Photo: Luis Linares
Photo: Eric TSE
Photo: Michael Lesnick
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
★4.6(47,092 reviews)FreeMuseum
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Preschoolers enjoy the hands-on activities and seeing massive planes, while school-age kids and teens get deeply engaged with the flight simulators, space exhibits, and scientific concepts. The museum offers enough variety to captivate the whole family.🧡 Saved by 300+ families
About
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is a captivating destination where kids can see historic aircraft up close, touch a real moon rock, and experience interactive flight simulators. With everything from the Wright Brothers' plane to Apollo spacecraft, this world-renowned museum brings aviation and space exploration to life through hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity in young minds.
Highlights
- ✓Touching a real lunar rock brought back from the Apollo 17 mission
- ✓Flight simulators that let kids experience piloting aircraft
- ✓The Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis
- ✓Apollo 11 Command Module and space exploration exhibits
- ✓Interactive hands-on activities in the How Things Fly gallery
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at 10:00 AM opening to beat the crowds and secure spots for popular flight simulators, which can have long wait times by midday
- 2.Download the free Smithsonian mobile app before visiting for interactive maps and kid-friendly audio tours that enhance the experience
- 3.Don't miss touching the moon rock on the second floor,it's a highlight kids talk about for years
- 4.Bring snacks and water bottles as the museum cafeteria can get crowded and pricey, though outside food is allowed
- 5.Focus on 2-3 galleries rather than trying to see everything,the museum is massive and kids will get overwhelmed trying to cover it all in one visit
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) right at opening for the smallest crowds. Avoid spring break, summer afternoons, and weekends when tour groups and tourists create overwhelming crowds. Winter weekdays offer the most relaxed experience.
What to Know
Admission is completely FREE, though timed-entry passes are required and should be reserved online in advance. Limited paid parking is available nearby, but Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines to Smithsonian or L'Enfant Plaza) is highly recommended for easier access.
Seasonal Notes
The museum underwent major renovations with several galleries reopening in phases. Check the museum website before visiting to confirm which exhibits are open. Summer brings peak crowds, while winter offers a more comfortable experience with shorter lines.
Nearby Eats
The Pavilion Café inside the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (5-minute walk) offers kid-friendly pizzas, sandwiches, and outdoor seating. Sweetgreen on 7th Street (10-minute walk) provides healthy, customizable salads and grain bowls that appeal to various dietary needs.
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