Air and Space Museum for Kids: National Mall vs. Udvar-Hazy Center – Which is Better?
Wondering which of the two Air and Space Museums in the DMV is best to visit? Our family has visited both locations multiple times and is here to share why the Udvar-Hazy Center is our family favorite.
As a mom with two young kids and a deep appreciation for travel, I’m always looking for meaningful, educational, and fun activities to share with my family. Having moved to the D.C. area, we’ve had the privilege of exploring the area’s incredible cultural attractions and can confidently say that the Air and Space Museum is one of the best Smithsonian museums for kids.
Trying to decide which air and space museum for kids to visit? There are two location, but which one is the best? The National Mall location in D.C. or the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles, Virginia?
We’ve visited both museums multiple times with our young kids and extended family, and we’ve developed a strong preference for the Udvar Hazy Center, but if you’re short on time or limited to public transit, we recommend the National Mall location.
Here’s everything you need to know about both locations, from personal stories to practical tips and our family’s ratings.
The National Air and Space Museum in DC (National Mall)
Located in the heart of Washington DC on the National Mall, this museum is a classic choice for families and visitors. For young air and space enthusiasts, this is a great option, especially if you’re short on time.
Our Experience
The National Mall museum was one of the first attractions we visited as a family after moving to the area. It’s a fun spot for younger kids, who love the hands-on exhibits like the lunar module model, and for adults too. However, during recent visits, renovations have closed off several exhibits, and the crowds made it challenging to fully enjoy the space with young children.
Our infant loved looking up at the planes hanging from the ceiling. Because of the aerial installations, he could interact with the exhibits more than in a more traditional museum.
However, it was often so crowded that it made it challenging to navigate with a stroller. Some of the exhibits have stairs such as walking through an aircraft, so if you’re going as a solo parent with young kids, it’s best to baby wear. These are my favorite carriers for baby wearing.
You’ll need a free timed ticket for entry and note, that the times we’ve been to this location, the line, even with a timed entry ticket, will wrap around the block. The line moves quickly, but prepare for crowds both during the week and on the weekend.
National Air and Space Museum in DC Information
Location:
6th Street and Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20560
All visitors must enter through the doors on Independence Ave.
Hours: 10am-5:30pm open daily
Tickets: Free, timed ticket entry required
Pros
- Accessibility:
The museum is easily accessible via public transportation, making it a convenient stop for families exploring D.C. You can take the Metro to the Smithsonian stop, which is just a short walk away. - Free Admission:
Like all Smithsonian museums, entry is free, though timed-entry tickets are required. - Iconic Exhibits:
The museum houses legendary artifacts like the Wright brothers’ Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and a moon rock you can touch. - Proximity to Other Attractions:
Being on the National Mall means you can combine your visit with nearby landmarks like the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, or the Museum of Natural History.
Cons
- Crowds:
As one of D.C.’s most popular attractions, it can get overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak seasons and holidays. This was a struggle for us, especially running after a 5 year old while pushing an infant in a stroller. - Limited Space:
The museum is relatively small compared to Udvar-Hazy, and during ongoing renovations, many exhibits are closed. This can be disappointing if there’s a specific display you’re hoping to see. - Less Room to Explore:
The tight hallways and limited floor space make it harder to navigate with strollers, especially when it’s busy.
Family Rating: 6/10
While this museum offers a lot to look at and incredible history, the crowded atmosphere, smaller footprint, and current construction issues limit its appeal for families with kids.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia (Dulles)
A sprawling aviation lover’s dream, the Udvar-Hazy Center is the Smithsonian’s lesser-known but incredibly spectacular second location. Nestled near Dulles International Airport, it’s worth the short drive for an unparalleled experience of aviation history.
My dad was in the Air Force and is mildly obsessed with all things aircraft. He loves both of the Air and Space Museum locations, but also loves the Udvar Hazy Center more than the National Mall location. Left to his own accord, he could roam around the Udvar Hazy Center all day long.
Our Experience
If the National Mall location is a fun introduction, the Udvar-Hazy Center is the ultimate destination for air and space enthusiasts. It’s become our go-to spot for visiting with family and friends, and every time we walk into the enormous hangar, we’re struck by how incredible this museum is.
