experience a world of play

where new possibilities take shape

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featured events

all events

location

National Children's Museum is located at:

woodrow wilson plaza
1300 pennsylvania ave nw
washington, dc 20004

admission

adults (general admission): $19.95 per person
children 1 and older (general admission): $19.95 per person
adults (peak-time admission): $23.95 per person*
children 1 and older (peak-time admission): $23.95 per person*
children under 1: free
members: free

*Peak-time admission applies during select busy periods, including extended-hours days and holiday breaks.

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hours

monday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
tuesday: closed
wednesday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
thursday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
friday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
saturday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
sunday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

extended hours

november 25-29: 9 am - 5 pm
november 26: closed

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:

little girl sits atop miniature triceratops, woman holds smiling baby

dinosaurs: land of fire and ice

explore prehistoric habitats and come face-to-face with dinosaurs!

September 26, 2026 - January 10, 2027

exhibit level: visiting exhibit hall

recommended ages: 3-10

membership

Enjoy 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.

president's circle

The President’s Circle is a group of visionary leaders and passionate advocates who are wholeheartedly committed to our mission.

★★★★★

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.