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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Family Programs

A mother looks at her child through a magnifying glass in a classroom with tables and stools.
A mother looks at her child through a magnifying glass during a Family Program at the museum. Smithsonian image.

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

A boy holding a magnifying glass over a cast of a fossil bed, while a woman stands over him making scary monster arms
Photo by Katie Derloshon, Smithsonian

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

A woman sitting on the floor next to a word map reads a book to six children sitting in front of her.

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.

None are scheduled at this time.

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.

None are scheduled at this time.

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.

Video Programs

Natural History at Home

The exploration of natural history doesn't have to just happen at the museum — it can happen in your home too! Join museum educators as they walk your family through science skill-building activities, read science and nature books, and introduce ways to explore the natural world and collections.

Recorded Videos

Video frame showing two hands holding a small wooden block and a small cardboard block. Some picked flowers on are the table.
Make Your Own Plant Press
Paleoartists Bob Walters standing next to an easel with a drawing of a dinosaur on it.
Dinosaur Drawings
Video screenshot showing a presentation slide with six numbered objects on it; one looks like a large tooth.
What Is a Fossil?

en español

Featured Content

Family Membership

Get exclusive access to special museum events for you and your entire family by joining our new Family Membership program.
a T. rex drawing with a skeleton shadow