D.C.’s best museums for kids

BY ADELE CHAPIN

The Washington Post

Washington, D.C., is a wonderland of museums. To narrow the list, here are five of the best museums for kids.

1. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. naturalhistory.si.edu. Free (except the Butterfly Pavilion, which is $7-$8 on every day but Tuesday).

The National Museum of Natural History is home to a lot of bones, from the skeleton of a giant ground sloth in the “Deep Time” exhibit to the South American bullfrog in the Bone Hall. But there are also plenty of living creatures in this museum devoted to the natural world, whose collection includes an astonishing 147 million specimens and artifacts.

“Everything is at kids’ eye level,” says Donna Tuggle, the museum’s chief of visitor experience, school and youth programs, as she points out Madagascar hissing cockroaches in the habitats in the very popular Insect Zoo — right near a life-size reproduction of a termite mound that kids can crawl through. Things that kids can touch and explore are found throughout the exhibits, like a reproduction of a mine in the Geology, Gems and Minerals Hall that leads to glow-in-the-dark minerals. This museum will have kids wide-eyed as they check out ancient mummies, a giant squid and the Hope Diamond.

Don’t miss: Kids can walk into an otherworldly garden full of 300 colorful butterflies in flight and observe them up close (without touching them) in the Butterfly Pavilion, an experience that costs $8 for adults and $7 for kids and seniors. Budding paleontologists will make a beeline for the newish David H. Koch Hall of Fossils — Deep Time to see skeletons like a Tyrannosaurus rex, plus dinosaur dioramas and scientists at work uncovering specimens in the FossiLab. Families can check for programming like “Play Date at NMNH” for kids up to age 3 or “The World & Me” for kids ages 3 to 9. These events are often held in the museum’s Q?rius learning space, which has its own collection of more than 6,000 objects — many of which kids can touch and explore.

2. NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. nationalchildrensmuseum.org. $15.95 for adults and children 1 and older.

There’s a popular route to get to the subterranean exhibits at the National Children’s Museum, and it’s a kid’s dream: a 30-foot slide, aptly called the Dream Machine. And, yes, grown-ups can try it, too. “One of the most asked questions we get is ‘can the adults go down the slide,’ and they absolutely can,” says Crystal Bowyer, president of the National Children’s Museum. They can also attempt to get back up via the giant rope climber, if they’re feeling ambitious. “I will say it’s a little harder to climb when you’re not quite as light as an 8-year-old.” Don’t worry — no adults have gotten stuck inside yet, and kids younger than 5 can go for the toddler mini-Dream Machine slide that’s just their size.

The main floor is designed as a free exploration space, where kids from birth to age 12 can explore STEAM (that’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math) concepts through play. “I always say that we are the hands-on hub for interactive learning; we are the place that you go to do something instead of see something,” Bowyer says. That could be playing with virtual slime or encasing yourself in a giant bubble.

Don’t miss: Besides the Dream Machines, Data Science Alley is a popular spot (and the museum says this is the first data science exhibit in a children’s museum in the country). See how data points stack up in experiments like a choose-your-ownadventure activity where you vote on questions with your feet or by placing pompoms in a maze of circulating air tubes. The Engineering Games and Play section includes a digital batting cage and a chance for kids to design and build their own racecars. Every week, the museum hosts Baby Jam music programs and STEAM story time for kids ages 1 to 4.

3. NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM IN D.C.

600 Independence Ave. SW. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. airandspace.si.edu. Free; reserve your timed-entry passes online.

It’s 11 a.m. on a Thursday, and a group of toddlers are huddled together just a few steps from the first airplane ever flown, the 1903 Wright Flyer, while the spacesuit that Neil Armstrong wore on the moon is on view upstairs. But these tiny museumgoers are focused on looking through paper telescopes as a book called “Pluto’s Secret” is read aloud. This weekly Flights of Fancy Story Time is one of the many ways the team at the National Air and Space Museum is trying to appeal to the youngest visitors, with new features at eight revamped galleries that debuted last fall as part of an ambitious multiyear renovation.

The exhibits “are much more interactive than before,” says Michael Hulslander, the museum’s manager of on-site learning. “Kids are sure to love all the new digital and mechanical interactives, as well as tactile experiences.” While the sight of massive aircraft like a Boeing 747 flight deck or the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia is impressive enough, experiences like touching a replica space glove or

Frederick County Public Schools

Youth Art Month Student Exhibition — through March 26. The annual exhibition features hundreds of 2D and 3D artworks in a variety of media created by students from each public school within Frederick County. Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. 301698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Frederick County Public Schools

Faculty Exhibition — through March 26. A salute to those who make Youth Art Month possible, this exhibition showcases the creative talents of Frederick County Public Schools educators. Works in a variety of media. Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. 301-698-0656, delaplaine. org.

