Great Exhibits for Kids at the National Museum of Natural History

The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time

Our kids are still in the dinosaurs-are-awesome phase, so the Hall of Fossils is where we spend most of our time. The most dramatic display (but also the most gruesome) is the T. rex devouring the Triceratops. We also like the Diplococcus (a big, long-necked dinosaur that walks on four legs). Though not a dinosaur, the fossils of the giant sloth will also blow your mind. Around the corner is the fossil lab, which I suggest you visit if you have slightly older kids, or ones that are really into fossils. You can watch through glass windows as the staff unpack, prepare, and maintain the fossil collection.

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Be sure to check out the impressive model of the North Atlantic Right Whale in the Ocean Hall.

Sant Ocean Hall

Our second favorite exhibit (a very close second!) is the Sant Ocean Hall with its two giant squids on display. Look up to admire the life-size model of a North Atlantic Right Whale (named because they were the "right" whale to kill), the model of an ocean sunfish, a taxidermy polar bear, and fossils of prehistoric whales. Especially if you have older kids, walk through the Journey Through Time exhibit. It really gives you an idea of how minuscule humans’ time on Earth has been, but how big of an impact we have had in that short time. You can also snap a photo of your child inside a fossilized Megalodon mouth. 

Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals

We really like the Hall of Mammals as well. Our kids love seeing the impressive array of different species from all over the globe, from the tiniest shrew to a giant giraffe. To be honest, we usually run through this exhibit (literally) and the kids don’t seem to need too much time staring at each taxidermy display, but it does excite them.

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In the Butterfly Pavilion you can get up close and personal with lots of different butterflies!

Insect Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion

Our kids love bugs, so the Insect Zoo is their jam! They look for every bug in every display window and screech and squeal when they see it. This is the oldest insect zoo in the country! There's also a nursery where your kids can see the larvae and pupae of their favorite insects developing into adults, as well as a fake tree they can climb through, pretending that they are insects.

We  also love the Butterfly Pavilion, where you can walk among an array of butterfly species. Timed tickets are available in person for less than $10.

Hope Diamond and Berns Quartz

Be sure to check out the Hope Diamond and the Berns Quartz, as well as the other gems and minerals on display. The Berns Quartz is 8,000 pounds of sparkly quartz that was found in Arkansas, while the famous Hope Diamond a giant blue diamond full of intrigue.

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Learn about our hominid ancestors in the Hall of Human Origins.

David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins

Our younger kids just love running through the “rainbow” tunnel to get into the Hall of Human Origins, typing away at the computers, and creating a prehistoric version of themselves. Older kids and adults will appreciate the information on our hominid ancestors.

Megalodon Shark and African Elephant

Also check out the model 52-foot long Megalodon shark, which dined on small sharks that you can ironically see in the dining hall. And probably most impressive is the absolutely massive taxidermy African elephant in the Main Hall. 

Know Before You Go to the National Museum of Natural History

Hours and Best Times to Visit

The museum is open every day including holidays (with the exception of Christmas Day) from 9am-5:30pm. This is one of the most popular museums on the National Mall, so visit on a weekday if you can, and go earlier on in the morning to avoid crowds.

Parking

I would suggest taking the Metro to the National Mall so you don’t have to worry about parking. But if you decide to drive, there is paid street parking around the National Mall via kiosks and the earlier you get there, the more likely you will be able to find a spot. You can also reserve a space in a nearby paid parking lot online in advance.​

Where to Eat

Water and food in sealed containers are allowed in the museum, but only water may be consumed in the exhibit areas. I'd suggest packing a picnic lunch and bringing it out onto the Mall when your kids are hungry, then going back in to explore some more. Inside the museum there is the Ocean Terrace Cafe offering sandwiches, snacks, and deserts and the Atrium Cafe that has a bit fancier food and ice cream. Check out our list of kid-friendly restaurants and other places to eat near the National Mall for additional options.

Family Accommodations and Accessibility

The entire museum is stroller-friendly with elevators and several accessible bathrooms. There's even a family bathroom on the lower level and a room dedicated to nursing in the Constitution Avenue lobby!