One of the really best museums and very close to metro stops. Bring your kids, they will have a ton…read moreof fun, so many interactive installations, karaoke room where you can sing together top hits. Museum is free and they work on donations. You do t have to give anything but suggested amount is $15 per person. I think it's a great suggestion for all the things this museum can offer.

This museum is so magical!…read more Our group of nine had a blast weaving our way from room to room. The museum is equally fun for kids and adults with topics like language, reading, translation and karaoke to make a few. Everything was so well thought out and interactive. I couldn't get enough of the library room where books come to life with video-like illustrations building off the pages. It felt like we were transported into Belle's massive and dreamy library from Beauty and the Beast complete with a secret hidden room off the side (tucked behind a bookcase door). We had kids ages 2-5 and it was perfect for them. Note that you'll need to park strollers in the basement level. To top it all off, we had a fabulous lunch at Immigrant Food located on the lower level. Oh, how could I forget to mention that the museum is free? Amazing!

I grew up in the DMV going to all the amazing museums. Now it's my kids turn to visit the same…read moremuseums. I visited recently after 20 years and a lot had changed, but a lot had stayed the same. The staff are still helpful and we were lucky to have several volunteers share their knowledge with us. Big thanks to them for sharing their time. The Wooly Mammoth is still there and several awesome dinosaur fossils. The museum is still free and easy to get to with our metro system. The dinosaur section has gone through a redesign that offers a lot more dinosaurs and interactive displays. My daughter loved it. I very much appreciated being able to see the scientists at work with fossils. My daughter loved that! The ocean and modern animal sections were also great. I feel like those areas have grown. We used the restrooms several times and they were rather clean. The good options downstairs were typical American cuisine and a bit over priced, but that was the only down side. I love this place and I hope to be back in the future.

Had a wonderful time here. This was the top museum we wanted to visit on our trip to DC. I could…read morehave stayed and wandered for hours, but I let my kids lead the way. Some of the things I thought for sure they would love, were not a hit as I had expected: namely dinosaur bones and the animal displays- but it was also very crowded and a lot to take in. Every where we turned there was more info, more interesting things to see- beautiful, fascinating, interesting- but I think it can be overwhelming- it is almost too much, if that is possible! We had to pace ourselves. A museum is designed for all ages in mind, so it is difficult to know what exhibits will appeal to whom. The part my kids loved the most was the live bug displays. So many species, and so fun to try to find each creature. We stayed here a long time. The exhbits are built with children in mind, many at eye level for little ones. The exhibits with glow in the dark species were so fun! I had to block the way at the end of the exhibit so they didn't move into the mummy section, as just seeing the hint of this display really scared them. I had a blast in the gems section, but my kids were not as excited about this section as I had hoped. We had to take breaks by going to the eatery on site, perusing the gift shop (I let them fill a bag of gems, which was incredibly exciting for them!), and chill out watching a documentary in a screening area.

A small building with a lot of history for Occuquan The Mill…read moreHouse Museum in Occoquan is located next to Riverside Park in a building at the West end of Mill Street Road. It is housed in a restored 1759 mill that is a one-room history treasure trove. Parking can be found down the street and many spots are free for 2 hours. This site offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history of this quaint Virginia town. The museum immerses visitors in the area's past through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. From its origins as a milling community on the Occoquan River to its role in Virginia's industrial development, the museum showcases the evolution of Occoquan with insightful displays and artefacts. I was greeted by a very nice lady who was very knowledgeable about the town. The museum's collection includes period tools, photographs, and documents that vividly illustrate life in Occoquan across different eras. The ambiance is enhanced by the mill's original wooden beams and milling machinery, creating an authentic backdrop for learning. Entrance is free but donations are welcomed. There is a lot of information in the little building. If you are passionate about local history then this is definitely a must-see for you. Overall, whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about Occoquan's heritage, the Mill House Museum offers a memorable and educational experience that highlights the town's significance in Virginia's cultural landscape.

Great small one-door historic dwelling, on the Occoquan River. It is the historic society of the…read moretown and has a plethora of old relics, town memories and tiny glass vitrines full of musket balls, belt buckles, a map of the town and antiques, signs, cards. Rebel review: 5

Since my last review, I ended up purchasing a family membership to the Children's Science Center…read moreand it is the BEST purchasing decision I have made all year. It's close proximity means that I have a go-to spot to bring the kids on school breaks, rainy days, cold days, or whenever we simply have nothing to do. While there are a few standing exhibits, the staff does a really good job at changing things up (and keeping things topical) so each visit feels special. And the best part... SLIME. We've made slime conductors, spider slime, fluffy slime, snowflake slime, glow-in-the-dark slime .. basically alll the slime. The experiment lab always has a slime option and it is a highlight of every visit. My eldest daughter went from barely reading and needing help at the beginning of our membership to fully reading and creating experiments on her own. It is so much fun to see. For the littles, there is a small playroom with building blocks, magnatiles, books, and those large blue fort/construction material building materials. My two-year old loved spending time in this room but now that she is three she likes making her own hovercrafts and setting them sail in the wind tunnel. The staff is SO kind, SO helpful, and so passionate about what they do. I love how they offer volunteer/internship opportunities to teens and will also set up special traveling science labs to Title I schools. If you are a member you also get discounted or free visits to children's science museums all across the United States which has made this membership 100% worth it for our family. If you are looking for an experience gift to give a little one this year, I highly recommend the Children's Science Center!

