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Sunday Open Explore

KID Museum Bethesda Metro Center  | Sundays | 10am – 4pm

Recommended for ages 4 – 14.

Did you know that KID Museum Bethesda Metro Center is open to the public on Sundays?

Our state-of-the-art makerspace is uniquely designed to spark curiosity and cultivate the “mind of a maker.” Explore coding, robotics, engineering design, and hands-on maker learning in our 28,000 square foot facility.

Your admission ticket will give you access to:

  • Tech Arena
  • Big Build
  • Maker Playground
  • Materials Bar
  • Creative Textile Studio
  • Interactive Electronics Studio
  • Spacious Woodworking Studio
  • Mini Maker Activity Area
  • Rotating Visiting Artist Program

General Admission: $15.00 per person (ages 3 and up)
Timed entry, two-hour tickets.

GET TICKETS

Download the Spring 2024 Programming Calendar

KID Museum is proud to participate in Museums for All and provide free admission tickets for members with EBT/SNAP/WIC cards.

By purchasing general admission tickets, you and any visitor who uses your tickets agrees to the KID Museum Liability Statement and Photo Release. For more information please refer to our policy information.

Program Highlights

Women's History Month

Join us on March 10 to honor and celebrate we explore the contributions of girls and women and celebrate their achievements, fostering gender equality and inspiring the next generation!

LEARN MORE

Access for Every Maker

We partner with organizations throughout the DC Metro Area and beyond to provide free and reduced-cost opportunities to teachers, students, and families to participate in our programming.

Thanks to the generous support of the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, free general admission tickets are available for students who attend Title I schools, as well as any student who receives free and reduced meals regardless of what school they attend.

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Sunday Programming

In addition to Open Explore, Sundays at KID Museum Bethesda Metro Center are filled with special events, workshops, and birthday parties.

VISITING ARTISTS

All Ages

KID Museum is proud to welcome visiting artists to our new flagship location.

LEARN MORE

WORKSHOPS

Grades K-8

Enhance your Sunday experience at KID Museum with a hands-on workshop for your child or the whole family.

REGISTER HERE

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Ages 5+

Make, create, and celebrate your big day at KID!

LEARN MORE

SPRING BREAK DAY CAMPS

Grades 2-7

Spend one or many days of spring break this year with KID Museum, getting hands-on time with a variety of new experiences.

LEARN MORE & SIGN UP

Weekday Programming

KID Museum Bethesda Metro Center is open Monday through Friday for pre scheduled school and group field trips, after-school, and occasional special events.

KID Museum Davis Library is open Monday through Fridays for pre scheduled school and group field trips

AFTER-SCHOOL

Grades K-7

REGISTER

FIELD TRIPS

Grades Pre K-8

LEARN MORE

SUMMER CAMPS

Grades 2-7

LEARN MORE

FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

10 General Admission tickets included in every family membership.

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Parking & Transportation

Bethesda Metro Center

Open for: Open Explore Sundays, After-School, Day Camps, Field Trips, and Summer Camp

3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 140
Bethesda, MD 20814
(plaza level/street level with Wisconsin Avenue)

GET DIRECTIONS

Parking

PLEASE NOTE: Montgomery County parking garages are free on weekend days.

Montgomery County Metropolitan Parking Garage Garage 47
Main Entrance (Recommended GPS info): 7401 Waverly Street, Bethesda, MD 20814
Secondary Entrance: 4641 Montgomery Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Waverly Exit (7401 Waverly Street, Bethesda, MD 20814):

  • Exit parking garage and turn left onto Waverly Street.
  • Turn left onto East-West Highway. 
  • Cross Wisconsin Avenue using crosswalk in the middle of the intersection to 3 Bethesda Metro plaza.
  • KID Museum main entrance is straight ahead (past yellow sculpture; glass front building).

