Smithsonian Family Day

Smithsonian Family Day is a one-day celebration bringing together families to celebrate America's 250th birthday, our founding, and our future. Bring the family to the Arts & Industries Building for a rich, immersive experience for all ages! The historic space will transform into a family-friendly celebration of the nation's history-inspiring a new generation toward the future through hands-on Activity Experience Zones, live performances, and outdoor fun in the Haupt Garden (weather permitting). Enjoy a full day of programming, including: Hands on educational activities offered throughout the day Smithsonian participants include National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Science Education Center, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Center, National Museum of the American Latino, National Museum of Natural History, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gardens, National Postal Museum, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Gardens, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, and the Smithsonian Mason. Partner organizations include PBS KIDS and The Washington Ballet Theater, music, and dance performances at the Folklife Stage: 10:00am - 10:45am: Dylan Lizza Quartet, Jazz Music Performance 11:00am - 11:30am: Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly, Discovery Theater Performance 11:45am - 12:30pm: The Washington Ballet, Performance and Movement Class 12:45pm - 1:15pm: Capital Accord Chorus, Performance and Singalong 1:30pm - 2:00pm: Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly, Discovery Theater Performance 2:15pm - 3:00pm: Amelia Earhart, Reenactment Performance Also look for surprise visits from the Smithsonian's founding benefactor, Jimmy (James) Smithson, George Washington, Amelia Earhart, and Xavier Riddle from PBS KIDS! Special Smithsonian 250th merchandise will also be for sale at a pop-up store (only card and mobile payment accepted). Know Before You Go Getting Here The Arts & Industries Building is located on the National Mall at 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560. We strongly encourage visitors to take public transportation, as parking on the National Mall is extremely limited. If driving, limited street parking and paid garage options are available in the surrounding area. The nearest metro stations are the Smithsonian and L'Enfant Plaza. Entry Entry is free and open to all. Please be prepared for potential wait times. Doors open at 10:00am at the North entrance to the Arts & Industries Building on Jefferson Avenue. Food & Water Families are welcome to bring outside food to picnic in our designated indoor area or in the Smithsonian Gardens. Nearby Smithsonian museums have cafes with food for purchase, including the Castle Cafe Summer Shack, Moongate Cafe in the National Museum of Asian Art, and Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Accessibility The Arts & Industries Building and Haupt Garden are fully accessible. Accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways are available throughout the venue. The Folklife performance stage will have live ASL interpretation for our programs throughout the day. There will also be a Family Calm Zone in the West Hall, which will be a sensory-friendly space for rest and relaxation for all ages. Guests requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event are encouraged to contact us in advance at info@si.edu at least one week before the event date. General accessibility information can be found at the Smithsonian's Office of Visitor Accessibility website . Weather Smithsonian Family Day is a rain-or-shine event! Outdoor activities in the Haupt Garden may be adjusted in the event of severe weather. Entrance lines may be quite long and are located outdoors. Questions? Our volunteers and staff will be on-site throughout the day to assist you. For advance questions, please call us at 202-633-1000. Major support for Smithsonian's "Our Shared Future: 250" has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional generous contributions have been made by Target, Caterpillar Foundation, and the Gates Foundation.