25 Best Museums in the US for Families

Do you know how many museums are there in the US? A whopping 35,144 museums.

Isn’t that a massive number of museums in the US? From some of the world’s best art museums in the US to the best Science museums in the USA to historic battleship museums in the USA, there are options galore.

Check our curated list of the best US museums for families as recommended by fellow travelers to help pick a museum in the United States for your next trip.

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Best Museums in the US for Families

Get inspired by the list of famous museums in the US. These museums in the United States are a must-visit with family and kids for a fun and knowledgeable time.

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Washington DC

Editor’s Pick

A visit to Washington D.C. is incomplete without a visit to one of the Smithsonian museums. There are around 20 museums and galleries to choose from and one of the interesting places to visit is the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

This is a delight for space enthusiasts who love reading and knowing about the moon, Mars, astronauts, and everything about space. Kids and adults both get fascinated by this far-away world.

As you enter one of the best museums in the US, you are welcomed by huge aircraft hanging from the ceiling. The hall has a display of spaceships, and jet aircraft that are significant in history.

The museum is huge with many galleries that exhibit everything from the history of American Air transportation, the expedition to the moon, history created by the Wright Brothers, and many more.

The Wright Brothers gallery has a replica of the aircraft and information about the event of creating and flying the first airplane. The kids get to see different things required during a space mission including the space suit, tools, food, and other instruments of the astronauts.

The museum even exhibits the rover that stepped on the moon beside an abundance of information and activities.

There are simulators that can transport you to the space for an adventurous experience. There are IMAX theaters to watch 3D films on space and aviation history making it a great experience. There is a ticket to watch a show at the IMAX theater though. 

The museum is located on Independence Ave SW, between 4th and 7th streets.

Tickets: Entry to the museum is free. Even though there is a ticket for shows in the IMAX theater. Book a guided tour to get detailed information about the exhibits.

Timings: The regular hours of the museum are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with extended hours during summer till 7:30 p.m. 

Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, Washington DC

Jennifer of DC Family Travel

The National Postal Museum is an incredible Smithsonian museum in Washington, DC. It is definitely a “hidden gem” in the list of 18 Smithsonians in DC because it is off the National Mall with a pretty unassuming name. There is so much more to this museum than “boring stamps!”

The Postal Museum could be called the “transportation museum” because it has an actual 18-wheeler truck, train, and even stagecoach to explore inside and out! There are also fascinating stamp exhibits where you can pick out 6 international stamps to take home.

Another great exhibit for older kids is the Behind the Badge exhibit which shows the surveillance work of the Post Office Inspector General. The exhibit is interactive with spy elements.  

Museum is located right next to Union Station, which is a great place for a family lunch or dinner after your visit.

Union Station has 35 restaurants so there are tons of options for everyone. Hourly parking can be found in the parking garage attached to the back of Union Station. 

Tickets: Like all Smithsonians, the Postal Museum always has free admission!

Timings: The Museum is open every day except December 25 from 10 am to 5:30 pm and more information can be found on their website here. 

Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Debbie Fettback from World Adventurists

Explore the gateway to space at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Organized into mission zones and in chronological eras, you’ll explore everything from the dawn of space exploration to current missions.

One of the highlights is being able to view Space Shuttle Atlantis. You’ll find it suspended from the ceiling in mid-air with its cargo bay open for viewing.

There are also several interactive exhibits and high-tech simulators to help give you an up-close and hands-on understanding of the possibilities of humans in space.

One of the coolest experiences is getting to meet a real astronaut that has been to space. You can even have lunch with an astronaut and visit restricted areas by booking a complete Space Experience. This is the only museum in the United States to witness a live rocket launch if your visit coincides with a mission.

Make sure you arrive early and be prepared to spend the entire day exploring the exhibits and attractions. To save from the long lines, Book the skip-the-line ticket.

Tickets: A Single Day admission is $57US (12 years+), and $47US (Ages 3-11). If one day is not enough time for you, you can also get a multi-day admission pass. A guided tour ($20US/person) is a fantastic way to explore. A fun add-on is the Astronaut Training Experience ($175US).

Timings: The current hours of operation are from 10 AM – 4 PM daily, with the last entry to the complex ending an hour before closing. To reach on time take a round-trip from Orlando to the Space Center.

You can find out more about the Kennedy Space Center and plan your visit at https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia

One of the best things to do in Philadelphia with kids is visiting the Please Touch Museum.

