Dinosaur Files
Your review/thoughts on the smithsonian dinosaur exhibit?
Im thining of taking my 7 year old daughter to see the smirthsonian museum to see their dinosaur exhibit, but i dont want to take the 2 hour drive if its really not that "great". what were your thoughts on the exhibit? wonderful? lack-luster?
Public Comments
- I was a little disapointed when I saw the exhibit since I had seen the exhibit in New York which is much better. But it is still a good exhibit and if she is into dinosaurs she will enjoy it. Even if she ends up not liking that particular exhibit you could see the rest of the museum as well as the many other museums on the Mall and the National Zoo for free!
- By all means take the trip. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has an extensive dinosaur collection, with a variety of exhibits. Plus, while you're there, there's a lot of other stuff to see in that museum: including the Hope Diamond and several IMAX films. When you arrive, first stop at the Discovery Room and pick up a couple of passes for later in the day. The Discovery Room would be perfect for a 7 year old, but you need a timed pass to get in. Take a look at the website for more information: http://www.mnh.si.edu/ The IMAX movie theater is featuring two dinosaur-related movies, both in 3-D! Check out the descriptions on the museum website. After you see the dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, and spend some time in the Discovery Room, have lunch in their cafeteria, and then go out the Mall side exit and stop at the historic carousel--about a three minute walk from the museum. Take a couple of rides for $2 a ride--it's great! If you still have energy, walk one block over and go into the Air & Space Museum and take a look at the original Wright Brothers plane and then stop at their gift shop to buy a bag of the freeze-dried ice cream enjoyed by the astronauts. In short, I think it would be a fun day for you and your daughter.
- a 2 hour drive to see virtually anything the Smithsonian has on display is worthwhile, you can't beat the price, and the museums have more than enough to keep you occupied (even when you are 7...I loooooved the bugs at that age, not so much now lol)
- I wouldn't say that the dinosaur exhibit is fantasic. There certainly is a better one in New York. However, the Natural History Museum offers a variety of other exhibits that are in my opinion, even better. There are also several other museums within walking distance. There are plenty of places to get cheap food and souvenirs (if that interests you) and near the smithsonian castle there is a carousel. Going to DC is definitely worth the trip!
