From museums and landmarks to planetariums and more, the DMV offers something for every age and curiosity!
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA
Established as a military cemetery in 1864 during the Civil War, this 600+ acre site is the final resting place of hundreds of thousands of military veterans and their immediate families. Key landmarks include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (featuring the Changing of the Guard ceremony), the John F. Kennedy Gravesite, and Arlington House. A government-issued photo ID is required for entry.
Carlyle House Historic Park
Alexandria, VA
Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Carlyle House is a 1753 Georgian manor house built by Scottish merchant John Carlyle. The historic site offers guided tours detailing colonial life, pre-Revolutionary history, and its later role during the Civil War.
Children’s Science Center
Fairfax, VA
Located in Fair Oaks Mall, the Children’s Science Center invites visitors of all ages to learn science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through touch, feel, and play across a variety of zones and a hands-on experiment bar. Advance timed-entry tickets are recommended for weekend visits.
David M. Brown Planetarium
Arlington, VA
During the school year, the David M. Brown Planetarium hosts weekend public programs. Plus, they offer special seasonal opportunities throughout the year; learn more and see the full schedule by visiting Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium.
Freedom House Museum
Alexandria, VA
The Freedom House Museum occupies the actual headquarters of one of the largest domestic slave-trading companies, which trafficked Black men, women, and children from 1828 to 1861. Today the museum honors their lives by showcasing the area’s Black history and experience in America.
Freedom Museum
Manassas, VA
Located inside the terminal building at Manassas Regional Airport, the Freedom Museum offers visitors an interactive, historical experience with free admission. The museum’s exhibits feature stories of ordinary Americans who became heroes by protecting our nation’s freedom, both on the battlefront and on the home front.
George Mason’s Gunston Hall
Lorton, VA
Gunston Hall is the 18th-century Georgian mansion and plantation estate of George Mason, Founding Father and author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Visitors can explore the historic house, outbuildings, grounds, and visitor center through guided tours and hands-on educational programs.
George Mason University Observatory
Fairfax, VA
This STEM destination at George Mason University gets visitors a little closer to the stars! Boasting many high-powered telescopes, including a 32″ one, the observatory offers public events and tours, including its Evenings Under the Stars program.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mt. Vernon, VA
Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is the former plantation estate and burial place of George Washington, our first President. Visitors can tour the iconic mansion, the tomb of George and Martha Washington, a memorial to the enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate, and interpretive spaces like the Pioneer Farm and Washington’s Gristmill & Distillery (3 miles off-site). Guided and self-guided tours, plus seasonal and special events, are also offered.
Irene V. Hylton Planetarium
Woodbridge, VA
Located on the campus of CD Hylton Senior High School, this planetarium features a full digital laser and projection system that projects stars, visible planets, moon phases, and full-dome laser shows on a thirty-foot curved dome!
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Sterling, VA
Located inside Claude Moore Park, the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum highlights 250 years of Loudoun County’s agricultural heritage through various exhibits, hands-on activities, and seasonal events.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas, VA
Preserving over 5,000 acres of historic land, this National Park Service site marks the sites of two major Civil War clashes (the First and Second Battles of Bull Run). Guests can visit the Henry Hill Visitor Center, tour museum displays, and explore miles of walking trails across the battlefield.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Winchester, VA
Located on Winchester’s largest green space, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley preserves and enriches the region’s cultural life and heritage. Guests can enjoy seven acres of formal gardens, the 18th-century Glen Burnie House, and The Trails at MSV — a free 90-acre art-and-nature park open daily on the grounds.
National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, VA
The Smithsonian’s second National Air & Space Museum location (the original is on the National Mall) showcases the history and science of aviation and spaceflight. Its two huge hangars display thousands of artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Discovery, plus an IMAX Theater and an observation tower overlooking Dulles Airport. Admission is free, but daily parking is fee-based.
National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum
Alexandria, VA
Located at the headquarters of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), this free museum celebrates inductees whose innovations changed the world. Interactive exhibits explore patents, trademarks, and technological advances from computing to automotive engineering.
National Museum of the United States Army
Ft. Belvoir, VA
As the Army’s national landmark, this museum honors the accomplishments, sacrifices, and commitment of American soldiers, bringing over 240 years of Army history to life through soldiers’ eyes. Admission is free, but visitors must reserve free timed-entry passes online before arrival.
