9 Hands-On Places to Explore for STEM Learning

Many kids have a natural love of science, technology, engineering and math. Whether your little one loves trees or trestles, exposing them to STEM concepts early on can spark a life-long love of learning. From code-breaking to robotics to space exploration, we soused out the best immersive experiences for STEM-based fun. Read on for our top picks on where to take tots through tweens for adventures in STEM. 

Nature Center and Planetarium
We are so fortunate to live an area rich with trails, parks and nature centers. Getting even the youngest children out and up close with critters and trees is a great way to foster a love of STEM. Find one near you or head to one of the most unique around. Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium is home to the only planetarium in a national park anywhere in the country. The nature center is full of hands-on activities. Pick up a map outside of the nature center to take a self-guided hike (long or short) through the park to learn about the native plants and species. While there be sure to seek out the horse stables and Capitol Stones.

Editor's Note: The nature center and planetarium are currently closed due to COVID.

5200 Glover Rd NW.
Chevy Chase DC
Online: nps.gov

KIDMusuem
A new STEM center is opening May 22. The KIDMuseum has rotating ideas for hands-on activities for kids in elementary school through middle school. At this flagship location, kids can explore coding, robotics, engineering design, and hands-on maker learning through open exploration every Sunday. During the week, this unique makerspace will be used for field trips, camps and other special events.

6400 Democracy Blvd.
Bethesda, MD
Online: kid-museum.org

Artechouse
Even kids who don't naturally love STEM will love seeing how art and technology intersect at Artechouse. Most exhibits are family-friendly and highly interactive. Once children experience the different ways technology can be used to create a fun and immersive experience they may start asking more questions about the role of technology in their own lives. Don's miss the XR bar where kids can enjoy themed mocktails with a techy-twist. Grown-up versions are available too.

1238 Maryland Ave. SW
L'Enfant Plaza
Online: artechouse.com

The International Spy Museum
Small spies in the making will love learning about code-breaking, forensics, disguises and more at the Spy Museum. Even the youngest visitors will have fun trying their hand at catching a family member telling a lie, finding a secret drop location and marveling at the ingenious ways scientists throughout the years have helped spies get information that shaped history and catch the bad guys.

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Downtown
Online: spymuseum.org

Maryland Science Center
With three stories of nothing but STEM exhibits, the Maryland Science Center is full of hands-on learning activities for toddlers through teens. Start with dinosaurs, move on to hoisting yourself up using ropes and pullies and then try a hands-on engineering activity in The Shed or science experiment in the SciLab. Younger visitors can explore the Kid's Room to learn about cause and effect and construct waterways. Don't miss the museum's planetarium and special events including Bubble Day.

601 Light St.
Baltimore, MD
Online: mdsci.org

The Art & Industries Building
The Arts & Industries Building, next to the Smithsonian Castle, recently reopened after being closed for 20 years. The FUTURES exhibit that the Smithsonian launched as part of the grand re-opening was worth the wait.  Even young children will marvel at an AI rover, a Planetary Society space sail designed for deep space travel, the first full-scale geodesic dome built in North America and more. Throughout FUTURES, kids will learn about how problems were solved using scientific concepts in the past and how the same might be done in years to come. Older children might want to spend hours problem-solving through video games. The exhibit runs through July 6, 2022.

900 Jefferson Dr. SW
Downtown
Online: si.edu/exhibitions/futures

Air & Space Museum
The DC area is lucky enough to be home to two incredible Air & Space Museum locations. Both teach kids of all ages STEM concepts using planes, rockets, space ships and more. Any child who loves space or things that fly will love exploring everything the museum offers. Look for hands-on activities, storytimes with books ranging from space exploration to the history of flight, planetarium shows featuring everything from the night sky to Big Bird on the moon and more. Can't make it in person? The museum hosts online events as well.

Editor's Note: The DC location of the Air & Space museum is temporarily closed through Fall 2022.

14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA

600 Independence Ave. SW
Downtown
Online: airandspace.si.edu

National Children's Museum
It's never too early for kids to start learning about STEAM. The National Children's Museum features exhibits on data collection, engineering and tech. Think that's too complex for your little one? Not at all. All of these concepts are presented in extremely tot-friendly ways. Kids will learn hands-on in the Tinker Studio, by creating racing cars and getting pom-poms to float in the air. Check the museum's schedule for STEAM Storytime and other special events.

1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Downtown
Online: nationalchildrensmuseum.org

Port Discovery Museum
Head to the massive Port Discovery Museum to get wet while learning about the wonders of water and explore basic math skills in the immersive on-site gas station and diner. Kids can also build to their heart's content in The Port, while also learning about how their toys and food travel around the world to make it to their home. There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to get active at the museum's indoor stadium and three-story climber.

35 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD
Online: portdiscovery.org