experience a world of play

where new possibilities take shape

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featured events

all events

holiday extended hours

The Museum will be open from 9 am - 5 pm for even more fun-filled STEAM learning.

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all exhibits

recommended ages: all ages

tinkering with balance

Explore stability and gravity!

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tinkering corner

recommended ages: ages 2 and up

woman with baby and staff member with art

fine art

Weekly on Fridays. Engaging art activities focused on building up fine motor skills.

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little dreamers

recommended ages: 0-3

Young girl at Bernoullis Hoops in the Engineering Games and Play exhibit

member magic hour

Members are invited to enjoy exclusive access to the Museum before it opens to the public.

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all exhibits

recommended ages: 0-12

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
dec 26-jan 3: 9 am - 5 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

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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:

thomas & friends: explore the rails!

current: september 20 - january 4, 2026

Step onto the Island of Sodor and join the team of Thomas & Friends in this interactive exhibit.

current: september 20 - january 4, 2026

learn more

the pigeon comes to washington dc: a mo willems exhibit

upcoming: january 27 - may 10, 2026

Enter into the imagination, whimsy, and humor of Mo Willems with friends Elephant, Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon, the wily city bird best known for his antics in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

upcoming: january 27 - may 10, 2026

learn more

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.