Montgomery Exit (4641 Montgomery Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814):

  • Exit parking garage and turn right onto Montgomery Avenue
  • Cross Wisconsin Avenue at intersection with Montgomery Avenue.
  • Turn right onto Wisconsin Avenue.
  • Pass Hyatt Hotel on left onto 3 Bethesda Metro Center plaza.
  • KID Museum main entrance is ahead (past yellow sculpture, in glass front building).

ADA Accessible Parking*
3 Bethesda Metro Center Parking Garage (located below KID Museum)
Main Entrance: 7400 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

  • Follow garage signage to the Office elevators.
  • Take the elevator up to the plaza level and exit the building onto the plaza.
  • Proceed outside towards Wisconsin Avenue to the front of the building.
  • Bear left to KID Museum main entrance.

*For guests requiring usage of this lot for accessibility purposes, please inquire at the front desk about parking validation at the end of your visit.

Montgomery County Metropolitan Parking Garage 49 (note: elevator currently out of order)
Main Entrance: 7601 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Secondary Entrance: 4817 Edgemoor Lane, cross street Bethesda Metro Center

Woodmont Exit (7401 Waverly Street, Bethesda, MD 20814) :

  • Exit parking garage and turn left onto Woodmont Avenue.
  • Turn left onto Edgemoor Lane toward Metro subway/bus depot.
  • Proceed up stairs by Metro to 3 Bethesda Metro Center plaza level.
  • Bear right on plaza level to KID Museum main entrance (behind yellow sculpture, in glass front building).

Edgemoor Exit (4641 Montgomery Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814):

  • Exit parking garage and turn left onto Edgemoor Lane toward Metro subway/bus depot.
  • Proceed up the stairs by the Metro to 3 Bethesda Metro Center plaza level.
  • Bear right on plaza level to KID Museum main entrance (behind yellow sculpture, in glass front building).

Public Transportation

WMATA: Metro

Red Line to Bethesda Metro Station.

KID Museum is located directly above the Bethesda Metro Station on the plaza.

Note: As of February 5, 2023 the Hyatt Elevator from Metro Level to Plaza Level is currently unavailable. We recommend Metrorail passengers use the Metro elevator within the station.

Public bicycle racks are available to museum visitors during regular operating hours on a first-come/first-served basis.These racks are covered and located on the metro level at the base of the stairs near the Dunkin Donuts entrance. Visitors on bicycles can access the racks on metro level via Old Georgetown Road. Please bring your own bike lock, KID museum is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items. Follow KID signs up the stairs and around the plaza to the right to the main entrance of the museum.

Davis Library

Open for: Field Trips & Summer Camp

6400 Democracy Blvd.
Bethesda, MD 20817
(lower level of the Davis Library)

GET DIRECTIONS

Parking

Enter KID Museum via the Bells Mill Road entrance to the Davis Library.

Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Museum.

What to Know Before Your Visit

FAQs

What activities are there for families to do together?

During Open Explore, there are many activities for families to enjoy. We encourage families to participate together in order to foster creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

Here are some of the Museum’s activity areas:

  • Maker Playground: Open ended, self-guided and exploratory interactives
  • Central Makerspace: Big Build, Tech Arena, Materials Bar, and Mini Makers (ages 6 and under)
  • Maker Studios: Electronics, Textiles, Cardboard, Woodshop, Tech Lab (coding/robotics)

Can parents sit separately while their kids do activities?

KID Museum encourages families to participate in maker activities together to foster innovation and creativity for the whole family.

Can I drop my child off at KID Museum for the day?

During Sunday Open Explore, all children are required to be accompanied by an adult when visiting KID Museum. Children should be dropped off for summer camps, daily camps, and after-school.

Is there a space with less stimulation?

Yes, KID Museum has a few low sensory areas in which visitors may take a break. Please be aware that KID Museum is a high sensory experience with fluctuating temperature, lighting, and noise levels throughout the space. Some spaces are quieter than others. Please see Visitor Experience staff upon arrival for more information.

How long does an average visit to KID Museum take?

The Open Explore visit is designed to last for an average of 90 minutes. There’s more to do than there is time, so please plan to come back again!

