FAQ – Visiting with Kids
Find answers below to questions parents and caregivers frequently ask about visiting the museum with children. For general information about the museum such as hours, locations, rest rooms, security procedures, and food service, see our FAQ for visitors and the Plan Your Visit section of the website.
Interactives and interactive spaces have been closed or blocked off to limit the number of high-touch surfaces in the museum. Our hands-on exhibitions Spark!Lab and Wonderplace are closed until further notice. See our COVID-19 statement for more information.
We are not currently offering guided tours or other programs. See our COVID-19 statement for more information.
We offer several self-guided tours of the museum. Each offers highlights from the museum's collections and takes about an hour to complete. A family guide for America On the Move features games, questions, and directed-looking activities to engage young visitors. You may download guides and use them digitally on a personal smart device or print them out for your visit.
Many visitors find that about two hours is the right amount of time. Take into account your family's interests and needs when arranging your day, and plan to take lots of breaks, especially if you have very young children.
For the safety of our visitors and staff, groups larger than six are strictly prohibited. When accompanying children, one adult can chaperone up to a maximum of five (5) children. All children (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. While on Smithsonian property, groups will maintain at least 6 feet (2 meters) of distance between themselves and individuals outside their group. See our COVID-19 statement for more information and our Plan Your Field Trip page for additional ideas.
First, check our museum's Kids page. Visit the Smithsonian Institution's main website for more information about exhibitions, programs, and services available at other museums.
Send your questions to us at NMAHVisitorServices@si.edu. A member of our staff will respond to your inquiry as promptly as possible, usually within three business days.
You can plan your trip and build or maintain excitement about history through the resources on our website. To learn more about what to expect at the museum, the hours, and location, use the Plan Your Visit page. To explore historical topics before visiting the museum, check out activities and book recommendations on the OurStory website.