Explore

https://naturalhistory.si.edu/

An all time favorite, be sure to visit the newly renovated dinosaur, ocean and mammal halls along with all the other great permanent and temporary exhibits.

https://www.aqua.org

A grand experience with tropical terrestrial habitats in addition to aquatic. Skip the dolphin show...it is not worth the additional cost.

https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/

This aquarium rivals Baltimore in all it has to offer. Although it isn't a day trip from the DC area, it is certainly worth a stop if you are in the Virginia Beach area.

https://thevlm.org/

Zoo and aquarium in one, The Virginia Living Museum is unique in that it has only Virginia species! Located between Williamsburg & Norfolk, it is an easy day trip from VA Beach or Richmond.

https://discoverymuseum.net/

A small science based museum designed just for the preschool and elementary aged child. Located in Winchester, VA, it makes a great day event and well worth the drive.

https://qrius.si.edu/

The Natural History Museum is a full day of fun and exploring with lots of terrific exhibits. Be sure to visit the Discovery Rooms: Q?rius (ages 11+) and Q?rius jr (ages 10 & under). They are hands-on rooms featuring real museum objects and artifacts for visitors to interact with!

https://www.portdiscovery.org/#home

This is a huge museum full of fun activities for kids, including science play.

https://www.mdsci.org/

The Maryland Science Center has lots of hands on activities, great exhibits and a planetarium! Be sure to check their calendar for family fun activities.

https://www.nasm.si.edu/

Two locations! Visit this museum on the National Mall and also the Udvar Hazy Center where they have flight simulators you can experience....you can land on the moon in a 3D simulator!

https://www.smv.org

Located in Richmond, VA, this is a fantastic, kid-friendly science museum.

https://invention.si.edu/try/sparklab

Draper Spark!Lab, the popular hands-on invention experience from the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation in the National Museum of American History. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 will create, collaborate and explore.

https://childsci.org/

Children's Science Center Lab provides fun, interactive exhibits, activities, and programs for children, families, and school groups to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) hands-on.

https://www.apsva.us/planetarium-overview/

Open for more than 50 years, the APS Planetarium has weekend shows in the evenings and afternoons are open to the public.

https://www.acps.k12.va.us/Page/469

Join us as we explore space! T.C. Williams opens up its doors to the Alexandria Community one night of every month during the school year for a free hour-long show designed to bring the mysteries of the Universe down to Earth.

https://airandspace.si.edu/theater-type/albert-einstein-planetarium

Part of the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum located on the mall in DC, the Einstein Planetarium is currently closed due to renovations. Check their site in the future for opening dates.

https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/planetarium.htm

Located within the Nature Center, the Rock Creek Park Planetarium uses high-tech Spitz software to project the image of the night sky onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling. Rangers lead you on a journey of exploration into our solar system, galaxy, and beyond. Free tickets to each planetarium show may be picked up at the Nature Center front desk beginning one-half hour before the s

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/wings_of_fancy.shtm

This is the largest local live butterfly display. Open during the summer only.

https://www.butterflies.si.edu/

Located in the Smithsonian's National History Museum, this live butterfly exhibit is open year round and is FREE on Tuesdays!

https://parks.arlingtonva.us/nature-history/nature-centers/

Gulf Branch, Long Branch, Potomac Overlook. All of these have great outdoor explore spaces, but don't forget the indoor nature centers for bad weather days!

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nature-history

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Huntley Meadows and others. All of these have great outdoor explore spaces, but don't forget the indoor nature centers for bad weather days!

https://www.alexandriava.gov/NatureCenter

A local nature center with a great indoor space.

https://www.nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm

Don't forget the indoor zoo houses for cold and rainy days! Our favorite is Amazonia where you can explore the Amazon rainforest from underwater to tree top. Always tropical, a great spot for winter days.

https://www.nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm

Don't forget the indoor houses for cold and rainy days!

https://www.restonzoo.com

A small, managable zoo that makes it easy for kids to roam and see it all. Feeding the animals and pony rides available as well.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fryingpanpark/kidwell.htm

A working farm with a large variety of animals to visit. Check their site for when the babies animals are born in the Spring.

https://www.marylandzoo.org/

This zoo may be farther and more expensive than the National Zoo, but a few animals can be seen only here, including rhinos, polar bears & chimps.

https://www.leesburganimalpark.com

The Leesburg Animal Park is a great yet inexpensive way to have fun with the family. They have pony rides, giant tortoises, lemurs, wagon rides and much more on 21 acres of fun.

