National Museum of Natural History Washington D.C. |
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Rating |
Great |
Age |
5 and up |
Lockers |
Available |
Restrooms |
Adequate |
Food |
In Museum |
Closest Coffee |
Old Post office |
Recommendation |
This is one of the great Natural History museums in the country. If you are in the area you should plan a visit. FREE! |
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Review: by Dad
If you have read other D.C. reviews here at Science Family you know that we were once residents of this Capitol City, and I must admit, I got sick of taking visitors to this museum to see the Hope Diamond. Don't get me wrong, it is a great piece of jewelry, but there is so much more here to see. I got to where I would point them in the right direction and plan a meeting time. The Hope Diamond always seems to have a waiting line, and I hate lines.
This museum has one of the best mineral (non-jewelry) exhibits I have seen. The animals are great. I also like the meteor exhibit.
The Smithsonian also has one of the best fossil exhibits. Dinosaurs fill a grand hall, and the collection of other prehistoric creatures is wonderful. The boys spent a long time there. It is also to watch the paleontologists work in the glass walled lab that is on the floor of the exhibit.
As with all of the Smithsonian museums, the Natural History Museum is FREE. I would guarantee that this will be the most spectacular Natural History Museum you will visit for free.
Here are some local tips. Park out of town and take the Metro. You can get here from the Smithsonian Station or the Navy Memorial Station. If you have to park downtown, one of the best places is Union Station. It is quite a hike down to the mall from there, but you should not have trouble finding a spot to park.
If you want a good place to catch a bite to eat and get a view of the Capitol and Mall, try the Old Post Office. This is the second tallest structure (after the Washington Monument) in town. You can ride an elevator to the top of the bell tower for great views.
Additional Reviews:
Sam: “Skip the Hope Diamond and see the Ontonagon Boulder."
Will: "The dinosaurs are amazing."