Activities for Kids

Beyond the Mall: Off-the-Beaten-Track Museums (That You Must Check Out)

As fabulous as the museum-filled National Mall is, there are equally awesome (and kid-friendly) museums in other parts of D.C. Here are six absolute favorites to check out this winter.

By writerredri March 5, 2015

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.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

While Madam Tussauds can be found in many cities, its DC location casts a special light on the characters of politics and policy. Check out the Presidents Gallery and the Civil Rights Room, where you can pose with Martin Luther King, Jr. More lighthearted attractions include darlings of Hollywood like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, and sports heroes like Tiger Woods and Alex Ovechkin.

1001 F St., NW (Metro Center)
Open: Mon.-thu., 12 pm-6 pm; Fri.-Sun., 10 am-6 pm
Cost: $21.50/adults; $17/kids
Online: madametussauds.com

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