Return to Toyland Exhibit at DAR Museum

January 1, 2:18 PMDC Metro Area Parenting ExaminerMichelle Flannigan

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Photo courtesy of SXC and Garrison Photography.

Think kids have more fun today than they did 100 years ago? Think again. Modern toys may sing and dance (and even pee), but batteries haven't changed playrooms as much as we think.

The DAR Museum in Northwest Washington is currently showcasing toys that were popular a century ago. Dolls, toy trains and stuffed animals fill the Return to Toyland exhibit, much like they fill our houses today. It turns out that kids all generally like the same things, no matter in what century they are born.

What does change over time is, well, everything else. Many of the vehicular toys are horse-drawn carriages. There is an outhouse near a doll house. There is a board game about Nellie Bly. The dolls are designed to make young girls into good mothers, instead of gorgeous movie stars. Model trains and military objects are made of wood or cast iron, instead of plastic.

You cannot touch most of the items, but some of the toys are just waiting for a playmate. Kids can arrange furniture in a doll house, put together old puzzles, and try out old board games. Be sure to visit the third floor's permanent Touch of Independence Education Center for more hands-on play, with child-sized furniture and old-style games and toys.

Where: The DAR Museum, 1776 D St., NW, Washington, DC  20006

When: The Return to Toyland Exhibit  runs from now until February 28, 2009.

Museum Hours: Monday - Friday from 9:30am - 4:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am - 5:00pm. The museum will be closed January 19 and 20.

Cost: Free