Often referred to as the “museum capital,” Washington, DC, offers the best collection of world-class museums with free admission. DC is home to a wide variety of kid-friendly museums offering unique experiences and sights to see. Free of charge, kids can be fully immersed in the best collection of museums in the country.
The best kid-friendly museums in DC offer interactive exhibitions, themed installations and unique collections of artifacts. Many also feature on-site dining options, helpful accommodations and free admission.
In this guide we’ve rounded up seven of the best kid-friendly museums in Washington, DC, that offer free admission. From the Smithsonian’s interactive kid exhibitions to the National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden, DC’s museums have something for kids of every age.
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
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Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily
Phone: (202) 633-2214
Location: 6th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
Take your curiosity to new heights at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and explore the world’s premier collection of air and space artifacts, stories and expertise. Free admission allows young learners to explore all the new galleries being renovated in a multi-year project the museum is undergoing. Five new galleries will open on July 28, 2025 including the “Boeing Milestones of Flight” showcase exhibition and “Futures in Space” exhibition.
With a wide variety of interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and educational activities, there is no shortage of kid-friendly activities. Each gallery offers a great experience with different models to touch, levers to pull, interactive computer touch screen games and a giant X-wing Starfighter from “StarWars” to see.
Review Highlight: “The interactive exhibits kept me engaged, making complex concepts feel exciting and accessible. Perfect for families, curious minds and anyone who has ever dreamed of touching the sky,” says Hakan Akel, Google Reviews.
Know before you go
- Free admission, but reservations are highly recommended and a pass is required. Tickets can be reserved online through their website.
- Mars Cafe on the basement level offers coffee, pastries and a selection of sandwiches available for purchase if you need a bite to eat.
- Bathrooms and changing tables are available on every level with a companion care bathroom located on the basement level.
Most recommended exhibits for kids
- Destination Moon: This expanded and updated gallery has two levels of exhibits exploring the origins of the race to the moon and what has happened since. Check out a lunar rover dune buggy or touch models of spacesuit gloves. Located on the second floor in gallery 206.
- Exploring the planets: A massive immersive exhibit in the middle of this gallery invites visitors to stand surrounded by video screens and “travel” to seven locations throughout the galaxy. You can also see special artifacts used in the movie “StarTrek.” Located on the second floor in gallery 205.
- Nation of Speed: Featuring iconic vehicles from Mario Andretti’s Indy 500 winning race car to the Sharp DR 90 Nemesis, this exhibition paints a portrait of human ingenuity — the technology developed to propel people faster and faster— and explores how the pursuit of speed has shaped American culture and our national identity. In one display, kids can push a throttle or pedal for that thrill of watching a needle accelerate. Located on the second floor in gallery 203.
National Postal Museum
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Hours: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily, closed on Dec. 25
Phone: (202) 633-5555
Location: 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC
At the National Postal Museum, you can explore the surprising, fascinating world of mail and communication, just steps from Union Station in Washington, DC. The museum’s exhibits trace the history of the U.S. Postal Service and celebrate the art of stamp collecting, the innovation behind mail delivery, and the stories of those who’ve carried letters across the nation—from stagecoaches and railroads to airplanes and rockets.
Admission is free, and there’s plenty for all ages to explore. Kids can design their own stamp, sort mail on a train car, or climb aboard a historic mail truck. Interactive exhibits, touchscreens, scavenger hunts and even a working pneumatic tube system make this museum as hands-on as it is educational.
Review Highlight: “What a gem! The museum is great for all ages. We had 3 generations, including a toddler and this was interesting for all of us. The exhibits were interesting and the staff were helpful and friendly. This is an excellent destination if you’re traveling with a baby because it has an excellent place for a nursing mother. Thank you, Smithsonian,” says Marianne Stambaugh, Google Reviews.
Know before you go
- Admission: No tickets or passes are required to visit. All exhibitions and permanent collections are free and open to the public.
- Transportation: The museum is conveniently located adjacent to Union Station, served by Metrorail (Red Line), Amtrak and numerous bus lines. Paid public parking is available nearby.
- Dining: There is no café on site, but Union Station, located directly across the street, offers a wide range of dining options and restrooms.
Most recommended exhibitions for kids
- Stamp Design Station: Use digital tools to create your own postage stamp and email it to yourself.
- Railway Post Office Car: Step into a 1920s-era mail train and learn how clerks sorted mail on the go.
- Owney the Dog Exhibit: Learn the real-life story of Owney, the Postal Service’s unofficial canine mascot, and see his preserved body along with tags from his many travels.
National Building Museum
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Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thursday-Monday
Phone: (202) 272-2448
Location: 401 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Since it was created in 1980 through an act of Congress, the National Building Museum has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning and design. Through exhibitions, educational programs and special events, they welcome visitors of all ages to experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, our communities and our future.
The museum offers more than six different exhibitions including the Building Stories, Immersive Exploration and Mini Memories, a one-of-a-kind souvenir collection. Offering a variety of exhibitions, programs and events for kids to explore and learn. From storytimes and interactive graffiti walls, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to learn and build their own imaginative cities and buildings.
