International Museum Day: Fun for the Whole Family

International Museum Day (May 18, 2024) is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the power of museums and the vast knowledge they hold. This year, why not make it a family affair? Museums offer something for everyone, and many institutions host special events and activities specifically designed for young learners.

Here are some incredible family-friendly museums to consider for your International Museum Day adventure:

The Field Museum (Chicago, Illinois)

Since opening the Museum in 1894, our collection has grown to nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens. The breadth of our mission has expanded, too. We continue to research the objects in our collections, as well as document previously unknown species, conserve ecosystems in our backyard and across the globe, educate budding scientists, invite cross-cultural conversation, and more—all to ensure that our planet thrives for generations to come. 

Field Museum of Natural History. "About the Field Museum." Field Museum, May 9, 2024. https://www.fieldmuseum.org/about

📍 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum (Simi Valley, California)

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with continuing his legacy and sharing his principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy and national pride. The Foundation is a non-partisan organization which sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Presidential Learning Center, The Air Force One Pavilion, the award-winning Reagan Leadership Academy and the Reagan Institute, which carries out the Foundation’s mission in Washington, D.C.  The Reagan Library houses over 55 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It also serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. "About Us." Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, May 9, 2024. https://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan-institute/

📍40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum (College Station, Texas)

The mission of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University is to preserve and make available the records and artifacts of George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States. We promote civic literacy and increased historical understanding of our national experience, and foster a community of public service and volunteerism.

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. "Presidential Library and Museum." George H. W. Bush Library Center, May 10, 2024. https://www.bush41.org/

📍 1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845

The Nauticus Museum & The Battleship Wisconsin (Norfolk, Virginia)

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.

Nauticus. "About Us." Nauticus, May 10, 2024. https://nauticus.org/about-us/

📍 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510

National Museum of the US Air Force (Riverside, OH)

The National Museum of the United States Air Force collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force's history, heritage and traditions, as well as today's mission to fly, fight and win ... air power anytime, anywhere to a global audience through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historic collection. With our educational outreach, we motivate, educate, and inspire youth interest in the United States Air Force (USAF) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The statutory duties delegated by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) are accomplished on behalf of the American People.

U.S. Air Force. National Museum of the United States Air Force™. National Museum of the United States Air Force. Accessed May 10, 2024. https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/

📍 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (New York City, New York)

Experience the world’s first space shuttle, a nuclear weapons-carrying submarine, dozens of military aircraft, a supersonic spy plane, and the world’s fastest commercial airliner displayed in and around the legendary aircraft carrier, Intrepid—an awe-inspiring place for an unforgettable adventure. 

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. "Intrepid Museum." Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, May 10, 2024. https://intrepidmuseum.org/

📍 Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

USS Midway (San Diego, California)

From immersive exhibits to exciting events, there are countless ways to explore America’s Living Symbol of Freedom – the USS Midway. This legendary aircraft carrier is hugely popular and has something for all ages. Come Aboard!

USS Midway Museum. "USS Midway Aircraft Carrier | San Diego Museum | San Diego Tours ...". USS Midway Museum, May 10, 2024. https://www.midway.org/

📍 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

USS Lexington (Corpus Christi, Texas)

On 29 January 1992, the USS Lexington arrived at Naval Station Ingleside and became a permanent Texas resident. On 8 June 1992, the United States Navy officially signed over the USS Lexington to city officials and on 17 June she was towed to her final berth on North Beach. The USS Lexington was opened to the public in October 1992, and on 14 November was dedicated in a formal ceremony attended by representatives of the City, State, and Federal governments, as well as former crew members and members of numerous veterans organizations.

Lexington Museum on the USS Lexington. "The Museum | USS LEXINGTON." USS Lexington Museum, [date accessed]. https://usslexington.com/about-the-uss-lexington/the-museum/

📍 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402

USS Yorktown (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina)

The USS YORKTOWN was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Under construction as BON HOMME RICHARD, this new Essex-class carrier was renamed in honor of YORKTOWN sunk at the epic Battle of Midway (June 1942). Built in an amazing 16 ½ months at Newport News, Virginia, YORKTOWN was commissioned on April 15, 1943. World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady” would participate significantly in the Pacific offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. YORKTOWN received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II.

Patriots Point. Explore Naval & Maritime Museum Exhibits - Patriots Point. Patriots Point, May 10, 2024. https://www.patriotspoint.org/explore/uss-yorktown/

📍 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

USS Missouri (Honolulu, Hawaii)

On May 4th 1998, ownership of the USS Missouri was transferred from the US Navy to the Association through donation contract #N00024-98-C-0201. The ship was towed from Bremerton Washington to Hawaii, arriving June 21st 1998. The ship was opened to the public on January 29th 1999 after six months of repair and restoration.

U.S.S. Missouri Memorial Association. "Pearl Harbor Memorial - USS Battleship Missouri Memorial." U.S.S. Missouri Memorial Association, May 10, 2024. https://www.ussmissouri.org/

📍 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818

International Museum Day is a wonderful chance to create lasting memories with your family while fostering a love of learning and discovery. So grab your curiosity and head to your nearest museum for an enriching adventure!