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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, October 24, 2023: Ancient Art & Play
- Tuesday, October 31, 2023: Bats!
- Tuesday, November 7, 2023: Marvelous Meteorites
- Tuesday, November 21, 2023: Lights Out!
- Tuesday, November 28, 2023: Beguiling Birds
- Tuesday, December 5, 2023: Exploring Color with Rocks & Minerals
- Tuesday, December 12, 2023: Exploring Color with Insects
- Tuesday, December 19, 2023: Exploring Colors of the Coral Reef
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. Advanced registration is required to reserve your spot for some of these programs, so please check each listing.
- Saturday, October 28, 2023: Bat Week Celebration
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.
- Wednesday, October 11, 2023: National Fossil Day at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Workshops
Explore natural science and culture by sharing ideas, learning skills, and creating together.
No workshops are scheduled at this time.
Special Programs
None are scheduled at this time.