This children’s museum mainly attracts younger kids who get to experience the outside world but in a safer environment.

There are exhibits spread over two floors of this museum. The kids love to role play in different characters from shopping market employees to bus drivers to excavator operators. This is the best way to build confidence in children and make them ready for the world.

There is a big River adventures exhibit where they float their boats on the mini Schuylkill river and work up with the dam. This is such a fun way that the kids don’t even realize that they are practicing STEM principles.

Don’t forget to end the trip with a ride at the historic carousel around 100 years old at the Please Touch Museum.

Tickets: If plan to make multiple trips to the museum, then it is advisable to buy the Annual membership. The first Wednesday of every month the ticket is $2 from 4 pm – 7 pm, but mind the long lines. It is advisable to come between 3 – 3:30 pm to be able to get in by 4.

Related Read: Best Hotels in Philadelphia for Families

Franklin Institute of Science, Philadelphia, PA

Derek and Mike of Robe Trotting

One of the most family-friendly travel destinations in the United States is Philadelphia. There’s so much to do and see including brilliant historical attractions and world-class museums.

Among all these great reasons to visit is the Franklin Institute of Science, Philadelphia’s best museum to visit as a family. It’s located in the city’s museum district, a neighborhood dotted with historic buildings, museums, luxury hotels, and Philadelphia Airbnbs.

In the spirit of American founding father, Benjamin Franklin, the museum creates a safe and fun learning environment for kids to explore the scientific world.

The interactive exhibits include a giant heart that visitors can walk and climb through to learn more about the cardiovascular system.

Live science shows also entertain families who visit the Franklin Institute with dissections, demonstrations, and science shows held on-site.

Guests to the museum also love the Fels Planetarium, a cutting-edge planetarium that puts on a dazzling light show to recreate the night sky.

Other popular exhibits cover topics such as aviation, sports science, environmental science, and in the spirit of Ben Franklin, electricity. It’s a museum where families can learn and play together in the spirit of science.

Tickets: Admission to the Franklin Institute is $23.00 for adults (adults age 12+) and $19.00 for children ages 3-11. This is no free day of the week but there are monthly community nights where admission is free after 5:00 PM.
To save on admission tickets, book a Philadelphia Sightseeing pass that includes free admission to many attractions.

Timings: Wednesday to Friday: 10 am – 5 pm On Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Website: https://www.fi.edu/

Madam Tussauds Museum, New York

Editor’s Pick

Madame Tussauds needs no introduction. The greatest wax museum in the world lies in the heart of Times Square on 42nd Street in New York City. If visiting for 2 days, then it must be added to the New York 2 days itinerary.

Spread across 5 floors, it’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in NYC with kids. Kids and kids-at-heart love to strike a pose with the world’s most iconic figures – from musicians, Hollywood stars, Bollywood stars, and sports legends to historical figures and world leaders.

When you’re done meeting your favorite celebrities, join one of the many interactive exhibits including Star on Broadway, Mission: Undead 7D Zombie Game, Marvel 4D Film, Join the Ghostbusters, Faceoff with King Kong, and more. Whatever you do, know that there’s never a dull moment at Madame Tussauds New York.

Timings: The museum is open all days of the week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets: The ticket ranges from $24.99 to $36.99. It’s recommended to buy skip-the-line tickets online in advance to skip the long lines.

Website: For more information about the exhibits refer to the museum website.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

New York is a fantastic city with a lot to offer to tourists. Views of New York are impressive and one of the main reasons to go, but its museums are also worth visiting. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (AKA the MET) is not only one of the best museums in NYC but one of the best museums in the world.

One of the best art galleries in the world, there are all sorts of exhibits – with a whopping 19 curatorial departments managing different collections, usually divided by historical periods and art trends.

With so much to see, you won’t have trouble finding one that is entertaining for children too. The Egyptian exhibit, with mummies, is particularly interesting for people of all ages.

Such a vast museum requires quite a bit of time to visit, but the good news is that re-admissions are allowed on the same day; so you can leave to have lunch and a break, then walk back in to find another interesting collection.

Timings: The museum is currently open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is $25 USD for adults. Visiting is free for children under 12. It is a very popular museum and can get crowded, so book a guided tour with skip a line ticket to save time and hassle. Buy NYC City Explorer Pass which includes admission to many museums and attractions in NYC.

