KID Museum Bethesda Metro Center
A vibrant STEM and maker space where kids can invent, build, and explore through hands-on creativity and technology.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
KID Museum Bethesda Metro Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant STEM and maker space where kids can invent, build, and explore through hands-on creativity and technology.
"A fantastic place for kids to unleash their creativity while having a fun and educational experience."
🎯 Grab a Discount Code!
Check Groupon or use promo codes like SUNFUN25 for 20% off admission.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring and creating, so comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Maker Stations
Various locations throughout the museum
Engage with hands-on activities like circuit building, 3D printing, and creative collage projects.
Light Paradise
Front interactive stations
Explore the magic of light, shadows, and interactive displays for a mesmerizing experience.
Cardboard Studio
Dedicated studio room
Unleash imagination by building anything from cardboard, welcoming all ages to create.
Tech Lab
Front interactive stations
Experiment with technology like Tinkercad and 3D printing for innovative design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock Savings with Promo Codes
Best for Older Kids & STEM Enthusiasts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Grab a Discount Code!
Check Groupon or use promo codes like SUNFUN25 for 20% off admission. +1
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring and creating, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📱 Check for Free Parking
Public garage parking is available nearby, often free for MCPS students.
💡 Ideal for Older Kids
While fun for all, the STEM and maker activities are best suited for older children.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grab a Discount Code!
Check Groupon or use promo codes like SUNFUN25 for 20% off admission. +1
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring and creating, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📱 Check for Free Parking
Public garage parking is available nearby, often free for MCPS students.
💡 Ideal for Older Kids
While fun for all, the STEM and maker activities are best suited for older children.
⏳ Plan for Hands-On Fun
This is a workshop-style museum; expect to spend time actively creating and experimenting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the KID Museum for its engaging, hands-on STEM and maker activities, with staff being noted as exceptionally kind and supportive. While the interactive stations are a hit, some feel the space could be utilized more efficiently with more varied exhibits. It's a highly recommended spot for creative learning, especially for older children.
"We’ve visited many times and participated in their after-school classes, summer camps, and workshops. The activities are always fun, and the educators are incredibly kind and encouraging with the kids. We’ll definitely keep coming back!
As for the museum itself, it’s workshop type—entirely focused on hands-on experiences. There are five interactive stations at the front (connect-the-circuit, beat-making, patten creating, gravity maze, and a light experiment—my least favorite), along with several more creative stations in the back, such as 3D pens, 3D printing, paper cutting projects, and multi-material collage.
The space—especially the large building area—could be used much more efficiently. I hope they expand the number of stations and rotate them more often to keep things fresh.
They also have separate studio rooms dedicated to specific materials (cardboard, circuits, textiles, woodworking, etc.). You can drop in to try your own ideas or attend Sunday workshops. Additional amenities include restrooms, a birthday party room, and a resting area near the entrance (it would be nice if they offered light snacks).
Overall, this has been a fantastic place for learning and creativity. With its strong programs already in place, a few design improvements and expanded offerings could easily make it one of the top hands-on STEM museums in the country."
Serena Liao
"Visited KID Museum with my son and daughter, and it was an absolute blast! The hands-on experience provided an engaging environment for them to explore and create amazing artworks. The staff’s enthusiasm and support were truly commendable, making the visit even more enjoyable. My children not only had a great time but also learned a lot in the process. KID Museum is a fantastic place for kids to unleash their creativity while having a fun and educational experience. Highly recommend it for a memorable family outing!"
Charles-Stephen Laubhouet
"I appreciate the open layout and engaged staff. The activities were very educational and allowed my kids to be exposed to many new materials, processes, etc. I expected more physical play areas. It was fun for my younger daughter but even more appropriate for my older daughter."
Melanie Topis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The KID Museum is conveniently located right next to the Bethesda Metro Center on the Red Line, making it easily accessible via public transportation. If driving, public garage parking is available at 7401 Waverly Street, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Yes, there is public garage parking available nearby. A recommended address for parking is 7401 Waverly Street, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Absolutely! The museum is situated right next to the Bethesda Metro Center, a station on the Red Line, making it very convenient for Metro riders.
