How to Find Museums in Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. and the surrounding area are home to over 400 museums, exhibits and monuments. Some stand above the rest and are a "must see" for any visitor to the Washington D.C. area. Visiting The White House, Arlington National Cemetery and the National Gallery of Art give a visitor a good view of American culture. Do not limit yourself to only these venerable institutions, for Washington D.C. has a museum or exhibit that appeals to every interest and individual.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider family friendly exhibits and museums when traveling with children. Many museums have programs or exhibits especially for children, such as the children's Discovery Room at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History.

2. Review your personal interests and visit museums that have current exhibits or standing exhibits on these topics.

3. Expand your horizons and choose a museum on a topic on which you are unfamiliar. Many of the institutions located in and around Washington D.C. are also dedicated to research. Information really is at your finger tips.

4. Tour the Capitol Monuments and memorials. They qualify as a standing exhibit of our countries' heritage.

5. Read reviews of a museum or exhibit you are interested in seeing. The mere number of available museums and exhibits available in Washington D.C. will provide an alternative if an exhibit or museum is not worth your time.

Tips & Warnings

• The National Children's Museum is scheduled to open in 2009 in Washington D.C.
• Double check all exhibit times and prices. Exhibits often have a limited engagement and museum times change from season to season.
• Editor picks and reader ratings of museums and exhibits can be found at washingtonpost.com.

Resources

• The Family Travel Guides website offers advice on family friendly museums
• Nineblue.com offers tips on traveling with children
• Information on the National Children's Museum can be found on their website
• Information on the National Museum of Natural History can be found on its website
• Information on exhibits and museums can be found at the Washington Post website