Family Programs at the Museum

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

A boy holding a magnifying glass over a cast of a fossil bed, while a woman stands over him making scary monster arms — A young learner examines fossils during a Play Date at NMNH. Photo by Katie Derloshon, Smithsonian

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. We offer programs free of charge.

On this page, you will find information about our family programs. Please visit this space regularly to find out about our latest programming.

Featured Events

Play Date at NMNH: Birds!

Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor)

Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 10:30am – 12pm EDT

World Ocean Day Play Date: "Don't Eat the Cleaners" with Susan Stockdale

1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall

Thursday, June 5, 2025, 10am – 12pm EDT

Play Date at NMNH: Mineral Rainbow

Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor)

Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:30am – 12pm EDT

Family Program Offerings

Play Date at NMNH

"Play Date at NMNH" is a drop-in offering for the early learning audience (0-5 years old) and their caregivers and family members. Together, families will practice science skills such as observing, communicating, and asking questions through exploring topics in a variety of hands-on and collaborative experiences. Families will be able to explore together through stories, objects, art, and play related around a unifying topic or theme during each "Play Date." Activities provided during the program will be suited for learners of all ages, but are designed for families with young learners to learn and play together as they continue to develop and grow their science identity as a family.

Upcoming Play Dates

Tuesday, May 27: Birds!
Tuesday, June 10: Mineral Rainbow
More are scheduled in June. See the museum's Events page for a listing of all scheduled events.

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

During monthly "The World & Me" programs, families discover the natural and cultural world and their place in it. Museum educators will lead a program that combines different hands-on experiences with our museum’s collections related to that month’s theme. Special guest scientists, artists, and authors often join to share their connections to the natural and cultural world, too! These programs are designed for families with children ages 3 to 8.

Saturday, July 12: Caring for the Future of our Planet with Company E and Sound Impact

Family Friendly Days

Discover the natural and cultural world and your place in it during Family Friendly 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.

There are none scheduled at this time.

Workshops

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

No new workshops are scheduled at this time.

Special Programs

No special programs are scheduled at this time.

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.