Play Date at NMNH: Marvelous Meteorites
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, May 19th, is all about exploring the colors, shapes, and textures of objects from space! Families can learn about and make close observations of meteorites from our collection, explore different colors of planets, and create your own play telescope. Come and join us for a fun time learning through play and exploration!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum. Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Science on a Sphere
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Come explore our blue planet with NMNH Ocean Educators. Through NOAA’s Science on a Sphere technology, you’ll encounter a series of interactive visualizations projected on the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. Watch sea turtles migrate coast to coast, track ships through global waters in real-time, explore the changing climate patterns shaping our planet, and much more!
Photo credit: Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
How Do Paleoanthropologists Identify Our Evolutionary Relatives?
One-Time Events
While some of us today enjoy exploring our own family genealogy, paleoanthropologists study fossils of our evolutionary family members and try to identify our relatives in the deep past. How do they determine these evolutionary relationships, which now-extinct ancient species are more closely related to us, and which fossils belong to which species? Dr. Bernard Wood, University Professor of Human Origins at the George Washington University, will explain how paleoanthropologists attempt to answer these questions. Moderator: Dr. Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist and educator at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
This program is part of the ongoing HOT (Human Origins Today) Topics series and will be presented as a Zoom video webinar. A link will be emailed to all registrants.
Image caption: Bronze sculpture of a Paranthropus boisei created by paleoartist John Gurche in the Smithsonian’s Hall of Human Origins. Image credit: Smithsonian Institution.
Event Location: Online; Internet connection required. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/99966992/how-do-paleoanthropologists-identify-our-evolutionary-relatives-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Webcasts & Online. Accessibility: Captioning. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Coral Reef Tank Talk
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore!
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Bird Walk
One-Time Events
As we have since 2022, the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum will host a spring bird walk at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. We are teaming up with DC Bird Alliance, so gather your family and friends and join us for some fun as we celebrate nature in the Nation’s Capital — no experience or equipment required.
Image credit: Robert Costello.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Visitor Center (outside), 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20019. Cost: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/84836042/kenilworth-park-and-aquatic-gardens-bird-walk-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Workshops. Kids & Families. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Related Exhibition: Birds of DC, 1st Floor. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
American Bison Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Join educators in the "Bison: Standing Strong" exhibit to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.
Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 .
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Bison: Standing Strong exhibit. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Sunday, May 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Birds!
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
On Tuesday, May 26th, we invite you to join us in celebrating birds and birdwatching! Together through play and art-making, families will engage in different ways to observe and record their own observations of birds they see outside (or even inside) the museum. Come and join us for a fun time learning through play and exploration!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Coral Reef Tank Talk
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore!
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Natural History on the Big Screen: Bring Them Home Screening and Q&A
One-Time Events
Bison: Standing Strong, the newest exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History explores the remarkable story of bison; how these iconic animals shaped North American landscapes for more than 100,000 years and anchored Indigenous lifeways for generations, and the dedicated efforts to ensure their survival after they were pushed to the brink of extinction in the 19th century.
Join us for a screening of Bring Them Home, a film that tells the story of the Blackfoot people striving to re-establish wild buffalo on tribal land after 100 years of absence. The film recounts efforts to restore buffalo, land, traditional culture and bring healing to the Blackfeet community. Narrated and executive produced by Oscar nominee, Blackfeet/Nez Perce actor, Lily Gladstone, the film has been an audience favorite at festivals.
After the screening, Sant Director Kirk Johnson moderates a conversation and audience Q&A, and guests are invited to check out the Bison: Standing Strong exhibit after hours.
Registration is…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/95797313/natural-history-on-the-big-screenbring-them-home-screening-and-qa-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Films. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future. Related Exhibition: Bison: Standing Strong. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. History & Culture.
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Bird Walk at the National Zoo
One-Time Events
Join friends from the National Museum of Natural History for a walk through the National Zoo's Bird House! Meet Sara Hallager, the Zoo's Curator of Birds, and step into the vibrant world of North American shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds. Wander through immersive, free-flight aviaries that are home to more than 80 bird species.