The Metro is a fantastic option for families, especially with young children, as it drops you right at the museum's doorstep.
Yes, the KID Museum is highly accessible by public transport, being located directly at the Bethesda Metro Center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. Look out for promotions and discounts! For example, a 20% off admission promotion was available using code SUNFUN25, and Groupon often offers deals for around $12. +1
Yes, keep an eye out for promo codes like SUNFUN25 for 20% off, or check platforms like Groupon for discounted tickets. +1 Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) students may also have free admission at certain times.
While it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current information, purchasing tickets in advance, especially with a discount, is often recommended.
Operating hours can vary, especially for special events like Maker Nights. It's best to check the official KID Museum website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Sunday afternoons can be busier but still manageable with ample staff.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The KID Museum is a hands-on STEM and maker space. Activities include circuit building, 3D printing, light experiments, shadow play, beat-making, pattern creation, and extensive cardboard building projects.
Toddlers can enjoy some of the simpler interactive stations, but the museum is generally more engaging for older children who can participate in more complex STEM and maker activities.
The KID Museum is ideal for elementary and middle school-aged children, particularly those with an interest in STEM, technology, and creative making.
Yes, the staff are noted for being incredibly kind, encouraging, and supportive, assisting visitors with all the hands-on activities.
Absolutely! The museum encourages participation from teens and adults, especially in creative studios like the Cardboard Studio.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, the KID Museum does not offer light snacks. It's recommended to bring your own or plan to eat before or after your visit.
Being located in downtown Bethesda, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the museum for dining options.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or before entering the main exhibit spaces. Check with the museum directly for their policy.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, allowing you to capture your children's creative moments. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
The Light Paradise area offers visually interesting backdrops. The various maker stations, especially when children are actively engaged, make for great candid shots.
While personal photography is usually fine, professional or commercial photography may require prior permission. Always be respectful of others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Look for discount codes or check Groupon to make the visit more affordable.
🧑🎓 STEM Enthusiasts & Budding Innovators
Events like the Invent the Future Expo highlight the museum's role in fostering a passion for innovation. The hands-on nature of the exhibits ensures that learning is active and memorable, making it an ideal spot for kids who are curious about how things work and eager to create their own solutions.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
While there's no food service, planning to eat before or after your visit, or packing your own snacks, can also help keep overall costs down. The value lies in the extensive hands-on activities and learning opportunities provided.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The STEM and Maker Philosophy
This approach is evident in their dedicated studios for materials like cardboard, circuits, textiles, and woodworking. The museum aims to expose children to new processes and materials, sparking curiosity and a love for learning. Events like the 'Invent the Future Expo' showcase student projects, highlighting the museum's commitment to nurturing young innovators.
The museum's design, with its open layout and various interactive stations, supports this philosophy. While some reviewers suggest more efficient use of space and more frequent rotation of stations, the core concept of providing a dynamic, creative environment remains strong.
Exploring the Interactive Stations
Other popular stations involve circuit building, where kids can learn about electronics, and creative areas for beat-making, pattern creation, and gravity mazes. The museum also boasts a Cardboard Studio, a highly praised area where visitors can let their imaginations run wild and construct anything from cardboard.
While the variety of stations is a strong point, some feedback suggests that the space could be utilized more effectively, with a desire for more stations and more frequent updates to keep the exhibits fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
Programs and Workshops
Reviewers consistently praise the educators for their kindness and encouragement, noting that children not only have fun but also learn significantly through these programs. Special events, such as Middle School Maker Nights, provide unique opportunities for targeted age groups to engage in hands-on creativity and tech exploration in a safe environment.
The museum also hosts Sunday workshops that allow drop-in participation in specific studios, offering flexibility for families. These programs are a significant part of the KID Museum's offering, making it a valuable resource for ongoing learning and skill development for kids in the DMV area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit