Top 10 Museums For Educational Student Tours and Trips To Washington DC

Unleash Your Students’ Curiosity: Engage in Interactive Learning at DC Museums 

Museums are one of the most affordable educational tours in Washington DC and they offer a variety of different events and exhibitions to cater to the interests of every type of visitor.

And while there are plenty of things to do in DC for young adults… most of those things don’t have to be paid for.

Washington D.C. is one of the most popular tourist destinations. But what you may not know is that there are a few museums in Washington DC that still have a lot to offer student groups.

Educational student tours and trips to Washington DC are some of the best ways to enjoy a visit to DC, from the National Mall to the monuments and museums in Washington DC. Whether you’re a student or an adult, there’s something for everyone.

Aside from tours, there are lots of lesson and activity options a student could use at museums. For example, the National Air and Space Museum offers its students an opportunity to examine space history and build their knowledge of robotics, rocket science, navigation, and more.

The Best Student Attractions in Washington DC

The capital city of the United States, Washington DC has always managed to be in the spotlight when it comes to educational attractions. With its splendid sights and surroundings, the city never fails to amaze students when they arrive.

Besides museums, DC is also a great place to visit for its variety of educational tours and student music performance opportunities.

Every year, there are more than 18 million visits to this city by people who want to see the White House, Capitol Hill and so many other landmarks that make this city unique.

There are also plenty of museums that catch everyone’s attention too.

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The Benefits of Educational Student Tours and Trips to Washington DC

While exploring Washington DC, students are encouraged to think critically, analyze information, and make connections between what they see and what they have learned in the classroom. This helps develop their critical thinking skills and encourages them to ask questions, seek answers, and form their own opinions.

There are things to see, read, touch, and do so that students have a memorable experience that they will never forget. 

Visiting historic sites, museums, and institutions in Washington DC can inspire and motivate students. They may gain a deeper appreciation for their country’s history, democracy, and the importance of civic engagement. This inspiration can have a long-lasting impact on their educational and personal aspirations.

For centuries, museums have been an integral part of our culture and are more than just buildings with interesting exhibits. They offer students an opportunity to be exposed to different cultures and learn about the world around them.

Museums offer affordable educational tours in Washington DC that help students learn about history and culture. They show the diverse range of human experiences in a way that is accessible to everyone. They are a place where people can enjoy themselves, have fun, and learn about our world. 

Museums also help to promote creativity and innovation through hands-on activities in their galleries or in their art studios. They also provide a space to think in peace in areas such as libraries or gardens with benches where you can sit down and enjoy the quiet moment alone or with friends.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular educational museums you can find for educational student tours and trips to Washington DC.

Top 10 Affordable Educational Tours In Washington DC Must-See Museums

In the nation’s capital, there is a museum for everyone. Whether you want to explore the creative process, science, and innovation, or military history, Washington DC has something for you.

Here are Washington DC’s top 10 must-see museums:

1) The National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a Smithsonian Institution museum established in 2003 by an Act of Congress.

It’s the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, art, history, and culture.

This museum takes visitors on an incredible journey through 400 years of history from slavery to modern-day America. Visitors can explore 13 galleries with over 3600 artifacts highlighting African American achievements in society such as sports, music, and entertainment.

African American music history is explained through the Musical Crossroads exhibit, from the arrival of the first Africans until today.

2) Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of historic aircraft and spacecraft, along with the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts. With over 140,000 square feet of exhibition space on two indoor levels, visitors can see everything from Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis to the Apollo 11 command module that took Neil Armstrong to the moon.

3) The Hirshhorn Museum

There is no other museum in the world with a collection like the Hirshhorn Museum’s modern and contemporary art collection.  

Includes a sculpture garden that is located in the Smithsonian American Art Museum building. The Hirshhorn was originally announced to the public as part of the Smithsonian Institution’s 1964 “Ten Year” construction program and was designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft, of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) with Philip Johnson as one of two associate architects.

4) The National Gallery of Art

A rotating exhibition of permanent works and traveling exhibitions are featured in the National Gallery of Art’s collection, which encompasses two major buildings – one classical and one modern.

The gallery includes paintings, sculptures, and drawings by more than 6,000 artists spanning six centuries.

5) The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)

The Smithsonian American Art Museum celebrates American artists from the colonial era to the present. It was created by an act of Congress on August 18, 1846, under the leadership of James Smithson.

The museum’s collections are comprised of more than 3 million objects and over 1,600 artworks with 4,500 paintings, sketches and sculptures. The museum also has over 140-period rooms that represent domestic life from the early 1600s to 1915.

The collections include works by many renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell and Edgar Degas.

SAAM’s Renwick Gallery branches out from it and the two together hold one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of art from the American colonial period to the present day.

Using engaging and reflective interactive tours and live video conferences, students are introduced to American history through American art.

6) Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Renwick Gallery is a contemporary art museum that reopened after renovations in 2015. It closed in December 2013 after slight damage during the 2011 DC earthquake. It’s also the first Smithsonian museum to open on the National Mall.