After the walk, stick around for a keeper chat about turkeys at 11:00 a.m.!
Participants must complete two free reservations in advance:
1. Reserve a free space for the Bird House Bird Walk here, 2. Reserve free entry passes to the National Zoo here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/passes
Zoo entry is free. The Zoo opens at 8:00 AM and Zoo buildings, including the Bird House, open at 9:00 AM.
Please allow enough time to enter the Zoo and walk to the Bird House. The walk from the 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW entrance to the Bird House is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Transportation & Parking
Metro is strongly recommended. Take the Red Line to:
* Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan (slightly…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Bird House, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (meet at the Bird House entrance). Cost: Free. Registration is required and spaces are limited for this small group walk. Click here to sign up. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/40415899/bird-walk-at-the-national-zoos-bird-house-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Workshops. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Coral Restoration with the SCUBAnauts!
One-Time Events
Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean. They act as homes for thousands of species, serve as protective barriers from storms, and offer beautiful places for people to visit. But only if we protect them! Come and learn what corals are, why SCUBAnauts work to protect and restore them, and jump into a Florida Keys’ coral nursery without even getting wet!
Presented by: Coco Claypoole, Anya Amin, Isabel Avalos, Emma Carr, Eva Marie DiGenova-Erwin, Ali Foster Claypole, and Dana Henderson, Scientific SCUBA Divers, SCUBAnauts International, Inc, a 501 (c)3 organization
Photo from: SCUBAnauts International, Inc.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Event Group: World Ocean Month (June). Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Monday, June 1, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Science on a Sphere
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Come explore our blue planet with NMNH Ocean Educators. Through NOAA’s Science on a Sphere technology, you’ll encounter a series of interactive visualizations projected on the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. Watch sea turtles migrate coast to coast, track ships through global waters in real-time, explore the changing climate patterns shaping our planet, and much more!
Photo credit: Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
American Bison Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Join educators in the "Bison: Standing Strong" exhibit to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.
Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 .
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Bison: Standing Strong exhibit. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
World Ocean Day
One-Time Events
Celebrate World Ocean Day with us at the National Museum of Natural History on Monday, June 8, 2026! Join ocean scientists, researchers, and educators in the Sant Ocean Hall for a fun-filled series of interactive experiences. We'll be celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary by exploring fascinating organisms, amazing discoveries, and exciting research about the waters around the United States and its territories.
Get a complete list of our World Ocean Day programs, along with ocean-related videos and online resources.
Photo: Teodor Drobota on Unsplash.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Celebrations. Kids & Families. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future. Earth Month Every Month. World Ocean Month (June). Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Monday, June 8, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
For more info visit naturalhistory.si.edu. Play Date at NMNH: Awesome Arachnids!
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Come join us as we celebrate the many wonderful ways arachnids help our planet, make observations of different arachnid species, and create art inspired by the different colors and shapes found on arachnids! Families will be able to explore through play, art, and select specimens from our collection.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice.…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Behind the Science with Zoologist Matt Girard and World Ocean Day!
One-Time Events
"From Depths to Databases: Building a National Resource to Identify US Marine Fishes"
In celebration of World Ocean Day (June 8th) we are going Behind the Science with zoologist Matt Girard for a look beneath the waves using DNA and explore how NMNH scientists are building a DNA reference library for fish species that live in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), part of the Museum’s Ocean DNA Initiative. DNA libraries like these are transforming our ability to detect and monitor marine life using tiny traces of genetic material leftover in seawater—known as environmental DNA (eDNA). Through new field research, historical museum collections, and modern sequencing approaches, Matt will highlight why building these DNA libraries is essential for species discovery, conservation, fisheries management, and understanding a rapidly changing ocean.
Registration is encouraged. Space is filled on a first come first served basis.
