breaks — the museum is large, and many families spend several hours here.
- Check the events calendar for February programming, such as storytelling, family workshops and film screenings.