Your ticket includes access to all of the National Building Museum’s exhibitions between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Special programs may be sold separately; see the Museum’s calendar for more event details
Review Highlight: “Gorgeous, bright interior. A lot of activities oriented towards kids, as well as some fantastic immersive exhibits for casual enjoyers of architecture. Loved the virtual renderings of Frank Lloyd Wright’s unrealized projects! Visited during their free community day, which they do once a month,” shares Trish, Google Reviews.
Know before you go
- Complimentary admission
- Free Saturdays: Free admission is offered on Saturdays through online reservations.
- Museums for all: The Museum offers free general admission to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. One person per group needs to present the identifying information, and that will cover up to three additional individuals.
- Blue Star Museums: The museum offers free general admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The 2025 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, May 17, and ends on Labor Day, Sept. 1. To gain free general admission, one person per group needs to present the identifying information (military or dependent identification card), and that will cover up to five additional individuals.
Most recommended exhibitions for kids
- Brick City celebrates iconic architecture from cities around the world through carefully recreated constructions made from LEGO® bricks by U.K.-based artist Warren Elsmore. Visitors can take a world tour discovering new destinations across all seven continents. Builders young and old can channel their creativity in an interactive area where they can build their own masterpieces out of LEGO® bricks. An expansive graffiti wall will provide a canvas to create pixelated art using the toy bricks, while building areas will prompt visitors of all ages to build imaginative cities of their own
- Storytime is offered on select days and times, and is free. Storytime is packed full of reading, songs and activities designed to promote language and literacy skills. Themes vary weekly, but relate to current exhibitions at the museum. More information and dates can be found on their website.
Planet Word Museum
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Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Phone: (202) 931-3139
Location: 925 13th St., Washington, DC
Planet Word Museum is the museum where language comes to life. An immersive experience located at the historic Franklin School in Washington, DC. Ideal for all ages, Planet Word is a voice-activated museum (the world’s first!), and their interactive galleries and exhibits bring words and language to life in all sorts of fun ways.
With three different floors filled with amazing interactive galleries and exhibits there is no shortage of entertainment and learning opportunities. The third floor displays the early stages of words and languages through exhibits like First Words, which depicts how we learn our first language, and The Spoken World that showcases languages across the globe. The second floor offers a wide variety of unique exhibits to visit including The Library, where books come to life, and Unlock the Music, where you can showcase your karaoke skills and learn how to create a hit song. Located on the first floor is an exhibit all about advertising and another one is a fully-equipped recording booth showcasing the power of words.
Review Highlight: “Fantastic museum for both grandparents and grandchildren. Make sure to do an Escape Room with children 9 and up! We all loved it!! The kids enjoyed the Photo Booth and karaoke and it was so educational AND tons of fun,” says Debbie O’Brien, Google Reviews.
Know before you go
- Admission is free: Booking passes online ahead of time is highly recommended. A limited number of same-day timed passes will be available on-site each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Immigrant food restaurant: The restaurant offers casual immigrant-inspired fare during museum hours and transitions to a higher gastronomic experience in the evening and a dinner menu created by award-winning chef Enrique Limardo. Located on the lower level.
- Lockers and storage: Please limit the number and size of the items you bring. A limited number of free storage lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Most recommended exhibitions for kids
- Unlock the Music: Be the star of the show! Choose an iconic song to sing karaoke-style and learn the techniques that help songwriters put together lyrics and create a hit. Located on the second floor.
- Joking Around: Who’s the funniest person in your family? Find out in our humor gallery — and see who will be the first to laugh! Located on the second floor
- Lexicon Lane: Go on a word-sleuthing adventure and uncover hidden clues in Lexicon Lane, an immersive puzzle-solving experience like no other — great for team bonding or solo sleuthing! Located on the third floor.
National Museum of American History
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Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25
Phone: (202) 633-1000
Location: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
The National Museum of American History is the only museum in the country dedicated to telling the full story of the United States and offers free admission. Devoted to the scientific, cultural, social, technological and political development of the United States, the museum traces the American experience from colonial times to the present. The Museum’s collection contains more than three million historical objects — including the famed Star-Spangled Banner, Washington’s Uniform and Dorthy’s ruby red slippers — and documents that explore the evolution of the American identity.
This museum has the largest collection of objects related to American history in the world so there is no shortage of collections to see, interactive exhibits to visit and programs to immerse yourself in. Offering special programs daily, kids can get fully-immersed in American History with activities like using a printing press. Ask a worker in the Welcome Center for more information. No tickets are required so you can experience America’s history at your leisure.
Review Highlight: “It is a good experience to spend time with your kids here. We learned many things from here, and my kid loves activities in Spark Lab and Wegmans. The building has three levels. Every level is amazing. All activities are free. No admission fee,” shares Kanya Watt, Google Reviews.
Know before you go
- Lockers and storage: The museum has a limited number of lockers available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Backpacks, water bottles and snacks: They allow backpacks in the museum. Visitors are permitted to bring food and beverages in sealed containers inside a backpack or other bag. Food and beverages may not be consumed in the museum.
