Too young for air and space museum?

My sister is coming to town next week and I wanted to take the boys (2 years old) to the air and space museum near me. I think they would get a kick out of seeing the big planes on display and I would have help letting them walk around some. I've told a couple of people (my dad and my in-laws) where we are going and they don't think the boys will get anything out it. I'm not expecting them to read the descriptions of everything and know what kinds of planes they are for goodness sakes. They are 2. I think it would be neat for them to see though.

Would you go with your 2 year olds?

Mendy

 

i would.. whats the worst thing.. you end up explaining what a space shuddle is.. go for it.. have fun.

 

We took our oldest to Washington DC (we were visiting family in MD) when he was 18 months old. He didn't get a whole lot out of it, but did enjoy a lot of things at the Smithsonian and the air and space museum there. I personally think it would be a fun thing to do. The only suggestion I have is to remember that they're two and might get bored quickly. If it's a trip YOU want to take and enjoy, then I wouldn't take the kids. If it IS for the kids, then go have fun!

HTH!

 

QUOTE(me&myboys @ Jun 15 2007, 12:54 PM) [snapback]293656[/snapback]
My sister is coming to town next week and I wanted to take the boys (2 years old) to the air and space museum near me. I think they would get a kick out of seeing the big planes on display and I would have help letting them walk around some. I've told a couple of people (my dad and my in-laws) where we are going and they don't think the boys will get anything out it. I'm not expecting them to read the descriptions of everything and know what kinds of planes they are for goodness sakes. They are 2. I think it would be neat for them to see though.

Would you go with your 2 year olds?

Mendy
My boys have been to aviation museums since they were babies, all of them. (DH is a pilot and an aviation geek.) They have always loved seeing the big planes!! I think your boys would love it.

 

Even if they don't "get it" I'm sure they would enjoy getting out and seeing and experiencing something new. Go and have fun!!!

 

Sure, I would go if I were going to have plenty of help (i.e., I wouldn't take two toddlers there on my own). I think they would love it! And of course you are not expecting them to really get a science lesson out of it -- but like you said, there are REAL AIRPLANES UP THERE!

 

My husband and I have been talking about going to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum sometime soon. At age 2, kids are very into airplanes and all kinds of vehicles/transportation. I am thinking that if my girls get THIS excited about hearing and airplane and seeing it way up in the sky, they will flip out over seeing so many up close and personal. (We've also been talking about taking them for a ride on the Metro because they love trains so much and get excited when they just SEE a Metrorail train.)

So yes, I would take them, but like a PP said, keep in mind that they have short attention spans and qill get tired pretty quickly. But I think they will like seeing the planes AND all the people watching.

 

QUOTE(BettiePage @ Jun 15 2007, 05:54 PM) [snapback]293760[/snapback]
My husband and I have been talking about going to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum sometime soon.


We are going to the new one near Dulles . I'm just going for something new for them to do. We can leave whenever they start getting bored .

Thanks for all the encouragement !!!

Mendy

 

We take our 2-year-olds to an art museum all the time . . . it's near our house, it's free in the winter, and it's somewhere to go on a cold or rainy day. (It's funny - we live in the middle of nowhere, with almost nothing to do, but there are 3 world class art museums near us). I don't think they get much out of the art, but it gets us out of the house. They love to see all the people, we look at all the paintings that have animals in them, and they usually have a great time. Also, because it's free and close, we feel fine about going for an hour and then leaving. Sometimes we bring our snack with us and eat in the lobby. And hey, they'll grow up thinking it's normal to walk down the street to see the Renoirs and Monets.

Point being, even if they don't gain much knowledge or appreciation for the wonder of flight, they'll still probably have a good time.

-Rachel

 

Sure. I wouldn't expect them to remember it or learn any history but they'll probably enjoy looking at the planes. It's a nice little outing.

 

INSIDER TIPS FOR DC - The Building Zone at the National Building Museum and the Discovery Room at Natural History Museum.

I'm a DC mom with 28-month boys so I've tried every diversion in this city. Below are two insider ideas for nearly fool-proof, low stress, one-stop-outings for family/visitors. I've also included some things you may want to consider before going to Air and Space. This is probably more info than anyone needs, but I hope it's helpful.

First and Foremost - the Building Zone room at the National Bulding Museum. http://www.nbm.org

"The Zone", as DH calls it, has every construction toy and book ever made in a big padded room for 2-6 yr olds. Formerly the best kept secret among DC parents, they recently expanded it to accomodate about 40 people. Here are a few reasons to to take advantage of it.

• Almost never crowded - avoids huge crowds and summer heat, great for rainy days
• Lots of free parking if you get there just before it opens on weekends
• If Zone is crowded for some reason, there's a huge, carpteted atrium for running around (and around and around)
• Interactive demonstrations for bigger kids (and lots of dads last time we were there)
• Very "cool" gift shop - pricey but nice to browse, hip/designer stuff and unique toys make good gifts
• Cafe - yummy pastry, sandwiches and COFFEE on site and, more importantly, no long lines
• Near Chinatown and shopping - take a break and wonder around the spruced up part of downtown. We locals eat at Full Kee or Eat First near the Chinatown gate

The Discovery Room at Natural History is a good alternative. http://www.amnh.org
Reasons to go:

• They can touch EVERYTHING in the room (unlike our house)
• Says it's for 5-12 yr olds, but most kids are more like 2-7
• Mini "Bug Zoo" right in front
• Next to the bathrooms
• Imax movies for big kids/adults

Air & Space - Although I've not been to the Dulles Air & Space, I've heard it's even less toddler-friendly than the original. The downtown one is specifically targeted at big school groups and adults who don't mind looking up most of the time. It's kind of tough to keep under-fives occupied - nothing at eye level and very little to touch.

Hope the visit goes well and that you get to enjoy a bit of DC!

 

Great suggestions! We live in Maryland and never thought of those. Thanks DC Mom. We've done the American History Museum so they can see all the animals, but it gets super crowded.