Smithsonian Natural History Museum With Young Kids: What To See And What To Skip

As a parent living in the DMV, I’ve had the privilege (and sometimes the challenge!) of exploring the Smithsonian Natural History Museum with young kids many times. There’s so much to see in DC and at this museum that it can feel overwhelming, especially when you may only have a few hours to explore.

But don’t worry—with these insider tips, you can make your visit both fun and manageable. Here’s your guide of what to see and what to skip when visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with children.

What to Know Before You Go

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited museums in the world. Located on the National Mall, it’s home to over 145 million specimens and artifacts, ranging from dinosaur fossils to glittering gems. Best of all, like all DC Smithsonian museums, it’s completely free! That said, crowds can be intense, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.

Here are a few tips for families:

• Arrive Early: Doors open at 10:00 AM, and arriving right at opening (or even slightly before) can help you beat the crowds.
• Bring Snacks and Water: While food isn’t allowed in the exhibits, you’ll appreciate having snacks on hand for breaks outside.
• Use a Stroller Wisely: The museum is stroller-friendly, but during busy times, navigating tight spaces or small elevators can be tricky. A compact travel or umbrella stroller works best.
• Plan for Breaks: The museum is huge. Build in time for rests—or even a quick trip outside to the nearby National Mall’s open spaces.

How to Get There

The easiest and best option to get to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is by taking the Metro as it is close to the Smithsonian Metro stop.

Parking near Smithsonian Natural History Museum is challenging, especially on the weekends. If you do drive, download the ParkMobile app ahead of time and try to find parking on Madison Dr NW first. I’ve been lucky to find parking if I arrive early, but there are often a lot of tour buses taking up parking spaces. If there are no spots, check on Constitution Ave NW, there is an entrance to the museum on this side as well.

Besides walking, ride share apps are readily available and can drop your family off close to the museum entrance.

1. The Fossil Hall (David H. Koch Hall of Fossils)

If you only see one exhibit, make it the Fossil Hall. Kids of all ages are mesmerized by the towering skeletons of dinosaurs, including a life-sized T. rex and a Triceratops. The interactive displays let little ones learn about fossils, prehistoric ecosystems, and even the science of extinction.

Pro Tip: The Fossil Hall tends to get crowded, so head here first thing in the morning. Don’t miss the touchable fossil replicas near the entrance—perfect for curious hands!

2. The Butterfly Pavilion

This magical space is a hit with young kids and grown ups too. The pavilion is a tropical paradise where butterflies flutter freely, often landing on visitors. It was special to see my kid’s excitement when a butterfly landed first on his head and then on his shoulder.

Know Before You Go: Entry to the Butterfly Pavilion is free on Tuesdays but requires a timed, paid ticket the rest of the week. It’s $8 for adults and $7 for children 2+ and seniors. If your child is especially sensitive to heat or humidity, keep in mind that the pavilion is warm to mimic the butterflies’ natural environment.

3. Ocean Hall

The Ocean Hall is a visually stunning and interactive area filled with life-sized models of sea creatures. Kids will love the giant squid display and the jaw-dropping 45-foot-long North Atlantic Right Whale hanging overhead. Interactive stations let kids explore the ocean’s ecosystems and touch real shark teeth and coral.

There are docents who help answer questions and show interesting specimens, on our last visit we got to see and touch a narwhal skeleton.

4. The Insect Zoo

For bug enthusiasts, the Insect Zoo is a must-see. Kids can see tarantulas, beetles, caterpillars, and learn about the fascinating lives of insects. There are some interactive learning stations as well and the opportunity to see butterflies and moths in the early stages of their life cycle.

5. Gems and Minerals Hall

The Hope Diamond is impressive and the Gems and Minerals Hall has some incredible displays, including some that your little ones are able to touch. Because much of the exhibit is behind glass, it may be less appealing for toddlers and preschoolers, but my 5 year old loved playing eye spy in this exhibit.

6. Mammals

This exhibit showcases mammals from around the world, from towering elephants to tiny rodents, all presented in dynamic dioramas that make the animals appear as though they’re in their natural habitats. Young kids may love spotting their favorite animals and learning fun facts about their behaviors and environments.

What to Skip (or Save for Older Kids)

1. Hall of Human Origins

This exhibit is fascinating but text-heavy and less interactive than other parts of the museum. Younger kids might not have the patience for the detailed displays about human evolution. Save it for a future visit when your kids are a bit older.

2. Mummy Exhibit

While the mummy exhibit might sound intriguing, it’s not the best choice for younger kids. The dark lighting and depictions of mummified remains can be unsettling for sensitive children. If your child is curious but easily frightened, it’s better to skip this exhibit until they’re older.

3. Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky

The Sky Pollution section is an interesting and educational display, but its abstract nature and heavy focus on data make it less engaging for younger kids. The visuals might not hold their attention, so it’s best to save this for a future visit when your children can appreciate the science behind it.

4. African Peoples Exhibit 

A beautifully curated space showcasing the rich and diverse cultures of Africa through artifacts, textiles, and art. While it provides a profound educational experience for older visitors, it might not be the best fit for younger kids. It is dimly lit and has music playing throughout, which made the exhibit feel “too creepy” for my 5 year old.

Save this meaningful exhibit for a future visit when your kids are older and can fully appreciate the depth of its stories and displays or visit the African America History Museum that has more kid friendly, interactive exhibits.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The National Museum of Natural History is well-equipped for families. Family restrooms are located near the main entrances, and there are nursing rooms available for parents with infants. If you need a quiet space, head to the second-floor atrium, which tends to be less crowded.

There’s a café with simple options such as sandwiches and salads on the 1st floor along with a small coffee shop. On the ground floor, there is a larger cafeteria with many options, including kid favorites such as hamburgers, chicken strips, pizza and mac & cheese.

One thing to note, the food options in this museum are expensive and not the best tasting. I’d recommend packing a picnic and enjoying it on the National Mall, just steps outside the museum.

Planning Your Visit: A Sample Itinerary

Morning: Arrive at the museum as it opens at 10am and head straight to the Fossil Hall. Spend about 30-45 minutes exploring the dinosaurs and interactive displays. Next head to the Mammal exhibit on the same floor.

Mid morning: Break for snack outside on the National Mall. Let the kids run around and burn off some energy before heading back inside.

Late morning: Next, make your way to the 2nd floor Butterfly Pavilion and purchase a timed ticket. While you wait, explore the Insect Zoo and then enjoy some magical time watching the butterflies.

Midday: While you’re on the 2nd floor check out the Gems & Minerals Hall. Then head back to the 1st floor to explore the Ocean Hall. Look for the megalodon near the cafe and grab a coffee if you need one.

Wrap up your visit in the gift shop on the ground floor before making your way back out to the National Mall.

Smithsonian Natural History Museum With Young Kids Final Reflections

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is an incredible destination for families with young kids. With its interactive exhibits, towering fossils, and opportunities for hands-on learning, it’s a place that sparks curiosity and wonder in children of all ages. By focusing on the most kid-friendly exhibits and planning your visit strategically, you can create a memorable and stress-free experience for the whole family.

As a parent of young children, I’ve found that every visit to this museum offers something new. Whether it’s seeing my kid marvel at a giant Megalodon or giggle as a butterfly lands on his head, these moments make the Natural History Museum a treasure for families. Don’t miss this museum on your next visit to DC with young children.