Is the Spy Museum in DC Worth it?
There are a ton of free or nearly free things to do in Washington DC with kids. This isn’t one of them. Is the Spy Museum in DC worth it?
Is the Spy Museum in DC Worth it?: Things to Consider
1. It Has a Great Location
2. The Museum is Interactive
3. The Exhibits Appeal to History Buffs
4. It’s Not Really for Little Kids
5. You Probably Won’t Be There More Than a Couple of Hours
6. There Are Ways to Save
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Is the Spy Museum in DC Worth it?
1. It Has a Great Location
Where is the International Spy Museum? The museum is located near L’Enfant Plaza, near the water with lots of restaurants and shopping.
2. The Museum is Interactive
This museum offers an Undercover Mission experience. You receive a badge you use to access various stations placed throughout the museum. You are given a secret identity and have to answer questions at each station. At the end, there is a debriefing station. Some of the missions involve topics like terrorism.
The experience feels forced and unnecessary. The mission doesn’t seem to affect the way you experience the museum or exhibits. I was watching kids at the time, so I was slightly distracted, but the whole thing was confusing. I didn’t know what it was trying to tell me about my spy skills (of which I have none) at the debriefing.
3. The Exhibits Appeal to History Buffs
The museum has a large collection of old costumes, devices, artifacts, furniture, and weapons. There is plenty of reading material. Kids will read almost none of it.
There are some screens, many of which play videos as opposed to screens with which you interact. Quite a few of the screens featuring interactive games or activities are about terrorism and war. Children are not the target audience.
If you’re into history and don’t have little kids slowing you down, you will enjoy the museum.
4. It’s Not Really for Little Kids
What age is the best for the Spy Museum? The museum says that its target audience is those ages nine and up. I have a nine-year-old. I would venture to say the majority of the content was over his head. Some of the exhibits are downright scary.
When you enter the museum, you watch a video about becoming a spy. It feels like a pre-ride video at a theme park. My son was pumped for something exciting. He was expecting to run around and play a game. Then, the doors opened, and there were just museum exhibits. He thought the video didn’t match the experience, and he wasn’t wrong.
Some of the material is not appropriate for children. There is a lot of war. Lying is encouraged. One of the screens lets you hunt Osama Bin Laden. On another note, does your child know the word “seduction” yet? That should be a fun chat for the ride home.
My son had a great time crawling through the ceiling air duct 400 times, but if you have limited time in DC, this museum should not be your priority.
Pro tip: The museum has a special mission and guide for young kids.
5. You Probably Won’t Be There More Than a Couple of Hours
The museum spans two levels with 25,000 square feet total of exhibits. Most people will be there for three hours max. If you want to read everything, you may be there longer.
Pro tip: You are allowed to come and go throughout the day.
6. There Are Ways to Save
Buy Directly in Advance
Tickets are cheaper online than at the door. Be sure to buy online ahead of time.
Pro tip: Seniors, military personnel, and college students get a discount. Kids ages six and under are free.
Purchase a Multi-Attraction Pass
Visiting multiple tourist attractions? A pass from Get Your Guide or Washington DC Sightseeing may make sense for you.
Visit on a Weekday
Prices vary by the day. If you have flexibility, scan the calendar for the cheapest day. It will almost definitely be on a weekday.
Pro tip: In addition to being cheaper, weekday mornings will be less crowded.
Come with a Group
Groups of 10 or more get discounted rates. You must make your reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Consider a Membership
If you are visiting more than once or have a lot of kids, a membership may be your best option.
Final Thoughts – Is the Spy Museum in DC Worth it?
Is the Spy Museum in DC worth it? Not if you have young kids and limited time. Visit some historical monuments and free museums instead. If you’re into the history of it and traveling with an older group, it will likely be worth it for you.
