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What to See at the National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian is located on the lower floors of the historic Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, a palatial seven-story building that’s worth a visit in and of itself. The breathtakingly ornate interior provides a gorgeous backdrop for exploring two floors of exhibits.

Try out a kayak balancing activity at the imagiNATIONS Activity Center.

ImagiNATIONS Activity Center

This made-for-kids space is on the ground floor of the museum. Nearly every activity is hands-on, from the Mayan counting display to the model suspension bridge. The whole area highlights the ingenuity of native peoples from North America and beyond.

The museum recommends the activity center for children ages 10 and up, but I think it’s best suited for ages 6-12. Most of the activities were at eye level for my 9-year-old, who spent an hour here. Toddlers and preschoolers wouldn’t be able to reach or understand a majority of the displays.

Teens and adults can also enjoy this area. I learned as much as my son while reading about the brilliant inventions created by indigenous people, from kayaks to over-the-counter remedies you probably have in your medicine cabinet.

Children can climb into a kayak, build an igloo, and test their knowledge of indigenous culture with an interactive quiz.

Note that while the museum is open seven days a week, the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center is only open from Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am-4pm.

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Learn about how Native Americans provided the labor for building NYC’s most iconic skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.

Native New York

This sprawling interactive exhibit highlights the Native Americans of New York state. Covering a range of history from precolonial times to today, this gallery has a pathway families can follow to experience the stories of the Iroquois, the Lenape, and other indigenous tribes.

Starting with Long Island, the path winds through exhibits about New York City and other parts of the state, all the way up to Buffalo, near Niagara Falls. It was fascinating to learn how Native Americans provided the labor for building NYC’s most iconic skyscrapers, like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.

Of course, the history of American Indians is often tragic, and parents may want to have some introductory conversations with their children before walking through this exhibit. Though the stories were presented powerfully, I didn’t spot anything too graphic. The violence many Native Americans suffered at the hands of European colonists and the US is featured prominently, but in a way that leaves most of the gruesome details to the imagination.

Several parts of Native New York included comic book-style graphics, making for an easy entry point for older children to learn about the history of indigenous New Yorkers. My son and I enjoyed a display about wampum, the intricate beaded designs made from purple and white clam shells.

Infinity of Nations

This area is adjacent to Native New York on the second floor, and it feels more like a traditional art museum (Think: look, don’t touch). Although this section is less kid-friendly than the others, there are lots of cool artifacts to see.

Flanked by walls of glass cases, this exhibit features works of art like pottery, sculptures, and indigenous clothing. As its name suggests, Infinity of Nations features indigenous cultures from around the world. My son was drawn to the colorful clothing and a display of weaponry.

Even though the artifacts are safely behind the glass, I wouldn’t recommend this section for toddlers or little ones. More than one Google review of the museum featured parents lamenting its overzealous security guards. We found the guards to be friendly and personable, but I could see them needing to step in if children were running or touching the glass.

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Explore indigenous crops and native innovations. Photo by Eti Bonnmueller

Tips for Visiting the National Museum of the American Indian

Admission and Recommended Ages

As a Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of the American Indian is FREE for all. You do not need tickets or reservations unless you’re planning to bring a large group. Note that the most kid-friendly part of the museum, the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center, is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The museum recommends ages 10 and up. I think ages 6+ can enjoy the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center. Parents know their kids best, and some more mature younger children may be able to enjoy a visit.

Accessibility, Strollers, and More at NMAI

If you have a wheelchair or stroller, enter the museum through the ground floor to avoid the steps. You’ll go through an airport-style security check where you have to take off coats and backpacks.

There are no lockers or coat checks, so be prepared to carry everything. There is designated stroller parking outside some of the exhibition spaces.

There is no café on-site, and food is not allowed in any of the exhibition spaces. You can pause for a snack or a rest in one of the hallways or beneath the soaring rotunda on the second floor.

What else is nearby?

The National Museum of the American Indian is located in lower Manhattan, overlooking Bowling Green and close to Battery Park City, home of two of our favorite destination playgrounds. The Sea Glass Carousel and Battery Playscape are right around the corner, along with views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Complete Playground, a massive indoor play space, is just three short blocks away.

Unless noted photos by the author