The Strong International Museum of Play, New York City

Michael Sweeny from Affordable Family Travel

The Strong, International Museum of Play has a variety of areas for children to explore. The most popular areas to explore include Wegmans Super Kids Market, Sesame Street, and American Comic Book Heros.

The museum is designed to make a learning environment fun for children. There are large areas of pretend play such as the SuperMarket. Kids enjoy making and serving entrees at the Diner in the Bernstein Bear area.

There are interactive learning displays where kids can learn about forced perspective photos. The rock wall and superhero balance activities are great for physical education.

At the Build, Drive Go Exhibit, kids enjoy building and playing with vehicles. The Big Building area is fun for kids to build with large foam blocks. There’s also a test track and much more.

Even big kids will enjoy the Pinball Playfield section of the museum. The Museum of Play is home to New York State’s only year-round indoor butterfly exhibit which you can enjoy for an additional cost.

There’s also a lot of information about the history of toys along with antique toys that older kids and adults will enjoy. The museum offers special exhibits that are full of interactive displays.

Timings: Hours are Monday–Thursday: 10 am – 3 pm, Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm.

Tickets: Admission costs $18 per person for ages 2 and up, under 2 is free. 

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), California

Jyoti Baid from Story at Every Corner

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was the first museum on the West Coast dedicated entirely to 20th-century art. It’s been a favorite museum in San Francisco ever since.

After a three-year construction project, it reopened in 2016. When it reopened, it was expanded to twice the size in terms of gallery space and six times the open spaces. 

The museum is one of the largest museums of contemporary and modern art in the world. The collection in the museum is exceptional and popular among patrons of all ages. No wonder, SFMOMA is internationally recognized for its collection of modern and contemporary art. 

SFMOMA is a great museum for teenagers because the kids can relate to modern works of art. The younger one will enjoy the hands-on activities, the unusual art, and the open spaces. The museum always has special exhibits that are current. 

SFMOMA gift shop on-site and at the SFO airport are a must-visit for very cool gifts, made with exceptional design and style in mind.  

Website:  https://www.sfmoma.org. 

Tickets: The museum has free or discounted tickets for several groups such as corporate partners, local residents, educators, etc. as described on their deals and discounts page. The general admission for Adults is US $25 while Seniors are charged US $22. Book the tickets online to save time.

If you’re in the area for a day trip to San Francisco, you must visit the open spaces in Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, and the gorgeous tiled steps of San Francisco. 

Exploratorium, San Francisco, California

Tracey of Pack the PJs

The Exploratorium is not just a science museum but a living-learning experience that allows visitors to explore their surroundings through science, art, and human insight.

The museum, located on San Francisco Bay’s Pier 15, is a very open entity that is tasked to create inquiry-based experiences to transform learning by taking you there.

Some of the experiments and the displays you will see nowhere else on the planet and are the kind of things that can bring science alive for children. 

The museum is divided into galleries. These include The Physics of Seeing and Listening (Light and Sound), Human Behaviour, Living Systems, Tinkering (including electricity and magnetism), the Outdoor Gallery, and the Bay Observatory Gallery, which focuses on the local environment, weather, and landscape.

There are over 600 interactive exhibits on display at any one time in the museum and these are changed often for special events and for changing seasons. The Exploratorium is also engaged in the development of science education, webcasts, websites, and special science events. 

The Exploratorium offers visitors a variety of ways to interact with it. For the kids, there is a huge tidal clock; they can perform psych experiments; they can make art and do crafts, set up magnetism and electrical experiments, build bridges, and see the world in many strange ways – even under a microscope. There is a huge amount to see and do. 

Website: For more information refer to their website.

Tickets: General adult admission is $29.95; children 4-12 are $19.95; youths (13-17), as well as students, teachers, seniors, and people with disabilities, are $24.95. Children 3 and under are free. Every Thursday night from 6 pm to 10 pm there is reduced admission called After Dark (for ages 18+) where you can lose yourself in hundreds of interactive exhibits, enjoy adults-only programming, hear unique guest speakers, listen to great music, watch specialty films, demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind activities.

Timings: 10 am – 5 pm.

Expert Tip: If you plan to visit more than one museum and attraction in SFO, it is advisable to buy a Go San Francisco Pass that provides up to 60% discounts.

California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California

Noel Morata at Travel Photo Discovery

One of the best family-friendly museums to visit in San Francisco is the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

Located in Golden Gate Park, the museum is very kid-friendly with wonderful rotating exhibits and fun regular exhibit spaces that are colorful, filled with easy-to-read information and dioramas, and lots of natural history, science, and local exhibits that look to inspire children to learn and experience at the same time.

