There is no better way of getting the interest of your kid in the natural world than visiting the National Museum of Natural History run by the Smithsonian institutions. This museum is over 100 years old and first opened to the public in the year 1910.

There is the David Koch Hall of Human Origins, Dinosaurs in our backyard, Sant Ocean Hall which are some of the permanent exhibitions in the museum. It has around 7 to 8 science departments that support each other in the functioning of the museum.

The museum is a treasure trove of exhibits with over a 100 million natural science and cultural exhibits. The museum invests heavily in new technologies to ensure it takes the art of exhibiting to a whole new level and to keep audience interest high.

There is a Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef exhibition happening in the month of October 2010 through April 2011that shouldn't be missed. For people interested in human history there is one titled: Cypress Crossroads of Civilizations and documents over 10,000 years of its history at the Natural History Museum.

There is also an exhibition on the endangered plant species around the world for people interested in keeping up with environmental changes. Located at the intersection of 10th Street this museum is open all days of the year except on Christmas eve and operates from 10 am to 5 pm every day. There is no entry fee to this museum and photography without flash is permitted unless specified.

Your trip to Washington, D.C. would not be complete without stopping by one of the best museums in the United States - the National Museum of Natural History.

Also known as the NMNH, the National Museum Of Natural History is a popular Smithsonian Institution museum that is also home to more than 500 million specimens, research facilities, more than 1000 employees and around 185 professional scientists dedicated to studying natural and cultural history.

National Museum of Natural History Official Website

http://www.mnh.si.edu/about.html

National Museum of Natural History on Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Natural_History

National Museum of Natural History on Yahoo Travel

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2818493-national_museum_of_natural_history_district_of_columbia-i

The green-domed museum located in the National Mall of Washington, D.C. was opened in 1910 and houses millions of plant, animal, mineral, fossil, rock and meteorite specimens as well as human cultural artifacts.

The National Mall main building consists of 1.5 million square feet of space in total where 325,000 square feet is for exhibition and public grounds. The museum if open for 364 days in a year and there is no admission fee.

Some of the top features of the National Museum of Natural History includes the Hall of Gems, Geology and Minerals; Hall of Human Origins, Dinosaurs Hall or Hall of Paleobiology; Hall of Mammals; Insect Zoo; Ocean Hall; African Voices; Butterflies + Plants: Partners In Evolution; Western Cultures Hall; Korea Gallery and Osteology: Hall of Bones.

The NMNH also shows feature-length films in its IMAX theater. A visitor can also use the Discovery Room - a hands-on activity room that can be used by individuals, families and student groups.

National Mall Map

http://www.mnh.si.edu/visit/maps.htm

More Info about National Museum of Natural History

http://dc.about.com/od/museums/p/NaturalHistory.htm

Come to National Museum of Natural History in Washington and get wowed with the national natural and cultural wonders under the green dome of this historic building constructed in 1910.

Often acclaimed to be the best in its kind in the world, National Museum of Natural History is managed by the Smithsonian Institution, and like other museums of Smithsonian, this one is also free to all visitors throughout the year! Guests to the museum are offered a huge and wide collection of specimens, including plants, animals, gems, fossils, rocks and human cultural artifacts. What's more, this natural history museum is proud to be the home to over 185 professional natural history scientists and experts, ranked as the largest group of scientists in the world committed to the study of natural and cultural history. With over 7 million annual visitors on average, there is no wonder that NMNH is the most visited one of all Smithsonian Museums!

So now, would you like to pay a visit to this marvelous museum, admiring the extensive collections, joining the various interactive events, or watching the terrific movies at the IMAX Theater? All of those are just handy within a trip. Get geared up and set out for a unique museum experience!

National Museum of Natural History

http://www.mnh.si.edu/

First let's figure out the location of this world-renowned museum. National Museum Of Natural History is located at 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC, within the landscaped National Mall which houses a number of landmarks, museums, memorials and other historic constructions, such as National Museum of American History, Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, National Air and Space Museum and a lot more. You can take advantage of Google Maps and locate the museum by yourself.

Google Maps

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=national+museum+of+natural+history+washington+dc

As we have mentioned, the National Mall, as well as the surrounding area, is the home to diversity of attractions and landmarks, so you are advised not to limit your visit to National Museum of Natural History only, and leave enough time for other destinations throughout this vast district. For your convenience, we have offered a listing of attractions nearby in the following:

- Smithsonian Castle: 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW

- Old Post Office: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

- US Navy Memorial: Market Square

- National Gallery of Art: 401 Constitution Avenue

- Ford's Theatre: 511 10th St between E & F Streets

- National Air & Space Museum: 601 Independence Av, SW

- National Portrait Gallery: 8th Street and G Street, NW

Use the website below to discover the full offers of the National Mall and take hassles out of your trip to National Museum of Natural History.

