featured events
all events
member appreciation week kickoff
An homage to an original Capital Children’s Museum exhibit, Placita Mágica is where we will be kicking off Member Appreciation Week with a celebration of our playful past.
placita mágica
recommended ages: all ages
tinkering with animation
Little directors can explore different animation techniques as they find new ways to build scenes and tell their stories.
tinkering cornerrecommended ages: ages 4 and up
baby jam
Grab an instrument and join the band to explore sound and movement.
little dreamersrecommended ages: 0-3
curiosity + cocktails 2025
Jump into our world of wonder and join us for Curiosity + Cocktails—a special after-hours event that not only invites you to explore the Museum but also invites you to be a kid again.
hours
open: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
closed: tuesdays
summer hours
june 19 through september 1
monday + wednesday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
tuesday: closed (exclusive access for booked field trips)
thursday, friday, saturday, + sunday: 9 am - 6 pm
labor day: 9 am - 6 pm
location
National Children's Museum is located at:
woodrow wilson plaza
1300 pennsylvania ave nw
washington, dc 20004
admission
adults: $18.95 per person
children 1 and older: $18.95 per person
children under 1: free
members: free
featured exhibits
explore exhibits
dream machine
Climb into the clouds in our three-story climber and slide.
little dreamers
A protected cloud- and flight-themed area for infants and toddlers.
data science alley
Explore figures and statistics through play, and think about the data found in our day-to-day lives.
engineering games + play
Take a swing at engineering and science concepts through the lens of your favorite sports and classic hands-on activities.
placita mágica
A special 50th anniversary exhibit that pays homage to the Capital Children’s Museum.
art + tech
Tap into your creativity with iconic friends from Nickelodeon.
little movers
A protected free-movement space for infants and toddlers to build gross and fine motor skills.
weather worlds
Shoot lightning bolts, make it rain, and more with this green screen experience.
climate action heroes
Discover your special climate action superpower through a physical flow quiz experience.
visiting exhibit hall
Explore the current and upcoming exhibits traveling to our Visiting Exhibit Hall:
wild kratts: ocean adventure!
current: may 24 - september 7, 2025
Dive into the world of Wild Kratts and explore the lives of extraordinary animals as you solve problems, help marine life, and foil the villains’ nefarious plans.
thomas & friends: explore the rails!
upcoming: september 20 - january 4, 2026
Step onto the Island of Sodor and join the team of Thomas & Friends in this interactive exhibit.
membership
exploreEnjoy benefits like unlimited admission to the Museum, exclusive members-only hours and events, exhibit previews, and more!
membership
Membership means more moments of play, discovery, and joy for the whole family.
50 years of play
learn moreIn 2024, we commemorated our 50th Anniversary. You can keep the celebration going with the following special initiatives and exhibits that honor the legacy of the Museum.
the stories project
This initiative brings together memories from our community and mementos from our institutional records to celebrate and preserve our legacy.
placita mágica
A special 50th anniversary exhibit that pays homage to the Capital Children’s Museum.
floor 1recommended ages: 3-12
dreamers fund
Be a part of the Museum's next 50 years by giving to the Dreamers Fund. Every gift makes a difference and has an impact on allowing future generations access to hands-on learning though play!
Our family absolutely loves playing at National Children's Museum!
Our children are almost 2.5 years apart but both of them find plenty of fun and there is always something new for them to explore. It's a wonderful mix of physical activity, learning, arts & crafts, and tech.
angie c
This museum has been a sanity saver for our family.
We bought a membership and often go multiple times a week. The staff are truly fantastic—they know our daughter by name.
mary ellen w.
My 4-year-old absolutely loves this place!
He would go everyday if we let him.
kim b.
ways to play
birthday parties
Make your child’s dream come true! Plan their next birthday party at National Children’s Museum for a day full of fun for everyone.
field trips
Playful STEAM experiences that spark curiosity and develop 21st-century skills. Choose between school year and summer field trips.
groups
Gather your group for an unforgettable experience, making it easier than ever to explore and learn together! Enjoy a 10% discount on Museum admission.
