Here's the list of museums we had a chance to visit and those we wish we could have. No doubt we missed some (and included at least one we could have skipped) so feel free to contribute your own in the comments below.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - By far the most important on this list. Go and be moved. I wrote an entire post just on this museum so no more here. Free tickets required.
The Newseum - The Newseum tells the story of a free press and demonstrates its value to society through exhibits covering the five freedoms of the First Amendment. Can you name them? All five of them? Or are you like most of the public that can more easily name all five members of the Simpson family? (I'm sad to say I was in the latter category. If you also can't remember... religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.) I worked in the newspaper industry for 15 years so I might be a little biased, but the Newseum is well worth a visit if only to see the moving stories from 9/11 and the journalists that have been killed over the years. At least three hours. $21 for adults, $12 for kids. (The Newseum is included in the Washington DC Explorer Pass)
The National Archives - You've seen National Treasure, right? How could you not want to go see America's Founding Documents? Try not to be surprised at how faded they appear or how impactful seeing these words can be. (Wait. You haven't seen National Treasure? Go to Amazon (affiliate link) right now and buy it!) Seeing the Founding Documents can take a bit as they control access so plan at least a couple of hours and be sure to see the rest of the exhibits. Free admission
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - From bicycles to space stations to NCC-1701 you can bet that if it's flown it's there. Plan at least three hours or, if you're a nerd like me, maybe five. Free admission
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - If you're reading this it's probably because you like hiking and the natural world so add this to your list. I think the American Museum of Natural History in New York is better, but this is a close second. Three hours. Free admission
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History - The United States is a young country compared to many in the world, but we've got some amazing history. Everything from exhibits on democracy to World War I to a complete history of money to the First Ladies. There's something for everyone. Three or more hours. Free admission
The International Spy Museum - Unlike the others, the Spy Museum feels more like a game than a museum, but that's not always a bad thing. There's lots to do, but not a ton to learn. The kids loved it. Two hours. $21 for adults, $15 for kids. (The Spy Museum is included in the Washington DC Explorer Pass)
The National Building Museum - Meh. The building itself is impressive. It's the old home of the United States Pension Bureau and it's a huge, echoing space. Unfortunately, there's little to fill it aside from Hive in the main hall. That's not enough, though. One hour if you go. $16 for adults, $13 for kids. (The Building Museum is included in the Washington DC Explorer Pass)
The National Zoo - Pandas and the overhead organgatans aside, it wasn't that impressive a zoo. I can honestly say the Oregon Zoo (Portland, Oregon) and the Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, Washington) are better. Plus it rained (hard) when we were there. Two hours; more if you love pandas. Free admission
The US Forest Service Information Center - There's no charge and it's a quick visit so sure, stop by on your way back from the Holocaust Museum, but don't make a special visit. 15 minutes. Free admission
Plan ahead, but don't over-schedule yourself. Make sure you can choose to spend more time at the Building Museum if you're totally into wood (actually one of the best exhibits if a little promotional) or add in a museum you hear about on the street. And if you're taking kids be sure to engage them or you'll be dragging them along and nobody will have a good time.
