Museum Mind-Meld

The Smithsonian Institution plays a huge role in making downtown Washington, D.C., so fun and educational for families, since its museums of Natural History, American History, Air and Space, American Art, and more are all free admission. To celebrate a new partnership between the Smithsonian and Springfield Museums, come out on Saturday for the kick-off of Smithsonian Week, with guest speaker John Grant, planetary scientist at the National Air and Space Museum and member of the Mars Rover Team. That’s followed by a week of engaging programs for the whole family, featuring talks by Smithsonian scientists and scholars, a car show with vintage autos and music, live performances and read-alouds, and more.

Kickoff to Smithsonian Week in Springfield: Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special offer: one-day free admission. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. (413) 263-6800, springfieldmuseums.org. 

— Hunter Styles