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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

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

  • Sunday, February 9, 2020 – We’re changing things up a bit this month! Instead of our regular World & Me programming on the second Saturday of February, join us on Sunday, February 9, for a special Family Day about Mongolian culture. Drop in anytime between 1 and 4 pm for performances, games, and craft activities. Please see below for more details. 

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.

Upcoming Program

A group of nine Mongolian people standing in a field with two reindeer.
  • Sunday, February 9, 2020: Mongolia’s Past and Present – Join us for a family-friendly event in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center to celebrate Mongolian culture past and present through performances, games, interactive art demonstrations, and conversations with scientists and artists. Meet and be inspired by throat singers, long song singers, musicians and dancers. Learn about Mongolian painting and calligraphy, and play traditional games in a real ger (yurt) set up in the middle of Q?rius. Archaeologists and museum conservators will be on hand to show and discuss ongoing research to understand and preserve Mongolia’s past. The event is presented through a collaboration of the Mongolian Cultural Center, the Embassy of Mongolia, and the National Museum of Natural History. Registration is requested to help us plan for the event. Register

Workshops

Six people sitting at a table outside making black ash baskets.

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

No workshops are scheduled at this time.

Special Programs

No special programs are scheduled at this time.

Featured Content

Family Membership

Get exclusive access to special museum events for you and your entire family by joining our new Family Membership program.
a T. rex drawing with a skeleton shadow