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Summer at the Smithsonian

Some of the Smithsonian’s largest museums keep extended evening hours in the summer to accommodate visitors during Washington’s busiest tourist season. In the two weeks before Independence Day, the National Mall is the scene of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a free extravaganza of American and world culture—music and dance, crafts and cooking demonstrations, and always much more. Call Smithsonian Information or visit http://www.folklife.si.edu in June for specifics.

From late June to mid-August, the Smithsonian Resident Associates holds weeklong day camps for children. (Call 202.357.3030 or visit http://www.residentassociates.org/camp.)

During the same period, the Zoo presents Sunset Serenade concerts (http://nationalzoo.si.edu).

Planning Your Family Visit

Summer is a good time to bring your family to the Smithsonian. Match up some of your interests with those in these one-day itineraries. For daily updates on Smithsonian exhibits and special events, visit http://www.si.edu. There you can click directly to the latest new exhibit or program. For more general information, try “Events” or “Visitor Information.” Hope to see you soon!

Follow your special interests through the Smithsonian museums with these downloadable (PDF) one-day itineraries. Walking distances are minimized as much as possible; brief taxi rides are an option.

For the Youngest Visitors
This tour takes into account the active imaginations of Smithsonian visitors five to nine.

The Natural World
This itinerary explores the science of the heavens, the earth and all living things.

World Cultures
This itinerary explores the Smithsonian's extensive holdings from worldwide cultures, past and present.

Jewelry, Clothing and Costumes
This itinerary samples the Smithsonian's holdings of apparel, gems and other objects of beauty.

The Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Institution is located in Washington D.C.

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