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: 3-12
upcoming 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.
The Pigeon Comes to Washington, DC: A Mo Willems Exhibit—spring 2026
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!—summer 2026
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice—fall 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.