Map of the National Mall

http://www.mnh.si.edu/visit/maps.htm

For the sake of the environment and the traffic, visitors to the museum are encouraged to take public transportation, such as Metro Bus and DC Circulator Bus. The nearest Metro Station to the museum is Smithsonian Station, available for both the Blue and Orange lines. Every Metro station is equipped with a convenient elevator and most with escalators. For details about the Metro Bus schedules and lines, please visit:

Metro Website

http://www.wmata.com/

In addition, to transit and evacuate visitors of this world's largest museum complex, the DC Circulator Bus offers efficient and inexpensive services. You can call at 202-962-1432 or visit its website for more info.

DC Circulator Bus

http://www.dccirculator.com/

If there is any reason forcing you to drive to National Museum of Natural History, take a look at the directions suggested below, or refer to the following web page to get clear directions to the museum by entering your starting point.

Plan Your Visit: Directions

http://www.mnh.si.edu/visit/directions.html

If you are driving to the museum from Downtown Washington DC, head south on 16th Street NW towards 1st NW. Turn left onto H Street NW. continue on this street and take the second right onto 15th Street NW. Stay on 15th Street NW and turn left to merge onto Pennsylvania Ave NW. Later take the third right onto 12th Street NW and turn left onto Constitution Avenue NW. The museum is on your right side.

If you are coming from the center of Arlington, Virginia, which is located across Potomac River, head north on Arlington Blvd towards N Courthouse Road. Keep left at the fork and follow the signs for US-50 and Washington. Then merge onto I-66 E/US-50. Stay straight on Constitution Avenue until you see the museum on your right.

If you are coming from the southwest, such as the East Potomac Park and Tidal Basin, head east on US-1 N towards D Street SW. Turn right onto Constitution Avenue NW and the museum will appear on the right.

If you are coming from the east or northeast, head southwest on District of Columbia Hwy 295. Take the East Capitol Street exit for Downtown Washington. Then merge onto East Capitol Street SE/ Whitney Young Memorial Bridge. After crossing the bridge, take C Street NE and keep left. Later this street will become North California Avenue NE. Turn right onto East Capitol Street SE. Then take a right onto 2nd Street NE. Take the first left onto Constitution Avenue NE/US-1 Alt S. Stay on it and turn right onto Constitution Avenue NW/Pennsylvania Ave NW. Take the second left onto Constitution Avenue NW. Then the museum will be on the left.

More visit info about National Museum of Natural History is available on the website below.

Visit Info

http://www.mnh.si.edu/visit/

Being part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of Natural History is a favorite destination for children and it also has something to intrigue visitors of all age groups. Opened on March 17, 1910, the green-domed museum was the first Smithsonian building constructed on the north side of the National Mall. Since then, the museum has served as a facility to educate, enlighten and entertain millions of visitors annually.

Whether you're coming to gain insight into the history and cultures of Africa, explore the beauty of rare gemstones or ancient life forms like dinosaurs, the museum has plenty of temporary and permanent exhibitions and collections for you. A collection of over 500 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts are housed at NMNH, including one of the world's finest collections of gems and minerals. Visitors can enjoy the Star of Asia sapphire and a 45.52 carat Hope Diamond.

The museum is open 364 day a year. It's only closed on December 25. General hours for the National Museum of Natural History are from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The museum extends its operation hours until 7:30 pm during the summer months through September 4th. When there's a special event hosted at the museum, NMNH will be closed at the regular time of 5:30 pm. Early closing dates include:

- Saturday, May 14, 2011

- Tuesday, June 7, 2011

- Wednesday, June 15, 2011

- Monday, July 11, 2011

Extended Museum Hours

http://www.mnh.si.edu/calEvents/hours.asp

The National Museum of Natural History also operates the Naturalist Center in Leesburg Virginia. A wide selection of natural history learning opportunities is offered for both groups and individuals to the Naturalist Center. The hours of operation are from 10:30 am to 4 pm, from Tuesday to Saturday. It's closed on major federal holidays. For more visiting info, please contact the Naturalist Center at 800-729-7725 or 703-779-9712. Or you can send an email to natcentr@si.edu.

