I recently accompanied my husband on a business trip to Washington DC. I wasn't sure how I would entertain myself when he was attending meetings. I knew that the Smithsonian Space Museum was in DC, but what else was I going to do?
I would discover that the Smithsonian was not one Air and Space Museum, but a plethora of museums, and a zoo. A person would need weeks to thoroughly visit all of the Washington museums. This article is a guide to making the most of the free Smithsonian empire.
Research the Smithsonian Museums
Art, space, history, animals, anthropology, forensics, insects, dinosaurs are all explored and exhibited within the Smithsonian Museums. Even within a family, different members will be allured by a different museums. Go to the Smithsonian museums website and try to focus your interests and decide what museums are most appealing. In addition to the exhibits, see if particular museums offer workshops or events. Listed below are the three most popular free museums in Washington.
National Smithsonian Zoo in Washington DC
Of interest to all people, of any age is the National Zoo. The animal friendly enclosures, ample shade and water showers all enhance the zoo experience for visitors. My personal favorite attractions at the zoo are the Giant Pandas and the O-tram Orangutan transportation system. If you don't see the Panda's outside, be sure to visit them indoors. There are many of shady areas to eat a picnic lunch.
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
The museum has 22 exhibit rooms displaying thousands of air and space National treasures. The museum offers free tours, maps and educational programs. Children should be sure to visit the "How Things Fly" gallery where they can explore the principles of flight through experiential learning. The movie, Cosmic Collisions, has two free showings each day. In addition to the free offerings at the Air and Space Museum, visitors can have a ride in a flight simulator or go to an Imax 3D movie.
Smithsonian Natural History Museum
Prior to your visit to the Museum of Natural History be sure to consult the website for the list of temporary exhibits and special events. Young children love the dinosaur exhibit, featuring the 80 foot Diplodocus. There are plenty of hands-on opportunities at the Natural History Museum, including discovery stations, an insect zoo, butterfly pavilion and a forensics lab. Teenagers love handling and analyzing real bones, just like forensics scientists.
Other Tips for a Budget Trip to the Smithsonian Museums
- Pack a lunch and eat outdoors. The National Mall has many great spots for a picnic.
- Buy a daily Metro pass to allow for unlimited subway travel all day. It adds to the family adventure and eliminates the hassle and expense of parking. Take note the daily pass only starts at 9:30am.
- Bring a water bottle, most museums have water fountains for refills.
- Allow each of your children to pick the museum they wish to visit. They are free so even visiting for 20 minutes is worth while. There are plenty of benches inside all the museums for family members that are tired or bored.
The Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC are a great budget destination. Visitors of all ages and personalities will find something interesting and entertaining. These free museums are a fun way to educate children and who knows, the trip just might inspire a future astronaut or forensics scientist.
For information on Washington DC, read Washington DC: A Great Budget Family Holiday Destination.
Linda Wongkee - Linda is an online and print author. She writes about travel and education, her two passions!!
