Places to go in the Washington, DC area for exciting exhibits as well as interesting lectures and events.
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Stand next to the Wright flyer, touch a moon rock, tour a replica of skylab, and gaze at the Spirit of St. Louis. You can also wander the 22 exhibits on the history of flight and learn all about travel through air and space.
Also home to the Albert Einstein Planetarium and an IMAX theater featuring films of flight and space. Admission to the museum is free though there are extra charges for planetarium and IMAX shows. See more at http://airandspace.si.edu/museum/flagship.cfm.
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum: Udvar-Hazy Center
If you thought the displays at the National Mall museum were huge, drive 45 minutes outside of DC for an impressive array for vehicles too big to fit downtown. One highlight is viewing the actual Space Shuttle Discovery, but don't miss the SR-71 Blackbird (the fastest plane eve), Concorde (fastest supersonic commercial jet), World War II bomber Enola Gay, and many others.
Also home to an IMAX theater. Admission to the museum is free though there are extra charges for IMAX films and for parking ($15 per vehicle). See more at http://airandspace.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy/.
Smithsonian Natural History Museum
Stroll among dinosaurs (including a T-Rex), gaze upon the Hope Diamond, learn about forensic pathology, and check out a giant squid. These natural wonders await you among the Hall of Mammals, Human Origins, Hall, the Oceans, indoor Insect Zoo, and other fascinating exhibit halls.
Also home to an
IMAX theater. Admission to the museum is free though there are charges for IMAX films. See more at
http://www.mnh.si.edu/.
Smithsonian National Zoo
Nobody can resist the cuteness of a Great Panda. So come visit the 2000 animals from over 400 species making their home in the heart of Rock Creek Park. Many are housed in their own special enclosures, such as the small mammal and reptile houses. Others live along picturesque trails that closely mimic their natural environment, such as the Asia Trail, Americas Trail, and new Elephant Trail. So bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a lovely stroll amongst the wildlife. Admission to the zoo is free. See more at
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/.
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
DC isn't the only place with a zoo. Just an hour north in Baltimore, ten minutes from the inner harbor, is the Maryland Zoo. With over 2,000 animals it's a great way for our Maryland neighbors to get up close with nature. Although the zoo hit hard times a decade ago it has been restructuring ever since, capped by a new penguin exhibit coming later in 2014. All on top of the exciting Polar Bear and African Journey exhibits.
National Geographic Society Museum
The people behind the magazine of exploration and discovery are highlighted in their own museum downtown. Exhibits rotate but always focus on the works of researchers, scientists, and photographers who continue to explore our world. The Society also host numerous lectures, films, and special exhibitions from across the globe.
Admission to the Museum is $11 for adults, $7 for children 5-12, and $9 for Society members, students, senior citizen, and the military.
See more at
http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/national-geographic-museum/.
Koshland Science Museum
This is a bit different than other science museum in the area...it's main goal is to help people use science to solve problems in their communities. The museum's state-of-the-art exhibits, public events, and educational programs, provide information that stimulates discussion and provides insight into how science supports decision-making.
Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students and members of the military (with ID). See more at
https://koshland-science-museum.org/.
Rock Creek Planetarium
Located within the Nature Center, the planetarium leads visitors on a journey of exploration into our solar system, galaxy, and beyond. This is unique to Washington as the only Planetarium in the National Park System. Free tickets to each show may be picked up at the Nature Center front desk up to one-half hour before the show. Open for shows weekends and on Wednesdays. Outside of the planetarium, evening stargazing sessions occur once a month from April to November.
Maryland Science Center
It's not directly in DC but is definitely worth the 45 minute trip to Baltimore. The Center features a variety of permanent and traveling interactive exhibits teaching us all about Earth Science, Life Science, Dinosaurs, Physics, and Space Science, among many others. They even sponsor the
TemperatureBlast citizen science project.
The Center is also home to a
planetarium and an
IMAX theater. Admission is $17 for adults, $16 for senior citizens, and $14 for children 3-12. See more at
http://www.mdsci.org/.
National Aquarium - Baltimore
Visit this world-class aquarium featuring over 16,000 marine animals all in one place. The fish swim all around as do sharks, jellyfish, and even dolphins. Exhibits feature information on Atlantic Coral Reefs, the tropical rainforest, and Maryland's own distinct marine life. Certified SCUBA divers can swim with the animals as part of the feeding and maintenance operations!
Admission is $29.95 for adults, $20.95 for children 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors. See more at
http://www.aqua.org/visit/baltimore.
National Aquarium - Washington, DC
While not nearly as large as it's sister aquarium in Baltimore, the impressive collection of 1,500 fish, alligators, and turtles is sure to impress. You can also learn about America's freshwater ecosystems and National Marine Sanctuaries.
Admission is $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children 3-11, and $8.95 for senior citizens and military. See more at
http://www.aqua.org/visit/dc.
United States Botanic Garden
At the base of the Capital building and hidden amongst the larger Smithsonian museums nearby, the U.S. Botanic Gardena is a lovely slice of nature right on the National mall. You can learn a lot there too! Check out the rare orchids and rose gardens, along with plants from the desert to the rainforest and everywhere in between.
Admission to the garden is free. See more at
http://www.usbg.gov/.
United States National Arboretum
This nearly 450-acre research center supports a wide number of trees and large plants, lovely trails for hiking, educational programs, and many great spots for a picnic. Items of interest include the extensive azalea collection, the National Grove of State Trees, National Bonzai and Penjing Museum located on site.
Admission to the Arboretum is free. See more at
http://www.usna.usda.gov/.
