Anonymous wrote:OP, when you say "the Smithsonian" which museum do you mean?

American History has a transportation area my kids like. Natural History has the butterfly pavilion and the insect zoo. Not on the Mall, but all kids seem to love the Postal Museum by Union Station.

National Gallery is fun for the moving walkway with lights and the cafeteria from where there's a waterfall/water feature you can see through a big glass window. Beware, the gift shop will be right there too.

whoops Natural History is what I was referring to.

Planet word!

OP, when you say "the Smithsonian" which museum do you mean?

American History has a transportation area my kids like. Natural History has the butterfly pavilion and the insect zoo. Not on the Mall, but all kids seem to love the Postal Museum by Union Station.

National Gallery is fun for the moving walkway with lights and the cafeteria from where there's a waterfall/water feature you can see through a big glass window. Beware, the gift shop will be right there too.

Anonymous wrote:There is an outdoor train exhibit for the holidays at the National Botanical Gardens he would enjoy.

Yes to Museum of Natural History, even if you have been before -- always something good to see there.

I would choose the National Gallery over the Hirschorn for that age. The East Wing will have plenty of modern art if he is interested in that plus even just the big Calder mobile in the lobby could be cool. Then take him to the cafeteria underground (go through the installation with the moving walkways and the lighted tunnel) for a snack and gelato. Then to the West Wing to look at the sculpture galleries downstairs and maybe a spin though a couple of the galleries upstairs (not as engaging for that age but the fountain on the Main Floor is usually fun for a bit and just walking through the building is nice). Then outside to the sculpture garden.

Can also do something similar at the Portrait Gallery but I think NGA works better as it's bigger and has more modern art.

Unless its year round the train starts the 24th but thats good to know for December! We have a whole week off after Xmas.

I really appreciate the breakdown of the National Gallery. We dont do a lot of art-focused events so I have no idea if he is even interested, but the breakdown sounds great!

Anonymous wrote:National Children's Museum? I haven't been there yet but know several families who have and who enjoyed it.

My kids liked the Hirshorn at that age (and still do) but not 2 hours worth.

We have done the National Children's and it was fun but verryyy crowded and stimulating. Good to know about Hirshhorn timing. Just trying to emulate his preschool schedule as much as possible so its okay if we only spend 10-2 in DC.

There is an outdoor train exhibit for the holidays at the National Botanical Gardens he would enjoy.

Yes to Museum of Natural History, even if you have been before -- always something good to see there.

I would choose the National Gallery over the Hirschorn for that age. The East Wing will have plenty of modern art if he is interested in that plus even just the big Calder mobile in the lobby could be cool. Then take him to the cafeteria underground (go through the installation with the moving walkways and the lighted tunnel) for a snack and gelato. Then to the West Wing to look at the sculpture galleries downstairs and maybe a spin though a couple of the galleries upstairs (not as engaging for that age but the fountain on the Main Floor is usually fun for a bit and just walking through the building is nice). Then outside to the sculpture garden.

Can also do something similar at the Portrait Gallery but I think NGA works better as it's bigger and has more modern art.

My kids always have a good time at the Museum of Natural History. Also, the Museum of American History has a kids' area that mine enjoyed.

National Children's Museum? I haven't been there yet but know several families who have and who enjoyed it.

My kids liked the Hirshorn at that age (and still do) but not 2 hours worth.

We are taking our almost 5 year old to the Air and Space museum next week. I know the kids exhibit is closed but we got the timed passes before I knew that so we are going to try it out anyways. Im planning 2 hours for exploration and then lunch. Thought we might stay for an hour or two after lunch but need suggestions. We have done the Smithsonian. I was leaning towards the Hirshhorn but have never been myself so unsure whether it would hold any appeal. The ice rink at the Sculpture Garden doesnt open until 11/26 unfortunately.
I would like to stay downtown as I have parking reserved until 5pm.
Any suggestions?