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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Family Programs

A mother looks at her child through a magnifying glass in a classroom with tables and stools.
A mother looks at her child through a magnifying glass during a Family Program at the museum. Smithsonian image.

Make us a part of your family fun! During our programs, families learn together about nature, science, culture and museum collections in interactive, playful, and creative ways.

Monthly Family Program Series

A woman sitting on the floor next to a word map reads a book to six children sitting in front of her.

The World & Me

Find your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture. Every second Saturday of the month, museum educators lead a program that combines a book reading, activities, and a chance to look more closely at the museum’s collections. These programs are designed for Pre-K to 3rd grade.

What happens during a "World & Me" program?

10:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Free exploration of hands-on stations
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Book reading
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Craft activity

Upcoming Programs

  • Saturday, May 11 – Prehistoric Creature Features: During this program, families will explore the question, "How do we know what dinosaurs and other extinct animals looked like and how they behaved?" After a book reading, families will create their own wearable art and accessories inspired by the amazing characteristics prehistoric animals had that helped them survive in their environment.  Participants can wear their costumes on June 8th as part of the Fossil Hall opening celebration. 

Family Days

A boy looks up smiling at an outstretched hand holding a small archaeological artifact during Archaeology Family Day 2017.

Discover the natural and cultural world and your place in it during Family Days at NMNH, happening throughout the year. Visitors of all ages get the chance to connect to natural history topics through interactive activities, crafts, demonstrations and conversations with scientists.

Upcoming Programs:

More programs coming soon!

Workshops

A boy and girl sitting at a table, using quill pens to write on paper. An adult woman is sitting next to the girl, smiling.

Explore natural science and culture by sharing ideas, learning skills, and creating together.

Upcoming Programs:

  • Saturday, May 11, 2019 - Dino-fy Yourself! Make Your Own Prehistoric Animal Costume: Dinosaurs, giant sloths and mastodons, oh my! During this program, visitors will use art materials to create prehistoric animal costumes, wearable art and accessories informed and inspired by science and the animals that will be featured in the new Fossil Hall which opens this summer. Participants can wear their costumes on June 8th as part of the Fossil Hall opening celebration. This program is designed for ages 8 and up.