Washington DC With Kids--Best Bets--Smithsonian Museum Of Natural History
Natural History Museum--Updated In Recent Years --Has The Best Exhibits For Kids About Oceans, Mammals, Insects, Bones, Dinosaurs & Fossils
This museum is one of the Smithsonian's most popular--and hardly off the beaten path--but a bevy of new exhibits make it an essential stop during your visit to Washington. Get to the museum early in the day (doors open at 10 am) to beat the crowds. Start in the new Ocean Hall (ground floor) which focuses kids attention on our oceans, exploring questions such as: does the ocean ever stop moving?--and is it ocean or oceans? One system or many? (The answer is one global system with basins--the Atlantic, Pacific, etc.)
Kids learn that our oceans account for 71% of the Earth's surface and 95% of the Earth's living space. The learn about the threat to the planet's coral reefs while viewing a spectacular marine scape with fish species and anemones. A 36 foot long Giant Squid (no longer living) rests in a long glass enclosure and a life size, (and enormous) North Atlantic Right Whale is suspended from the ceiling.
A new Mammals Hall also on the ground floor is terrific. A sign greets visitors:
"Welcome to the mammal family reunion. Come meet your relatives." Organized by continent, life-like models of a huge variety of mammals are juxtaposed with video footage of the animals in the wild. Interactive exhibits allow kids to listen to sounds made by the animals as they navigate through the exhibit space.
The Dinosaur and Fossils Hall hasn't change in recent years but still provides a great place for kids to learn about the Dinosaurs and the other early inhabitants of the Earth. A 40 foot skeleton of T-Rex and the Time Column at the entrance to the Hall are worth a stop. The Time Column introduces the Pioneers of the Past, showing different forms of life that have appeared in fossil form over the past several hundred million years.
Head upstairs for a visit to the Insect Zoo, where kids learn that there are more insects on the planet than any other living creature. While they out number us-- 200 million to one-- they rarely harm humans with the exception of an occasional mosquito bite. Kids learn how insects have managed to flourish everywhere from icy oceans to tropical rainforests, from hot deserts to freshwater ponds. Round out your visit with stops at the Live Butterfly pavilion and the Discovery Room with hands-on activities for younger children.
There is an Imax Theater in the building and an excellent cafeteria. You can spend two days in the museum alone if your child has an interest in the natural sciences.
About Wonder Rotunda
The Wonder Rotunda is an online educational theme park (for ages 7-12) that sparks curiosity, helps kids find their interests and passions, and inspires them to think about making a mark in the world. Topics explored include marine life, space exploration, animal life, classical music, nutrition, American government, globalization, climate change, money and business, the visual and performing arts, film making and climate change. Take the Free Tour.
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Natural History Museum--Updated In Recent Years --Has The Best Exhibits For Kids About Oceans, Mammals, Insects, Bones, Dinosaurs & Fossils
This museum is one of the Smithsonian's most popular--and hardly off the beaten path--but a bevy of new exhibits make it an essential stop during your visit to Washington. Get to the museum early in the day (doors open at 10 am) to beat the crowds. Start in the new Ocean Hall (ground floor) which focuses kids attention on our oceans, exploring questions such as: does the ocean ever stop moving?--and is it ocean or oceans? One system or many? (The answer is one global system with basins--the Atlantic, Pacific, etc.)
Kids learn that our oceans account for 71% of the Earth's surface and 95% of the Earth's living space. The learn about the threat to the planet's coral reefs while viewing a spectacular marine scape with fish species and anemones. A 36 foot long Giant Squid (no longer living) rests in a long glass enclosure and a life size, (and enormous) North Atlantic Right Whale is suspended from the ceiling.
A new Mammals Hall also on the ground floor is terrific. A sign greets visitors:
"Welcome to the mammal family reunion. Come meet your relatives." Organized by continent, life-like models of a huge variety of mammals are juxtaposed with video footage of the animals in the wild. Interactive exhibits allow kids to listen to sounds made by the animals as they navigate through the exhibit space.
The Dinosaur and Fossils Hall hasn't change in recent years but still provides a great place for kids to learn about the Dinosaurs and the other early inhabitants of the Earth. A 40 foot skeleton of T-Rex and the Time Column at the entrance to the Hall are worth a stop. The Time Column introduces the Pioneers of the Past, showing different forms of life that have appeared in fossil form over the past several hundred million years.
Head upstairs for a visit to the Insect Zoo, where kids learn that there are more insects on the planet than any other living creature. While they out number us-- 200 million to one-- they rarely harm humans with the exception of an occasional mosquito bite. Kids learn how insects have managed to flourish everywhere from icy oceans to tropical rainforests, from hot deserts to freshwater ponds. Round out your visit with stops at the Live Butterfly pavilion and the Discovery Room with hands-on activities for younger children.
There is an Imax Theater in the building and an excellent cafeteria. You can spend two days in the museum alone if your child has an interest in the natural sciences.
About Wonder Rotunda
The Wonder Rotunda is an online educational theme park (for ages 7-12) that sparks curiosity, helps kids find their interests and passions, and inspires them to think about making a mark in the world. Topics explored include marine life, space exploration, animal life, classical music, nutrition, American government, globalization, climate change, money and business, the visual and performing arts, film making and climate change. Take the Free Tour.
Return To "Reviews Listing"