After the Smithsonian - 6 More DC Museums Worth a Visit

Washington, DC is a wonderful place to visit, and we are fortunate to live in the suburbs of this popular city. How many other towns can boast about such an amazing collection of galleries and museums with no admission fees? Over the years, we’ve learned about animals, airplanes, history, and art by visiting many of the Smithsonian museums. But we’ve also had the chance to enjoy some of the other unique museum offerings in DC. While some might not want to pay admission given all the free museums nearby, I think these 6 other museums in DC that aren’t part of the Smithsonian complex are worth considering. Many are popular with both tourists and locals for their unique exhibits, and we have enjoyed visiting them over the years.​ Always check online before you go, as you may find a discount for the museums that charge admission. 
*This post was originally published in January, 2016 and updated January, 2024. 

*This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own. 

1. International Spy Museum.  The Spy Museum has been one of the more popular museums outside of the Smithsonian family and a favorite for teens and tweens. It recently closed its doors at the original F Street location and reopened in a state of the art building in L'Enfant Plaza (convenient to the L'Enfant Plaza metro). Their website highlights some of the new features like immersive activities and more space for special exhibits. Included with admission is Undercover Mission—which tracks your skills as a spy as you journey through the permanent exhibits. Having been to the old location, we really enjoyed visiting the new exhibit space. Reserve tickets in advance online. 

2.  The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Over 40 million people have visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum since the doors opened in 1993. While I've included this important museum on the list for older kids, as one might expect, it's best with some discussion and understanding of the Holocaust both before and after your visit. Some have recommended discussing books like The Diary of Anne Frank ahead of time. The website is a good source of resources to learn more. Three floors of artifacts and photographs make up the main exhibition, The Holocaust, which spans the years 1933 through 1945. At the end of the exhibit, visitors can watch and listen to stories of Holocaust survivors. While the main exhibition is not recommended for kids under the age of 11, the museum does have an exhibition program designed for young viewers and families; Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story, tells the story through the eyes of a young boy growing up in Nazi, Germany. 
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​Free timed-entry tickets are required, and can be reserved online, with limited same-day availability at 7 a.m. each day. 

​3.  National Geographic Museum.  You can always count on National Geographic to provide a cool learning experience at its 17th Street location. The last exhibit we saw was the fascinating Queens of Egypt exhibition, which included over 300 artifacts from collections around the world. Over the years we’ve enjoyed unique world-class exhibits like China’s Terra Cotta Warriors along with Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology. Several years ago, the museum was the only museum on the east coast to host THE GREEKS: Agamemnon to Alexander the Great, containing over 500 treasures from ancient Greece. Currently the museum is closed as they work to transform the space. Check back for updates once the space is reopened and we have a chance to visit.   

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4.  Ford’s Theatre Museum. For Abraham Lincoln fans, visiting the Ford’s Theatre Museum is a must in DC. Take a self-guided tour to follow the life of Lincoln, and you’ll get to view some rare historic artifacts like the clothing Lincoln was wearing the night he was assassinated. While you are there, listen to a talk by a National Park Service Ranger, then walk-through the historic theatre. Visit the Petersen House across the street, where Lincoln was taken after he was shot. Finally, stop by the adjacent Aftermath Exhibits, to learn about the events that took place after Lincoln died. View a 34 foot tower of books made from bent aluminum, featuring titles of 205 actual books written about Lincoln. As part of a phased reopening, advanced tickets are required for the museum and theatre.   

5.  The National Building Museum. Close to the Judiciary Square metro stop, the National Building Museum is a great place for kids who like to build. The museum has several interactive building areas, like the PLAY WORK BUILD area, that encourage free play while exploring building concepts. From now through 2025, kids of all ages can explore architecture through the Brick City exhibit.  Access to the Great Hall and Museum Shop is free, but tickets are required for the exhibition areas. In the past, the summer months would bring a fun, immersive exhibit in the Great Hall. Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center for the exhibitions. 
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6.  Planet Word Museum. I must admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first read something about the new Planet Word that quietly opened in 2020. A museum about words and language? But my daughter and I were truly wowed by the interactive exhibits! The Speaking Willow Tree greets visitors as you enter the courtyard, but it’s the Library that we enjoyed the most. Search for the secret door and enjoy interactive book displays. Plus there’s karaoke and a humor gallery where you try to make someone laugh! Entry passes should be reserved in advance, with a suggestion donation per ticket. History buffs will love that the museum is housed in the Franklin School, a designated National Historic Landmark.