Smithsonian Castle Temporarily Reopened

Smithsonian Castle Temporarily Reopened

The Smithsonian Castle has been closed for renovations for a while now, so when we heard it was temporarily reopening for limited tours, we jumped at the chance. If your kids have ever asked about the big red building on the National Mall, this is the moment to take them inside. The Castle is the original Smithsonian building, and the architecture alone is worth the visit. Our kids were fascinated by the towers and the stone walls. It felt like walking into a real castle, which for a five-year-old is basically the best thing that could happen on a Tuesday morning.

The tours are guided and run at set times throughout the day. They're designed to be accessible for families, so the guides keep things moving and focus on stories that hold kids' attention. You'll learn about James Smithson and how the institution got started, which is actually a pretty wild story when you hear it told well. The interior has been partially updated during the renovation, so there are some new exhibits and displays that weren't there before the closure. It's a smaller space than most Smithsonian museums, which is honestly a relief when you're managing little ones. You can see everything without the exhaustion of a full museum day.

The building looks like something out of a storybook, and the red sandstone exterior photographs beautifully. Since this is a temporary reopening, tours may fill up quickly. Check the Smithsonian website for the latest schedule and whether timed entry passes are required. The Castle sits right in the middle of the Mall, so you can easily pair it with a walk to the nearby museums or a picnic on the grass. We grabbed sandwiches from a food truck and sat on the lawn afterward. It was a perfect low-key morning.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Check the Smithsonian website before you go. Tour times and availability may change. Timed entry passes might be required.
• ✓Arrive early for the best tour slots. This is a popular reopening and spots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
• ✓The tour is relatively short, about 30 to 45 minutes. Perfect for younger kids who can't handle a full museum visit.
• ✓Combine it with a Mall walk. The Castle is right in the center, so you can visit other museums or grab food nearby.
• ✓Restrooms are available inside. The Castle has clean facilities, which is always good to know on the Mall.