----------------
About the Series:Behind the Science
A monthly after-hours series…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/61682548/behind-the-sciencejune-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. World Ocean Month (June). Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. The Ocean Around Us Tour
One-Time Events
Explore the Sant Ocean Hall to learn about some of the exciting animals and habitats featured and how they are connected to your everyday life no matter where you live. This is a 30-minute interactive walking tour where you can meet a North Atlantic Right Whale, find out what is the most productive marine ecosystem, touch coral, and so much more.
Registration is required for this small group tour of up to 10 people. Each visitor may bring up to 3 guests, but the total number of visitors on the tour will be capped at 10.
Photo by Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall, Under the Large Jellyfish. Cost: Free. Registration is required. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Event Group: World Ocean Month (June). Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
American Bison Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Join educators in the "Bison: Standing Strong" exhibit to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.
Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 .
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Bison: Standing Strong exhibit. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Monday, June 15, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Megalodon Day!
One-Time Events
Tuesday, June 16th will be a post-celebration of Megalodon Day (June 15th)! While Megalodons, an ancient shark that lived 23 – 3.5 million years ago, are no longer swimming in our ocean, people of all ages are fascinated by its size and large teeth! Together we will learn about this ancient shark that used to roam the ocean, make our own wearable artwork inspired by Megalodon teeth, and have the chance to hold a real Megalodon tooth!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Science on a Sphere
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Come explore our blue planet with NMNH Ocean Educators. Through NOAA’s Science on a Sphere technology, you’ll encounter a series of interactive visualizations projected on the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. Watch sea turtles migrate coast to coast, track ships through global waters in real-time, explore the changing climate patterns shaping our planet, and much more!
Photo credit: Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
The World & Me: WETA and NMNH’s Solstice and Museum Celebration with special guest, Alma!
One-Time Events
Learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture with museum educators and our friends from WETA!
Come celebrate the summer solstice inside Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center! Join us Saturday, June 20th, as we explore the amazing things we can learn and do when we visit the museum together as a family or with friends. Special guest Alma from the PBS Kids animated series “Alma’s Way” will be present and an episode about her family’s trip to a museum will also be shown throughout the event. Families with learners of all ages will be invited to explore different stations, make observations of specimens from our collection, and explore play and art.
This is a drop-in event. Families can drop in anytime from 10:00am - 1:00pm and stay for as long as your family would like. No registration is required.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Ground Floor, Q?rius: The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: Solstice Saturday. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
American Bison Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Join educators in the "Bison: Standing Strong" exhibit to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.
Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 .
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Bison: Standing Strong exhibit. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Sunday, June 21, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Coral Reef Tank Talk
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore!
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Monday, June 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Sunday, June 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
American Bison Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Join educators in the "Bison: Standing Strong" exhibit to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans.
Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 .
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Bison: Standing Strong exhibit. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Monday, June 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Mineral Rainbow
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
This Tuesday we will be exploring color with minerals! Come play, make art, and make up-close observations of colorful mineral specimens.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail NMNHAccessibility@si.edu. Image: Tectosilicate Mineral Amethyst
Image copyright: Smithsonian.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
The World and Me: All About Bison, America’s National Mammal
One-Time Events
Learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture.
Join us Saturday, July 11th, as we discover different bison adaptations and learn how the bison almost went extinct but are now rising in numbers. Families with learners of all ages will be invited to explore different stations, make observations of museum specimens up close, and explore bisons through play and art. Educators from the National Museum of Natural History, the National Postal Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian will be here to support you in learning all about bison!
This is a drop-in event. Families can drop in anytime from 10:00am - 12:30pm and stay for as long as your family would like. No registration is required. Cost: Free.
