5 Top Family Museums in Washington D.C.

As the capital of the USA, Washington D.C. is a vibrant destination known for its memorials, to its monuments and museums as well as a prominent center for the performing arts and music. The museums are especially intriguing, and a wonderful place for families to learn about history, art, culture and science. Listed alphabetically, the following 5 museums are open daily throughout the year (except for December 25). Additionally, all the Smithsonian museums boast free admission, so there is no excuse not to visit.

National Geographic Museum

The Terra Cotta Warriors was one of the fantastic traveling exhibits showcased at the National Geographic Museum

Located at the Washington D.C. National Geographic Society headquarters, the National Geographic Museum is a wonderful little gallery with high-tech interactive exhibits and stunning photography on nature and world cultures. Diverse temporary and ongoing exhibits showcase a variety of fascinating subjects from the big cats of our planet – including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs and jaguars – to the beautiful and mysterious depths of our oceans, to a captivating study on insects and animals that includes strange and amazing facts that are especially appealing to children. Concerts, films, lectures and family events are also featured in the Grosvenor Auditorium. For more information visit their website at http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/locations/center/museum/

Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum's vast collection spans three centuries

Spanning three centuries of American culture and imagination, the Smithsonian American Art Museum features over 7,000 artists in its vast collection from colonial times to present day, including photography, paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts and crafts. It also hosts a variety of programs including weekly art workshops, children’s scavenger hunts, interactive games, tours and musical performances. See works from world-renowned masters such as John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum’s main building is a national historic landmark, and an exquisite example of Greek Revival architecture. For more information visit their website at www.americanart.si.edu

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The National Air & Space Museum has the world’s largest collection of historic air and spacecraft

With the world’s most expansive collection of historic air and spacecraft, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is one of the leading hubs of all aspects of aviation and space flight, planetary science, and geophysics and geology. Hundreds of displayed artifacts can be seen at the National Mall building in Washington, D.C. including the Apollo 11 command module, space suits worn by the astronauts, touchable lunar rocks, the original 1903 Wright Flyer, fighter planes from World War II, and so much more.  Children will love the interactive simulator rides where they can embark on a voyage through the universe, engage in air-to-air combat aboard an F-4 Phantom II jet fighter, and orbit around the International Space Station. An IMAX theater and planetarium complete this spectacular museum. For more information visit their website at www.nasm.si.edu

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Vintage artifacts offer a view of America's past at the National Museum of American History

Over three million objects embodying the American legacy – from culture and sociology, to technology, science and military history  – are showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.  Its extensive collection brings history to life and includes items such as an Alexander Graham Bell telephone, a Samuel Morse telegraph, flags, trains, gowns worn by the First Ladies, locomotives, tools, the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, the boxing gloves of Muhammad Ali, presidential objects, historical textiles, famous sheet music and more. Events such as films, performances, gallery lectures and tours, and demonstrations such as quilting and lacing making offer enrichment opportunities. For more information visit their website at www.americanhistory.si.edu

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs at the National Museum of Natural History

The most visited of the Smithsonian museums, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s premier natural history museums. It has fantastic permanent and visiting exhibitions, guided hands-on programs, and an IMAX theater with exciting and educational shows. See the dazzling blue Hope Diamond weighing over 45 carats. Learn about dinosaurs, early humans and amazing creatures of the ocean. An insect zoo showcases live insects and includes daily feedings and hands-on activities that are certain to delight children. The Discovery Room and Discovery Stations at the museum allow for closer examination and manipulation of fossils and artifacts. A Butterfly Pavilion with exotic plants lets guests discover these stunning winged jewels of nature.  For more information visit their website at www.mnh.si.edu

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About the Author: Jocelyn Murray is a travel writer and historical fiction novelist. She holds two university master's degrees in both English and Education, along with a bachelor's degree in Economics and European Studies. She also has a teaching credential and taught at the elementary school level.