One of the favorite exhibits at the Academy of Sciences involves walking through the bottom of an aquarium and climbing up to the tree tops in a circular format to see butterflies in an immersive experience that is fun to do.

There are also so many fun things to explore outdoors at the museum grounds and even a green roof garden that lets you see native flora and views of the park grounds from above. You’ll love visiting and once a month is a designated free day for families to visit.

When you are visiting San Francisco more extensively, check out the post on the fun and unique things to do in San Francisco for more inspiration and cool things to do around the city outside of the typical attractions.

Tickets: Book the tickets.

Timings: Mon-Sat: 9:30 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm. Though the members can enter one hour early.

Griffith Observatory, LA, California

Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures

The absolute best museum in Los Angeles for families with kids is Griffith Observatory. This 2-story science museum is one of the most well-curated and designed museums that kids will love and adults can’t help but appreciate.

Explore interactive exhibits about the history of astronomy, the planets, stars, our galaxy, and those beyond, and more! See an active Tesla coil in the Hall of the Eye, check how much you weigh on each planet in the Depths of Space Exhibit, and at night, even take a glance at the cosmos through the telescopes on the roof.

Tickets: Entry to Griffith Observatory is free for everyone. However, there is a stunning planetarium show that does require separate paid tickets that cost $7 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for children 5-12 years old. Note that the visuals and sounds of the shows can be disorienting for young children.

Timings: Operating hours of the Observatory are from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekends, and closed on Mondays.

Griffith Observatory is located in Los Angeles within Griffith Park on Mount Hollywood with views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles skyline. Book this tour to combine the visit to the observatory with a hike to the Hollywood sign. Parking at Griffith Observatory can be tricky when crowded, so it’s best to take the DASH Shuttle.

USS Midway San Diego, California

Maria of San Diego Explorer

The USS Midway is one of the top San Diego tourist attractions and should not be missed on any trip to San Diego. This huge aircraft carrier is located right on the waterfront in Downtown San Diego, which makes it easily accessible.

This museum is perfect for families, as it has so much to explore and experience. It is fascinating to learn about the daily life on board the ship and the routine of the sailors when they were on board for months at a time. 

There are guided tours as well as various rides and experiences such as flight simulators, 3D movies, and virtual reality experiences that are fun for kids and adults alike.

Another fun program for kids is the Junior Pilot Program, which is like a little scavenger hunt throughout the museum. After the kids complete all tasks, they will have a ceremony where they will be presented with their Wings. 

The deck of the ship offers one of the most stunning views of the San Diego Skyline. There are plenty of photo opportunities with the various aircraft and fighter jets with the high-rises of downtown as a backdrop. Another stunning view is from the Bridge, overlooking downtown and San Diego Bay. 

Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Timings: Daily 10 am – 4 pm

Tickets: Adult 18+: $26.00, Children 6-12 & Vets w/ID: $18.00, Children under 6: Free; Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters w/ID: Free. The Museum is very popular and can get crowded, so to skip the lines, book the tickets here.

Website: https://www.midway.org/

San Diego Maritime Museum, California

Maria of San Diego Explorer

The San Diego Maritime Museum is a fun family attraction right in the heart of San Diego. This museum is home to the largest collection of ships in the United States, so this is a perfect place for all boat lovers.

The location right in Downtown San Diego makes it also very accessible and easy to work into any San Diego itinerary.

There are guided group tours for $35/person, however, there are also docents on the various ships that can give information about the various vessels in a less formal way during the exploration of the museum. 

The museum is home to some original ships as well as replicas. One of the most stunning ships in their collection is the Star of India, a sailboat from the UK that has circumnavigated the world several times, transporting goods across the ocean.

Another must-see is the replica of the “Surprise”, which was used as a ship in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. 

Included in the ticket is also a 45-minute historic harbor cruise (limited availability), which is a fun and family-friendly adventure and a great way to see San Diego from the water. 

Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Timings: Currently Saturday and Sunday only 10 am – 5 pm

Tickets: Adult 18+ – $20.00; Senior 62+, Military w/ID, Students 13-17 years – $15.00; Child 12 and under – $10.00. If plan to explore other San Diego attractions, then booking Hop-on-Hop off tours are a great option.

