Photo of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in District of Columbia1 / 2
Museums & Landmarks

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

πŸ“ Northwest Washington, DC

β˜…4.8(57,580 Google reviews)

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall is free with no passes required. Highlights include the Deep Time fossil hall, Hope Diamond, ocean hall, live insect zoo, and Q?rius children's discovery center.

βœ“ free admissionβœ“ dinosaur fossilsβœ“ Hope Diamondβœ“ ocean hallβœ“ butterfly pavilionβœ“ Q?rius kids center
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Vishaq

One of the best. Must visit

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for curious kids ages 5 and up, with Q?rius delivering hands-on science directly aimed at younger visitors. The fossil hall and ocean hall captivate school-age children and teens. Plan for at least three hours β€” the building is vast and the content is dense. Free admission removes any barrier to multiple visits.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Head to Q?rius first with younger kids β€” it's a hands-on discovery center with real specimens and activities designed for children
⏰The butterfly pavilion charges a small separate fee and timed entry is recommended β€” worth booking in advance
🎟️Arrive at opening to beat school group rushes, which peak mid-morning on weekdays

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πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

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4.8
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57,580 Google reviews

World-class exhibits55%
Free & accessible25%
Great for all ages20%
V

Vishaq

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β€œOne of the best. Must visit”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History spans multiple floors of permanent and rotating exhibitions, all free and open seven days a week. The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils anchors the ground floor with a sweeping Deep Time narrative. The Sant Ocean Hall, Hope Diamond, and live butterfly pavilion are perennial crowd draws. Q?rius, the dedicated children's science discovery center, offers hands-on engagement with real specimens.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:30
Tuesday10:00 – 17:30
Wednesday10:00 – 17:30
Thursday10:00 – 17:30
Friday10:00 – 17:30
Saturday10:00 – 17:30
Sunday10:00 – 17:30

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