What are the best things to do with kids around the Smithsonian?|142213

We are probably going to start at the Museum of Natural History. My girls are preschool age and I think they will like the dinosaur bones. We may go to the Air and Space museum as well, but are there any other highlights/must see things to do around the Smithsonian for young children? Thanks!

Several of the museums have special areas for kids - it is a good idea to check them out. In specific, the National Museum of Natural History has discover stations - and a lot of stuff that makes sense on a Children_s level.

Air and Space is good, too, but geared to an older crowd - so take it easy. The Planetarium and IMAX movies might be good, but also might be frightening. Take them in exhibits where they can see things on their level - the Wright Brothers exhibit comes to mind, as do the air and space halls, rather than ones which are more intellectual (earth to the moon). One of the exhibits, how things fly, is very interactive. And there is a video in the exhibit on the planets where they sing _The Family of the Sun_ to the tune of _the farmer in the Dell_, which is quite amusing.

Of course the National Zoo tends to really resonate with kids, and have lots of stuff for kids to do. Go to metro_s Woodley Park/Zoo exit and walk about 8 blocks uphill. (I understand you can also go to Cleveland park and walk 10 blocks, but downhill.)

Someone already mentioned the carousel - it_s not expensive, so let the kids take a ride, after all, the museums are free (as is the zoo).

There is art to see for kids, too. Between the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of Natural History and the Archives is the Smithsonian_s Sculpture garden. This is a beautiful garden which has some whimsical sculpture which your kids will like. Make sure to check out _the thinker_, not the one you thought of, but a bunny in the same pose, the Roy Lichtenstein house and the chairs. But also look at Calder_s Cheval Rouge, which is there, and let the kids experience a great piece.

And the Postal Museum, off the mall, also has stuff for kids. Good news is that it is also right next door to Union Station, in the basement of which you can find a food court with affordable food to fit any taste.

There is a Discovery Theatre at the Smithsonian Institution - if you can get tickets, they have shows for older and younger kids, so check out if they have something running for younger kids.

Well, we raised four kids in the DC area, not too terribly long ago, so we have some experience here.

There is a carousel on the mall. Also, don_t forget the National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian. It is beautiful and it is free; if you can go early before it_s hot and crowded.

the merry-go-round on the mall
bring a kite to fly near the Washington monument
the Natural Museums of History has some great i-max films (some in 3-D which is always cool for kids)

If they are pre-school, they will be worn out by the time you even get to the A_SM. That would not be that interesting to them.