exhibits
developing young minds and curious young learners are encouraged to dream the impossible through interactive and engaging exhibits
our exhibits
dream machine
Climb into the clouds in our three-story climber and slide.
floor 1
recommended ages: 5-12
placita mágica
A special 50th anniversary exhibit that pays homage to the Capital Children’s Museum.
floor 1recommended ages: 3-12
little dreamers
A protected cloud- and flight-themed area for infants and toddlers.
floor 1recommended ages: 0-3
weather worlds
Shoot lightning bolts, make it rain, and more with this green screen experience.
floor 1recommended ages: 4-12
climate action heroes
Discover your special climate action superpower through a physical flow quiz experience.
floor 1recommended ages: 4-12
art + tech
Tap into your creativity with iconic friends from Nickelodeon.
floor 1recommended ages: 3-10
data science alley
Explore figures and statistics through play, and think about the data found in our day-to-day lives.
floor 1recommended ages: 3-12
little movers
A protected free-movement space for infants and toddlers to build gross and fine motor skills.
floor 1recommended ages: 0-3
engineering games + play
Take a swing at engineering and science concepts through the lens of your favorite sports and classic hands-on activities.
floor 1recommended ages: 3-12
tinkering corner
Design, create, test, and build in the creative hub of National Children’s Museum.
floor 1recommended ages: 3-12visiting exhibit hall
wild kratts: ocean adventure!
Dive into the science of marine animals and their immersive underwater habitats!
May 24, 2025 - September 7, 2025exhibit level: visiting exhibit hallrecommended ages: 3-9upcoming visiting exhibits
The Visiting Exhibit Hall serves as a space to showcase some of the world’s most innovative and engaging traveling exhibits, designed especially for children, ensuring that the Museum is constantly reflecting the world around us.
Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!—fall 2025
The Pigeon Comes to Washington, DC: A Mo Willems Exhibit—spring 2026
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!—summer 2026
light house installation
Light House is an art installation created by our artist-in-residence, Kathering Tzu-Lan Mann. Located just outside of Tinkerers Studio, Light House is a hands-on maze that offers Dreamers the chance to experiment with light and color. Katherine worked with hundreds of children and caretakers to paint, cut, and collage this acrylic masterpiece.
