CROCS: Ancient Predators in a Modern World

Think you know about Crocodiles?  Think again.  The National Geographic Museum’s newest exhibit, CROCS, is full of information about crocodiles presented in a fun, engaging way.  The exhibit opens with a huge screen showing crocs up-close and when we entered the first thing we saw was a child jumping back as a crocodile appeared to nearly jump out of the screen.

CROCS has several interactive exhibits that my children enjoyed.  There is an interactive screen where visitors can assemble crocodile fossils to learn about different types of crocs, test how their strength measures up against different types of croc’s jaws, and get answers to important questions like when you are most likely to be attacked by a crocodile.

And, of course, there are several different types of live crocodiles as part of the exhibit.  The live crocodiles were not very active during our late afternoon visit but it was interesting to be able to see different types of crocodiles up-close.

CROCS at the National Geographic Museum

A second exhibit, Photo Ark, is also worth checking out.  Photo Ark displays just some of the over 5,000 photos a National Geographic photographer has taken to document the worlds’ species and inspire them to care.  My kids loved seeing portraits of animals that are familiar and unusual as well as seeing video of how the photos were taken.

Photo Ark at the National Geographic Museum

Things to Note

  • The National Geographic Museum is close to DuPont Circle.  It is accessible by metro and there is metered parking near the museum.
  • Allow anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes to view the exhibits together.
  • Admission for the above exhibits is $15 adults; $12 for students and $10 for children ages 5 to 12.  Local school and youth groups 18 and under are free as are annual pass holders.  You can purchase tickets online.
  • CROCS runs through May 8, 2016 and Photo Arc runs through April 10, 2016 and is best for ages 3 and up.
  • The museum is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed December 25.
The last tickets will be sold at 5:15 p.m. with entry allowed until 5:30 p.m., with 30 minutes until closing.
  • Water fountains are available in addition to changing stations in both restrooms.
  • The museum is stroller accessible.

Photos by Jamie Davis Smith.

Photo of author

OK Editorial Team

Our Kids has been bringing you more family fun, experiences & adventure since 1999.