National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is arguably the single best museum in Washington DC for families, and given that DC has an absurd concentration of world-class free museums, that is saying something. This Smithsonian flagship on the National Mall draws over 7 million visitors annually, and the reason is simple: it has something that excites every kid regardless of age or interest.

The dinosaur hall — officially the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils: Deep Time — is the main event for most families and it delivers spectacularly. The hall underwent a complete renovation and is now one of the finest paleontology exhibits in the world.

The centerpiece is a massive T. rex skeleton displayed in a dynamic pose that makes you feel like the animal could come alive. The gallery traces 3.

7 billion years of evolution with fossils, interactive displays, and reconstructions that connect deep time to modern climate science. Kids who are in their dinosaur phase will be in heaven. Kids who are not will become converts.

The Hope Diamond in the second-floor Gem Hall is the museum's other marquee attraction. This 45. 52-carat blue diamond is mesmerizing in person — photographs do not do justice to the way it catches light.

The surrounding gem collection includes some of the world's most famous stones. Even young kids who have no concept of gemstone value are drawn to the sparkle and color. The gallery is small, so visit when you see it uncrowded rather than fighting through a weekend mob.

The Butterfly Pavilion is a special ticketed experience ($7. 50 per person) that puts your family inside an enclosed tropical garden with hundreds of live butterflies flying freely around you. Butterflies will land on your clothes, your hair, and your children's outstretched hands.

For kids under about 8, this is pure magic. The experience lasts about 15-20 minutes. Timed tickets are limited, so book online before your visit.

The Ocean Hall is a sleeper hit that many families rush past on their way to dinosaurs. Do not make this mistake. The life-size model of a North Atlantic right whale suspended from the ceiling is breathtaking, and the marine ecosystem exhibits are beautifully designed. The live coral reef ecosystem behind glass is a mini aquarium experience embedded in the museum.

The Discovery Room on the first floor is designed for children under 12 and has hands-on natural history specimens that kids can touch and examine. Animal pelts, fossils, shells, and insects are available for close inspection with magnifying glasses and microscopes. It is a controlled, smaller space that gives young children a break from the overwhelming scale of the main galleries.

Practically, this museum is enormous. You cannot see everything in one visit, and trying to will exhaust your family. Pick three or four galleries that match your kids' interests and do those well. The museum is fully stroller-accessible, has family restrooms with changing stations, and the food court is large enough to find seating even at peak lunch time.

Timed-entry passes are required and free through the Smithsonian website. Book early for weekend and summer visits. The security line moves quickly but plan 10-15 minutes. Entering from the Constitution Avenue side sometimes has a shorter line than the Mall entrance.