What museum to take a 14 month old?

[Anonymous]

I haven't taken my daughter to any of the wonderful museums around here yet. Obviously, I won't take her to the National Gallery of Art where people want to look at paintings quietly (she is NOT quiet--when she's angry she gets very angry and when she's happy she squeals with delight at everything , but I want to take her somewhere this weekend and I can't decide which one to go to.

So...which one is kid friendly and not too terrible in terms of nearby parking?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Natural History is fun for little kids because they have the mammals section and the dinosaurs and prehistoric animals....we have parked down there on the weekends. If you get there right when they open (10 am), you can usually find parking on the street right near there..

[Anonymous]

Natural History and Air and Space are probably the best for little kids. I would really take the metro, though. Parking is just too hit or miss in all of that area.

[Anonymous]

The East Building of the National Gallery is good, especially the basement. Lots of room to run around. My toddler likes to bang her hands on the benches.

We also love the Botanical Garden (near the Capitol) and the Zoo, of course.

I've heard good things about the Building Museum for kids this age. I hope to try it this week. Assuming the runny nose clears up, of course, to avoid dirty looks from other moms.

I would warn you away from all the popular ones: Natural History, Air and Space, American History-- they're mobbed and frustrating for children and adults alike.

[Anonymous]

I actually think art is great! Lots of paintings of dogs and horses, which babies love. There are also statues and paintings of cherubs - babies love babies

Walk around for half an hour and then have gelato in the cafe. Plus, the waterfall view from the basement cafe is very cool.

[Anonymous]

Air and Space out near Dulles. Plenty of room for them to explore and my little one loved the planes. Parking is plentiful but expensive - $14.

[Anonymous]

Hirschorn (sp?) is great. Not as crowded as some, and little kids can really get into sculptures. The Corcoran has great photos sometimes too.

I agree that visual art is best at that age. There's not much for them to "learn" at the history museum etc, but colors, shapes, pictures of people and animals are always interesting to little ones.

[Anonymous]

One that wasn't mentioned: American Indian has lots of visual displays and lots of color. Plus, it has a great cafeteria and some open spaces.

DS's favorites at this age (13 mos and running) are:
Air and Space
Air and Space (Dulles)
Natural History
American History (esp. the kids rooms)
American Indian
Building Museum (the play zone)
National Gallery of Art (East, plus the underground restaurant)
Portrait Gallery (not obvious, but there is a huge enclosed courtyard to run around in when he gets the wiggles)

[Anonymous]

My 14 mointh old begs us to take him to the museums. He is so cultured.