programs
hands-on experiences that spark curiosity + empower innovation
early learners
Designed to nurture the natural curiosity of our youngest Dreamers, early learner programs at National Children’s Museum provide families with the opportunity to play and grow together. These multi-sensory experiences promote the development of language, motor skills, and social skills.
Programs run approximately 20-30 minutes.
programming subject to change on federal holidays
baby jam
Weekly on Mondays. Grab an instrument and join the band in a musical program highlighting movement, rhythm, and sounds.
STEAM story time
Weekly on Wednesdays. Gather around with your little Dreamers for an interactive STEAM read aloud.
tinker tots
Weekly on Thursdays. Familiar programs from our Tinkering Corner are scaled down to meet the needs of early learners.
fine art
Weekly on Fridays. Engaging art activities focused on building up fine motor skills.
current programs
tinkerer-in-residence
Discover the joy of making! Explore hands-on workshops, creative demonstrations, and inventive projects designed for children and families to tinker alongside our tinkerer-in-residence.
girl scouts
Find out where wonder will take your troop at National Children’s Museum! Learn about our special Girl Scout offerings, like discounted admission and Girl Scout Day.
member programs
view member calenderMembers enjoy exclusive access to special programs throughout the year, including early morning play sessions, after-hours exploration, themed storytimes, and hands-on tinkering challenges designed to inspire creativity and STEAM learning.
morning scribbles
Designed for our youngest learners, Morning Scribbles allows little dreamers to be creative and experiment with open-ended art making, encouraging self-expression and fine motor skill development. These explorative minded programs promote early childhood development and celebrate the joy of STEAM learning.
pj's + play
The coziest way to explore the National Children’s Museum! Members can stay up and play, exploring all of the Museum’s exhibits.
member magic hour
The best Saturday of every month at National Children’s Museum! Members can join us for an extra hour of play and STEAM filled fun!
fairytale storytime
Glass Slippers, Straw-Houses and all whimsical delights! Fairytale Storytime is a dedicated members story time where STEAM learning and classic fairytales come together. Young learners can gather for a storytime filled with magic and wonder before participating in a hands-on activity.
tinkering spectacular
Through creative challenges and open-ended exploration, little dreamers are encouraged to think like innovators at Tinkering Spectacular! During this early morning program, the Museum’s Tinkering Corner is dedicated to providing all learners with the chance to explore STEAM through hands-on making and experimenting.
leading the field
Explore how National Children's Museum is advancing STEAM educational and learning practices.
president's circle
The President’s Circle is a group of visionary leaders and passionate advocates who are wholeheartedly committed to our mission.
dc STEAM expo
80-100 fourth-grade students from across DC apply STEAM learning to real-world community challenges
giving STEAM to learning through play
A three-year initiative to develop and scale a model for integrating playful STEAM learning into early childhood classrooms, homes, and informal learning spaces through museum-school partnerships.
