Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Tot Rock at Discovery Theater + GIVEAWAY

Discovery Theater at the Ripley Center, Smithsonian has been presenting DC-area children with live educational performances for more than 30 years. As a program of the Smithsonian Associates, Discovery Theater serves as a child’s gateway to the exhibitions, collections, and cultures contained in the museums on the National Mall and beyond.  There’s so much to explore at the Smithsonian! Tot Rock performances are geared for 2-6 year olds. Tot Rock gets kids moving to great bands—and adults love to join in the fun, too. Below are some great upcoming shows. 

Tot Rock: The Not-Its: Thurs.- Fri., Mar. 1-2 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

In their signature pink ties (on the guys) and pink-and-black tutus (on the girls), the Not-Its! rock kids and families with their up-tempo albums and performances that give children their first “rock show” experience. The Seattle-based quintet delivers on-your-feet, action-oriented songs like “Green Light Go” and “Skateboard,” and uses music to empower kids to be innovators, protect the environment and wildlife, and be proud of who they are—even if, as they sing about in “Participation Trophy,” they get third or fourth place at something. Recommended for Ages 2-6 / Pre-K to Grade 1

Tot Rock: Alex & the Kaleidoscope: Thurs.- Fri., Apr. 19-20 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Take a new look at our beautiful world through the kaleidoscope of Emmy Award-winning children’s arts educator Alex Mitnick, your musical guide for an Earth Day celebration of the treasures of the planet. Clap along, sing, dance, and improvise with Alex in this delightful interactive concert of original songs about nature and all its creatures—including us. Recommended for Ages 2-6 / Pre-K to Grade 1

See schedule of other shows at Discovery Theater here, including a show called Crazy Colors of Chemistry and Mother Earth and Me.

  • Giveaway: Win a pair of tickets to The Not-Its show by commenting on Facebook with your preferred show–  Thursday, March 1 or Friday March 2 with the desired time 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Winner will be announced Monday, Feb. 26

Disney on Ice presents Frozen at Capital One Arena

What: Disney on Ice presents Frozen at Capital One Arena

When: February 14 – 19, 2018

Where: Capital One Arena (formerly known as Verizon Center)- 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Why: We took our 3 & 6 year old to opening night. My 6 year old son was on the fence about going but was pleasantly surprised and so happy he went. His interest started by watching the pre-entertainment on the ice, followed by eating cotton candy and watching Frozen re-play in front of his eyes but this time on the ice. My daughter arrived in her Elsa dress (as did many other little ones) and sat on the edge of her seat the entire time. Be prepared to be wow-ed by the Snow Monster as he inflates to the size of the ice rink almost. It was such a special event for our family to go to together. It was our first but definitely not last Disney on Ice performance.

Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen!  The heartwarming, Academy Award®-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintery world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Elsa and Anna, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Frozen is performing at Capital One Arena, formerly known as Verizon Center, from February 14 to 19, 2018.

Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.

 

Tickets start at: $20.00. Order tickets by phone 1-800-745-3000 or  Order tickets online.
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

To discover more about Disney On Ice visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

 

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. With millions of people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.
The Walt Disney Company is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this sweepstakes.
I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Disney on Ice presents Frozen. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Washington DC area gyms, health clubs and studios that offer childcare

Have you kept your New Years Resolution of shedding some pounds? Or have you already thrown in the towel two months in (like us)? Maybe you need a little convenience to get you sweating. Here’s a list we’ve compiled of area gyms and studios that will take care of your Bambinos so you don’t have to worry about them climbing on your back while you do a downward dog. This list should help you achieve your healthy goals this year. All you have to do is find the gym closet to you and sign up! Let us know if we can add a gym to the list that you know has childcare.

Barre3–
(1000 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite G-100 Washington, DC 20007)
(4900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 105 Washington, DC 20016)
(1832 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20009)
(701 2nd St NE Washington, District of Columbia 20002)
(Bethesda location coming soon)
 It’s easy to fit exercise into your life when you can bring the kids. Minors under 18 years of age are welcome. If minors are on the premises while guardians are in class, you must purchase a play lounge package. Reservations are highly recommended. Please reserve under your name and not your child’s name.

