Morning at the Museum - Sample Itinerary

Washington DC Museums

Earlier this week, I asked parents on Instagram what types of scenarios they would want me to create a sample itinerary for and the majority of requests were for a Baby or Toddler Itinerary. So, I put together a "morning at the museum" for more multipurpose use! 

museums itinerary Smithsonian dc kids

PERFECT FOR...

  • Babies and Toddlers who are (usually!) happier in the mornings
  • Getting out of the house on a Holiday when most places are closed. The Smithsonian museums are only closed on December 25th so check them out on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve or the first day of the Year!

GAME PLAN:

  • Find parking right in front of the Natural History Museum
  • Highlights of the museum for 1 - 1.5 hrs
  • Lunch at the Sculpture Garden
  • SURPRISE IDEA! Ice Skating at Sculpture Garden or wander around the beautiful sculptures. Ice Skating is open November 15 - March 15 ($9 for adults, $8 for kids, $4 skate rental fee) and more info here.

TIMELINE:

  • 9:45 AM: I'm not joking, every time I arrive at 15 minutes before the museums open at 10 AM, I get street parking right in front! This is the sweet spot to avoid rush hour traffic if you are driving or on the Metro and get in line before more folks arrive at 9:55 AM.
  • 10 - 11:30 AM: Explore all this amazing museum has to offer. Check out the Family Museum Guide which includes top 3 exhibits for each age group. Highlights are Dinosaurs, Hope Diamond, Mummies and Ocean Exhibit. (Parent Tip: The Ocean Terrace Cafe has good coffee!)
  • 11:30 - 11: 35: Walk a block East to the Sculpture Garden
  • 11:35 - 12 PM: Walk around the beautiful works of art (great selfie spots!)
  • 12 - 1 PM: Enjoy Lunch at the Pavilion Cafe which is open year-round and offers Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, and a Children's Menu.
  • SURPRISE IDEA! Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden!

And 20 Museums for Children in DC link below!

museums for children
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