Looking to travel during the winter but hesitant about spending time in the great outdoors when it’s so cold? The winter is a perfect time to explore the DMV’s many children’s museums, which encourage young kids to engage in imaginative play and learn something new about the world around them.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum | Baltimore, MD
This popular museum offers three floors of fun, with exhibits focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, art, sports and pretend play. Kids can try their hand at running a restaurant, build a rocket or tackle the museum’s iconic SkyClimber.
National Children’s Museum | Washington, D.C.
One of the most well-known children’s museums in the United States, the National Children’s Museum brands itself as “D.C.’s favorite place to play” and hosts a wide variety of both permanent and visiting exhibits. Many of these exhibits cover science-related subjects, such as engineering, data science and meteorology.
DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
Columbia, MD
Kids can leave their mark at DoodleHATCH, a museum where anyone can be part of its art exhibits! Attractions include a giant’s bedroom with larger-than-life furniture, an out-of-this-world space station and a “mane salon” for unicorns. Visitors will also receive a free book to take home with them.
O Museum in the Mansion | Washington, D.C.
Ideal for families who enjoy escape rooms and mysteries, the O Museum is also known as the “Secret Door Museum” for the myriad ways to explore the building. With more than 80 hidden doors leading to secret passages and collections of rare art and memorabilia, it’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience that’s about the journey as much as it is about the exhibits.
omuseum.org
National Building Museum | Washington, D.C.
If your child loves building with LEGO or dreams of being an architect, the National Building Museum is right up their alley. The museum focuses on construction and architecture, and many of its exhibits are designed to be accessible for both children and adults. Exhibits like the LEGO-based “Brick City” also give kids the opportunity to build their own creations.
Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
A popular locale for birthday parties and field trips, this STEM-focused museum offers a wide variety of interactive activities for kids to take part in. The experience is designed for kids ages 2 to 12, with timed entry every two hours. The lab also often hosts themed events, such as science programs and holiday parties.
Save Money on Admission!
Many children’s museums throughout the country are part of the Association of Children’s Museums and offer discounts to members. Museum members are eligible to receive half-price admission for parties of up to six people.
To find museums that are part of the ACM Reciprocal Network, visit findachildrensmuseum.org/reciprocal-network.
