by Peggy Robin
Bring the family to the Arts & Industries Building for a rich, immersive experience for all ages! The historic space will transform into a family-friendly celebration of the nation's history—inspiring a new generation toward the future through hands-on Activity Experience Zones, live performances, and outdoor fun in the Haupt Garden (weather permitting).
Details
Smithsonian Family Day is a one-day celebration bringing together families to celebrate America's 250th birthday, our founding, and our future.
When: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT
Where: Arts and Industries Building and the Haupt Garden
Cost: Free Admission, no tickets or registration are required
Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program, Wheelchair accessible
Website: https://www.si.edu/250/events
Enjoy a full day of programming, including:
Hands on educational activities offered throughout the day
10:00am - 10:45am: Dylan Lizza Quartet, Jazz Music Performance
11:00am – 11:30am: Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly, Discovery Theater Performance
11:45am – 12:30pm: The Washington Ballet, Performance and Movement Class
12:45pm – 1:15pm: Capital Accord Chorus, Performance and Singalong
1:30pm – 2:00pm: Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly, Discovery Theater Performance
2:15pm - 3:00pm: Amelia Earhart, Reenactment Performance
Theater, music, and dance performances at the Folklife Stage:
Also look for surprise visits from the Smithsonian's founding benefactor, Jimmy (James) Smithson, George Washington, Amelia Earhart, and Xavier Riddle from PBS KIDS!
Know Before You Go
Getting Here
The Arts & Industries Building is located on the National Mall at 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560. We strongly encourage visitors to take public transportation, as parking on the National Mall is extremely limited. If driving, limited street parking and paid garage options are available in the surrounding area. The nearest metro stations are the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza.
The Arts & Industries Building is located on the National Mall at 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560. We strongly encourage visitors to take public transportation, as parking on the National Mall is extremely limited. If driving, limited street parking and paid garage options are available in the surrounding area. The nearest metro stations are the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza.
Entry
Entry is free and open to all. Please be prepared for potential wait times. Doors open at 10:00am at the North entrance to the Arts & Industries Building on Jefferson Avenue.
Entry is free and open to all. Please be prepared for potential wait times. Doors open at 10:00am at the North entrance to the Arts & Industries Building on Jefferson Avenue.
Food & Water
Families are welcome to bring outside food to picnic in our designated indoor area or in the Smithsonian Gardens. Nearby Smithsonian museums have cafes with food for purchase, including the Castle Cafe Summer Shack, Moongate Cafe in the National Museum of Asian Art, and Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Families are welcome to bring outside food to picnic in our designated indoor area or in the Smithsonian Gardens. Nearby Smithsonian museums have cafes with food for purchase, including the Castle Cafe Summer Shack, Moongate Cafe in the National Museum of Asian Art, and Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Accessibility
The Arts & Industries Building and Haupt Garden are fully accessible. Accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways are available throughout the venue. The Folklife performance stage will have live ASL interpretation for our programs throughout the day.
The Arts & Industries Building and Haupt Garden are fully accessible. Accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways are available throughout the venue. The Folklife performance stage will have live ASL interpretation for our programs throughout the day.
There will also be a Family Calm Zone in the West Hall, which will be a sensory-friendly space for rest and relaxation for all ages.
Guests requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event are encouraged to contact us in advance at info@si.edu at least one week before the event date. General accessibility information can be found at the Smithsonian's Office of Visitor Accessibility website.
Weather
Smithsonian Family Day is a rain-or-shine event! Outdoor activities in the Haupt Garden may be adjusted in the event of severe weather. Entrance lines may be quite long and are located outdoors.
Smithsonian Family Day is a rain-or-shine event! Outdoor activities in the Haupt Garden may be adjusted in the event of severe weather. Entrance lines may be quite long and are located outdoors.
Questions?
Our volunteers and staff will be on-site throughout the day to assist you. For advance questions, please call us at 202-633-1000.
Our volunteers and staff will be on-site throughout the day to assist you. For advance questions, please call us at 202-633-1000.
----------
The "Get Out!" event of the week is usually posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Thursdays but this week it's a day late. (Blame Amtrak's spotty wifi for the delay.)
No comments:
Post a Comment