National Children's Museum Sets December Opening

The National Children's Museum is set to open in Dec. 14 at National Harbor.

It operated as the Capitol Children's Museum for 30 years in the District. The new 18,000-square-foot space hopes to accommodate 480,000 kids and families per year.

The museum will include two main exhibit areas, including a "Sesame Street"-themed spot for kids age three and younger. The museum announced a partnership last year with the TV show's creators to give Elmo and his friends a museum home.

"Our World," an area for older kids, will show visitors the "responsibilities and rewards of both global and community citizenship," museum planners said.

Visitors will also find a 130-seat theater. The museum will also offer field trips and birthday packages.

Admission will cost $10 per person, with babies age one or younger admitted free.

Museum memberships will go on sale Saturday, Oct. 6 at JumpOFF!, the museum's free outdoor jump-roping festival to be held outside the new museum space from noon to 4 p.m.