We are leaving for DC soon and I am trying to finalize plans. I have a few questions.

What is the best time to visit the National Archives if we aren't able to go at opening? Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. during our visit.

We're planning to go to the Natural History Museum on a Tuesday. Butterfly exhibit tickets are free but timed. How fast do the tickets run out? Would it be better to go on another day and pay for the tickets?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Txmom,
Have you returned from your DC vacation? If so, did you enjoy the butterfly exhibit? We are planning a trip in August and were interested.

Flying_Mom, we had a wonderful vacation! We went to the Natural History Museum after noon on Tuesday, and free timed tickets were still available but not until 4:30.

There are windows into the exhibit, and my kids, ages 10 and 12, peeked in but weren't interested in going. We had a great time at the museum, that part just wasn't a priority for them.

The tickets are at the back of the room, so you'll be able to walk past the butterfly room and look in before you make a decision, unless you pre-purchase online.

My wife and I took our 9 and 6 year old nieces to the butterfly exhibit this weekend.

The adults and the kids loved it. We stayed in the exhibit for a good 15 minutes, which seemed like more than enough time. The butterflies are like pigeons in the park, in the sense that they have been trained to not fear humans, so they just go and sit wherever they want. The 6 year old was having a ball identifying the butterflies from a lamenated picture chart they give you.

I highly recommend. Whether it's worth the price of admission on a non-Tuesday is up to you and your wallet, I suppose.

Txmom,
Thanks for your reply! We leave Wednesday for DC. We plan on visiting the Natural History Museum and the butterfly exhibit.