Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Wegmans Wonderplace)

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Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Wegmans Wonderplace)

Photo: Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

🎨 Museum · Washington

2.5 hours · Free · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 5.0
1–3 yrs
★ 5.0
3–5 yrs
★ 5.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 35 min drive
    From Rockville · Parking: Metro to Smithsonian or Federal Triangle and a 5-minute walk; street parking is free on weekends but hard to find
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Lots of shade
    Rain-OK · Fine on cold days · Handles heat
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 2.5 hours
    Best seasons: Winter · Spring · Summer · Fall

The most little-kid-friendly museum on the Mall: Wegmans Wonderplace on the first floor is a free play space designed for ages 0–6, with a mini kitchen, a little boat, and climbing structures; ages 6–12 head to Spark!Lab to invent things, then go see the giant steam locomotive, Julia Child's kitchen, and the original Star-Spangled Banner.

💡 Tips
Wonderplace has set hours and limited capacity, so you may need to line up or get a pass; ask on the first floor when you arrive. At the 10am weekend opening, go to Wonderplace first and see the rest afterward. The Constitution Ave entrance has a ramp.

What this place offers

✓free
✓0–6 play space
✓Spark!Lab
✓locomotive
✓Star-Spangled Banner
✓indoor
✓restrooms
✓air conditioning

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Washington

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

🌦️
Sat 10/17
Drizzle · 47–60°F · 34% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 43–60°F · 6% rain

Location

Washington, Washington, DC

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