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National Building Museum with Kids: Exciting Playdate in Washington, DC

Posted on July 27, 2023August 28, 2023 by Ellie Reilly
  1. Our Experience
  2. Play. Work. Build.
  3. Brick City
  4. Workshops & Family Programs
  5. Practical Information
Play. Work Build. @ National Building Museum

Our Experience at the National Building Museum

The National Building Museum, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., is not just a place for adults to explore architectural wonders; it’s a haven of imagination and creativity for kids. With captivating exhibits like Play Work Build and Brick City, the museum transforms into a kid-friendly paradise, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment. Let’s dive into the delightful world of discovery that awaits your family at this architectural treasure trove.

Play Work Build: Unleash Creativity Through Play

At the heart of the National Building Museum’s family-friendly charm is the Play Work Build exhibit. Geared towards children and the young at heart, this interactive exhibit encourages hands-on exploration of building concepts. From towering structures made of large blue foam blocks to intricate designs crafted with smaller versions, children are empowered to unleash their creativity and imagination. The exhibit’s open-ended play environment fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation, making it an ideal space for families to bond while constructing their architectural masterpieces.

Play. Work Build. @ National Building Museum
Play. Work Build. @ National Building Museum
Play. Work Build. @ National Building Museum

Brick City: Where Tiny Bricks Create Grand Adventures

For little ones fascinated by all things brick, the Brick City exhibit offers an awe-inspiring journey through a miniature cityscape. Marvel at iconic landmarks meticulously crafted with LEGO® bricks, from the towering Washington Monument to the majestic Mardi Gras scene. This exhibit not only introduces children to the art of architectural modeling but also sparks their curiosity about urban planning and design. As you build together with LEGO® bricks and DUPLO® bricks, you’ll witness how these can inspire big dreams and aspirations in the hearts of young builders.

Brick City @ National Building Museum
Brick City @ National Building Museum
Brick City @ National Building Museum

Engaging Workshops and Family Programs

Beyond the exhibits, the National Building Museum offers a wide array of engaging workshops and family programs that provide an enriching experience for all ages. From hands-on crafting sessions to interactive lectures, these programs offer an opportunity for families to learn, create, and bond. Whether your child is eager to design their dream home or construct a sustainable city, the museum’s educational offerings foster a deeper understanding of the built environment while encouraging meaningful family interactions.

Practical Information for Your Visit to the National Building Museum

Before embarking on your family adventure at the National Building Museum, here are a few practical tips to enhance your experience:

  1. Plan Ahead: Check the museum’s website for exhibit schedules, special events, and any COVID-19 related guidelines.
  2. Tickets: Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure a seamless entry or check out my blog post on how to get your family in for free.
  3. Snack Breaks: You can eat and drink on the benches in the hallway between exhibits.
  4. Hands-On Learning: Encourage your children to interact with the exhibits, ask questions, and participate in activities to make the most of their visit.

The National Building Museum is a hidden gem that offers kids a captivating blend of entertainment, education, and creativity. Through exhibits like Play Work Build and Brick City, children are invited to explore the world of architecture and design in a fun and interactive way. As you embark on this family-friendly adventure, you’ll create lasting memories and inspire your little ones to see the world around them with a fresh perspective. So, gather your aspiring architects and builders – a world of imagination awaits at the National Building Museum!

Museums for All Offers Free Museum Visits

Posted on July 26, 2023December 6, 2023 by Ellie Reilly
  1. Blog Post
  2. D.C. Museums
  3. Virginia Museums
  4. Maryland Museums

For parents and caregivers, finding engaging and educational activities for children can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. When it comes to sparking curiosity, hands-on museums stand out as exceptional destinations. These interactive wonderlands allow children to immerse themselves in a world of discovery, where learning becomes an exciting adventure. In this blog post, we’ll explore the joys of visiting hands-on museums with children and highlight the invaluable benefits they offer.

hands-on museums
museums type: aquarium
hands-on museums

1. Learning through Play:

Hands-on museums are designed to encourage learning through play. Children can touch, explore, and manipulate exhibits, which ignites their curiosity and creativity. By combining fun with education, these museums provide a dynamic and immersive experience that fosters a love for learning in young minds.

2. Engaging all Senses:

Unlike traditional museums where touch is restricted, hands-on museums actively encourage children to use all their senses. From touching textures to hearing sounds and seeing colorful displays, these multi-sensory experiences enhance understanding and retention of information.

3. Sparking Imagination:

One of the magical aspects of hands-on museums is how they transport children into diverse worlds, from ancient civilizations to outer space. Interactive exhibits and role-playing scenarios allow children to step into the shoes of explorers, scientists, and artists, sparking their imagination and nurturing their dreams.

4. Fostering Critical Skills:

Hands-on museums facilitate the development of critical skills in children. They learn problem-solving by engaging in interactive challenges, improve communication through group activities, and enhance their motor skills as they manipulate objects and build structures.

