International Museum Day
Looking for the best museums with kids in DC, VA, and MD? Well, look no further! The weather is warming up which means the tourists are all on their way, too! We love our region and sometimes it’s fun to “play tourist” along with the rest. Today on the blog we share some hidden gems of things to do in and around DC for International Museum Day:
Doula Jacquelin Knighton with her family at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Hirshhorn Museum & National Portrait Gallery- If you’ve lived in the DMV for any amount of time we are sure you or your young ones have your favorite Smithsonian museum and in all likelihood it has lions, tigers, and panda bears or dinosaurs; or maybe it has Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers or space shuttles. But the National Zoo, the Natural History Museum, American History Museum, and two Air and Space Museums are just the tip of the iceberg for kid-friendly Smithsonians. One of our favorite gems is the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, a focus on contemporary and modern art. They have two weekly story times among other activities. (Jacquelin Family Pic) If you’re staying with the art exploration, we encourage you to go visit Pop-Up children’s museum at the National Portrait Gallery where they have a program designed for children every Tuesday and festivals in Fort Totten neighborhood in May, June, and August.
National Building Museum- They have story time for early learners ages 5 and under weekly, however, our favorite event of the year is their Discover Engineering Family Day held every February. Kids can expect to meet scientists, engineers, and perhaps an astronaut or their favorite PBS character! (Kids with Curious George pic)
City of Manassas Museum Kid’s Fest Spring Festival- As this post is coming out on May, 18 we would be remiss to mention the festival being held TODAY in Manassas, Virginia. This is a small museum but offers a scavenger hunt for children and an overview of Civil War era history for the whole family including a tribute to an enslaved African American who established a school.
Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA. Not only does this facility have well developed children’s area, there’s a large playground outside with shade where your little ones can run around after you tour the museum. A note, some areas of the museum may be intense for the youngest museum-goers, or those with sensory challenges, as one room (not in the children’s area!) walks through a war-zone with sights and sounds to create the experience.
Fredericksburg Children’s Museum- If you’re going to go as far as Quatico, VA you may as well take the rest of the day and head down to Fredericksburg. Really geared toward the preschool and early elementary aged, this small museum has tons of hands on activities for young minds.
College Park Aviation Museum- Ok, so I haven’t actually visited this one but it’s on all the lists and seems to have a good range of activities for preschool through older kids.
Chesapeake Children’s Museum- Located in Annapolis, MD, they have activities for scouts, weekly story time, and be sure to check out their free festival on June 1st!
Port Discovery Children’s Museum- Baltimore, MD, So maybe not so “hidden” but still a gem for our region! Iif you’re up for a drive to Baltimore we highly recommend this museum. It has it all and will be a fun-filled day for the whole family!
The Children’s Museum of Rose Hill Manor Park- Frederick, MD located.
Last but not least we are REALLY anticipating the National Children’s Museum opening in Fall of 2019! If you’ve taken a sneak peak at some of the plans for the museum we know a favorite will be the Bubble Room!
Bonus: Artechouse- An immersive art and technology experience that will impress children and adults alike! Be sure to grab tickets now for their cherry blossom exhibit “In Peak Bloom”, which ends May 27, 2019.