I was in absolute heaven here. Everything I love - butterflies, elephants, Egyptology, dinosaurs, photography - was here. I had limited time to spend but I was able to see everything I wanted to while finding time to sit and eat at the food court. At the time I went, the new dinosaur exhibition was still being made, so I thought I wouldn’t get to see dinosaurs...but I was so wrong. After the Egyptology section, I turned the corner...and saw the Tyrannosaurus Rex of my dreams. My jaw hung open for a good minute or two. It was humbling to see how large it was standing next to it. Edit: Their new fossil hall just opened and it is definitely worth seeing! The giant sloth blew me away!!!

One of my favorite places to visit each time imI go there!! Is a really fun experience and a fun place to go!! You probably need alot of time to go visit the place and take your time to really enjoy every bit of the place since the place has like 5 ot five floors to visit !! Love everything is a self tour museum but its nice and obviously theres more places for you to visit!! Sometimes their under construction but if you get to go you will really enjoy all the time you be there!!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Went to visit the updated Dinosaur exhibit in the Fossil Hall...super amazing! The brightly lit colorful exhibits take you back in time to explain evolution of species as well as human impact on the planet. They had fantastic dioramas which began at kid level sight. These displays allowed the visitor to get close to the exhibits. Family of 4, 2 kids 9 and 5, 2 adults with Grandparents in tow and everyone loved it! It was a bit crowded but there was enough room to maneuver through. Be sure to check out the poop display by the bathrooms just past the worker observation room.

The museum contains several "specialty shops", small, self-contained stores focused on a specific area, like Gems or Mammals. However, the shop downstairs from the Marine Life area is home to the Museum Store, which has wares pertaining to the different exhibitions. While some are strange (the Scorpion-in-a-lollipop in particular), it is a diversified store with many decent areas akin to other museum stores, including books, gemstones, and museum items like pens, bookmarks, and such. A good visit overall, at the same level of quality as other Smithsonian museums.

Free to enter (map is $1) and great exhibits including a good number of interactive displays that children really engage with. Spent a morning here, barely scratched the surface of what this museum can offer (essentially the fossils, gems and geology sections but in some places at a bit of a canter), but did also find it very busy so almost had to leave for the sake of the kids. I’d certainly visit again if I get the opportunity.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This was a Great experience! Brought my family and extended family. We got there right at 10, walked straight in and was able to check everything out. The exhibits are very well put together and very informative. Even though more people stayed showing up round lunch time, there was still enough room to move about and read about the exhibits. Planning on checking out the other museum's later in the week!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I love the items in this store and I understand that some of the money goes to helping support this institution, but I still expect that if I pay $48 for an allosaurus hoodie for it to not fade from stop sign red to terra cotta red within two washings. I am willing to pay more for better quality clothing from them. Everything else I bought is still awesome though. Note: I updated this review a few years later as I believe 4 stars would be better than 3 just because of a badly-printed hoodie.

The museum of course is great. The one star is for the temporary cafe (while the regular one is under construction). I got sick off one of the ham sandwiches, which was no surprise since it - and all the other sandwiches and salads for sale - looked stale and wilted, as if they came out of vending machines or a truck stop cooler. How hard would it be for the museum to bring in a temporary caterer, or just hire out to Jimmy John’s, or anything more edible?! Anyway, plan on eating elsewhere.

I thought I was created in the image of a loving God, and I find out from “a reputable source” that I came from a monkey. Sad to see federal grant money going towards “educational institutions” that are fearful of the bedrock of education, CRITICAL THINKING. The Natural History Museum has no representation for any opposing view especially that of creation which arguably has greater validity. Promoting the view of the religion of atheism/humanism is not separation of church and state.

This museum had a great variety of exhibits and something for everyone. There was even a new phone exhibit that i would recommend checking out. They had a bit of a wait so i would recommend getting tickets in advance. The gem exhibit was great and so was the animal and bone one.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Fun and interactive. Lots to see for all ages. Interactive displays. However, tickets to butterfly experience went fast (we were there 45 min after museum opened and 1st time available was 3 hrs later!) Many displays being renovated. Cafeteria being renovated but small cafe there with pre made sandwiches & salads that were pricey.

I finally decided to visit this monumental museum, why did it take me this long to do this? Such a beautiful place, there is the magnificent elephant, the great shark, lots and lots of precious stone/gems, the "finding nemo" aquarium and lots of other displays to make every turn and every corner in the museum a memorable one.

One of the most popular Smithsonian museums after to NASM, it houses large collections of insects, reptiles and mammals of all shapes and sizes arranged chronologically. The humongous replica of a blue whale, taxonomic elephant near the entrance and bone imprints of early hominids are the most captivating and interesting.