National Museum of the United States Marine Corps
Triangle, VA
The United States Marine Corps’ historical museum invites visitors of all ages to experience hundreds of years of American history through the eyes of a Marine, from the recruiting process to battles fought in times of conflict. Both admission and parking are completely free!
National Sporting Library & Museum
Middleburg, VA
Located in historic Middleburg, the heart of Virginia’s hunt country, this library and fine arts museum tells the story of horse-and-field sports, from fox hunting and steeplechasing to polo, through books and art. Admission is fee-based, but free on select days.
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
Winchester, VA
Worth the drive for Northern Virginia families, this kid-focused museum features 4 stories of touch-and-play exhibits that encourage problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration. Best of all, kids don’t know they’re learning — they think they’re having a great time!
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Alexandria, VA
A former naval munitions factory on the banks of the Potomac River, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to 75+ working artist studios and 7 galleries across 3 floors, fostering connections between artists and the public. It also houses the free Alexandria Archaeology Museum, which shows how the city’s archaeologists, volunteers, and students study and manage local archaeological resources. Its public laboratory even lets visitors see artifacts from the latest digs as they are preserved and cataloged!
Turner Farm Observatory Park
Great Falls, VA
Permanently mounted telescopes offer excellent stargazing at the Observatory Park at Turner Farm! This roll-top observatory includes an Observation Room with three telescopes and a retractable roof, plus an Orientation Room for educational programs. For more information on future programs, visit the Analemma Society.
Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House
Alexandria, VA
Situated on 126 historic acres, this site features two distinct architectural landmarks: Woodlawn (a 19th-century plantation built on land originally part of Washington’s Mount Vernon) and the Pope-Leighey House (a rare mid-century Usonian home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright).
Workhouse Arts Center & Lucy Burns Museum
Lorton, VA
Occupying the transformed grounds of the former Lorton Reformatory, this unique arts center features working artist studios, galleries, and performance spaces. The campus also houses the Lucy Burns Museum, which preserves 91 years of prison history and honors the silent sentinel suffragists who were imprisoned here during their fight for women’s voting rights.
African-American Civil War Museum
Washington, DC
Located directly across the street from the National Park Service’s African-American Civil War Memorial, the African-American Civil War Museum highlights the almost 210,000 members of the United States Colored Troops and their historic role in abolishing slavery and keeping America united during the Civil War.
Albert H. Small Center
Washington, DC
The Albert H. Small Center’s Washingtoniana Collection documents the history of Washington, DC, from the eighteenth to the mid-twentieth century. Its more than 1,900 items include manuscripts, books, newspapers, photographs, and a remarkable collection of prints and maps.
Congressional Cemetery
Washington, DC
Stroll the 35 acres of Congressional Cemetery, where Alain Leroy Locke, the first African American Rhodes Scholar, was laid to rest! Open daily with self-guided and seasonal docent-led tours, it also hosts the Cinema-tery, evening Soul Strolls, and the Tombs & Tomes Book Club.
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
Washington, DC
The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum preserves and interprets the material culture and social history of pre-industrial America. Visitors can enjoy galleries, exhibitions, and 31 period rooms illustrating American interiors from the 17th to the early 20th century.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Washington, DC
Located one block from the US Capitol, the Folger Shakespeare Library houses the world’s largest Shakespeare collection. Open since 1932, it invites guests, scholars, and families to enjoy performances, original works, and timely events online or in person.
Ford’s Theatre
Washington, DC
One of Washington, DC’s top entertainment destinations during the Civil War, Ford’s Theatre closed for over a century after President Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. Reopened in 1968 as a historic site and active performance space, it now offers theatrical performances, interactive exhibits, and educational programs for all ages.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Washington, DC
Located at Cedar Hill in Anacostia, this preserved historic site is the former home of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Visitors can explore the grounds, take guided tours of the home, and enjoy sweeping views of the Washington, DC skyline while learning about his life, legacy, and fight for civil rights.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Washington, DC
Adjacent to the National Mall, the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn is one of the most visited modern art museums in the US and home to one of the most important collections of post-World War II American and European art. Encounter 21st-century artists through groundbreaking exhibitions, events, and more.
International Spy Museum
Washington, DC
Do you have a James Bond fan in the family? Then enter a whole world of intelligence and espionage. The museum lifts the veil on this hidden world, exploring its successes and failures, challenges, and controversies.
