What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

National Children's Museum

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National Children's Museum

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Founded in 1974. Celebrating 50 years of play. Plan your visit to experience the joy of hands-on learning!

10/25/2026

Let's get glowing! 🪔🌟

Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a special story time led by DC-area author Sana Hoda Sood! Cozy up for a reading of her Stories of the World: Diwali, which shares the traditions, colors, and joy of one of India’s most beloved celebrations. Then, little artists can grab a brush and paint your very own diya, a traditional clay lamp, to take home 🎨 Plus, a complimentary hardcover copy of the book is included with admission!

Join us Sunday, November 1, for readings and activities at 10-10:30 am and 12 - 12:30 pm! Diwali Story Time is included with general admission. Learn more and purchase tickets at our website.

10/22/2026

Ever wonder why the cabinet door is always ajar? Or why the magic markers always seem too dry to draw? These monster mischief makers are the cause of many common conundrums and everyday annoyances!

Join us for our 🎃Halloween Spooktacular🎃 this Friday, October 23, from 5 - 7:30 pm for a special Creature Feature exhibit! Learn all about these monsters, then design some of your own. Plus, enjoy Hallow-STEAM activities, a costume parade, tinker-or-treat goodies, and more!

Get your Spooktacular tickets at:https://bit.ly/4dWuO0p

10/21/2026

In addition to our Fall Membership sale, here are some reasons why becoming a Member just makes sense!

Explore Memberships: https://bit.ly/4eKmp0i

10/17/2026

Have you picked out your costume yet? 🧙🦇 Halloween Spooktacular is just around the corner, and we're roaring with excitement to see our little monsters, superheroes, and pumpkins show off their looks in our costume parade.

Your little learner can also explore STEAM concepts through hands-on Halloween-themed activities, then stop by our "tinker-or-treat" stations throughout the Museum to experiment, create, and collect goodies along the way. See you October 23 from 5 - 7:30 pm!

Want to join the fun for free? Members get free access to Halloween Spooktacular, and from now until October 23, you can save $20 on any of our signature membership tiers, including gift memberships! Learn more at our website.

10/16/2026

🌼💀🕯 We're celebrating Día de los Mu***os with our friends from the Mexican Cultural Institute DC on October 17, 11 am - 1 pm. Through creativity and storytelling, young artists and their families can build their very own mini ofrenda and learn about the traditions and elements behind these traditional altars. Take yours home, add a favorite photo or food, and celebrate with your family!

Partner pop-ups are included in general Museum admission. Check out our website for specific program times, and plan your visit today!

10/15/2026

From now until October 23, save $20 on any of our signature membership tiers, including a gift membership!

Membership grants you and your loved ones a year of unlimited admission, discounts on birthday parties, gift shop purchases, and additional guest tickets, and free access to exclusive members-only events and after-hours celebrations. Next up, we host our Halloween Spooktacular from 5 - 7:30 pm on October 23. Become a member today and get in for free!

Explore memberships: https://bit.ly/4ewZ568

10/09/2026

The Halloween spirit has arrived here at the Museum! 👻🎃🕸️

Join us on October 23 from 5 - 7:30 pm for our Halloween Spooktacular. Little ghouls and little goblins can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through activities like spooky shadow stories, pumpkin catapults, creepy crawly investigations, and a special Monster Mash Noise Parade. Plus, you'll have a chance to show off your costume and collect goodies from "tinker-or-treat" stations throughout the Museum! Just remember—no masks!

This is a ticketed event separate from general Museum admission. Members and children under 1 get in free. Learn more and grab your tickets at https://nationalchildrensmuseum.org/explore/events/halloween-spooktacular?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=owned_marketing&utm_campaign=spooktacular&utm_id=10-05-2026_facebook

10/04/2026

Thank you to every little engineer and young creator who made our first-ever Tinkerfest so special! During this fun-filled celebration sponsored by General Motors, we explored our world through the fun and hands-on process of tinkering, and we couldn't have asked for more.

A huge shout-out to all of our partner organizations and fellow tinkerers for bringing such engaging and immersive experiences to Woodrow Wilson Plaza. And thank you to our friends at TCMA Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for hosting us on this beautiful outdoor space!

National Museum of American History 's Spark!Lab ⚙️ The National Theatre DC ⚙️ Sitar Arts Center ⚙️ Chibitronics ⚙️ CentroNía ⚙️ DC Public Library ⚙️ Friendship Public Charter School ⚙️ National Building Museum ⚙️ Rosie Riveters ⚙️ FIRST ⚙️ International Spy Museum

10/03/2026

📢 New Member Benefits 🎉

We've updated our Membership tiers to include more flexibility and savings! Head to our website today to see what tier is the best option for your family, and remember, Museums for All options are available for qualifying families.

When selecting your membership, keep in mind that adult slots must be assigned to a specific individual, and identification will be required when checking in to the Museum.

https://bit.ly/4rLmS80

Address

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington D.C., DC
20004

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday	9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12028442486

Website

https://nationalchildrensmuseum.org/

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