Are the activities always the same?

No, the activities and exhibits change periodically.

What do I do if a studio is full?

Due to space constraints, we must limit the number of visitors in each studio. If a studio is full, please take advantage of activities in the Central Makerspace or other studios, and come back at another time to enjoy the workshop activity.

What should I wear to KID Museum?

For safety purposes we require closed-toed shoes, long hair tied back, and no long necklaces or scarves in some of the studios and with some equipment.

Can I take pictures in the museum spaces?

Photography and videography is permitted for personal, non-commercial use, unless noted by staff or signage. See our photography policy for more information.

Are strollers allowed in KID Museum?

Stroller parking is available in select locations around the Central Maker Space. Strollers are prohibited in the studios for safety reasons. Please ask Visitor Experience staff for information upon arrival.

Are animals allowed at KID Museum?

No, pets are not allowed in the museum except for task trained service animals. For more information on service animals please see our full policy.

Is food sold at KID Museum?

No, KID Museum does not sell food or beverages onsite. We encourage visitors to dine at local establishments in the Bethesda area.

Can we bring food into the museum?

Visitors are welcome to bring snacks and beverages into the Maker Lounge for consumption. No food or drinks are allowed in the Central Makerspace or Maker Studios. Water bottles with secured lids are allowed.

Where is the best ADA accessible parking?

For those with mobility issues, we recommend parking at the Montgomery County Metropolitan Parking Garage 47 for easiest access to the Museum entrance. For more details please visit our website for parking information.

Where are the restrooms located? Are they ADA accessible?

Family restrooms are located in the rear of the Central Makerspace. They are wheelchair accessible and have changing tables.

Policies

General

  • We are a smoke-free property. The use of tobacco or e-cigarettes is prohibited.
  • No pets are allowed. We welcome registered service animals; emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals. Maryland defines service animals as dogs and in some circumstances miniature horses.
  • Prohibited items include but are not limited to: guns, knives, drugs, alcohol, tripods, and selfie sticks.
  • Prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to: abusive or illicit language and actions, destruction or damaging of KID Museum property and exhibits, and use of aerosols such as pepper spray.
  • KID Museums reserves the right to ask any visitor to leave who is not upholding appropriate standards of conduct and safety.
  • No soliciting or advertising is allowed in KID Museum spaces.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult (18+ years) at all times.

Admission Ticket Refunds

  • Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets can be exchanged for a different date or time slot if available. Exchanges are not guaranteed. No exchanges can be made fewer than 24 hours prior to your ticket date and we cannot exchange a ticket for a sold out date and or time.
  • To inquire about ticket exchanges email info@kid-museum.org or call (301) 941-4905.
  • Due to the continued public health concerns, we encourage all visitors to stay home if they are feeling unwell. In case of illness, visitors will be encouraged to choose another date to visit KID.
  • A full refund will be provided if KID Museum closes for any reason, including inclement weather or public health concerns.
  • Tickets are valid for the specific date and time of purchase. No re-entry will be allowed on timed tickets.

KID Museum Land Acknowledgement Statement

Situated between the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, KID Museum is located in Bethesda, Maryland, the native ancestral home of the Piscataway and the Nacotchtank (Anacostan) Nations, and in close proximity to the Manahoac Nation. Along with the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, the Piscataway Indian Nation received recognition by the State of Maryland in 2012. We acknowledge their long-standing kinship with these lands and waters, and acknowledge that we are uninvited visitors on Indigenous lands.

These Indigenous peoples continue to be innovators, makers, artists, and problem-solvers here as they have for generations. Today, the Piscataway Indian Nation continues to celebrate their culture with traditional events such as the Seed Gathering in early spring, the Feast from the Waters in early summer, and a Green Corn Festival in late summer. Anacostan, Manahoac, Lenni Lenape, Shawnee, and indigenous people from other Nations live in Maryland, as well, and continue to make innumerable contributions to our region.