Equinox– 
(4905 Elm Street Bethesda, MD 20814)
This is a luxurious gym with many amenities. The Kids’ Club is the ideal place to drop your tots while you work out. The space is bright and inviting. It is available to children ages three months and older. Appointments and drop-off services are available. Leave the little ones with us while you’re working up a sweat. With tumbling, art, obstacle courses, and plenty of inspired programming, it’s a pint-sized haven of well-being.

acac–
(20500 Seneca Meadows Parkway Germantown, MD 20876)
When you include your kids on your acac membership, they have an all-access pass to active fun in the acac Kids Zone. The mission of the acac Kids Zone is to keep children physically and emotionally safe, while facilitating an engaging, clean, healthy, and kid-friendly environment of fun, age-appropriate activities and social behavior. Kids Zone Child Care is available for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Parents must remain on acac grounds. To view full Kids Zone policies, click here.

LA Fitness–
(8616 Cameron St. Silver Spring, MD 20910)
Thanks to reader, Amy for letting us know LA Fitness has childcare.

Life Time Athletic Fitness- 
(1151 Seven Locks Road Rockville, MD 20854)
(9602 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22031)
(1757 Business Center Drive Reston, VA 20190)
(7220 Lee DeForest Dr. Columbia, MD 21046)
(5900 Trinity Parkway Centreville, VA 20120)
(44610 Prentice Drive Sterling, VA 20166)
A family oriented environment. The Kids program encourages healthy activities and playing for for child. Available for children ages 3 months to 11 years old. They also offer classes for children.

Local Motion– 
(2377 South Dove Street, Alexandria, VA 22314)
Local Motion offers yoga, Pilates, pregnancy, barre and more. Your child can explore and play in the childcare room at Local Motion Studio while you get the time you need to take care of yourself!  The room is clean and bright, and is staffed by qualified, nurturing professionals.  There is no television, and the room is set up with a preschool setting in mind.  There are safe places for babies, and all toys are safe for all ages. Children welcome ages 6 months and up.  Have a child younger? Contact the studio to discuss.

Mint Dupont– 
(1724 California St. NW, Washington, DC 20009)
Childcare begins at 4 months and goes up to 11 years old. The childcare hours vary and is available 7 days a week.

Rock Creek Sports Club–
(8325 Grubb Rd. Silver Spring, MD. 20910)
For members, they offer a low, monthly rate so you can maintain your fitness goals by visiting the club as many times as you wish with your kids. They allow you to keep your child in the childcare room the longest; 2 hour and 30 minutes. Which allows you plenty of time to take your favorite class, workout, AND shower. Babysitting is for children ages 6 weeks to 8 years old, and reservations are not required. They also have classes for children.

Bethesda Sport and Health– (4400 Montgomery Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814)
Sport and Health: Northwest- (4001 Brandywine St NW)
Pike & Rose– (11594 Old Georgetown Rd, Rockville, MD 20852)
The Sport and Health locations above offer childcare for children beginning at 3 months. They have some locations with a separate area for infants and older children. Most are complete with cribs, swings and toys. After getting the run around from many employees, we think we finally found a set price; a whopping $1 per child per hour. They recommend calling 24 hours ahead of time to reserve a spot.

Sportfit–
(100 Whitemarsh Park Drive Bowie, MD 20715)
Thanks to reader, Jennifer for letting us know about Sportfit. Sport Fit is happy to offer childcare 7 days at week!  The hours for each day are listed below.  Please note that a Child MEMBER receives TWO free hours of childcare per day.  A NON-MEMBER Child may use the childcare daily for a $4/hour fee.

Sports Club/LA–
(1170 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037)
A club within the club “For Kids Only”. 6 months to 12 years old. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. Hours vary seven days a week. Costs also vary depending on whether it’s a drop in $15/hour, hotel member $18/ hour or member paying per hour $10. The area is large and has very nice indoor play equipment and toys.

The Women’s Club- 
(14175 Sullyfield Cir., Suite 100 Chantilly, VA)
Childcare is available 7 days a week with no reservations required. Put your mind at ease and enjoy quality time exercising while your children play and learn in an exciting and safe environment. Educational and creative crafts are offered daily. These activities and services are available for children 8 weeks to 12 years.

Washington Sports Club is one of the older clubs in the area and in turn has many locations, most have childcare options (see list below) for children ages 3 months-10 years old. Contact each club individually for hours and prices.
Columbia Heights- 3100 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010
Georgetown- 3222 M Street NW, Suite 140 Washington, DC 20007
Bethesda- 10400 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814
South Bethesda- 6828 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20815
Silver Spring- 901 Wayne Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910
Alexandria- 3654 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302
Clarendon- 2800 Clarendon Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201
Fairfax- 11001 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22030
West Springfield- 8430C Old Keene Mill Road West Springfield, VA 22152

XSport Fitness- 
(4300 King St. Alexandria, Va.22302)
Your child can rock climb, play with interactive toys and even watch videos. While you work out you can also watch your child on closed-circuit TV’s. Childcare included in membership. Locations in Falls Church, Arlington and Woodbridge as well.

