Best & Cool Science and Space Museums in Bethesda

"Home to the world's largest collection of aviation and space artifacts, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is a world-renowned institution that provides information encompassing all aspects of human flight. The museum is located in two historic buildings that house a vast collection of items and artifacts relating to the space and aviation industry. It features a range of exhibitions on aviation, planetary science, and space exploration."

"If you’re interested in learning about aviation history, then this is your spot. The National Air and Space Museum boasts the world’s most extensive collection of historic air and spacecraft. You can expect to find actual astronaut suits and moon rocks."

"The most hands-on of the Smithsonian museums, the Air and Space Museum is a must-see for adults and kids. Admission is free to the enormous collection of historical planes and rockets, and all kinds of educational activities and events."

"The most visited museum of its kind in the world, the Museum of Natural History features a collection of exhibits and galleries that explore our natural surroundings. Learn about dinosaurs, discover the story of man, the importance of the world’s oceans and view the famous Hope Diamond through the museum’s interactive displays."

"First on the list is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Located on the National Mall at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, it is the most popular museum in Washington, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,036 reviews on Yelp."

"Hours are limited and seasonal, so check in advance of your visit. Kid-friendly exhibits: all. The Oceans Hall, Hall of Mammals, Insect Zoo, and dinosaurs are classics."

"The National Children’s Museum is located in downtown Washington, D.C. near the famous National Mall. The museum moved to a brand-new building in late 2019 and expanded the space for many exhibits, and hands-on learning experiences help kids learn sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a fun way."

"The name may be obvious, but this new museum joining the ranks of top kid-friendly museums is the National Children’s Museum. A massive three-level jungle gym is just the start of this newly built facility. In a virtual field trip, kids can become Climate Action Heroes."

"The National Children’s Museum in Washington, DC, is strictly for families of young children. The museum is set up so that the exhibits are just the right height for those little bodies. The museum is all about movement and interaction, learning by doing."

"The National Air and Space Museum in the Mall is so awesome they made an attic for it: the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. It’s three times the size of the DC museum and sprawls through massive hangars near Washington Dulles International Airport. Highlights include the SR-71 Blackbird (the fastest jet in the world), space shuttle Discovery (fresh from the clouds after its 2011 retirement) and the Enola Gay (the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima)."

"American University Museum (AU) is located on American University’s main campus at the Katzen Arts Center. It consists of a three-story, 30,000 square-foot museum and sculpture garden. It hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the globe."

"Focusing on themes of history, culture, and community, the newest of the Smithsonian museums explores changing definitions of American citizenship and equality, at the same time highlighting African American culture and that of the entire African diaspora. Various themes are covered in changing exhibits, which center on themes such as African American food traditions and chefs, the influence of African American sports stars on the breakdown of segregation, and African craftsmanship. Historic artifacts on display include a section of the original Woolworth lunch counter that was the scene of the Greensboro, N.C."

"The building of this unique museum is a work of art, enveloped in the very culture and rich heritage of its contents. The architecture, considered classical Greco-Roman, has a base and shaft and is topped with a corona, inspired by Yoruban art from West Africa. The entire building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze-colored lattice that traces its roots to the ironwork of enslaved African-Americans."

"Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. Since it opened in 2016,... Top ChoiceMuseum in National Mall"

"Rock Creek Park was one of the first national parks developed by the federal government. Dating back to 1890, the park is a DC treasure that affords visitors a scenic getaway from the hectic pace of the day-to-day in the nation’s capital. Boasting 32 hiking trails, landmarks such as Civil War strongholds, colonial houses, and activities like horseback riding, picnicking, and the opportunity to play tennis or golf, among others, a trip to the Rock Creek Park can quickly fill up your day with immersion in nature."

"Since becoming one of the first federally managed parks in the United States in 1890, Rock Creek Park has been a green oasis in the heart of Washington DC. Covering an astounding 1,700 acres, Rock Creek is larger even than New York’s Central Park. Nature lovers exploring its grounds may catch a glimpse of some of its residents: the white-tailed deer; red foxes, or even coyote. Hikers enjoy more than 32 miles of trails, while cyclists can follow a paved path all the way to the Lincoln Memorial."

"Venture away from the city by exploring the hiking trails of Rock Creek Park. This park isn't very well known, so you won't find too many tourists there."

"As the name may suggest, the Torpedo Factory Art Center used to be a torpedo factory back during the First and Second World Wars. After the facility closed, it was transformed by a group of local artists who turned it into an arts studio. Nowadays you can visit and find galleries and studios full of local art work, and you can also take classes here if you feel like getting creative yourself."

"Torpedo Factory Art Center was a factory that is now an art center. If you have a knack for art and emerging artists, this local art center is the first place you should visit. Spend a few hours watching the artists in action."

"The Torpedo Factory Art Center fosters connections among artists and the public to ignite the creative spirit. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is also located in the same building."

"While not quite a restaurant, Union Market features too many vegan-friendly pop-ups to overlook. Whether you're craving tacos, pasta, ice cream, or a smoothie bowl, there's a plant-based version available at this trendy indoor farmer's market. So, yeah, that stereotype that all vegans are deprived and only eat kale definitely doesn't work in Washington."

"One of the city’s most noteworthy spots, the market is filled with artisan eateries. The famous Heart Wall is the perfect place to confess your love for one another. The Heart Wall is a mural created for International Women’s Day in 2015 by Los Angeles-based graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash."

"From oozing grilled cheeses to warm pockets of bao and gooey bread pudding, it’s impossible to leave this local marketplace in a serious food coma. If you’re in DC, make sure to head over to Union Market for the famous Korean inspired tacos or Red Apron’s stand for anything chorizo."

"It’s easy to find a variety of Indian vegetarian options, but finding unique and inventive twists on the typical curries is much harder. Indique does just that, and does it really well. The morel vegetable stew, rich and creamy coconut milk gravy, cauliflower pecorino kulcha, and sweet potato chaat are all flavor explosions."

"Indique offers Gulab Jamun, a milk solid donut hole drizzled with honey and served with vanilla ice cream. This melt-in-your-mouth dessert comes out piping hot with a super-soft texture and a hint of rose flavor. You might even catch a hint of cardamom in the ice cream."

"A cool little "mom and pop" pop shop that just so happens to also have coffee. With tons of seating options, this is the perfect spot for a date or some light reading. Just don't let your pop drip on the pages."