Millions of dead insects and animals fill the Natural History Museum.
But on the second floor, you can enter the Butterfly Pavilion, filled with lively, colorful butterflies that land on everything inside, including you.
Because this is an added experience, it costs. For families, tickets that cost $8 for adults and $7 for children ages 2-12 add up quickly.
But don’t write this opportunity off entirely. One day a week, you can get into the Butterfly Pavilion for free!
Here are a few tips to maximize your fun for free.
- Get to the museum at 10 am, when it opens, and head straight to the Butterfly Pavilion for tickets.
- You have to pick up free passes in person on Tuesdays. They can’t be reserved ahead of time online.
- The early tickets go first since no one who’s there at 11:00 am wants to get 4:00 pm tickets.
- Pick up tickets immediately after arriving for a good time slot. Then, visit other exhibitions while waiting for your timed entry slot.
- If littles need to use the bathroom on arrival, split up. One parent can get the tickets while the other takes the kids to the restroom around the corner, past the insect zoo and mummies.
- The Pavilion is quite warm, so take off any jackets or coats before entering the experience.
You and your kids will love walking through the Pavilion, surrounded by these glorious creatures. Even more so if you get in free.
The Natural History Museum is open daily from 10 am-5:30 pm. Visit their website for more information.
Interested in learning more Smithsonian museum little known facts? Subscribe to our newsletter!