Website: https://sdmaritime.org/

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Seattle, Washington

Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) in Seattle is definitely the ideal place to go for a nostalgic trip to the pop culture of yesteryear and is great for the whole family too! This interesting museum has more than 100,000 exhibits and is one of the world’s largest collections of pop culture history!

There are sound and video recordings, musical instruments, items of clothing, posters, concert programs, old record players, and old manuscripts.

The museum has a fun ‘adopt an item’ initiative so that you can ‘adopt’ a certain exhibit and help fund its preservation.

There is Jimi Hendrix’s hat that he wore on one album cover, Janis Joplin’s cerise feather boa, and many other items. Teenagers will especially love all the film memorabilia. 

Address: The museum is situated at 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle.

Timings: It is open from Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Tickets: $30 for adults, youth $21, and children aged 0-4 years have free entrance. Senior citizens $27. You can buy the tickets online.

If exploring multiple attractions in Seattle, it is good to buy a Seattle City Pass to save on admission tickets.

Denver Selfie Museum, Colorado

Daria of The Discovery Nut

Who doesn’t like a good selfie?

The answer is we all do. 

And if you are looking for a colorful background with an artistic touch, there’s no better place than a selfie museum. It is located in Denver, one of the most beautiful places in Colorado.

One kind of museum in the country, Denver Selfie Museum offers colorful backgrounds that are perfect for flexing your creative muscle.

Some of the most colorful art installations at this place are the wall of doughnuts, a glowing sign that reads “I can’t control myself,” a huge yellow punching bag, and the pink room with an entourage.

It’s a great place where you can have fun and take a creative selfie on your next trip to Denver, so make sure to check it out!

Address: Denver Selfie Museum is located at 1531 Stout Street in Denver

Timings: The museum is open from 12 pm to 8 pm from Monday through Friday; from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 8 pm on Sunday. 

Tickets: Costs $25 on weekdays and $29 on weekends. You can purchase them online or at the door.

Website: Check for more information at https://denverselfiemuseum.com/

Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois

Michele at Endless Family Travels

The Field Museum is a natural history museum on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago.  Located on the east side of Grant Park in the South Loop, the Field Museum is one of the premier natural history museums in the world.

Why is it an incredible museum to visit with kids? The Field Museum is renowned for its dinosaur skeletons and animal exhibitions. Home to the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex specimen ever discovered. ‘Sue’ the T.Rex will delight both kids and adults alike.

In the grand Stanley Field Hall, you can see the skeleton of the largest dinosaur ever known – the Titanosaur!

From prehistoric creatures to the animals of today, the Field Museum in Chicago makes science, ancient civilizations, and the natural world accessible to all ages; and is a must-see for those visiting Chicago on a family vacation.

Timings: The Field Museum is open 9 am – 5 pm (last admission 4 pm) from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). 

Tickets: Field offers discounts and free days for Chicago and Illinois residents; alongside discounts for Museums for All and Active Military Personnel and other groups too. Ticket prices start at $19 for out-of-state visitors; although I recommend purchasing an all-access pass, which includes the 3D and ticketed exhibitions. All access passes are between $29-40 for out-of-state visitors. Buying a Chicago Go Pass is advisable if visiting multiple attractions to save.

The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan

Julie of Family Travel Lifestyle

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is really unlike any other museum. Its mix of historic artifacts, artwork, inventions, and interactive displays will capture the attention and imagination of museum-goers, young and old.

This is a fantastic family destination because there truly is something for everyone at this Dearborn, Michigan attraction.

From the actual bus where Rosa Parks sparked a Civil Rights revolution to JFK’s Presidential limousine to a real-life experience working a Ford assembly line, the historical and interactive experiences at the Henry Ford are unmatched.

Kids will love how many hands-on opportunities there are. Your train, plane, and automobile lovers will marvel at the collection of historic vehicles to wander through. History buffs will love seeing the artifacts from each generation of the 20^th century, including fashion and pop-culture items.

And who wouldn’t want to drive in a Model T Ford or walk through an exact recreation of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory?

Located just outside Detroit or a short drive from Ann Arbor, the campus of the Henry Ford Museum includes Greenfield Village, a Ford factory tour, and a large-screen cinema.

Plan to spend at least the whole day here, but it could easily be a multi-day experience. The museum offers vacation packages that include stays at nearby hotels along with museum tickets.

Tickets: $25.00, with discounts for youth and seniors; children under 4 are free. The Factory tour, large screen experience, and Greenfield Village have additional ticket charges.

