Search
Family Programs
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 English family programs. Please visit this space regularly to find out about our latest programming. To learn more about our family programs in Spanish, visit: Programas en español para familias
Para aprender más sobre nuestros programas familiares en español, visiten: Programas en español para familias
Featured Events
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
Play Date at NMNH will be on pause for the month of July, but we will return on August 6th with a "Spots & Stripes" program. We look forward to exploring through play, art, and specimens with you again in August!
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 13, 2024: Explore the Earth's Past in a Deep Time Exhibit Takeover!
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.
None are scheduled at this time.
Workshops
Explore natural science and culture by sharing ideas, learning skills, and creating together.
DC Up Close: Family Microscope Workshop
Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, August 24
Explore the biodiversity of DC and the surrounding areas from a new approach … through a microscope! Through weekly prompts sent through email, families will be invited to get outside and make observations with their own pocket microscope, take pictures, and then share what they discovered with others. Each family will take part in two different in-person workshops, where families will be provided with one microscope to take home to complete weekly prompts. Attendance at the workshops is mandatory. Registration is required.
Learn More and Register
Special Programs
None 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.