YMCA Anthony Bowen– 
(1325 W Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009)
With a membership comes free Child Watch for children 8 weeks-age 4. Hours vary Monday-Saturday. If your kids are older than 4 you can sign them up for Cool Kids Club for a low fee. Children may be left in both for up to 2 hours per day.

YMCA Alexandria– 
(420 East Monroe Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301)
With a membership comes free Child Watch for children 8 months-age 5. Hours vary Monday-Saturday. If your kids are older than 5 and younger than 10 you can sign them up for Kids Zone for a low fee. Children may be left in both for up to 90 minutes.

Yoga with Bambinos

Indoor options for kids in and around Washington, DC

Here is a long post full of great indoor options for you and your Bambinos in the Washington, DC metro area– plus some options up the road in Baltimore. So whether it’s raining, snowing — or just too cold or hot outside, here are some fantastic places to check out. They’ll keep your little ones engaged and might even tire them out enough to keep you happy. We’ll try to keep this list updated, so do add your suggestions to the comments below and we’ll keep building! Scroll all the way to the bottom as there are on-going lists of theatres, gyms and other great indoor spaces.

Washington, DC~

Elemeno–(709 8th Street SE Washington, DC  20003)

SkillZone is a fun, fresh place to play and learn in Washington, DC., open for drop-in play time, classes, and private parties! A place in the city for children 6 & under. Registration is required.

Smithsonian Museum– (Various Locations)

Most are free of charge! Specific child-friendly areas in museums listed below.

U.S. Botanic Garden– (100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC)

Massive indoor exhibits, you can spend all day here. Check website as they occasionally have events such as cooking demonstrations, concerts, baby snuggler days and more.
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Madame Tussauds: No autographs, please ;)

What: Madame Tussauds

Where: 1001 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

When: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm

Why: In the capital city with millions of things to see and do, there is only one place where your group can meet all 45 U.S. presidents, the world’s most fascinating celebrities, influential world leaders, historical figures, and sports icons. Walk the red carpet with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, shake it with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, and explore the nation’s history with George Washington and Barack Obama. I’ve lived in DC for ten years and never visited Madame Tussauds in Chinatown. My initial thought was that I didn’t think it would be a great spot to take my kids– after all what would they gain from looking at a bunch of wax people? I was incorrect in assuming this was a place to skip. It is definitely suitable for children. We took our three and six year old. It was surprisingly informational for our six year old. He read descriptions of people and was interested in when they were relevant while our three year old enjoyed seeing the wax figures and participating in the many interactive areas. There are areas that ask questions and you open a frame to see the answer- his favorite was determining the President’s Pets based on a photo. There were several areas where visitors could add flair or props to take a photo, grab a piece of equipment that went along with a player, read a famous speech or listen to an audio clip from an era– many compliments to the wax figures that really made the experience much better than just walking around reading about the person and moving along. The tour through the attraction is self-guided. It should take you approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete your tour. There is even a spot to stop and get a wax hand. (Purchasing Wax Hands separately is $10 at the door; with the purchase of the Extreme Value Ticket Online, wax hands is automatically included with your admission ticket.) An employee will take your hand or fist and create a cool, colorful wax impression. My six year old was brave enough to do it and it serves as a memory from our trip to Madame Tussauds.

Tickets: Prices vary depending on the package you choose

See more of our photos from our trip to Madame Tussauds on our Instagram page

Birthday party ideas, venues & entertainers in and around Washington, DC

Planning a party should be exciting and fun, but until you find a perfect spot for your Bambino it may be a bit stressful. I’ve put together a list (longer than I intended) to get you thinking about some great spots and venues in our area.

 

Indoor Party

My Gym Bethesda: Read my personal experience (Location also in Potomac)

Creative Youth: Sewing, Runway Fashionista, Fashion Design and more

th-1Color Me Mine: Paint pottery, invitations and paper supplies included  (Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring & Fairfax)

Michaels: Choose from themes or design your own celebration, use of craft supplies and party space.

Launch Trampoline Park

Circle Yoga:  Parties taught by a Budding Yogis qualified yoga instructor. The party lasts 1 1/2 hours (1 hour of yoga, 1/2 hour for eating or gift exchange). Yoga parties can be coordinated around almost any theme.

The Escape Lounge:  Include an escape game and one-hour celebration. Pizza and beverages included. Perfect for older kids.