The Renwick Gallery hosts a collection of American art, spanning from 18th-century colonial paintings to present-day works. It was designed by architect James Polshek, who also designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

7) International Spy Museum

Without a doubt, this could be the favorite museum of your students among all the educational student tours and trips to Washington DC. During a visit to the International Spy Museum, students and educators are provided with an engaging approach to learning about espionage. This approach is supported by a context that reveals its crucial role in and impact on current and historical events. 

It also explores the methods that spies use to carry out their missions.

A lot of the museum’s content is interactive, giving visitors an experience like no other. Visitors can go through different stations where they are put in situations where they have to find information, solve puzzles, crack codes, and more.

8) National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is one of the world’s leading architecture and design museums.

It features a large, column-free exhibition area with improved lighting and acoustics. The space is used for classes, lectures, public programs, forums, trade shows, performances, and events.

This museum was created to increase public awareness of the importance of the architectural profession. The museum was established in 1987 by the Construction Industry Institute, an affiliate of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Exhibits, tools, and demonstrations are featured to educate not only students but also adults about architecture. It includes five floors of exhibits, including a construction site with real construction equipment and materials.

9) National Museum of American History

Take a glimpse into America’s past and the people, places, and events that have shaped the United States into what it is today at the National Museum of American History.

This museum has vast collections of items that span American history from pre-contact to modern times, with special attention to the era of the Civil War era. The museum also has an exhibit on African Americans during World War II which highlights how they were able to help out with the war efforts even though they faced harsh discrimination at home.

The National Museum of American History also features two theaters where you can watch documentaries on TV or explore more about different aspects of American history through TV shows like American Experience and PBS NewsHour.

10) National Museum of Natural History

The museum was founded on February 2, 1846, for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men” and opened its doors twelve years later in 1858. One of the museum’s founding donors was James Smithson (1765-1829), who had contributed $500,000 to build the institution.

As part of the nation’s effort to preserve items that might otherwise be lost to war or time, the museum is an educational center that provides people with opportunities to explore the planet’s natural and cultural heritage.

The NMNH has six branches that cover different fields of study: Botany, Paleontology, Mineralogy, Invertebrate Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, and Ecology. The museum has collections of more than 145 million specimens including plant, animal, fossil, rocks, minerals, meteorites, and human remains.

The Best of the Rest That You Shouldn’t Miss In Washington DC

The city of Washington DC is rich in history and culture. It is the seat of the US government and it is the location of some of the most famous tourist attractions in America. 

Here are some affordable educational tours in Washington DC you should also experience:

1. National Mall: This is where you can see some of America’s most iconic monuments including; Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Martin Luther King Jr Monument, and more! As you stroll along the Mall, you will be enamored by the majestic Washington Monument, proudly towering over the surrounding landscape, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of this storied city.
2. U.S. Capitol Visitor Center: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center offers free guided tours that provide students with an inside look at the legislative process and the history of the U.S. Congress. They can explore the Capitol building, see important artifacts, and learn about the democratic system.

3. National Archives: The National Archives is another educational attraction where students can see important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. They can also learn about the preservation of these documents and their significance in shaping the nation.

4. Ford’s Theatre: Ford’s Theatre is a historic site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Educational tours here provide insights into Lincoln’s presidency, the Civil War, and the impact of his assassination on American history.

5. Newseum: While not located directly in Washington D.C., the Newseum in Arlington, Virginia, is worth a visit for educational tours. It showcases the importance of journalism and the First Amendment through interactive exhibits and displays.

6. Embassy Row: Embassy Row is a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue in Washington D.C., where many foreign embassies are located. Students can take a self-guided tour along Embassy Row to learn about different countries, their cultures, and international relations.
7. White House: This iconic building was designed by James Hoban in 1801 and has been home to every president since John Adams!
8. The White House Tour: There are three public tours that you can take:
   1. Tour of the East Wing (the part open to the public)
   2. Tour of the West Wing (the part open to guests), and
   3. Self-guided audio tour for visitors who would like more privacy while they explore on their own.

West wing tours are given Monday through Saturday at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM by reservation only – no online booking is available. There is no charge for these tours but reservations must be made in advance.

If you are lucky enough to go on this tour, find out how long it usually takes.

These are just a few examples of affordable educational tours in Washington DC Each of these attractions offers unique opportunities for students to learn and engage with important aspects of American history, government, and culture.

Final Thoughts

Museums for educational student tours and trips to Washington DC are some of the most popular attractions and a great getaway for students who want to enjoy the historical significance of our nation. This city promises an unforgettable journey through time and culture.

Whether it is elementary, middle school, or high school students with their teachers, the museums in Washington DC have a lot to offer.

The most powerful and lasting student trip that we can make for our students is the affordable educational tours in Washington DC. Your students will remember their trip more than any lesson you plan or any other activity you execute​

Many of these DC museums have no admission cost, others offer significant discounts for student groups or have programs tailored to this demographic.

Generally speaking, museums are a great opportunity to excite students about learning and expose them to new experiences and ideas. In addition, they are also a great opportunity to increase student retention.