National Academy of Sciences
Washington, DC
Located on Constitution Avenue, the National Academy of Sciences features interactive exhibits showcasing scientific discovery and innovation. Explore rotating art-meets-science exhibitions and see the iconic, larger-than-life Albert Einstein Memorial statue on its grounds.
National Air & Space Museum
Washington, DC
The National Air & Space Museum showcases the history and science of aviation and spaceflight, as well as planetary science, terrestrial geology, and geophysics. Popular attractions include the 1903 Wright Flyer, Apollo 11’s command module Columbia, and a real lunar rock.
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
The National Building Museum is dedicated to the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The soaring Great Hall and rotating exhibitions make it a standout destination.
National Gallery of Art
Washington, DC
Comprising multiple buildings and a sculpture garden, the National Gallery of Art is one of the largest and most visited museums in North America, featuring works by Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander Calder, and others.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration
Washington, DC
Located blocks from the White House, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration features state-of-the-art exhibits focused on world exploration, scientific research, storytelling, and education.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Washington, DC
This Smithsonian museum documents African American life, history, and culture through immersive exhibits spanning centuries.
National Museum of American History
Washington, DC
The National Museum of American History preserves and interprets objects that reflect the American experience, including the Star-Spangled Banner and other iconic artifacts.
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Dedicated exclusively to Native Americans, this Smithsonian museum advances understanding of Native cultures in the Western Hemisphere through architecture, exhibits, and collections.
National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC
Open nearly year-round with free admission, the National Museum of Natural History houses almost 150 million specimens and objects documenting the natural world and human history.
National Museum of the United States Navy
Washington, DC
Located at the Washington Navy Yard, this museum covers the history of the US Navy with exhibits on naval technology, ship models, artifacts, and maritime warfare from the Revolutionary War to the modern era.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, DC
The only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to women artists, this destination offers exhibitions, events, and learning opportunities for all ages.
National Postal Museum
Washington, DC
Explore America’s postal history and philately through engaging exhibits and the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery.
O Street Museum
Washington, DC
Explore a historic mansion filled with art, creativity, secret doors, and immersive experiences for all ages.
Planet Word
Washington, DC
Planet Word brings language to life through immersive exhibits that turn reading, speaking, and wordplay into a hands-on adventure! Located in the historic Franklin School, its voice-activated galleries invite visitors to explore how communication works and discover its creativity, fun, and power.
President Lincoln’s Cottage
Washington, DC
This historic destination invites visitors to explore the place where Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th President, developed the Emancipation Proclamation and made some of his most consequential decisions. Set on a historic 250-acre campus, the museum offers interactive tours and exhibits that explore Lincoln’s legacy while encouraging thoughtful conversations about freedom, justice, and civic responsibility.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Washington, DC
This iconic memorial honors Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s third President and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Set along the Tidal Basin near the National Mall and other well-known landmarks, its classical design, bronze statue, and surrounding landscape invite visitors to explore Jefferson’s life, ideas, and lasting impact on American history.
United States Botanic Garden
Washington, DC
Located on the National Mall, the United States Botanic Garden showcases living plant collections and highlights the vital role plants play in the ecosystem.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington, DC
The US Holocaust Memorial Museum preserves the memory of the Holocaust through extensive collections, testimonies, and educational exhibits.
Washington Monument
Washington, DC
Rising above the National Mall, this iconic marble obelisk honors George Washington, the nation’s first President and a central figure in the founding of the United States. Standing 555 feet tall, the monument is a defining part of Washington, DC’s skyline and sits near many of the capital’s best-known memorials, museums, and landmarks.
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, DC
An active Episcopal church and historic landmark, Washington National Cathedral is renowned for its Gothic architecture, services, and events.
Ausherman Planetarium
Frederick, MD
Located at the Earth and Space Science Laboratory, the Ausherman Planetarium’s 35-foot dome is built to amaze and educate stargazers of all ages! Its Chronos Hybrid system models the night sky and also displays 360-degree movies.
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, MD
A Smithsonian affiliate on a site regarded as the birthplace of the American railroad, the B&O Railroad Museum houses our country’s oldest and most historic railroad collection! Explore full-size locomotives and train cars inside, see model replicas and historic artifacts, and ride along the first commercial mile of railroad track laid in America.