Naturalist Center at NMNH

http://www.mnh.si.edu/education/planned_programs/naturalist_center.html

The Health Unit at the Natural History Building reopened to the public on Monday, May 18, 2009. The Health Unit office serves both museum staff and visitors. You can find it in the North Lobby close to the Ladies Restroom. The regular opening hours are from 7:30 am to 4 pm on weekdays. It has extended hours until 6 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Health Unit is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and holidays.

To enhance your vacation experiences at the National Museum of Natural History, a variety of options are provided for fine dining and premier shopping. Let's focus on their hours of operation for each destination.

- Dining

Three dining restaurants are located at the museum. Various top quality and delicious dishes are offered on their menus, like house-made soups, nitrate-free hot dogs, whole wheat pizza crust and hormone-free milk. Featured seasonal ingredients can be enjoyed by visitors as well. Gourmet desserts and pastries are made from scratch in the kitchen.

Located on the ground floor, the Atrium Cafe serves customers from 11 am to 5 pm. The Fossil Cafe in the Dinosaur Hall on the 1st floor features specialty coffees, organic fruits, beer & soft drinks. It also offers a wide option of delicious sandwiches, freshly-made salads and homemade desserts. The operation hour for Fossil Cafe is from 10 am to 7 pm. The Ice Cream and Espresso Bar on the ground floor offers appealing ice creams, specialty coffees and delicious homemade desserts. It's available from 11 am to 7 pm. You can also find some outdoor food kiosks on the steps of the museum on the National Mall, serving visitors from 11 am to 5 pm. Please contact the Management Team at 2-2-633-9501 for more info on the dining facilities.

Dining at National Museum of Natural History

http://www.mnh.si.edu/visit/restaurants.htm

- Shopping

The National Museum Of Natural History has six museum stores for visitors, offering an assortment of merchandise for museum-related items. Come to shop at one or more of these stores to bring some gifts home.

1) Gem and Mineral Store

Gem and Mineral Store is located on the second floor near the exit of IMAX Theater. The store delivers a wide selection of rare gem stones, great mineral specimens, extraordinary fossils and science kits. The operation hour is from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

2) Gallery Store

The Gallery Store is nestled in Evans Gallery on the ground floor. Unique cultural treasures from around the world are on display at the store, including special gifts, graphics, books and jewelry. The store opens at 10 am and is closed at 6 pm.

3) Family Store

Shop for engaging and educational toys and museum mementos at the Family Store, which is located on the ground floor in Evans Gallery. The opening time for the store is 10 am and it remains open until 6 pm.

4) Ocean Kiosk

Are you looking for the most fantastic gifts inspired by sea creatures? The Ocean Kiosk on the first floor has the widest selection for your needs. It's located near the Sant Ocean Hall. Ocean Kiosk is ready to serve museum guests from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

5) Natural History Express Kiosk

The largest assortment of dinosaur gifts is available at the Natural History Express Kiosk. You can find it on the ground floor near the Constitution Avenue entrance. Its hours of operation are from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

6) Mammal Store

Come to the Mammal Store and experience a world filled with plush animals. The Mammal Store is located on the first floor close to the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals. Please visit the store during the operation hour from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

Please note that when the museum has extended hours by 7:30 pm, these stores will also stay open until 7:30 pm, offering more shopping time for visitors. To get more museum stores info, please contact the NMNH Store Management Team and call 202-633-2060.

The National Museum of Natural History puts on many new exhibitions to attract more visitors. You can check out their accurate exhibit times on the official website and make sure you're grasping the last chance to catch the exhibitions. Some featured exhibitions are offered for the ultimate convenience.

- The Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond at the Harry Winston Gallery is now on display in the new dazzling setting, "Embracing Hope". The display is available through November 18, 2011. Please visit the Smithsonian Channel's website and view the documentary of "Mystery of the Hope Diamond" to learn more about the Hope Diamond.

- More Than Meets the Eye

The exhibit is coming from July 23, 2011 and continues through February 2012. The exhibit enables visitors to explore the surrounding world as the museum scientists make use of their amazing vision to observe and analyze the natural world and worldwide cultures.

- Race: Are We So Different?

Another upcoming exhibition at the museum is the Race: Are We So Different. The exhibition aims to explore the rich meaning of race from several different aspects. Visitors can gain insight into race and racism. The exhibition offers many interactive activities, like QA, debates and sharing.

More Exhibitions at NMNH

http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits