featured events
all events
"rose weaves a garden" book launch
Author Rashin Kheiriyeh joins us for a day of readings and activities celebrating her new book "Rose Weaves a Garden."
national children's museum
recommended ages: all ages
cardboard creations
Explore new techniques to create works of art using cardboard! Tinkerers will have the chance to use real tools that help them build cardboard creations.
tinkerers studiorecommended ages: all ages
member magic hour
Members are invited to enjoy exclusive access to the Museum before it opens to the public.
all exhibitsrecommended ages: 0-12hours
open: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
closed: tuesdays
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
placita mágica
A special 50th anniversary exhibit that pays homage to the Capital Children’s Museum.
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.
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.
engineering games + play
Take a swing at engineering and science concepts through the lens of your favorite sports and classic hands-on activities.
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:
animationland
current: january 18 - may 11, 2025
Discover your story using storyboarding, sound effects, stop-motion, and more!
wild kratts: ocean adventure!
upcoming: summer 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.
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.
