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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
- Tuesday, December 17: Spots & Stripes
- Tuesday, January 7: Dive into the Deep Sea
- Tuesday, January 14: Mineral Rainbow
- More are scheduled in January, February, and March. See the museum's Events page for a listing of all scheduled events.
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, March 15, 2025: Save a Spider!
- Saturday, May 3, 2025: Amphibian Week Kickoff Celebration with the USDA Forest Service and Friends!
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
There are no special programs 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.