Free Fun at the National Postal Museum

National Postal Museum. Sounds dull, right? Nothing could be further from the truth! Below are some of the fun activities for kids and interesting exhibits for adults. What’s more, you can park next door (not free) at Union Station and walk to the museum, which is one of the lesser known parts of the Smithsonian Institution.

For Kids

• Watch how stamps were made 100 years ago on the Spider Press.
• Climb behind the wheel of a semi-truck like those used to deliver mail across the country.
• Write a postcard to a friend at the Welcome Desk.
• Find the 12 stone lions in the historic lobby of the museum.
• Make a stamp collection on a screen or by hand in the Connect with U.S. Stamps exhibit.
• Walk the postal route through a forest in colonial America, following notches on the trees that postal riders left to mark the path.
• Meet Owney the dog, the mascot of the Railway Post Office.
• Smile for the camera and create a stamp featuring your photo.

For Adults

The planes, mail coaches, train car and other historical items on display in the atrium are just a small part of the museum’s many collections–and there are always special exhibits and events. Check out the museum highlights.