https://www.nps.gov/oxhi/index.htm

Join in on the typical farm day activities, learn about the dairy cow and other farm animals, or take a wagon ride through the natural areas of the park.

https://www.cwpzoo.com

This zoo is worth the drive (easy distance for a day trip) and the entrance fee. Not as big as the National Zoo, but bigger than most private zoos, they have unique animals we've found no where else.

https://thevlm.org/

Zoo and aquarium in one, The Virginia Living Museum is unique in that it has only Virginia species! Located between Williamsburg & Norfolk, it is an easy day trip from VA Beach or Richmond.

https://southmountaincreamery.com/

A real working farm! Guests are welcome to visit and take a guided or self-guided tour of the property, along with taking in various daily scheduled activities, including feeding the calves or watching the cows be milked.

https://www.usbg.gov/

Botany at its best...explore all kinds of plant environments inside the museum and wander the outdoor gardens as well. Replicas of the main buildings on the Mall and a wonderful train exhibit during the holidays make this botanical garden worth the trip!

https://www.usna.usda.gov/

The National Arboretum serves the public need for scientific research, education and gardens that conserve and showcase plants to enhance the environment.

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County's incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas; azalea garden, rose garden, children's garden, formal garden, fragrance garden, Japanese style garden and trial garden. The garden also features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment.

https://www.nvrpa.org/parks/meadowlark/index.php

Beauty, conservation, education and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95 acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections.

https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm

This natural area of Anacostia Park has origins in a 1926 act of Congress to preserve the forests, water quality, and recreation value of the waterways of Washington, DC. Part of the National Parks, all kinds of programs are available.

https://www.nps.gov/state/dc/index.htm

Theodore Roosevelt Island, Rock Creek Park, Potomac Heritage Trail, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, Anacostia Park & Trail

https://www.nps.gov/state/va/index.htm

Local:
Great Falls, Turkey Run Park, Prince William Forest
A little further:
Appalachian Trail, Assateague Island, Blue Ridge Mountains, Chesapeake Bay, Harper’s Ferry, Shenandoah

https://www.nps.gov/state/md/index.htm

National Parks Maryland
https://www.nps.gov/state/md/index.htm
Local:
Oxon Cove, Greenbelt, Piscataway
A little further:
Harpers Ferry, Appalachian, Assateague Island, Catoctin Mountain, Chesapeake Bay

https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Fort Hunt Park, Jones Point Park, Mount Vernon Trail, Potomac Heritage Trail, Turkey Run Park (https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm)

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/

Mason Neck, Leesylvania, Sky Meadows, Shenandoah River, Widewater and more farther afield...

https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/default.aspx

Seneca Creek, Patuxent River, North Point, Smallwood, Chapman, Rosaryville, Chapel Point, Calver Cliffs, Sandy Point, and many more….

https://parks.arlingtonva.us/nature-history/nature-centers/

Gulf Branch, Long Branch, Potomac Overlook

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nature-history

Burke Lake, Elklick Nature Preserve, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Huntley Meadows, Lake Accotink, Lake Fairfax, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve and more….

https://www.alexandriava.gov/NatureCenter

Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/

Worthy of it's own spot on this list, Huntley Meadows Park connects you to treasured homes and habitats. The park is home to a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is here.

https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour

The Smithsonian, National Museum of Natural History virtual tours allow visitors to take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum from their desktop or mobile device. Visitors can also access select collections and research areas at our satellite support and research stations as well as past exhibits no longer on display.

http://www.earthlive.org/tv/index_tv.htm

135 short videos all about estuaries! Topics include Turtle Trails, American Aligators, Phytoplankton, Carnivorous Plants, Counting Crabs, Building a Salt Marsh and many more!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLStC43yAV6zQvFdRe4ch2I8ihBuqTylJf

As NASA begins a new era of space exploration – returning to the Moon and eventually on to Mars – education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects is increasingly important to the future of our nation’s space program. Virtual field trips to take students along on a journey into the heart of CCP—visiting the NASA centers where the program first began.

https://www.farmfood360.ca/

Immerse yourself in Canadian farm and food tours. This Canadian site FarmFood 360 offers 11 Virtual Tours of farms from minks, pigs, and cows, to apples and eggs.

