Little one growing up too fast? Then take her to these larger-than-life exhibits and displays that’ll put their pint-sized bodies into perspective. You might even feel small standing next to dinosaurs, space shuttles, and a giant! Tip: Bring an ice pack because you’re gonna need to soothe all of those craning necks!
Newseum
This unlikely place for jaw-dropping attractions will surprise you with eight 12-foot sections of the Berlin Wall (weighing 30 school buses) and a 3-story tall antenna that was atop the World Trade Center. Visit soon because up to four kiddos get in for free with each paid adult through Labor Day!
Cost: Adults/$22.95; Kids/Free (through Labor Day)
555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (Archives)
888-639-7386
Online: newseum.org
National Harbor
Can your tyke help the giant free itself from the banks of the Potomac River? That is, if she can reach its fingertips that reach almost two-stories into the air! Just beware, this 5-piece sculpture sits in a giant sandbox so be ready for some clean-up before heading out. While at National Harbor, be sure to check out another big sight, the Capital (Ferris) Wheel.
Cost: Free
165 Waterfront St. (National Harbor, Md)
Online: nationalharbor.com
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Let the tots journey to a new frontier, exploring the biggest attraction of all—outer space. The only small item at this museum is the entrance fee (it’s ZERO). There’s full-sized planes, jets, and a full-sized replica of the Voyager spacecraft at the D.C. location and the Discovery Space Shuttle at the Virginia location. Right now, catch Big Bird’s Adventure in their IMAX theatre on a screen that’s 5-stories tall!
Cost: Free
Independence Ave. at 6th St., SW (L’Enfant Plaza)
202-633-2214
14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy. (Chantilly, Va)
703-572-4118
Online: airandspace.si.edu
National Building Museum
Ever wonder what it feels like to be a mouse? Then get lost inside the BIG Maze! Play a game of Marco Polo or navigate your crew from the museum’s upper level. You can even take home a mini BIG Maze from the gift shop. Stop by now because the maze is going bye-bye after Sept. 1.
Cost: Adults/$10; Kids (3-17)/$5
401 F St., NW (Judiciary Square)
202-272-2448
Online: nbm.org
Dinosaur Land
Was there really a dinosaur called Gigantosaurus? You’ll have to swing by this oasis off Rt. 81 to find out. They’ve got over 50 ginormous statues frozen in action. Plenty to remind the tots (and the grown-ups) how small we really are. Be sure to check out the kitschy gift shop, which is almost as big as the park itself.
Cost: Adults/$6; Kids (2-10)/$5
3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. (White Post, Va)
540-869-2222
Online: dinosaurland.com
Are there any other larger-than-life exhibits that we should all know about? Dish in the comments section below.
—Lisa Ng
Suzy via Flickr, IU in DC via Flickr, National Harbor, Chris Devers via Flickr, ZanyShani via Flickr
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