Location: Meet at the entrace of Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Q?rius is located next to the Constitution Avenue entrance.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation,…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, Ground Floor. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. 250 Our Shared Future. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Behind the Science with Curator of Flies Torsten Dikow
One-Time Events
“What is the Pinned Insect Digitization Conveyor?” With more than 35 million specimens, the Smithsonian insect collection is one of the largest entomology collections in the world. It is an archive of global insect biodiversity, shedding light on the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Making such a sprawling collection, and the trove of scientific data it contains, accessible to researchers around the world is a challenge the museum facing head on. Entomologist Dr. Torsten Dikow is part of the team currently working to digitize a large swath of the collection’s pollinating insect specimens using the museum’s Pinned Insect Digitization Conveyor, a state-of-the-art system that has never before been used in North America. Torsten will discuss the How and Why of digitizing more than 325,000 bees, flies, butterflies and beetles and their associated data labels. He will also explore the importance of making all of this data accessible to science and the public given the vital role insect pollinators…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/55383932/behind-the-sciencejuly-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum
One-Time Events
In-person Family Program: Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums! Geared for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by an adult.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History 10th St & Constitution Ave NW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/nh-sleepover-1P0911?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: After Five. Kids & Families. Kids & Families. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future.
Saturday, July 18, 2026, 7:00 PM – Sunday, July 19, 2026, 9:00 AM.
Beyond the Exhibition: 250 Years of Messaging
One-Time Events
**Please note: this event was rescheduled from its original date, February 26th. This program will take place on Thursday, July 23rd.**
In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, explore the ways humans have stayed connected; from the Pony Express to amateur radio to emojis and more. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Cellphone: Unseen Connections exhibit and talk to experts: Moving the Mail: The Pony Express with National Postal Museum education specialists MaryBeth Wagner and Maureen Leary , Explore the role of ham amateur radio in communication and demo equipment with NMNH museum specialists Tim Gooding and Rob Wardell from the Smithsonian HAM Radio Club , Test your knowledge on communication methods through time with NMNH exhibit educators: Match Emoji icons with their official names and the emotion or mood they represent , Decode a Morse Code message , Compare modern smartphones with old phone models , , The Transatlantic Telegraph Cable and amateur radio in WWII with National…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (2nd floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/95792339/beyond-the-exhibition250-years-of-messaging-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Gallery Talks & Tours. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. 250 Our Shared Future. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature. History & Culture. Technology & Innovation.
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Play Date at NMNH: At Home in a Habitat
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, August 4th is all about the rainforest! During this program, families will be able to make observations of different rainforest animals from our collection (including a leafcutter ant and a sloth) and learn about how the rainforest provides a safe place for many different animals to live. Families will also be invited to take a look at the rainforest area of the exhibit!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners, their caregivers, and families to explore different natural history themes through art, play, and exploration.
Location: This program is held in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens,…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals (1st Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: World Elephant Day!
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
This Tuesday is a special celebration for World Elephant Day (August 12th)! Come explore different elephant teeth, make your own habitat for our elephant toys, and create your own artwork on of an elephant herd.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals (1st Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Behind the Science with Paleontologist Nick Pyenson
One-Time Events
“Follow the Whale Bone Road: Fossils, 3D Data, and Discovering the Past and Future of Ocean Giants” For thousands of years, we have drawn sea monsters on our maps and conjured them into our myths. But some of these monsters are real; some have existed for longer than we have been a species. Dr. Nick Pyenson, a vertebrate paleontologist who studies how marine life changes over incredibly long periods of time, shares science stories about the many origins, extinctions, and fates of our favorite sea monsters, including whales, sea cows, sea turtles, penguins, and many others. Registration is encouraged. Space is filled on a first come first served basis. Image caption: Chilean and Smithsonian paleontologists study several fossil whale skeletons at Cerro Ballena, next to the Pan-American Highway in the Atacama Region of Chile, 2011. Image credit: Adam Metallo, Smithsonian Institution
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About the Series: Behind the Science
A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers, …
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/50052074/behind-the-scienceaugust-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum
One-Time Events
In-person Family Program: Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums! Geared for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by an adult.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History 10th St & Constitution Ave NW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/nh-sleepover-1P0913?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: After Five. Kids & Families. Kids & Families. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future.
Friday, August 14, 2026, 7:00 PM – Saturday, August 15, 2026, 9:00 AM.