All Fired Up: Paint pottery, 5 balloons, invitations and paper supplies included

Magic Ground: Indoor play with extra bonuses

Imagination Stage: See a show or have a workshop

Flying Kick Tae Kwon Do: Go to the studio or have them come to you

Adventure Theatre: See a show or have a workshop

Bubble Bounce: 2 hours, private party space, pizza and juice included

Capital Gymnastics: 1 hour of gymnastics on the gym floor with a qualified instructor, followed by 1/2 hour in a party room

Kidville: Fun in the gym, 2 party leaders, invitations, cake, pizza and paper goods included

Gymboree: Choose a theme and an employee with guide your party to fun in the gym, invitations, good bag sand party supplies included

DC JCC: Choose a theme and they do it all for you with an energetic staff member

Bounce U: Inflatables

Pump it Up: Inflatables

Badlands: Read about our experience here

Silver Stars Gymnastics

College Park Aviation Museum: Each party includes an aviation-themed craft, museum exploration, a private party room, and much more.

Build-A-Bear Workshop: Make and take home a furry friend, games, activities and a hat

Laser Tag & Arcade

YMCA

PB&Jack: 1hr & 15 mins in the gym, 45 mins of cake and celebrating, themed craft corner, juice and paper supplies provided

More Indoor Options that may host parties

 

Outdoor Party

th-2American City Diner: Movie on the Deck with menu

Smithsonian National Zoo: Themed indoor party room and walking tour Zoo exhibits

Rock Creek Park:  Picnic tables, some spots have grills, bring your own fun and be one with nature

Leesburg Animal Park: 2 hours with a hostess, private pony rides, petting zoo, goody bag and paper supplies included

Tinkergarten

Orchards and Farms

Outdoor Ice Rinks

 

Indoor and Outdoor Comboth

Meadowside Nature Center: Room rental and a themed program with an outdoor activity led by Naturalist

Locust Grove Nature Center: Room rental and a themed program with an outdoor activity led by Naturalist

Glen Echo: Party space, ride the historic carousel, go to the playground

Wheaton Regional Park:  Train, carousel, playground

Cabin John Park: Trains, playground and indoor party space

DC Parks & Recreation: Play at a playground, rec center, gym or pool. Apply for a permit well in advance

 

Our favorite musicians who will come to your home or venue

Mr. Gabe

Mr. Skip

John Henry, The Guitar Playing Man

Amber with Meadowlark Music

Baba Ras D

The Uncle Devin Show

Marsha Goodman-Wood

 

Entertainment/Decor
Reptiles Alive!

SenSations Party Designs

James Creel and his Balloonery

Captain Allstar

Vivi the Clown

The Amazing Kevin (Magician)

We’re Having a Party- Party Supply & Rental

Link to search and hire various entertainment and entertainers

 

Need a bounce house?

Total Party & Event

Talk of the Town

 

29 ways to entertain your Bambinos and survive Daylight Savings Time

Most of us dread Fall Daylight Savings Time. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not an earlier bedtime or Benadryl =) and you can only put on an afternoon movie so many times. Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers and my own DST adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this winter. Don’t forget to check out our Indoor Fun Guide for even more options!  

Ideas for fun outside of your home-

1. Go for a dip at Wilson, Marie Reed or any of DC indoor swimming pools.

2. Bloombars has evening performances.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon family programs and events.

5. Isn’t Target obvious?! Try not to buy everything.

6. Grab a lane and try for a strike at Pinstripes. Dinner is served alongside bowling. Location in Georgetown & Bethesda.

7. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends. DC Library is open until 9pm Mon-Thur.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier,  Little Loft Art, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play, Politics and Prose or Barnes and Noble (Bethesda location closes Dec. 31, 2017) can be great places for your kids to check out new toys and books. Child’s Play has many toys out and welcome kids to play with them. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk. Bonus if you have time to create a scavenger hunt.

13. Check the bus route and take a random ride.

14. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

15. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that usually begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it , explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

16. Lace up those skates and ice skate!

17. Enroll in a winter class or playgroup

18. Dare I say, grocery shop….but my 1st grader loves making lists and my youngest loves pushing the cart while I pick up everything she knocks over with said cart. Bonus if you know of a store with a fun kid-car or kid-cart.

19. Go see a movie! Splurge for some popcorn.

20. Happy Hour doesn’t have to wait until 5pm. Mellow Mushroom in Adam’s Morgan offers Tyke Time Happy Hour on the 2nd floor. Upcoming 12/1/17, 1/5/18, 2/2/18, 3/9/18, 4/13/18, 5/11/18, 6/8/18 and 7/13/18. Cartoons will play, all nigh happy hour for adults, $10 large cheese pizza. In partnership with Jubilee Jumpstart.

