Visiting with Children

Photo of Visitors with Children Arriving at the National Archives Museum

Activities & Things to Do

Family DaysYoung visitor points to a detail in the Rotunda

Check the calendar for special programs, including:

  • Family days: Explore National Archives collections and participate in family activities in one of our history-filled family days.  

    • October 15 Tuesday

      Washington, DC - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EDT
      Black in Appalachia
      Sit in on a live-recorded episode of the Black in Appalachia podcast. Enkeshi El-Amin will lead a discussion on Black life in Eastern Kentucky's coal communities with scholars William H. Turner and Karida Brown.

Exhibits

Explore our exhibits, including the National Archives Rotunda--home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Check out the 17-foot interactive touch-screen table in the Records of Rights exhibit, discover new records in the rotating Featured Documents display, and learn about special exhibition topics in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery.

Visitor TipsReading in the Boeing Learning Center

Time

Plan on spending at least 90 minutes visiting the exhibits.

Changing Tables

All restrooms are equipped with changing tables.

Nursing Areas

Nursing is permitted throughout the museum; there are no designated nursing or pumping areas.

Strollers & Bags

Strollers, wheelchairs, mobility devices, luggage, backpacks, and other personal items are permitted in the museum but must remain with the visitors at all times. There are no lockers or coat checks available.

Baby Backpacks & Carriers

Baby backpacks and other types of wearable infant carriers are permitted.

Food & Snacks

The Charters Café is on the lower level and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. A seating area with vending machines and an ATM are open all day. (Note that food, chewing gum, and beverages are prohibited in the theater and exhibition areas.)

School Groups

Reservations are not required, but you can reserve a timed entry.

Armed Forces Families

Service personnel in uniform or presenting a valid military I.D., and veterans with proof of service and their families and guests may enter through the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street.

National Archives Store

The National Archives Store is open daily, 10 a.m. to closing.