“Home Away From Home” — through March 26, DISTRICT Arts, 15 N. Market St., Frederick. Laurenee Gauvin’s homage to her Haitian roots. This featured-artist exhibition introduces an emotional look into what home feels like in today’s climate and reflects the journey and the arrival of Gauvin as an exciting and thought-provoking presence on the contemporary art scene. Districtarts.com.

”Animal Kingdom” — through March 26, The Mansion House Art Center and Gallery, City Park, 480 Highland Ave., Hagerstown. Valley Art Association members exhibit. Hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-797-2867 or valleyartassoc. org.

”Landscapes in Acrylic” — through March 26, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Paintings by Mike Legenzov. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsideartistsgallery.com.

”Color Journeys” — through March 26, Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. Featuring works by Leo Ramos, Roberta Staat, Paul Wilson and Karen WinstonLevin. gallery322.com, gallery322@ gmail.com.

”UNSHUTTERED: Celebrating Photojournalism of The Frederick News-Post — through April 1 at the Frederick Book Arts Center, 217 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Curated by Nancy Luse, the show celebrates the News-Post photographers during the era of film. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. 301-228-9816 or contact@ frederickbookarts.org.

Cumberland Valley Artists and Photographers Exhibitions — through April 23, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ best-smelling fundraiser of the year, Art in Bloom, runs March 24 to 26. Hosted by Hagerstown Garden Club, 10 garden clubs and 16 individuals will participate in the spring-themed celebration. Art in Bloom pairs designers with artwork in the museum. Designers then must interpret the art by using fresh flowers and greenery. Art in Bloom kicks off with a preview party from 5 to 7 p.m. March 25, when the floral displays are at their freshest and guests have the opportunity to meet the designers. Tickets are $55, and advance registration is required by calling 301-739-5727 or going to wcmfa.org/art-in-bloom. There is no admission charge for Saturday and Sunday, but donations to support the museum are appreciated. Ashley Conlon, aka “The Fern Farmer,” will lead a free floral demonstration Saturday at 1 p.m. using sustainable materials. WCMFA is located in City Park in Hagerstown.

Drive, Hagerstown. This juried exhibition features 95 pieces of art and photography from artists who live in the Quad-State area. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

Bettie Awards Exhibition — through April 30. View artworks created by local youth selected as 2023 Bettie Award Winners. Visitors can vote for their favorite artwork throughout the duration of the exhibition. The artwork receiving the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award. Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

”Angry Women Done Swallowing Our Words” — through April 30, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Featuring the work of Kristan Ryan. For gallery hours, call 301473-7689 or visit frederickuu.org.

”Strands of Time” — through April 30, Locals Farm Market’s Artist in the House Gallery, 19929 Fisher Ave., Poolesville. Works by Susan Due Pearcy. A selection of her work over 50 years of art making. Visit localsfarmmarket.com for hours. Cowork Frederick Artist of the Month: Julie Jenkins — throughout April. Frederick Artists Night with live music will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. April 1 at Cowork Frederick, 122 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Julie Jenkins creates realistic paintings on wood, acrylic, metal and recycled slate. Her art focuses on landscapes, nature and everyday joys. 240-772-1295, coworkfrederickfoundation.org/juliejenkins-apr23.

”Structures 2023” — through May 5, Crestwood Center, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original works of art, including oil, watercolors, mixed media, acrylic, photography, and wood carvings from some of Frederick’s talented artists. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460 or frederickhealth.org.

“Comfort” — through July 1. An interactive multimedia show of art related to coffee and tea and an exploration of the rituals and personal connections surrounding those drinks.

FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. frederickartscouncil.org.

“The Hot Button” — through August, Hot Button Gallery, 129 E. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. Carol Williams exhibits textiles and poster art that reflect her passion for social responsibility through artistic communication. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The artist will be available for conversation at these times. anothercarolwilliams.com.

Links Bridge Featured Artist: Rosemary Gallick — March 25 to April 9. Meet the artist on March 25. Links Bridge will continue displaying the works of local artists in its Tasting Room, where wine lovers can enjoy art, and artists can enjoy wine. Rosemary Gallick is a professional artist living in Northern Virginia, and this exhibit will present iconic portraits rendered in a pop-art style. She is a professor of art and art history at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has taught since 1996. Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. linksbridgevineyards.com.

”Miniature Worlds” — April 17 through May 19, Rosemary and Thyme Gallery, Frederick 50+ Community Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick. Featuring works by local artist Kunie Stabley. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 301-600-3525, dmarkowitz@ frederickcountymd.gov or tinyurl. com/50-center.