Smithsonian Museums Kids Exhibits

The Tidal Basin during last year's cherry blossom peak.

Monday – Drop in for story time or to check out books at your local library. This early KFDC post has some background on the pursuit along with links to DC area county libraries.

Tuesday – See Art on the Horizon’s Out of the Box as it begins its six-day run at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 10:30am. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online through the Atlas website.

Wednesday – Have a “supra” fun time exploring the new art exhibit at the Hirshhorn.

Thursday – Go for a stroll around the Tidal Basin to see the lovely cherry blossoms. The National Park Service just moved up the peak dates to March 20-23. Be aware that crowds might start descending to see the blooms, too, but weekdays are always better than the weekends.

Friday – Wander around the beautiful grounds, play in the cute Children’s Garden, and enjoy their spring display both in the conservatory and outdoors at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Md. The park is open sunrise to sunset, the Visitor Center 9am – 5pm, and the conservatories 10am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Math has never been so sweet! As you can see, that’s what the promos claim about MathAlive!, a new exhibition opening at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center this Saturday, March 10. And from the descriptions I’ve read and photos I’ve seen, I think it will easily live up to the hype.

The exhibit demonstrates how math works in the context of real life, not just some problems to figure out in algebra class or on geometry homework. And it presents it in a way that kids will find cool by showing them its uses in things they enjoy, like sports, video games, fashion, robotics and more. Through an array of interactive displays, guests can ride in a 3D snowboard race, operate NASA robotics simulations, design and play their own video games, control a Mars rover, and experience real math at work in everything from nature to music to dancing to movie-making.

I can’t wait to check it out. And I think my kids will dig it, too.

MathAlive! will be on exhibit at the Ripley Center (the small domed kiosk next to the Smithsonian Castle) through June 3. Hours are 10am – 5pm daily. Admission is free.