"the word-of-mouth survival guide for SCOTTSDALE parents"
National Building Museum
401 F St NW, [at 4th St NW]
Washington, DC 20001
Parking: street parking
Phone: (202) 272-2448
Hours: M-Sa 10-5, Su 11-5
Activities:
Museum/Exhibits
,
Parks & Outings
Review added 8/27/2008
A 25 minute metro ride from Arlington but my daughter seems to think that the metro is half the fun so we don't mind. Added bonus is that you only have to walk across the street once you get out of the metro - unless you need a ramp access, then you have to walk around to the other side.
The Building Zone is intended for children ages 2-6 but really it is appropriate for any child who can walk and I know a few 9 year olds who would love it. It is a wide open space with every type of block you can imagine, dress up construction clothes, trucks and cars, bean bags (to load up in the trucks), a book corner, a tool center, and even a small model house. I cannot tell you who had more fun my daughter or me but we played for an hour.
In addition to the building zone, your little one can blow off steam by running laps in the HUGE lobby area. Complete with a large fountain that has benches by it for a quick snack this area is a toddler's delight.
There is a Firehook Bakery on sight and an extensive store where you might find time to snag a cute gift for someone.
COST: Donation of $5.00
http://arlingtonvaplay.blogspot.com/2008/08/inside-fun-national-building-museum.html
Review added 5/20/2008
We love going to play room or even playing in the open atrium. It is size of football field and has lots of natural light. On hot and/or wet days we love it.
The kids playroom is completely enclosed, which is great for going with more than one active toddler!! The kids can run in atrium for 100yds and still be in full view! Tables to sit at for snacks...
Outside playroom, which can get crowded, there are "kits" you can borrow for nominal fee so that kids can build or make crafts out in the large open space.
Right at Judiciary square metro stop--which means you can take kids on metro-ride adventure and arrive right across the street!
We have gone dozens of times and the kids LOVE it. Still asking to go.
For mom--there is FIREHOOK BAKERY right inside the building, and the gift shop is the best in town.
Review added 2/23/2008
my baby is only 7 months old but he had a wonderful time there. the book corner is also great for hanging out with a non-walking baby.
Review added 1/3/2008
We visited The National Building Museum last spring, and plan to go back. The only part we saw was the toddler play area and it was totally worth both the trip into the city and the donation. Various kinds of blocks, a big open space for play (very easy to track multiple kids from across the room), friendly folks using the facility, and some fun pretend stuff. The set up is simple - nothing fancy - just an indoor place to to play and build.
Review added 12/5/2005
Great place to take kids! Large atrium indoors is perfect for kids during the winter. Nice cafe for adults. Also, the exhibits are wonderful.
National Building Museum Washington, DC - National Building Museum Museum/Exhibits, Parks & Outings - National Building Museum Reviews