Timings: The museum is open all 7 days from 9:30 am – 5 pm. It is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, South Dakota

Lotte from Beste Voor Kids 

This National Historic Site is a great place to visit for families, especially those interested in the Cold War. The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located in South Dakota, approximately a one-hour drive from Rapid City.  

Explore the Visitor Center, stroll around the terrain while listening to a narrated ranger-guided tour of the Delta-09 on your phone, and learn about the life of the people who worked at the Minuteman Missile Site. 

The Minuteman Missile Center isn’t particularly suitable for families with younger children. While the visitor center is stroller-friendly, the exhibits won’t keep your toddler entertained for a long time.

However, for families with kids ages 10 and older, the site is very engaging, and especially the ranger-led tour of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility is highly recommended.  

Note that in order to join you will have to make a reservation (either online or by phone). Spots are limited so plan ahead for this one. During this highly engaging tour, you will descend 31 feet underground to the Launch Control Center.    

Timings: Between March and October, the Minuteman Missile Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During the winter season, the site is closed on Sundays and Mondays.  

Tickets: There is no entrance fee for the Visitor Center and the site itself. However, when you join one of the Delta-01 tours, you’ll have to pay a fee of $12/$8 (adult/youth).  

Website: Visit https://www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm for more information about the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. 

Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, Louisiana

Emma of Emma Jane Explores

Mardi Gras World in New Orleans is a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s most famous festival. The colors and vibrancy of Mardi Gras World make it the perfect family day out and the tour of the float workshops is really remarkable.  

The tour itinerary for Mardi Gras World begins with a short 15-minute video presentation which is engaging for adults and kids alike and then the real highlight of the tour begins as you walk from workshop to workshop watching artists create the enormous sculptures that adorn the floats when the Mardi Gras Parades make their way through the city.  

The final stop on the tour is the float room where the kids will love getting a close-up view of the brightly colored floats. If you visit right after Mardi Gras, you might even get lucky and find some leftover Mardi Gras masks or beads to take home.  

The Mardi Gras World Museum is located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place which is a little far away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. However, Mardi Gras World does run a free shuttle service for those taking a tour and will pick visitors up around Canal Street.

Timings: The museum is open from 9 am and 5.30 pm every day of the week with the last entrance at 4.30 pm.  

Tickets: $22 USD for adults and $14 USD for children and while it’s not the cheapest thing to do in New Orleans, there’s nowhere else that will provide the up close and personal Mardi Gras experience like this museum that everyone in the family will love. Book the tickets for a one-of-a-kind museum.

Website: https://mardigrasworld.com/

Dallas Museum of Art, Texas

Priya Vin from Outside Suburbia

Dallas is known for its many educational and engaging museums, from natural science to art and everything in between.

Located in the Dallas Arts District, the Dallas Museum of Art is one of the best places to visit in Dallas if you are an art aficionado.

The DMA has quite an impressive collection of artworks from around the world and they host a variety of rotating exhibitions that things fresh throughout the year. The Museum offers many experiences for visitors of all ages like readings, film screenings, docent-led tours, and family programs.

There are nearly 25,000 works of art inside the Dallas Museum of Art. The entrance is free but there is a small fee for parking in their garage. You can easily spend hours perusing the collection of art which ranges from the third millennium BC to the present day with works from Rodin, Cezanne, Monet, and Picasso to name a few.

We have had several exhibitions here from Jackson Pollock to Frida Kahlo and most recently a beautiful collection of dresses by Dior.

Adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art in a 2.4-acre site is Nasher Sculpture Center where you can walk across the beautiful garden and see works by modern and contemporary masters.

Across from the museum is Kylde Warren Park where you can spend some time in nature and also get food from the food trucks.

Tickets: Admission is free but need to book a timed ticket in advance.

Timings: Thur – Fri: 2 pm – 8 pm, Sat – Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm. The museum is closed Mon to Wed.

Website: For more information refer to the museum website – https://dma.org/

Philbrook Museum of Art Tulsa, Oklahoma

Ashlee Fechino of The Happiness Function

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Philbrook Museum of Art is an incredible midwestern gem. The previous estate to oil tycoon Waite and his wife Genevieve Phillips during the roaring 20s, the grounds were turned into a museum in 1939.

The Philbrook is home to private and permanent displays of art but is most famous for its elaborate fountains and formal gardens. Museum visitors are treated to world-class treasures.