- Child care: You are welcome to nurse or bottle feed your child or pump anywhere you feel comfortable within the museum. They also offer a private lactation room, located on the second floor in the Welcome Center. Running water or diaper-changing facilities can be found in restrooms near the Welcome Center in the museum’s east and west wings.
Most recommended exhibitions for kids
- Draper Spark!Lab: The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with art, museum and creativity. Located at 1 West Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Hall of Invention and Innovation, this exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
- Wegmans Wonderplace: The first exhibition on the National Mall is designed for children up to age 6. This 1,700-square-foot interactive space provides the youngest historians with age-appropriate activities and experiences. Located at 1 West, this exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday.
The National Museum of the American Indian
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Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25
Phone: (202) 633-1000
Location: 4th St. SW, Washington, DC
Free admission allows visitors insight into the world’s most expansive collections of Native objects, photographs and media, covering the entire Western Hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The museum’s sweeping curvilinear architecture, its indigenous landscaping and its exhibitions, all designed in collaboration with tribes and communities, combine to give visitors from around the world the sense and spirit of Native America.
Offering a variety of live performances, demonstrations and exhibits, there are many ways to learn and immerse yourself in the world of Native America. No tickets are required so you are free to roam the many sights and experiences of the museum at your own pace. The museum offers kid friendly experiences with story times, imagiNATIONS activity center and workshops.
Review highlight: “Had a great time with two toddlers at the museum. Not crowded compared to other Smithsonian’s and the staff were all so nice! Great kid center on the third floor for little ones. Kids loved fry bread from the cafeteria (yummy but not cheap). Next time I hope to see more exhibits but the ones we saw were very interesting,” shares J C, Google Reviews.
Know before you go
- Driving and parking: The museum does not have parking. Metered public parking is available on surrounding streets and there are several commercial parking facilities convenient to the museum.
- Mitsitam Cafe: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Mitsitam offers a menu of Native-inspired foods. Under the leadership of executive chef Alexandra “Alex” Strong, stations reflect the bounties of the various regions throughout the Western Hemisphere, from the Four Corners to coastlines and woodlands
- Espresso Bar: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The Espresso Bar offers a variety of Native-inspired food options such as posole, chili, Hatch green chile corn muffins, wild rice salad and sandwiches. Pastries and desserts are also available.
Most recommended exhibitions for kids
- ImagiNATIONS Activity Center: Recommended for ages 10 and younger, this center provides young visitors a lively space with a wide variety of learning experiences. Explore indigenous peoples’ innovations and inventions that are part of daily life for millions worldwide. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, capacity is limited in the center. Entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis. During high visitation periods, additional entry procedures may apply.
- DC | Children’s Kapa Workshop with Page Chang: Learn the art of Hawaiian kapa making with Kumu (teacher) Page Chang of Pūkoʻa Studios from Waimānalo, Hawaii. Visitors 18 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. First-come, first-served, capacity and supplies are limited. Event dates can be accessed through their website’s calendar. This exhibition is located in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Level 3.
National Gallery of Art
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Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
Phone: (202) 842-6372
Location: 4th-7th Street and Constitute Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
At the Nation’s art museum, you can discover some of the most iconic and important works in the world in the heart of Washington, DC. The museum’s extraordinary collection of artwork brings together centuries of masterpieces from around the world, including Italian Renaissance, 17th century Dutch, Impressionist and 20th century highlights. Temporary exhibitions span the world and the history of art, and free programs — including lectures, tours, concerts, films and family activities — are offered year-round.
With free admission, you can explore all three museum buildings and experience the extensive art collection. With a variety of audio tours, self-guided tours and interactive exhibitions and programs, there is no shortage of kid-friendly experiences. On any given week, you could attend an artist conversation or bring a sketchbook as you learn about featured artists and works.
Review Highlight: “A must-visit in DC! Stunning art collections, from Da Vinci to Van Gogh in a beautifully designed space. The free admission is a bonus, and the Sculpture Garden is a peaceful retreat. Plus, they offer a stroller free of charge for your little one and wheelchair, making it family-friendly. The security checks here are more friendly than other Museums. Highly recommend,” says Kanya Watt, Google Reviews.
Know before you go
- Admission: You don’t need passes or tickets to enjoy our galleries, exhibitions or guided tours. Some events require free registration.
- Transportation: They recommend taking public transportation. The nearest Metro station is Archives-Navy Memorial Penn Quarter, a six-minute walk from the West Building. Metrobuses stop along Constitution Avenue NW. There’s no parking garage on their campus, though they set aside a limited number of parking spaces for vehicles with disability parking permits or tags.
- Dining: The museum offers five unique dining experiences across their campus, from lattes in the Garden Café to homemade flatbreads in the Sculpture Garden’s Pavilion Café. More information and menus can be found on their website.
Most recommended exhibitions for kids
- Kids West Building Tour: Use your smartphone to explore a wide range of works through the voices of National Gallery of Art curators. Set your own pace by listening to as many stops as you like in the order you choose. Don’t forget to bring your headphones.
- Paint ‘n’ Play: Paint a digital canvas in the West Building’s East Garden Court and East Building Atrium.
- Storytime: The museum offers a variety of interactive story times and storytelling opportunities. More information and dates can be found on their website’s event calendar.
