Democracy Lab

Explore how congress works through hands-on experiences in the Democracy Lab. Designed for children ages 8-14, the Democracy Lab invites visitors to learn more about the people and processes of the legislative branch. Visitors of all ages are welcome! Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to make a reservation in advance.

Planning Your Visit

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.

The Democracy Lab is located in Exhibition Hall on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

Please note: From October – December, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and January - February Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the Democracy Lab may be closed to the public for 1–2-hour increments for group reservations. K-12 classes can also reserve one of three student programs offered in the Democracy Lab. For more information visit the In Person Education page.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind:

Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (parent, guardian, teacher and/or chaperone) at all times.
We welcome individual and family visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Groups of 15 or more are encouraged to make a reservation in advance of their visit.
Food and drink are not allowed in the Democracy Lab.
Photography is permitted.

Large groups may not be able to enter together. We encourage you to explore Exhibition Hall if your group cannot be accommodated at the same time.

We recommend that you allow 15-30 minutes for a visit to the Democracy Lab to ensure that everyone has time to engage in all the activity stations.

Group Reservations

Groups of 15 or more children under 18, including school and camp groups, are encouraged to make a reservation in advance. 30-minutes sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis on Thursdays 2pm-3pm and Fridays 10am-11am or 2pm-3pm.

Each session can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, including children and chaperones. Groups should maintain a minimum ratio of 10 children to 1 adult while in the Democracy Lab.

Please note that a Democracy Lab reservation does not include a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Groups interested in touring the Capitol should visit the Book a Tour page for tour information and reservations.