Had a great time with my toddler today. She's not quite two so her admission was free and there's a…read more$2 discount for purchasing tickets in advance. I was worried there wouldn't be enough activity for her age but she had a blast playing with exhibits and blocks in the interactive room. She also made "play dough" as an experiment. The staff were all friendly and helpful, we will definitely be back.

Glenstone has been on my shortlist of cultural places to visit for a while! Everything is so…read morebeautiful and engaging to the senses. From the moment you arrive to the walking path, outdoor installations, and the patios and galleries - it is quite the site to see. The team is gracious and helpful if you have questions or would like to learn more about the art. I went on a weekday midday, and I need to go back to take it all in. It got a little hot in the direct sunlight, though each building had umbrellas, which was super helpful. There was plenty of outdoor seating and spaces to reflect and contemplate and just take it all in. I can't wait to go back with my friends and family. I'd love to make it a regular spot - you can accomplish a lot! Reflection, legit exercise :-) art, appreciation, and a yummy meal all at once. Loved it!

This museum is absolutely worth a visit with both friends and family…read more I booked a 1:30 p.m. Sunday entry and arrived about 20 minutes late without any issues. Crowd levels were manageable when I arrived, with only a brief wait to check in, but it was noticeably busier when I left around 3:00 p.m., with about 10 people waiting in line. The experience includes both indoor and outdoor art, so be prepared for a fair amount of walking, including some uphill sections. Plan on spending 2-3 hours if you want to see everything. I also recommend booking tickets at least a couple of weeks in advance. When I visited, all remaining time slots for the day were sold out. Because of the extreme heat, part of the grounds was closed during my visit. The museum provided white umbrellas for sun protection, which I highly recommend, even if you have a hat and sunglasses and the stamina of a horse. Just note that umbrellas are not permitted inside the pavilions or gallery buildings. One thing that could be improved: I found only one water station, and it dispensed warm water. There are benches throughout the property, but much of the outdoor area is unshaded so on hot days you're unlikely to sit for long. The map provided at check-in was very helpful for navigating the grounds. AC is ample in all the buildings including the food venues. My favorite installations were Alex De Corte's exploration of humor, satire, violence, and tenderness through neon installations in The Pavilions and Faith Ringgold's "Who's Afraid of Aunt Jemima?" You'll have to check them out for yourself to see why!

We came here September of last year I just forgot to review. This site is so well kept. They really…read moretake good care of the land, and there are tons of Virginia native plants here. Lots of happy volunteers, one of our pastors is a volunteer here and we had no idea what a surprise! They had a world war 2 days event going on when we came to visit. We toured the site and the grounds, and I got a bunch of kieffer pears, persimmons and black walnuts that were in bloom. This place is so rich in history and I just love the restoration project they've done over the last century. Please come visit!

There is a $5 fee. It's worth it. You can do a guided tour or self guided. We are not sure if there…read moreis an extra fee for a guided tour. We did a self guided tour. Great historical place. The staff will spend about 15 minutes explaining the history of the house then you can walk and explore the house on your own. It was fun. Definitely worth visiting.

Mount Vernon was one of the highlights of our trip to Washington, DC. The grounds are absolutely…read morebeautiful, and everything is so well maintained. Walking through George Washington's home and learning more about his life gave us an even greater appreciation for the man behind the history. The staff and volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. We also enjoyed the museum and exhibits, which added so much to the experience. Plan to spend several hours here because there's a lot to see. If you're visiting the DC area, I highly recommend making time for Mount Vernon. It's well worth the trip.

This was definitely a highlight of our vacation last month. It was even one of my son's favorite…read moreplaces we visited. The estate is spectacular, even in January. The house is undergoing restoration. It didn't affect the tour, which was interesting. The only downside of the restoration is that it prevents visitors from taking an unobstructed photo of the exterior of the house. If you're visiting with kids, remember to ask about the adventure map. Our son had a blast finding the different stations and solving the puzzle. Once completed, take it to the visitor's center for a prize. Another kid friendly thing they had was a presentation in the Greenhouse about musical instruments of the era. The Shops and food court were also closed for renovations, but the restaurant was open. It's worth checking out. If you have time, the George Washington Presidential Library is across the street. There is also a hiking trail.

Great small museum, rich in local history! I visited the…read moreManassas Museum in downtown Manassas and thought it was a fantastic, bite-sized immersion into the area's past. The museum reopened in 2023 after major renovations, and it feels both fresh and inviting while still honoring its roots. Highlights: Free admission makes it an excellent stop for visitors or locals alike. The museum is compact a few rooms covering settlement, Native American history, railroad development, and the Civil War so you can fully explore in about 30 minutes.

I attended National Night Out!…read more What a great family event! So glad I was about to attend.