The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
One of two museums that showcase the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world.
Washington, DC, is a placed jam packed full of history; subsequently, there are a ton of museums. There's so much to see and so much to do in Washington, DC, that it may be difficult to decide which attractions you should make time for which should maybe just be left out of your itinerary. Here's a quick overview of some of the more popular museums in the DC area. Keep in mind, this is not all of the museums, so if you're not satisfied with the options listed below, you can always do a little searching and maybe find something a little more suitable or something a little more your family's style.
National Air and Space Museum
This museum is home to the world's largest collection of historic air and spacecraft. It also plays an important role for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. Inside this museum are planes and spacecrafts that have played such important roles in the development of the human species, some of which you may even remember hearing about or seeing on television. There are two display facilities to the National Air and Space Museum, the National Mall Building and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The National Mall Building houses such artifacts as the original Wright Brothers plane from 1903, the Spirit of St. Louis. The Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center displays such things as the Space Shuttle Enterprise. It's interesting to get an up-close look at the things that have changed the course of history so prominently. While you're there, don't forget to see the Einstein Planetarium IMAX at the National Air and Space Museum, the Lockheed Martin IMAX at the National Air and Space Museum, or the Hazy Center IMAX at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Admission is free to both of these locations, and the hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. everyday, except Christmas. Both facilities are closed Christmas day.
National Museum of Natural History
If you've ever wondered how ancient people lived, or what the earth looked like millions of years ago, this is where to go for the answers. See giant dinosaur skeletons, learn about animals that are now extinct, why those animals are now extinct, and so much more. Come to understand what Earth was like so long ago, and why it is the way it is today, and what role humans played in the way Earth developed. See creatures from ancient seas, the Ice Age, millions of fossils, and everything else you need to satisfy your curiosity. Don't forget to visit the Johnson IMAX at the National Museum of Natural History. This museum is open every day of the year except December 25. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Admission is always free.
National Gallery of Art
This museum takes a little more hands-on approach and is fantastic for the whole family, even the kids. The kids may not find the other museums as fascinating as you, but this one they're sure to love. There are regularly scheduled family workshops, as well as scheduled films for kids. Visitors can take guided tours, audio tours, or just wander around at their own pace. This museum is home to one of the finest art collections in the world. There are works of art done on paper from the Middle Ages, and there are works of art done just recently, from almost every artist imaginable. There are sculptures, paintings, mobiles, and more. The National Gallery of Art is open Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The gallery is always closed December 25 and January 1. Admission is always free.
National Zoological Park
While this is not really a museum, it's worth adding to the list simply because of it's beauty, and it's a great addition to any vacation itinerary. Walk through an entire world of habitats and the creatures that live in them, through African Savannas, to the Amazon, to Asia, to your own backyard, and more. There are all the zoo regulars like elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and monkeys, but there are also a few that you may not be used to seeing in a zoo. There are stingrays, squirrels, gorgeous butterflies, servals, seals, coral, a giant octopus, and thousands more. This is no ordinary zoo. You and your family will leave here chatting about favorite exhibits, the cutest animals, and the scariest. It's sure to be fun for everyone. This zoo is open every day of the year except December 25, regular hours are April 2 - October 28: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and October 29 - March 10: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Note: There are occasional days throughout the year when the park may close early.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
While this may not be the most fun museum, it's a continuing reminder and history lesson. It reminds us that antisemitism continues to be a problem, and if not paid attention to and taken care of, it can become a global tragedy. View a photograph collection that depicts the demise of a Jewish community during World War II, or paintings and other artifacts that illustrate the history of the Holocaust. You won't want to miss the Steven Spielberg film and video archive. Some of these images, however, may not be suitable for children. There's even a music collection of songs that were played in the ghettos, in concentration camps, and partisan outposts that you can listen to for yourself. This museum is open every day of the year except Yom Kippur (Oct. 2) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free but Timed Passes are needed to view the Permanent Exhibition, "The Holocaust." Tickets can be obtained at the museum on the day of your visit.
U.S. National Arboretum
This isn't much of an actual museum either, more like...a walk in the park. Stroll through the grounds and enjoy the wonderful sights and smells of all the different kinds of trees, flowers, and more. There are dogwoods, conifers, asian plants, hollies and magnolias, a fern valley, groves of American trees, an azalea collection, and so more more. There are park benches placed throughout the park, so you have time to stop and smell the roses. Pack a picnic basket and pop a squat right in the tree grove for a lovely lunch. Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed. Arboretum grounds are open every day of the year except December 25. Normal grounds hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free to everyone.
While this isn't a complete list of all the things to see and do in the DC area, it will at least show you that there is more to DC than old buildings and the President.
