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The National Archives

700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408

Daily 10 am - 5:30 pm

$

indoor-activities, museums

A Museum with a Kid-Friendly Space near the National Mall

The National Archives Museum in Washington D.C. is not an obvious choice for pre-schoolers, but it is worth the trip. On Constitution Avenue across from the Sculpture Garden and the National Gallery of Art, the museum is an excellent starting point for exploring a variety of Smithsonian Institutions. Adjacent street parking is often available whether visiting the National Archives building or nearby spots.

The museum is a short distance from The Museum of Natural HistoryThe National Air and Space Museum, and The Museum of the American Indian. The U.S. Botanic Garden and a variety of other D.C. area museums are also closeby. 

Museum regulations prohibit photography because of the important historical documents, except for The Boeing Learning Center. The creative, fun and educational family-friendly space proved a pleasant surprise, especially after the strict security screening upon entry. Team members are welcoming and engaging.

Children arrive to see a long bookshelf with an excellent selection of educational books for different levels. As soon as they enter, kids love the arts and crafts projects at tables near the door. A computer station and project laid out to building one's family tree stand in the front room. A larger room packed full of games, projects, exploratory tools, and activities for kids elevates the space further.

Museum representatives provide white gloves and magnifying glasses to examine maps and cartoon drawings from centuries past. The team member will even demonstrate shading to recreate the signatures of some of our founding fathers.

Photos with magnet cutouts of United States Presidents missing from each picture are posted on the wall. A visual tool for little ones, the activity also details a variety of important moments in American History for older kids. This exemplifies how many of the activities appeal to a variety of ages. They are enjoyable for pre-readers, while active readers can take the play to another level.

The children love playing with Lincoln Logs and puzzles. Additionally, scheduled storytimes and family days are regularly featured. If you plan to wander the museum further, request a scavenger hunt at the desk before departing the kid's center. There are gallery packs for school-aged children to use throughout the museum and kids can even borrow an archivist coat.

Check out the interactive Public Vaults exhibit, very popular with kids. Also, an educational video game captures the attention of every child in the RIghtfully Hers: American Women and the Vote exhibit. The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta are obvious stopping points,

There is a cafe on the lower level open Monday through Friday from 10 am - 2:30 pm. There are also vending machines available daily. Changing tables are present in all public restrooms, and strollers are welcome.

 

The closest metro stop is Archives-Navy Memorial- Penn Quarter. 

Features

Good for All Ages Changing Table Admission Free History Architecture Cultural Experience
Thoughtfully captured by:
Randi Banks
Randi (Betts) Banks grew up in New York and graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. She moved to Washington, D.C. more than thirteen years ago with her husband, Eaghmon, and they love to explore the area and seek out adventure, now with their two young children along for the ride. Growing up right near the beach, they are happiest when on or near the water, so exploring the rivers, lakes, and streams in the greater DC area is a favorite pastime for their family. In addition to serving as one of the Washington, DC area ambassadors, Randi is also the Editor in Chief and Co-founder of happyly.
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