 

Ideas for fun in your home in case you can’t escape-

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s).

2. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie, grab a flashlight and/or read stories.

3. Put on a play, get out that old camcorder and record them– your iPhone will suffice too.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun and messes (put your OCD tendencies aside).

5. Make your own play doh.

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry.

8. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy in the bath– bonus they can get clean while having fun.

9. Playdates help the time go by, (unless the kids don’t play together) and in that case you’d rather be doing one of the above mentioned activities

Kid-friendly programs at National Museum of American History

Ariel Gory is the Education Specialist at the National Museum of American History and she has lots of exciting family programs for you to check out, in between visiting exhibits with your Bambinos. The museum also has two interactive learning spaces to visit; Wegmans Wonderplace and Spark!Lab.

At the National Museum of American History, we believe the museum is for people of all ages! With early learners we know it takes a special approach to education to ensure that they have meaningful, memorable experiences within our spaces. That’s where 2 ongoing events; Museum ABC’s and History Time come in.

Museum ABC’s and History Time are designed to introduce our youngest visitors (ages 0 to 6) to our museum collections in developmentally appropriate ways. Through stimulating close-looking techniques, engaging story times and hands-on opportunities for play and creation, we hope to facilitate learning moments for little ones. Both programs also aim to support early literacy learning through letter-learning and interactive reading. Our goal for our early learning programming is to spark a lifelong love for learning and museums within the hearts of young children and to inspire the adults in their lives to use our collection as a resource to support their child’s learning journey.

On the first and third Saturday of every month, from 11:00 am–12:00 pm (story will be read at 11:00am and 11:30am) little ones can learn about a new topic (like colors, transportation, music or numbers) through an interactive story time, arts and crafts, play, and hands-on exploration of real museum artifacts at History Time. Below, you will find the description of the History Time programs, from November through March for your reference. Meet on the First Floor, West Wing, Coulter Performance Plaza for this free program. 

November – Food

1st and 3rd Saturdays in November are all about food. Come enjoy delicious stories, participate in food games and crafts, and explore cookware from our collection!

December – Toys and Puppets

1st and 3rd Saturdays in December are all about toys and puppets. Come hear a playful story, create your own puppet and learn about toys in our collection.

January – Alphabet

1st and 3rd Saturdays in January are all about the alphabet. Come hear a letter filled story and engage in an alphabet craft and fun activities that encourage early alphabet learning.

February – Numbers

1st and 3rd Saturdays in February are all about numbers. Come hear counting stories, learn about numbers, colors, and shapes with toy clocks and create art with numbers!

March – Color

1st and 3rd Saturdays in March are all about color. Come hear a colorful story, make art and practice color identification through fun games and activities.

 

Wegmans Wonderplace is a learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Bambinos are welcome to exercise their imaginations, wiggle their bodies, and explore with their hands. Wonderplace is built around the enduring wonders of childhood, the things kids are naturally curious about—blocks, animals, sounds–and branches out to make connections to the museum’s diverse collections and exhibitions. Our youngest visitors will cook their way through a kid-sized Julia Child’s kitchen, find the owls hiding in the Smithsonian Castle, and captain a tugboat based on a model from our collections. Through playful activities and creative displays of treasured artifacts, young children will get to know the faces, places, and stories of our country in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

On weekdays, admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. There may be a brief wait to enter during busy times. On weekends and federal holidays, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00am- 10:30 am. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry is at 3:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays, open 10am-4pm other days.

While at the museum be sure and stop in to Spark!Lab,  where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment, and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with art, museum, and creativity.

Spark!Lab activities are designed around common themes that connect to Museum collections and exhibitions. These themes will change on a regular basis, ensuring that regular visitors have something new to explore.

Spark!Lab is open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed only on Tuesdays.

 

******Special Event******

On November 30th,2017 little ones are invited to join us at the museum for a special Sesame Street Celebration! We will be celebrating with a “Create Your Own Character” craft, a music making station, Sesame Street story times and a rare opportunity to see Sesame Street characters out of the Museum’s storage. Plus, families will be able to meet Julia, one of Sesame Street’s newest residents who lives with autism, during meet and greet sessions throughout the day. This event is free and open to everyone!

National Museum of American History
1st Floor, West Wing
Coulter Performance Plaza
12th St. and Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001

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