The brand new National Children’s Museum opened its doors on Monday, February 24. 

The National Children’s Museum is now open in Washington, D.C. Construction on the $33 million museum was completed last fall, but it could not open until the proper permits were issued. The museum moved out of the National Harbor in 2015 and was without a home while the new building was under construction.

The 33,000-square-foot building has a multi-level play structure, exhibit rooms, a tech studio, and space for visiting exhibits. The exhibits in the museum are STEAM-centric and include interactive activities designed to teach children about science, technology, engineering, and math. The museum is opening just in time for the spring tourism season in the District.

There are two areas specifically designed for infants and toddlers—a cloud- and airplane-themed room and the little movers' room where little ones can work on their motor skills. The innovation, data science, and engineering displays will fuel the imaginations of the older kids, and everyone will love the virtual slime wall in the Nickelodeon exhibit.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ museum makers • tinkerers studio ] . . The creative hub of the Museum, the tinkerers studio's hands-on learning and creative projects will allow visitors to design, build, and create in this 21st-century learning lab. Presented by @MicrosoftIPC, the makerspace will challenge visitors to use ordinary objects and tools to create extraordinary works through project- and process-based learning. Stay tuned for opening updates! #museummakers #nationalchildrensmuseum

A post shared by National Children's Museum (@nationalchildrensmuseum) on Dec 11, 2019 at 8:12am PST

The crown jewel of the museum is the “Dream Machine,” a 50-foot play structure in the lobby. Kids can climb rope ladders, navigate large plastic ball sculptures and ride slides to the bottom. Visitors do not need a ticket to climb on the dream machine, but closed-toed shoes are required.

Tickets for the National Children’s Museum are $10.95 for anyone over age 1. All tickets are on a timed entry to ensure the museum doesn’t get too crowded, and advance bookings are available. The museum is located at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., next to the Ronald Reagan Building. There are several parking garages near the museum and guests can find food and drink at the food court next door.

Have you been to the Children's Museum yet this week? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!