Family Programs

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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.

The National Museum of Natural History remains temporarily closed. We appreciate your understanding.

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.

Family Programs are on summer hiatus, but please check out the museum's Natural History Summer Explorations and live video programs. Live programming will return in September.

Video Programs: Natural History at Home

The exploration of natural history doesn't have to just happen at the museum — it can happen in your home too! Join museum educators as they walk your family through science skill-building activities, read science and nature books, and introduce ways to explore the natural world and collections.

Recorded Video Programs

Museum Educators Lara Noren and Gale Robertson talk during a Zoom video webinar”

How Decorator Crabs Use Camouflage and How to Make Crab Art

Pressed Plant Projects

Museum Educator JP Hurtado during a Zoom video webinar

Historia Natural en casa

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

Story time with a science twist! Every second Saturday of the month, families discover the natural and cultural world and their place in it. Museum educators will lead a program that combines a book reading, create-and-take activities, and a chance to look more closely at the museum’s collections. These programs are designed for families with children ages 3 to 8. Advanced registration is recommended to reserve your spot in this program, which allows your family to use our express entry line to avoid lengthy waits to enter the building. The reservation fee is $2 per person. Children ages 2 and under are free.

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

No programs are scheduled at this time.

Family Days

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.

No programs are scheduled at this time.