Why the National Museum of the American Indian is One of the Best Kid Friendly Museums in DC
Washington DC is packed with incredible museums, but the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) stands out as one of the best kid friendly museums in DC. It is a unique and enriching experience for museum goers of all ages, and especially for families with young children.
With its stunning architecture, hands-on play area for young kids, and captivating stories of Indigenous cultures, this museum is a must-see for parents looking to inspire curiosity and understanding. Here’s how to make the most of your visit with kids.
Why Visit the National Museum of the American Indian with Kids?
The NMAI offers a rich cultural experience that’s both educational and entertaining. From the moment you step inside, the sweeping curves and natural materials of the museum’s design are stunning. The exhibits highlight the diversity of Indigenous peoples across the Americas, sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and community.
For kids, the museum provides interactive elements and family-friendly programming that bring these stories to life. Whether they’re touching replicas of traditional tools, watching vibrant multimedia displays, or exploring the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, there’s something to spark their curiosity at every turn.
Getting There
The National Museum of the American Indian is located on the National Mall at 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW. It’s easily accessible by multiple transportation options:
- Hours: 10AM-5:30PM daily
- Metro: The closest Metro station is L’Enfant Plaza, served by the Blue, Orange, Silver, Yellow, and Green lines. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the museum. This is my recommended method of transport.
- Parking: While street parking is limited near the National Museum of the American Indian, several parking garages are available nearby. If you do drive and look for street parking, download the Park Mobile app before you go. I’ve been lucky to find parking close by if I arrive around 9:30am or so.
- Walking: If you’re exploring the National Mall, the museum is within walking distance of other attractions like the Botanic Gardens and the Air and Space Museum.
- Ride Share: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off directly at the museum entrance, making it a convenient option for families with young kids or strollers.
Highlights of the National Museum of the American Indian
1. The imagiNATIONS Activity Center
The imagiNATIONS Activity Center is hands-on area is a hit with kids of all ages, but is particularly geared toward younger children. Children can:
- Build an igloo with faux ice blocks.
- Try weaving a basket
- Learn about Indigenous engineering feats like bridge-building
- Test their balance on a skateboard or kayak
- Learn about Indigenous foods such as corn
Pro tip: Visit the Activity Center early in your trip to let kids burn off energy while engaging their minds.
2. The “Americans” Exhibit
This exhibit is bright and interactive, a good stop for families with children. Here, you can see ways in which Indigenous people and culture have been portrayed in media over the years and learn about stories of Indigenous people who have impacted American History.
The exhibit shares about stereotypes in a way that is approachable for children. After we visited this exhibit, my 5 year old and I talked about the definition and impact of stereotypes. This is an opportunity to talk to your young children about race and privilege.
3. Seasonal Festivals and Performances
If you time your visit right, you might catch a live performance or festival celebrating Indigenous music, dance, and traditions. These events are family-friendly and provide a vibrant, dynamic way to learn about Indigenous cultures.
We were able to see a beautiful singing and drum performance followed by a question and answer period.
What to Skip with Young Kids
While the museum is fantastic, some sections might be less engaging for younger children:
- Text-Heavy Exhibits: Certain areas, like the “Our Universes” or the treaties exhibit, involve a lot of reading. For little ones, these can feel overwhelming or dull.
- Quiet Galleries: Some spaces are meant for quiet reflection. If your kids are feeling wiggly, head to the more interactive areas instead.
Where to Eat: Mitsitam Café
The Mitsitam Café is one of the best museum dining spots in DC and an experience in itself. The menu features Indigenous-inspired dishes from across the Americas, with options like bison burgers (my friend highly recommends this, they were cooked on order so it did take a bit of time to make), fry bread tacos, and wild rice salads. There’s also a kid-friendly menu, so even all eaters will find something to enjoy.
Personal tip: My kids loved the dessert fry bread. We grabbed our food and enjoyed a break by the large windows overlooking the museum’s water feature.
Tips for Visiting the National Museum of the American Indian with Kids
- Start Early: The museum can get crowded, especially during weekends and school holidays. Arriving when it opens allows you to explore more freely.
- Pack Light: Strollers are welcome, but the museum’s open layout and many benches for resting makes it easy to navigate on foot.
- Engage with Staff: The museum staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and love answering questions. They often share stories or details that make the exhibits come alive.
- Take Breaks: The outdoor spaces, including a small garden and pond, are perfect for a relaxing break if the kids need some fresh air.
Sample Itinerary for Your Visit
Morning:
- Arrive at the museum at opening time (10:00 AM).
- Check with the information desk to see if there are any live performances occurring.
- Head straight to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center for hands-on fun.
- Explore the Lelawi Theater and catch the multimedia experience.
- Watch any live performances, they’re worth it!
Early Lunch:
- Eat at Mitsitam Café. Sample a mix of Indigenous-inspired dishes and kid-friendly options.
- Stop by the museum gift shop for unique book, handmade crafts, jewelry, art and more.
Early Afternoon:
- Take a walk outside to enjoy the museum’s architecture and gardens.
- If you’re feeling up to it, stop by the Botanic Gardens, they’re located right across the street.
A Memorable Moment at NMAI
On our last visit, my 5-year-old was incredibly engaged in one of the live performances we were able to attend. An Indigenous singer and drummer was performing at the center of the building and their incredible voice and music echoed throughout the floors.
After the performance, there was a time for question and answers. My kid raised his hand and asked a thoughtful question about Indigenous children play and childhood games. It was a tender moment to recognize his engagement and connection.
Cultural Connection Questions for Kids
At Full Passport Family, we believe travel is about more than just seeing the sights—it’s a chance to foster deeper connections, spark curiosity, and create opportunities for lifelong learning. These questions are designed to help families go beyond surface-level experiences, encouraging thoughtful conversations that build empathy, understanding, and a genuine appreciation for the places and people you encounter.
Unlike many travel blogs that focus solely on logistics, we’re here to help you and your children engage meaningfully with the world, raising resilient, compassionate global citizens along the way. Use these below questions throughout your visit to NMAI to reflect, learn, and connect as a family.
- How do you think Indigenous people used nature to make their tools, clothes, and houses?
Look closely at the objects in the exhibits and guess how they were made. - Why do you think stories were so important in Indigenous cultures?
Every group of people has favorite stories. What kind of story would you share about your life? - Can you spot something that Indigenous children might have played with long ago? What would be your favorite toy?
Check out the replicas and artifacts to imagine what playtime looked like. - What foods did Indigenous people eat, and how do you think they cooked them?
After visiting the exhibits, see if you can spot any of those foods at the Mitsitam Cafe. - How do you think Indigenous people celebrated special events like harvests or seasons? What would you include in a celebration?
Look for clues about music, dancing, or art in the exhibits.
Kid Friendly Museums In DC NMAI Final Reflections
The National Museum of the American Indian is a great place to enrich understanding of the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. With its family-friendly exhibits, interactive spaces, and unique dining options, it’s a fantastic addition to any Washington, DC itinerary.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the whole day, this museum offers countless opportunities for learning, connection, and fun.
Do you have more time in DC? Check out this comprehensive guide of all the family friendly museums, attractions, restaurants and more.