Committed to working in partnership with our community to remove barriers to quality STEM education experiences, focused on joy, authenticity, and sustained relationship building, KID Museum supports Indigenous people and Nations in our state and beyond. To fulfill this commitment, we have listed the following ongoing actions we are making or intend to make in the near future:

  • We will define STEM and innovation, acknowledging the contributions of indigenous knowledge, art, and traditions as some of the earliest forms of innovation.
  • We will use our platform and programs to amplify, acknowledge, and respect the voices and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, and we commit to collaborating with Indigenous creators, artists, makers, and scientists in our programming.
  • Moving forward with this year, 2023, and every year thereafter, funding permitting, we will host activities and programming honoring Native American Heritage Month, featuring Indigenous makers and their contributions to STEM and making.
  • Acknowledging the underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in STEM careers, we will work to increase access to KID Museum programs and activities for Indigenous youth, educators, and families.
  • KID Museum will review and enhance this commitment annually, actively engaging in research and seeking input from our Indigenous staff and community members, including our Indigenous peoples’ community advisory group.

KID Museum invites you to learn more about the Piscataway, Nacotchtank (Anacostan), Manahoac, Lenni Lenape, Shawnee, and other Indigenous Nations within Maryland and about land acknowledgment statements via resources available at the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), Maryland Commission of Indian Affairs (goci.maryland.gov) and elsewhere. In addition, we encourage you to consider donating to or making institutional resources available to tribal peoples and to reconsider in what ways you can improve your relationship with the lands you steward.

Land Acknowledgement

KID Museum Land Acknowledgement Statement

Situated between the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, KID Museum is located in Bethesda, Maryland, the native ancestral home of the Piscataway and the Nacotchtank (Anacostan) Nations, and in close proximity to the Manahoac Nation. Along with the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, the Piscataway Indian Nation received recognition by the State of Maryland in 2012. We acknowledge their long-standing kinship with these lands and waters, and acknowledge that we are uninvited visitors on Indigenous lands.

These Indigenous peoples continue to be innovators, makers, artists, and problem-solvers here as they have for generations. Today, the Piscataway Indian Nation continues to celebrate their culture with traditional events such as the Seed Gathering in early spring, the Feast from the Waters in early summer, and a Green Corn Festival in late summer. Anacostan, Manahoac, Lenni Lenape, Shawnee, and indigenous people from other Nations live in Maryland, as well, and continue to make innumerable contributions to our region.

Committed to working in partnership with our community to remove barriers to quality STEM education experiences, focused on joy, authenticity, and sustained relationship building, KID Museum supports Indigenous people and Nations in our state and beyond. To fulfill this commitment, we have listed the following ongoing actions we are making or intend to make in the near future:

  • We will define STEM and innovation, acknowledging the contributions of indigenous knowledge, art, and traditions as some of the earliest forms of innovation.
  • We will use our platform and programs to amplify, acknowledge, and respect the voices and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, and we commit to collaborating with Indigenous creators, artists, makers, and scientists in our programming.
  • Moving forward with this year, 2023, and every year thereafter, funding permitting, we will host activities and programming honoring Native American Heritage Month, featuring Indigenous makers and their contributions to STEM and making.
  • Acknowledging the underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in STEM careers, we will work to increase access to KID Museum programs and activities for Indigenous youth, educators, and families.
  • KID Museum will review and enhance this commitment annually, actively engaging in research and seeking input from our Indigenous staff and community members, including our Indigenous peoples’ community advisory group.

KID Museum invites you to learn more about the Piscataway, Nacotchtank (Anacostan), Manahoac, Lenni Lenape, Shawnee, and other Indigenous Nations within Maryland and about land acknowledgment statements via resources available at the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), Maryland Commission of Indian Affairs (goci.maryland.gov) and elsewhere. In addition, we encourage you to consider donating to or making institutional resources available to tribal peoples and to reconsider in what ways you can improve your relationship with the lands you steward.

Questions? Contact us at info@kid-museum.org.

CONTACT US