Museum is great, cafe is horrible. Stand in long line and wait for them to make fast food that is overcooked, tastes bad and is cold by the time you get it. No tea and rude staff. No other places to eat near by. Makes the experience of the museum unenjoyable.
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

Enjoyed the museum! Lots to see and easy to spend several hours if you really take your time. But if your "in a hurry" I feel you'd get most everything out of the museum in about 2+ hours.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

It's a great time always at the Smithsonian Natural History museum. First time for my daughter, son and wife and they really had a blast seeing all the displays in the museum. Great place for the family and lots of things to see. Really really an Amazing place to visit with the family and kids. Highly recommend

So cool! Lots of things to learn for everyone of all ages and nationalities! You will definitely spend hours here and still wish you could have stayed longer. This was an amazing experience and hope to make it back again soon. Also, the fact that it is free entrance is a huge plus! Nothing to complain about!

We were a bit disappointed that the dinosaur bones were exact replicas (though the signs insist that doesn’t make them “fake”). We understand why, was just not something we realized ahead of time. Otherwise it was an amazing museum, we only had time for two and we’re glad this was one of the ones we chose!

The Smithsonian museums are all free. They had so many exhibits for the kids to see and many of them are interactive. In one section they had over one thousand samples where kids can see close up, e.g. birds, fish, reptiles. You can put some samples under a microscope to learn more about them. A must see.

Literally selling cheap, heat-treated, amethyst as expensive "citrine" in the gem store on the 2nd floor. C'mon folks. You're the ONE shop I would expect better from. 175 bucks for that little heart in the top right corner... You could get burnt amethyst on etsy for 10 bucks if you wanted.

The collection was so diverse, it would take a couple of days to see everything. The fact that such a beautiful collection iChat is so informative is free is mind blowing
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It's a Smithsonian. They're amazing and free. Gift shop was odd but seriously people who buy things from museum gift shops prolly want hope-diamond-themed socks.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The Natural History Museum does not do tours on the weekends. You can still see all the sights you want but it will be a self-guided tourperiod on occasions they do have tours of special areas but they are usually early in the morning, so get there when it opens at 10 a.m.

Phenomenal museum. Go slowly and try to see everything. There’s nothing I regret seeing (mmm, maybe the geology section was a little boring). We took a party of ten, grandparents and little children included, and everyone was exhausted by the end. Dinosaurs were amazing.

Amazing museum, great for kids with lots of interactive exhibits. Cafeteria was relatively decent too, with lots of seating and selection of food.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I have no words to express how super awesome this place is, we took our 7 year old daughter and she had a blast, it's filled with a lot of history and they will learn a loooottttt. I recommend this museum if you come to Washington, this is a must visit. Spectacular!!!!!

The store was awesome, there were so many great choices! I had to make a second trip so I could grab a magnet for my fridge
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I absolutely loved it. Beautiful and clean! An abundance of knowledge and interesting things to see and learn!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Great place for the family. The animal sections and dinosaurs are the best areas. The other areas fall very flat.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A national treasure! The geology exhibits and the paleontology exhibits are the highlights of this museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Absolutely amazing how many variety there is and how it's never boring. Great exhibits but pricey food. But it's expected; it's in Washington.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

There was only a wait because of the security check, otherwise would have probably walked right in.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is the museum you should visit when you come to USA, you can see every thing you always wanted to see and check out things you didn't even know , I have never been so happy when I visited the Smithsonian museum

Excellent family experience, the displays are spaced well and you don't feel crowded even when there are lots of visitors.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

This shop is within reason when purchasing souvenirs. It's much better at pricing compared to the $11 sandwiches at the café. Pack a lunch, $42 for three sandwiches and two bags of chips is highway robbery.

Such plethora of knowledge it has to get offer. Lovely representation of all artefacts.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This place is enormous! Take your time wandering around, and you'll be here for hours.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great place for children to be!! Educational, Fun, Calm, Pleasant! In the middle of super busy life, Washington DC - Oasis of peaceful spot for children to fill their eager mind - that's Awesome ☺️☺️☺️

Always a great time at the Smithsonian Natural History museum. First time for my son and wife and they really had a blast seeing all the displays. Great place for the family and lots of things to see.

What a great place to be! Uncomparable experience! Add to your must visits!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

One of the best things in Washington DC are the Smithsonian museums. They all have free entrance. They can hold your attention whole day and you will come out much richer in knowledge.

This place is really really big! It can get confusing where you have and haven't been already, but overall a great experience and full of information and some really interesting stuff!

