Millions of people visit the downtown national park and its surrounding museums (think: the National Gallery of Art and the Natural Museum of American History) each year. But, as fabulous as the Mall is, there are equally awesome (and kid-friendly) museums in other parts of D.C. Want to expose the kids to a little culture or history, but not in the mood for the crush of tourists? Here are six spots to check out this winter.

The Crime Museum

A great option for older kids who can appreciate the ins and outs of crime scene investigations, visitors here get to try their skills in the driving and shooting simulators that police really use in training. Hop in the driver’s seat of a police car and use the cues on monitors to speed to the scene of an accident. The museum’s authentic-looking crime lab might just spark the interest of a future detective.

575 7th St., NW (Chinatown)
Open: Sun.-Thu., 10 am-7 pm; Fri.-Sat., 10 am-8 pm
Cost: $21.95/adults; $14.95/ages 5 to 11; free/5 and under
Online: crimemuseum.org

What is your favorite “off the Mall” museum? Tell us in the Comments section below.

—Katherine Gustafson

Photos courtesy of National Air and Space Museum via Facebook, CraigShipp.com Photos via Flickr, National Museum of Health and Medicine via Facebook, Madame Tussauds DC via Facebook, Ralph Toyama via Flickr, Aguilas2011 via Flickr

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