Survival Tips for Visiting Smithsonians with Kids in the Summer

I think summer is one of the best times to visit the Smithsonians with kids if you are visiting or live in the area. They are Free, Air-Conditioned, and Spark Curiosity for your kids!

But there is a flip side to summer visits...the tourists! So below are 3 Survival Tips for taking kids to the Smithsonian Museums in DC during the Summer. Let me know of your own tips in the comments below!

1. The MAGIC of 9:45 AM Arrival Time

This is my #1 Tip! It may seem like a small thing to arrive 15 mins before the museums open at 10, but it will make a world of difference!

1️⃣ I’ve found parking right in front of the museums on the National Mall, even in the summer busy season on a weekday.

2️⃣ From my experience, school groups and touring buses come a little later around 11 so you get the place relatively crowdless for an hour!

3️⃣ Kids are happier in the morning and you can coax (i.e. bribe!) with lunch after you visit a few exhibits!

4️⃣ 9:45 is the sweet spot to avoid rush hour traffic if you are driving or on the Metro and get in line before more folks arrive at 9:55am.

2. Low expectations

As a mom, I have taken my kids to the Smithsonians as babies, tantrum-y toddlers and independent elementary schoolers and the best mindset tip I can share is low expectations. The wonderful thing is that the museums are free and so you are not wasting money if there happens to be a tantrum or bathroom accident. You can feel free to pop in and out of a museum for as long as it holds you and your kids interest.

** TIP! Check out a Museum Guide or the Museum's website ahead of time with any older kids and have them pick out 1 thing (ONE!) they are excited to explore. And after you visit that ONE thing, its a successful trip! Anything else is gravy :)