We had the best time walking around this museum. Highly recommend checking it out if you are in DC
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

It's beautiful. Takes easily good 4/5 hours to see leisurely. Good one to add to your itinerary.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Really crowded, hard to take in and enjoy. Spent a significant portion of my time picking up trash. Exhibits are well designed and engaging. We enjoyed the mammal exhibit the most.

Did not like this place. Was overly busy and felt like walking through a mall. Very spread out and just not well organized or good signage. I was in and out within 20-30 minutes.

Thrilling experience, the entry lines are a bit long the wait is almost 40 minutes, nonetheless, it has a good display of artifacts and history has been captured quite vividly ..

Awesome , amazing , INCREDIBLE. WE attended the 2023 National Coalition for the Homeless Conf. From Portland Maine The people ,lically,WERE AMAZING. …

Very disappointing. Manmade displays with manmade opinions of evolution tied to every feature. Didn't spend too much time here. Children exposed to such false reports.

One of the greatest museums in the world.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is a great place to bring children there are many hands on things to do but if you go I recommend to spend the day there as there is a lot of stuff there

The staff were very kind and helpful
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Amazing museum, a unique experience
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

a must-see for all D.C. tourists!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Cool stuff for kids and adults.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Gets a bit stuffy with all the people but a cool place to check out. Free entry. Eat somewhere else though (they charge an arm and 2 legs for scraps).

Lots to see! Great exhibits!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Kids can enjoy n learn more
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

If you are lucky enough to visit when it's not crowded, it's a world-class experience. It's an obvious example of tax dollars actually working.

Definitely a must see place. 3 stories and really big.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Outstanding museum, especially the gems section. The hope diamond is cool and all, but there are some REALLY amazing mineral samples here!

do not let your kids go through here unless your wallet is too heavy. i felt like i was running through the discovery store reincarnated.

This place never gets old for me. You can spend a couple of days here if you want to see everything. Get there early to beat the crowds.

Wish I would’ve had more time here. I did get to see all the pretty jewels. Will definitely try this place again when I have more time.

Excellent as always, many new exhibits and discovery kiosks open. My life especially like the section on mummies and meteorites.

It’s very well kept . Great story telling , lots of interesting bits . So visit the Egyptian civilization section for sure

Amazing place to visit and learn about the evolution of our great country through the integration of various cultures.

Good experience and the complementary wheelchair was especially helpful for my husband. Can't be the free admission.

Nice museum. Displays well kept. Clean. Friendly staff.
Visited on
Weekday
Price for adult entry
Free

Fantastic museum! I could spend a whole week exploring the dinosaurs, fossils, sea life, butterflies, birds, ...

Love this museum! The butterfly exhibit was amazing but get there early for it. They were sold out for 3 hours.

Really cool displays.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Price for adult entry
Free

This museum is a place of wonders. There are a lot of things to do for the little ones to learn and have fun.

Beautiful museum with a great staff. There are so many wonderful exhibits. Looking forward to future visits.

Easily the best museum gift shop in DC. So well curated, and always bringing in something new and exciting!

Deep times, I spent an hour in this museum to see all of those things in the world shown in this place.

Fun time. Make sure to move your car by 4p on the street, they will start towing not a minute past!

Limited exposition of animals. Third floor is used under office rooms could be usef for more stuff.

Great museum located near Washington DC. Nice to stop by and visit when you are visiting the area.

Awesome exhibits and an unbelievable number of things to see. Give this one a full day at least.

Must-see museum around DC. Completely free as well so it's easy to come and go at your leisure.

Great museum for kids. As an adult, I'm finding it's less interesting for repeat visits.

Coming to a place like this, I wish I could have shown my boys. Next time maybe... :-)

The place is practically one big propaganda pitch for climate change unfortunately.

After finding parking there is a short distance that you have to walk. Nice museum.

Absolutely wonderful today we got the free tour for the first time it was fantastic

worked here for over 20 years lots of great things to see. Highly recommend

Small but ok. They do have some nice bracelets made of the stones for $5.

What an amazing and incredible place this is. Definitely worth visiting.

Can't go wrong here. Great museum. Get food at the food trucks though.

Great place to explore and learn with the family. Had a great time!

This has to be the best museum I've ever been too, so much to see

Wonderful. Need to come back to see more. Can't do much in a day.

The only interesting thing to visit here is dinosaur era fossil

Excellent place for gathering natural history of Americans

It's the normal knickknacks you would expect at a museum.

A little pricey but very interesting and fun selection.

Great gift shop, to buy stuff for people interested!

Very nice free no cost so you can go but very crowed

Great, family friendly, general interest museum