https://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/museum-virtual-tour

https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm

Ready to explore Yellowstone? You don't have to wait for your trip out here. You can start exploring now by virtually touring some of the main attractions around the park

https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/

The real surface of Mars recorded by NASA's Curiosity Rover.

https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/

No permission slips required. These virtual events let educators take students to amazing places and give them remarkable experiences, without ever leaving the classroom.

http://samuraivirtualtours.com/example/nadc/index.html

Use your mouse to "walk" around the aquarium and explore. Look left, pan up, zoom in or out.

https://staratlas.com/

Explore the constellations overhead! Star Atlas maps your night sky. Scroll around the sky and explore!

https://www.natureworkseverywhere.org/resources/

73 Virtual Fieldtrips! You can filter your search by age of viewer or theme .

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/educational-resources/virtual-field-trip/

Great Lakes Now brings along students on a virtual field trip to learn more about the importance of coastal wetlands, the danger of algal blooms and a deep dive into lake sturgeon. This experience is targeted for 6-8th grade, but is certainly not limited to this age group. Preview the videos to see if it’s right for your kids.

https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service

Explore 5 of our beautiful National Parks:
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

https://www.titlemax.com/articles/road-trip-from-home-virtual-field-trips/

These are fun and wonderful websites that will show you different parts of the world, famous landmarks, beautiful works of art, historic marvels, science adventures and so much more!

https://explore.org/livecams

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewing.webcams

https://www.earthcam.com/events/animalcams/

https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams

https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/countryside/g31784857/live-animal-webcam-zoo/

https://www.pbs.org/parents/wildkratts/

Join the adventures of Chris and Martin Kratt as they encounter incredible wild animals, combining science education with fun and adventure, while traveling to animal habitats around the globe.

https://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/

Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. The series encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology.

https://www.pbs.org/parents/catinthehat/about_prog.html

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! is designed to spark a love of learning and an interest in science in preschool-aged children.

https://www.pbs.org/parents/sid/

Sid the Science Kid is an educational animated television series using comedy to promote exploration, discovery and science readiness among preschoolers.

https://www.qubo.com/index.php?path=show&id=4

Based on the best-selling Scholastic book series, The Magic School Bus is the longest running children's science television series ever.

https://www.pbs.org/parents/mamamirabelle/parents_about_program.html

This is a kid-friendly nature documentary series in which an animated elephant (Mama) answers the questions of the local animal youngsters by showing them her home movies from around the world. A perfect balance of cartoon storyline with real science and real animals.

https://www.pbs.org/parents/tvprograms/program-zoboo.html

Brothers Chris and Martin Kratt and the irresistibly playful lemur Zoboo explore the wondrous lives of creatures and the world in which we all live. A lively mix of formats - from live-action to claymation - create a fun and energetic learning environment where young viewers get their first introduction to animals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc9DtMtHeSk

Six-year-old Luna loves learning new things about the world she lives in. She helps to explain things that may seem like common sense to adults, such as how colors can mix to form new hues and where our planet is located in the solar system.

http://www.nickjr.com/blaze-and-the-monster-machines/

Eight-year-old A.J. and his monster truck, Blaze, go around the world while solving math and science problems, all the while battling Blaze’s archrival, the tractor-trailer Crusher. Any kid who likes “Thomas the Tank Engine” will love Blaze.

https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Knight-Fico-Silk-Road/dp/B00O86VYCU/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Doki&qid=1584978522&s=instant-video&sr=1-1

Doki & friends set off on far-flung expeditions to see the world and learn all about it, from seeing how gravity works (or doesn't work) in space to wondering whether there's such a thing as a modern dragon. They travel in a vehicle they made to explore distant places and learn about their people, animals, cultures, and natural significance.

http://www.edisonsecretlab.com/

A group of friends discovers a long-hidden laboratory created by the famed inventor Thomas Edison and left vacant after his death. Led by 12-year-old genius Angie, JD, Kent, and Nicky discover all kinds of high-tech scientific treasures inside, including a holographic version of Mr. Edison himself and a quirky robot named Von Bolt.

https://www.billnye.com/the-science-guy

Host Bill Nye explores matters of science ranging from simple mechanics to the human digestive system. Each episode opens in his tricked-out laboratory, where Nye illustrates the show's concept with various visual aids, then goes on location to observe the topic firsthand.

https://pbskids.org/scigirls/

Each episode follows a new group of girls as they delve into a science-minded question, gathering data and exploring possible solutions for the problem they face. Whether it’s engineering a large-scale puppet with moving parts or giving favorite recipes a healthy boost, these girls prove that they’re up to any challenge.