Our kids are obsessed with the Space Shuttle Discovery, and the observation tower, where they can watch planes taking off and landing at the nearby Dulles Airport. It’s also nice to explore a museum where the crowds are more manageable and there’s space to roam freely.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia Information
Location:
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Hours: 10am-5:30pm open daily
Tickets: Free, parking is $15
Pros
- Expansive Space:
The Udvar-Hazy Center is massive, with two enormous hangars housing thousands of artifacts, including full-size aircraft and spacecraft. It’s a great place for kids to explore while marveling at the displays. - Iconic Artifacts:
Highlights include the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and a range of military and commercial aircraft. - Interactive Features:
The Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the nearby airport, and there’s an IMAX theater with fascinating films about space and aviation. - Fewer Crowds:
Due to its location, the museum feels less crowded and chaotic, even on weekends. This makes it easier to enjoy exhibits at your own pace and keep an eye on littles who have the tendency to run off quickly.
Cons
- Accessibility:
The museum is located about 30 miles outside of Washington, D.C. in Virginia, and there’s no Metro access. A car is essential, which can be a challenge for visitors without their own transportation. - Parking Fee:
While admission is free, parking costs $15 - Time Commitment:
Because it’s farther out, a visit to Udvar-Hazy requires more planning and at least a half-day commitment.
Why We Always Take Visitors Here
For us, the Udvar-Hazy Center is a 10/10 experience, and it’s always at the top of our list when we have visitors in town. The sheer size of the collection and the opportunity to see monumental artifacts up close (like the SR-71 Blackbird and the Concorde) make it an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike. If someone in your group loves aviation or space exploration, this museum is a must-see.
Family Rating: 10/10
With room to roam, fewer crowds, and world-class exhibits, the Udvar-Hazy Center is at the top of our list for family-friendly Smithsonian visits.
Why We Prefer the Udvar-Hazy Center
Having visited both museums multiple times with our kids, our preference for the Udvar-Hazy Center is clear. Here are a few reasons why it stands out for families like ours:
- Room to Explore: The Udvar-Hazy Center’s massive hangars are perfect for kids who need space to move, and parents won’t feel stressed about navigating through crowded halls.
- Unparalleled Artifacts: From the awe-inspiring Space Shuttle Discovery to the sleek SR-71 Blackbird, the exhibits here are monumental and unforgettable.
- Full-Day Experience: Unlike the National Mall location, which can be seen in a couple of hours, the Udvar-Hazy Center easily fills an entire day. There’s always something new to discover.
Tips for Visiting Both Museums with Kids
Having brought our kids to both museums, we’ve learned a few tricks to make the experience smoother:
- Plan Around Nap Times: Both museums can be overwhelming for younger kids, so try to visit during their most alert hours.
- Bring Snacks: While both locations have cafes, bringing your own snacks ensures you have what your kids like and saves money. The Udvar Hazy Center does not allow snacks inside so always eat a heavy snack before entering.
- Prepare for Strollers: The National Mall museum can feel cramped with a stroller due to crowds and narrower spaces. Udvar-Hazy, on the other hand, is spacious and very stroller-friendly.
- Interactive Features: At Udvar-Hazy, don’t miss the observation tower. It’s always a hit with little ones.
- Check for Updates: Renovations at the National Mall location can impact your experience, so check the museum’s website before visiting.
Comparing the Two Museums
If comparison tables are your thing, I made this quick chart to help you decide which is best for your family:
| Category | National Mall | Udvar-Hazy Center |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transit Accessibility | Metro-accessible, centrally located | Requires a car, further from D.C. |
| Admission | Free with timed-entry ticket | Free, but parking costs $15 |
| Size | Smaller, limited exhibits (currently under construction) | Expansive, full of large artifacts |
| Crowds | Often crowded | Quieter, more spacious |
| Highlights | Historic artifacts, moon rock | Discovery, Concorde, SR-71 Blackbird |
| Family-Friendly Features | Convenient, but busy | Room to roam, observation tower |
Air and Space Museum for Kids Final Reflections
If you’re planning a family trip to the D.C. area and are debating between these two museums, here’s our advice:
- Choose the National Mall Museum if you’re short on time, relying on public transportation only, or planning to combine it with other D.C. attractions. It’s a great spot for a quick visit, but be prepared for crowds and limited exhibits if it’s still under construction.
- Choose the Udvar-Hazy Center if you have access to a car and want a full-day experience. It’s worth the drive for the incredible artifacts, spacious layout, and family-friendly atmosphere.
In our experience, the Udvar-Hazy Center offers a richer, less stressful experience for families, making it our top pick every time. Whether you’re local or visiting from out of town, it’s well worth the trip to see the incredible aviation exhibits. Learning about space, flight, and aviation up close is memorable for the whole family.
