50 years of play
let's celebrateWe’re commemorating our 50th Anniversary with special programming and exciting new exhibits that celebrate 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.
dreamers gala 2024
Join us on december 7 for a dreamy evening of fine dining, dancing, and community that honors the Museum’s past, celebrates its present, and powers its future.
hours
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
through january 2
holiday membership special
save $25 on family memberships, gift memberships, and membership renewals
featured events
all events
baby jam
Baby Jam has moved to 2:30 pm every Monday! Grab an instrument and join the band to explore sound and movement. Included in the price of Museum admission.
every week on Monday until November 2, 2026
7:30 pm - 8:00 pm
little movers
recommended ages: 0-3
STEAM story time
STEAM Story Time is moving to 2:30 pm every Wednesday! Gather around with your little Dreamers for an interactive STEAM read aloud. Included in the price of Museum admission.
every week on Wednesday until August 26, 20267:30 pm - 7:00 pmlittle dreamersrecommended ages: 1-4
member magic hour
Members are invited to enjoy exclusive access to the Museum before it opens to the public.
- Reserving Member Magic Hour tickets in advance is highly encouraged. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability.
- If you arrive during a Member Magic Hour, you may stay at the Museum for as long as you like up until the Museum closes at 4:30 pm.
Head to our ticketing page to reserve tickets for the next available Member Magic Hour.
every month on the 1st Saturday until September 5, 202612:30 pm - 1:30 pmall exhibitsrecommended ages: 0-12visiting exhibit hall
daniel tiger’s neighborhood: a grr-ific exhibit
Step into the Neighborhood where Daniel and his friends help children navigate their world.
September 14, 2024 - January 5, 2025floor 1recommended ages: 2-6featured 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.
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.
membership
Membership means more moments of play, discovery, and joy for the whole family.