https://www.scishow.com/

The world is marvelous and weird, and SciShow is here to explain it. Whether it’s earthquakes in Italy, meteors in Russia, or why some people’s pee doesn’t smell like asparagus, SciShow explores the surprising and exciting realities of our universe.

https://www.pbssocal.org/uncategorized/science-documentaries-can-watch-right-now-no-membership-required/

This is a list of 161 of the best science documentaries and web series out there. All of these shows are available to watch right now without a membership. Just click the links and press play.

https://invention.si.edu/try/do-try-home

Try this at home! Fun activities from the Spark!Lab

https://www.mdsci.org/science-encounters/science-home/

A list of experiments you can do at home with step-by-step instructions.

https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments

Steve Spangler's site has an extensive list of science experiments you can do at home. They are conveniently organized by category to help find the perfect activity for the day!

https://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/

Check out this list of science activities. This includes a symbol to indicate which activities help the environment.

https://sciencebob.com/category/experiments/

Easy experiments you can do at home.

https://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Science-Experiments-for-All-Around-Your-Home.17372.html

Science experiments categorized by the room of your house! Pick a room: bathroom, living room, backyard, etc. and then pick and experiment!

https://www.titleproloans.com/articles/car-science-experiments/

All kinds of physics projects for your vehicle-loving child!

https://www.playgroundequipment.com/butterflies-in-your-playground/

Great resource for information on butterflies, how to attract butterflies to your garden and more...

https://glass-elevators.com/science-behind-glass.php

This site explains all about the science of glass and has links to other sites with glass-based experiments.

https://summer.tulane.edu/guide-science-resources-kindergarten-through-12th-graders#1

This site links to even more sites with science activities for preschoolers, elementary, middle and high schoolers! It also includes links to science games and resources for classrooms.

https://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/

With a new experiment posted each month, this site is an endless source of science fun! Jello Lenses, Milk Art, Ice Fishing, Storm in a glass....peruse the archives to see past experiments!

https://www.bottlestore.com/fun-science-experiments-with-bottles

This site sells all the bottles you'd need to conduct fun science experiments with bottles, but also links to other science sites, highlighting bottle experiments!

https://www.howweelearn.com/category/science/

Lots of fun science experiments you can do at home. Also art, letters, numbers and more.

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/creating-wildlife-habitat-your-backyard.htm

Ideas and step by step instructions for attracting wildlife to your backyard.

https://busytoddler.com/category/learn/science/

Science activities (and more!) for preschoolers.

https://www.backpacksciences.com/science-simplified

Hands on elementary science without the overwhelm!

https://thehomeschoolscientist.com/paper-structures-engineering-challenge/

http://www.clubscikidzmd.com/blog/

https://mysteryscience.com/

bit.ly/freemakerstations

https://elementalscience.com/blogs/news/80-free-science-activities

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/firstgarden/

https://www.funology.com/funology-science-experiments/

https://thehappyscientist.com/

https://medium.com/kidslisten/19-great-science-podcasts-you-can-listen-to-with-kids-6fe46ac506b8#.rb23iuaw6

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/at-home-education-resources

Quizzes, videos, science experiments, and even at-home classroom resources.

https://pbskids.org/

https://switchzoo.com/default.htm

https://www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/?source=NavKidsHome

https://www.animalfactguide.com/index.php

https://www.kidsbutterfly.org/

https://www.amnh.org/ology/

https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/

https://ocean.si.edu/

http://www.weatherwizkids.com/

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/

https://www.si.edu/kids

https://youtu.be/Qki84VLoRtQ

Helpful information about our online lessons and what to expect.
Length: 2 min 26 sec
The Science Seed Tips for Watching Online Lessons

https://youtu.be/aATwqPqYaZM

Length: 24 minutes
Germs Lesson Materials

https://youtu.be/0pwWF9jyUo0

Length:32 minutes
Flight Lesson Materials

https://youtu.be/jv7-Oh9IRGw

Length:32 minutes
Solid Liquid Gas Lesson Materials

https://youtu.be/nY6dyhL-2Ew

Length:25 minutes
Volcano Lesson Materials

https://youtu.be/dedxPccY1Eg

Length:14 minutes
Plate Tectonics Lesson Materials

https://youtu.be/X_7ZjsB6xuo

Length:25 minutes
Rock Cycle Lesson Materials

Coming soon