The art inside includes Egyptian artifacts, Native American pottery, European, Modern, and Contemporary artworks, as well as global antiquities. The Philbrook even has a Picasso cubism piece!

The Philbrook hosts national and international exhibitions. For example, in June 2019, the Art & Islam through Time & Place exhibition included artwork, tile, tapestries, and textiles highlighting the global impact and diversity of Islamic art.

Visit the Philbrook website for upcoming exhibitions and calendar events.

During the summer months, tour the galleries, walk the magnificent gardens, indulge in a walk-up burger bar, and enjoy a movie on the lawn.

Be sure to check out their very cool gift shop with all kinds of treasures for the entire family.

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9 am to 5 pm and Fridays 9 am to 9 pm.

Entrance Fees: General Admission is $12 per person with youth 17 and under FREE.

Discounted Days: Every Friday after 5 p.m. General Admission tickets are $5.

Museum of Life and Science, Durham, North Carolina

Nadine of Le Long Weekend

More than simply a museum that’s suitable for families, the Museum of Life and Science in Durham NC was designed especially with families in mind! It’s the ideal place to spend the day, no matter what the weather, and there is so much to see and do – both inside and out.

Whatever your children’s interests, they’re sure to find something that they love at the museum. Whether that’s taking a deep dive into science and engineering, learning about health and the human body, going on an archaeological dig, or simply playing in the amazing age-appropriate play areas!

Animal-loving kids will also enjoy the Butterfly House, Insectarium, and Farmyard with its curious collection of alpacas, donkeys, and pigs.

And the wetland walk will introduce you to the resident bears, wolves, and lemurs. The Dinosaur trail, sailboat pond, and train rides are sure to be a hit, and the Hideaway Woods provides hours of fun in the treetops, with ropes, bridges, and huts to climb between.

Tickets: Cost $23 for an adult and $18 for a child. Children aged 2 and under go free. If you live locally and plan to visit often, check out their Membership options for reduced rates.

Timings: The museum is open from Wednesday – Sunday every week, from 10 am – 5 pm.

Website: https://www.lifeandscience.org/

USS Yorktown / Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, South Carolina

Dymphe of Dymabroad

One of the best museums in the USA for families is the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Here you find the USS Yorktown.

This is an aircraft carrier that was built during the Second World for the navy of the United States. It was used in World War II, and after modernization used later in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Since 1975 the ship has been a museum ship. You can find the museum and the ship at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC. The aircraft carrier is great to see for kids, but there is much more! For example, there is a destroyer ship and a submarine, among other things. This is so much fun for children!

A great tour of the USS Yorktown is the Captain’s Tour. During this tour, you learn more about the vessel and you hear stories about the people who worked on the ship.

In fact to add to some adventure book Patriot Point’s haunted tours in the night to share the spooky side.

This museum in Charleston is certainly one of the best museums in the USA and going here is one of the best things to do in Charleston! Besides that, there are also many romantic things to do in Charleston.

Timings: The museum is open every day, except Christmas Day. On weekdays you can visit from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on weekends the museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. On certain days, there are different opening hours.

Tickets: The price for an adult ticket is $24, tickets for children cost $16, and senior tickets cost $19. There are no free entrance days.

Website: https://www.patriotspoint.org/

Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut

Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

The Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut is one of those rarest of creatures: a history museum that’s actually tons of fun for kids. In fact, the museum often hosts wonderful programming especially dedicated to children.

But adults escorting their favorite kids around the Mystic Seaport Museum will have a fabulous time there too. 

Some of the attractions that children will love include the Home Port children’s activity center and the outdoor play area. But the most popular attraction is the Charles W. Morgan, the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the world.

Kids will get a thrill actually exploring this real whaling ship with the guiding hand of the many docents who are experts at explaining the history of this ship to children.

When they step off the ship, children can participate in special events and demonstrations, like classes on navigating using the stars at the Planetarium or demonstrations on the various knots that sailors used.

Tickets: Adult admission is $19, but children under 18 are $16, and children under 4 are free. Book the tickets here. To save money, you can buy the Mystic Pass, which adds admission to the popular Mystic Aquarium.

Timings: Hours vary depending on the season. The Mystic Seaport Museum is open from 10-4 Thursday-Sunday in the winter, but it’s open on more days and for longer hours in warm weather months.

How did you like the hand-picked list of best museums United States? Which US museums are your favorite? Do share your thoughts about these best US museums in the comments section below.

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