Smithsonian's Natural History Museum in Washington D.C.

Last month we took the kids to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. The national museum is free for everyone and a great place for the kids to see dinosaurs or great replicas of wildlife. My oldest especially enjoyed the dinosaur and ocean exhibit. If the Butterfly exhibit is still running you should go and check it out. You walk through a small enclosure filled with butterflies flying around and snacking on pieces of fruit. My oldest thought this was so neat and when you walk out an attendant is there to make sure you don't leave with any butterflies.

Parking is a little tricky. You can park around the Smithsonians for free if you are lucky enough to find a spot. Or you can park in one of the many parking garages around the museums. We ended up parking under the Ronald Reagan Building and walking over to the museum. The car stayed nice and cool underground and the price wasn't too outrageous.  Inside the museum they don't allow snacking or drinks but they do have a nice cafe to grab a bite to eat. Caution: Around lunch time the cafe is very busy!

A great place to take the kids and the older they are the more they enjoy all the exhibits!