National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is the Smithsonian museum that surprises families the most, because it turns out that American history is a lot more fun when you are standing in front of the actual objects from the stories your kids are learning in school. Located on the National Mall, this free museum houses the original Star-Spangled Banner, the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Abraham Lincoln's top hat, and thousands of other artifacts that make American history tangible.

The Star-Spangled Banner exhibit on the second floor is the museum's emotional centerpiece. The actual flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the 1814 bombardment — the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem — hangs in a climate-controlled gallery. It is enormous, tattered, and genuinely awe-inspiring.

Even kids who are lukewarm on history tend to go quiet when they stand in front of it and realize this is the real thing from the song they have been singing since kindergarten.

The pop culture artifacts scattered throughout the museum are what keep kids engaged between the heavier historical exhibits. The ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are a perennial favorite — they sparkle behind glass and kids immediately recognize them. Julia Child's complete kitchen, reconstructed exactly as it was in her home, is fascinating for any kid who watches cooking shows.

Kermit the Frog (the original puppet) sits in a display case. Archie Bunker's chair from All in the Family connects generations. These items make the museum feel less like school and more like treasure hunting.

For families with kids ages 6 to 12, Spark! Lab on the first floor is a must-visit. This free interactive space is designed around the concept of invention and lets kids design, build, and test their own creations using provided materials.

Activities change regularly, but past projects have included designing bridges, creating circuits, and building simple machines. Plan at least 30 minutes here — it provides a much-needed hands-on break from looking at things behind glass.

The third floor is where the more traditional history lives. The American Presidency exhibit has artifacts from every president, including Lincoln's top hat and the desk where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. The military history section covers every American conflict with uniforms, weapons, and personal items from soldiers.

These galleries work best for kids ages 10 and up who are studying these periods in school.

The museum is large but not overwhelming. Unlike the Natural History Museum where you could spend days, American History can be comfortably covered in 2 to 3 hours. The trick is being selective. Grab a map at the entrance, identify the 4 or 5 exhibits your family most wants to see, and plot a route. Trying to see everything leads to exhaustion and diminishing returns.

Practically, free timed-entry passes are required and should be booked online through the Smithsonian website. The Constitution Avenue entrance typically has a shorter security line than the Mall-facing entrance. The museum is fully stroller-accessible with elevators and has family restrooms on every floor. The on-site food court is adequate and reasonably priced by museum standards.

This museum pairs naturally with the adjacent National Museum of Natural History (they are across the Mall from each other) for a full Smithsonian day. Alternatively, combine it with a walk to the Washington Monument and a stop at one of the Mall food trucks for a complete morning or afternoon.