Top 5 Tips for Family Fun at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

1. Prep at Home

Before planning your visit, be sure to check out our website and Virtual Tour to get a feel for the museum layout and build excitement for the trip. Also on our website are our Education resources — download one of our Gallery Hunts or Topic Guides to keep little ones interested and involved!

PLEASE NOTE: Some of our exhibits feature combat scenes which may frighten smaller children. Stop at our Front Desk for guidance with these portions of the museum

2. Every Day is an Event at the Museum 

When planning your visit, look to our Calendar of Events for a full list of scheduled events including Family Days, gallery openings, concerts, and special displays. Family Days are our most popular event for children, but your little ones are welcome at all of our events.

P.S. Worried you’re planning your visit for a slow day? Don’t worry! Our Hospitality Ambassadors can provide you with a gallery hunt sheet, a sticker for your kiddos and a full schedule of unlisted events including promotion or retirement ceremonies in Leatherneck Gallery. There’s always something going on here.


3. Don't Get Hangry!

Don’t let "hanger" keep you from enjoying your day at the museum. Visit one of our two restaurants: Devil Dog Diner (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Tun Tavern (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or pack a lunch for a picnic near our play area.

PLEASE NOTE: Food and drinks are welcome at our picnic tables outside, but not in our galleries.










4. Look for Chesty! 

All of our galleries are open to all ages, and our large artifacts like our aircraft and tanks are big hits with the little ones. However, the galleries also have kid-friendly areas such as “Chesty’s Corner," “Chesty’s Dock” and the “Sgt. Reckless Exhibit” that are specifically designed for fun. Kids can try on uniforms, read books, and color while parents take in the history and take pictures.

P.S. We have photo opportunities all around the museum – find them all, and you’ll make some great memories!



5. EXPLORE!

In addition to our indoor exhibits, the museum also has the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. The park is great for walking off energy and provides the perfect opportunity to share the meaning of service and sacrifice with the younger generation. Kids may also enjoy checking out our memorials for Sergeant Reckless the Korean War horse and two service dogs.

Kids still bouncing around? We’ve got just the thing! The museum has its very own playground with a jungle gym and swing sets. Outside in the play are by the parking lot, kids are welcome to run, jump, play, and tire themselves out while parents sit in the shade at one of our picnic tables.

These are our top five tips for family fun at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  We’ll be adding to this list soon when the Museum opens its new Children's Gallery, November 18, 2017!  Come visit!