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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

  • Sat., Jan 12 – Topic TBD

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:

Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 – Family Game Night: Arctic Edition

Check back for upcoming Family Days in 2019!

Workshops

Two young women work on a drawing while sitting at a counter with animal specimens in plastic cases in front of them.

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

Past Programs:

Wed., July 18, 2018 - Scientific Illustration Family Workshop: An afternoon in Q?rius exploring the intersection of art and science through natural science illustration. Museum educators led families through the process of mindful observations and then taught techniques for accurate illustration using real museum specimens. No previous drawing experience or skills needed.