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Visiting the Smithsonian with Kids
The attention span of young children can be very short. They may find a security officer, a long flight of stairs, or a decorative foundation more interesting than the exhibitions you had in mind. Visit the exhibitions or galleries that the youngest children want to see first. If you are traveling with preschoolers, plan to spend no more than an hour in any one museum.
Another way to keep children interested is to talk about the exhibition being visited. Encourage their imagination. Ask them to pretend to be that object, animal, or person. Or pick a theme—like animals—and have the children find animals in the museum.
We’ve put together a list of resources you may find helpful before your visit to the Smithsonian. We hope it includes a performance at Discovery Theater
Websites:
Visiting the Smithsonian with kids
http://www.si.edu/Visit/Kids
Visiting the Smithsonian with your students
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/
Encyclopedia Smithsonian – Kids’ Favorites
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia/Search/Kids%20Favorites
Dining at the Smithsonian
http://www.si.edu/dining
Group Dining at Air & Space
http://www.si.edu/GroupSales/AirandSpaceMuseum
Group Dining at Natural History
http://www.si.edu/GroupSales/NaturalHistoryMuseum
Group Dining at American History
http://www.si.edu/GroupSales/AmericanHistoryMuseum
Group Dining at the National Zoo
Call 202.633.4480 or email grouptours@fonz.org
Documents:
Museum & Theatre Etiquette by Discovery Theater Director Roberta Gasbarre
10 Tips for Visiting with Kids
More Questions about the Smithsonian?
If you have more questions about a specific museum or exhibit, please visit www.si.edu or call the Visitor’s Information Center at 202-633-1000. Discovery Theater staff will do their best to assist you in planning your visit to the theater, but these resources are the most up-to-date if you plan on visiting another museum during your trip.
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