5. Family Bonding:

Visiting hands-on museums creates wonderful opportunities for family bonding. As parents and caregivers actively participate with their children, they become part of the learning process, making memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

6. Nurturing a Lifelong Love for Learning:

By making education enjoyable, hands-on museums instill a lifelong love for learning in children. These positive experiences lay a strong foundation for their academic journey and encourage a curious and open-minded approach to the world.

Visiting hands-on museums with children is an enriching experience that goes beyond traditional learning methods. These interactive wonderlands ignite a sense of wonder, imagination, and curiosity in young minds. By encouraging play, engagement, and exploration, hands-on museums create a fertile ground for the growth of essential skills and a lifelong passion for learning. So, next time you’re planning a family outing, consider a trip to a hands-on museum, and watch as your children embark on an exciting journey of discovery and delight.


SNAP benefit participants from any state are eligible to receive $3/pp or less admission to select museums nationwide through Museums for All. Present your EBT card (any state) at the time of your visit for the Museum for All rate! Here is a list of participating museums in DC, Virginia, and Maryland with kid-oriented exhibits.

District of Columbia Museums

National Building Museum – Free up to 3 guests, 3 and under always free
Museum of the Bible – $3/pp up to 4 guests, 4 and under always free
International Spy Museum – $3/pp up to 4 guests, 6 and under always free
National Children’s Museum – $3/pp up to 4 guests, 11 Months and under always free (Must be reserved online or by phone at least one week prior to visit date)


Virginia Museums

George Washington’s Mount Vernon – $2/pp up to 4 guests, 5 and under always free
George Mason’s Gunston Hall – Free for unknown number of guests, 5 and under always free
Children’s Science Center Lab – $2/pp up to 6 guests, 1 and under always free (Call ahead to get promo code for purchasing advance time slot tickets)
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum -$2/pp up to 4 guests, 1 and under always free
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – $1/Adults (18+), Free 17 & under
Science Museum of Virginia – Exhibitions Only: $2/Adults (13-59), $1/Children (3-12) & Seniors (60+), 2 and under always free
Exhibitions & Dome – $3/Adults (13-59), $2/Children (3-12) & Seniors (60+), 2 and under always free
Children’s Museum of Richmond – $2/pp up to 6 guests, Under 1 always free (Can purchase tickets online with code MFA, don’t forget to bring your EBT card still!)
Explore More Discovery Museum – $2.50/pp, Under 1 always free
Colonial Williamsburg – $3/pp, 5 and under always free
Jamestown Settlement – Free up to 4 guests
American Revolution Museum – Free up to 4 guests
Frontier Culture Museum – $3/pp, 5 and under always free (Nearby local libraries have a reservable free pass for up to 6 guests)
The Mariners’ Museum and Park – $1/pp, 2 and under always free
Virginia Air & Space Science Center – $2/pp up to 4 guests, 2 and under always free
Norfolk Botanical Garden – $3/pp up to 4 guests , 2 and under always free
Nauticus – $3/pp up to 4 guests, 2 and under always free
Children’s Museum of Virginia – $3/pp up to 4 guests, 1 and under always free (Available online for purchase, bring EBT card at time of visit)
Amazement Square – Coming Soon
Science Museum of Western Virginia – Free for unknown number of guests, 2 and under always free
Danville Science Center – Exhibits Only: $2/pp Adults (13-59), $1/pp Children (4-12), 3 and under always free
Dome Only: $1/pp Adults (13-59), $1/pp Children (4-12), 3 and under always free
Exhibits & Dome: $3/pp Adults (13-59), $2/pp Children (4-12), 3 and under always free
Blue Ridge Institute & Museum – Coming Soon, 5 and under always free
Virginia Museum of Natural History – Free for unknown number of guests
Wonder Universe – $3/pp up to 4 guests (Adults 18+), Children 17 and under free


Maryland Museums

Discovery Station – $2/pp up to 4 guests, 1 and under always free
KID Museum – Free for unknown number of guests, Under 1 always free
Calvert Marine Museum – Free for up to 4 guests, 4 and under always free
AnnMarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center – $2/pp up to 4 guests
Historic St. Mary’s City – $3/pp Adults (18+), $1/pp Children (6-17), 5 and under always free
Historic London Town & Gardens – Free for up to 4 guests
B&O Railroad Museum – $3/total for up to 4 guests
Maryland Center for History and Culture – Free for unknown number of guests, 1 and under always free
Chesapeake Children’s Museum – $1/pp, Under 1 always free (Available for purchase on their website with code SNAPEBT, don’t forget to bring EBT card when visiting!)
American Visionary Art Museum – Coming Soon, 6 and under always free
Baltimore Museum of Industry – Free, 6 and under always free
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture – Coming Soon, 6 and under always free
William Paca House and Garden – Free up to 4 guests, 2 and under always free


A full list of all participating museums nationwide can be found on their website http://museums4all.org.

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