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum
Ellicott City, MD
Owned and operated by Howard County Recreation & Parks, Ellicott City Station is America’s oldest surviving railroad station and the original terminus of the country’s first 13 miles of commercial railroad. Highlights include a 40-foot model train layout of that original route from Baltimore to Ellicott Mills, a replica of the first horse-drawn passenger railcar, and a 1927 caboose.
Banneker Planetarium
Catonsville, MD
Located on the campus of the Community College of Baltimore County (Catonsville), the Banneker Planetarium offers a wide variety of shows and programs for students, families, and the community.
Brunswick Heritage Museum
Brunswick, MD
The Brunswick Heritage Museum is like two museums in one! One floor uses recreated late Victorian rooms to tell the story of a town built by the B&O railroad and the railroad families who lived there in the early 1900s. Another floor holds a 1,700-square-foot HO-scale model railroad depicting the B&O Metropolitan Subdivision, from Brunswick’s rail yard to Union Station in Washington, DC.
Chesapeake Children’s Museum
Annapolis, MD
The Chesapeake Children’s Museum helps kids get closer to the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland history! Live animals, a docked boat, theatrical costumes, nature trails, and Underground Railroad trails keep kids busy while they learn about the local environment.
College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, MD
Located on the grounds of the world’s oldest continuously operating airport, the College Park Aviation Museum offers interactive flight exhibits and historic aircraft.
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD
Activities, exhibits, and events at NASA’s Goddard Visitor Center offer captivating educational experiences for all ages! Explore Goddard’s work in Earth science, astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary science, engineering, communications, and more — the universe in your own backyard!
Hagerstown Aviation Museum
Hagerstown, MD
See a 1953 Fairchild C-119, explore a North American AT6G Texan, or walk through a Kreider Reisner KR-31! This all-volunteer non-profit preserves and shares more than 90 years of aviation history from Hagerstown and the surrounding area.
Howard B. Owens Science Center
Lanham, MD
Operated by the Prince George’s County Public School System, the Howard B. Owens Science Center is Maryland’s largest planetarium. It offers a variety of shows for public viewing year-round.
KID Museum
Bethesda, MD
Dedicated to the Mind of a Maker, KID Museum sits on the plaza level above the Bethesda Metro Station. The 28,000-square-foot space serves creators ages 4-14 with hands-on coding, robotics, and engineering design experiences, plus programs that foster community and connection.
Maryland Science Center
Baltimore, MD
The Maryland Science Center is a must-visit STEM museum packed with hands-on exploration, including permanent exhibits like Newton’s Alley, Cells: The Universe Inside Us, and Dinosaur Mysteries! Young kids get their own gated room with a Chesapeake Bay-themed water play area, and there’s even a space just for infants and toddlers under two. Don’t miss the Davis Planetarium, where you can take in the stars and sky beneath a 50-foot dome; check the upcoming events calendar for the full lineup of public opportunities.
National Aquarium
Baltimore, MD
Consistently ranked among the nation’s top three aquariums, the National Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and marine mammals living in award-winning habitats! Visitor favorites include a multi-level tropical rain forest, the Australian Outback, and an Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit with sharks, eels, and hundreds of colorful tropical fish.
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, MD
Open since 1969, the National Capital Trolley Museum shares the history of Washington, DC’s streetcars and offers rides in one of eleven original cars! Its collection includes streetcars from Washington, DC, across America, and around the world.
National Cryptologic Museum
Annapolis Junction, MD
Have a budding code-breaker in the family? Located next to Fort Meade, the NSA’s National Cryptologic Museum shares the stories of people who devoted themselves to cryptology and national defense, with exhibits on World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and more.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Frederick, MD
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine, located in historic downtown Frederick, MD, lets visitors learn how innovations in Civil War medicine impact the present day.
National Museum of Health & Medicine
Silver Spring, MD
What began as the Army Medical Museum during the Civil War is now home to a vast collection that offers visitors a unique perspective on health, medicine, and the effects of disease on the human body.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Baltimore, MD
Ranking among the top children’s museums in the United States, Port Discovery offers 80,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits and activities designed for curious, active kids!
US Naval Academy Museum & Preble Hall
Annapolis, MD
Housed in historic Preble Hall, the US Naval Academy Museum showcases centuries of naval history, famous ship models, and maritime technology.
William M. Brish Planetarium
Hagerstown, MD
Operated by the Washington County Public Schools System, the William M. Brish Planetarium offers the community special shows on select days.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
