2 out of 5 Ants Rating!
(Based on Walk-In Experience, Not Classes/Programs)
The Children's Museum at Glen Echo Park (Get Directions Here) is run by the Living Classrooms foundation, a nonprofit that, "strengthens communities and inspires young people to achieve their potential through hands-on education and job training, using urban, natural and maritime resources as 'living classrooms'." Miss M and I had a nice time, but I was underwhelmed by the museum. Admission fees are low; $5 for my toddler the day we visited, which was nice and reasonable. That said, the path leading up to the museum is extremely difficult for a toddler to navigate (rocky path = tripping hazard for younger ones) and the indoor activities were only so-so. There are some climbing structures designed to look like trees and a variety of reptiles in aquarium tanks. Miss M liked the turtle a LOT and the bunny was cool.
Checking out the turtle
There was one staff person inside while we visited and she was cleaning the animal cages. She said hello, but made no effort to orient us (we were the only people there) or teach my daughter about nature (I thought that was the point?), etc. We had just missed the "animal encounter" a few minutes prior, but I doubt they really did it as there was no one there when we arrived. It's not an awful place by any means. It's just a bit dull. I see that they have lots and lots of classes and programs, which we have not tried, so perhaps those are really great.
On the way out, we saw a craft area (but it wasn't clear who can do crafts and it wasn't staffed), but we went ahead and invited ourselves to color a little bit. Miss M definitely enjoys getting out the crayons!
Miss M coloring in the craft area of the museum
On the way out, we also tried the outdoor sand pit. That was nice. It was in a pretty spot, surrounded by a bamboo forest. Overall, I would skip this as a destination in itself. If you find yourself at Glen Echo Park for a show at The Puppet Co or to use the park's facilities, it might be worth stopping in for a bit. But you aren't missing too much if you don't.
Sand pit in front of the museum
Where should Antsy Mom and Toddler go next? Let us know!
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