Smithsonian Pollinator Garden
Native plant garden celebrating bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
30 min – 1 hour
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
Best in spring through fall
Stroller Access
Yes, paved paths
Washrooms
Nearby museums
Food
No food on-site; nearby options
Parking
Street parking, paid lots nearby
Booking
Not required
Parent Effort
Low (self-guided)
A quiet, educational outdoor stop on the National Mall where kids can spot real pollinators in action among colourful native blooms. It is free, compact, and pairs well with a museum visit.
About This Place
The Smithsonian Pollinator Garden is a beautifully landscaped demonstration garden on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., dedicated to pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The garden showcases native plants and provides a model for sustainable, pollinator-friendly gardening that visitors can replicate at home. It is managed by the Smithsonian Institution and is free to visit.
Official Website open_in_new- Sunday
- 00:00 –
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Check the official website for current admission prices.
Spot live pollinators
Watch bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds up close in a safe, natural setting.
Learn sustainable gardening
See native plant combinations you can recreate in your own backyard.
Free National Mall outing
No tickets needed—drop in anytime the garden is open.
Peaceful green break
A calm place to stretch little legs between museum visits.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Admission
- Free; no tickets required
- Location
- On the National Mall, near Smithsonian museums
- Paths
- Paved, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly walkways
- Food and drink
- No eating inside the garden; picnicking on the Mall nearby is allowed
- Best seasons
- Peak blooms and pollinator activity from late spring through early fall
- Supervision
- Open water features may be present; keep young children close
- Pets
- Service animals only; no dogs permitted inside the garden
Kid Fit by Age
Shaded benches and smooth paths make it easy with a stroller.
Short walk with lots of colours and bugs to point out.
Love spotting butterflies and bees; simple interpretive signs engage them.
Can read plant labels and learn about ecosystems and conservation.
Photography and sketching opportunities; good for school projects.
Quiet space for nature observation or botanical photography.
Insider Tips
Combine with a visit to the nearby National Museum of American History or National Museum of Natural History.
Look for the garden’s interpretive signs to learn which plants attract which pollinators.
Visit on a warm, sunny day when pollinators are most active.
- •Stay on paved paths to protect plants and avoid tripping
- •Supervise young children near any water features
- •Be aware of bees; teach children calm, respectful observation
- •Sun protection recommended; limited shade in some areas
- •Paved, level pathways suitable for wheelchairs and strollers
- •Benches available for rest
- •No stairs or steep grades
- •Interpretive signage at readable heights
schedule Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be quietest. Visit from late spring through early fall for the fullest blooms and most active pollinators. Midday summer visits can be hot, so bring water and sun protection.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxSunscreen and hats
- check_boxWater bottles
- check_boxCamera or sketchpad for nature journaling
- check_boxComfortable walking shoes
- check_boxInsect repellent if you are sensitive to bites
Location
Address
10 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20050, United States
Phone
+12026332220
