5 Ways to Bring History Alive on your Next Vacation

This post was updated May, 2017
Now that summer is almost here, most families are ready to forget about school and homework  and head off on vacation. But wouldn’t it be cool to not only learn about George Washington in school, but to visit Mount Vernon where he lived and walk through his garden? Or step back to colonial times in historic Williamsburg and experience life as it was back in the 1700’s? Here are 5 fun ways to make history come alive on your next family vacation. Depending on where you live, these places would be fun for a long weekend or a 3 or 4 day mini vacation. 

• Hit the Freedom Trail in Boston.  Boston is one of my favorite family-friendly cities to visit for many reasons. It’s easy to get around by foot, history is everywhere and the food choices are excellent. The Freedom Trail is a great way to see 16 historic sites that run along a 2.5 mile trail throughout the city. Download a brochure, map or smartphone app, and let your kids lead the way, following the red-brick path or painted trail that winds through the streets of Boston.  If you would rather enjoy the company and stories of a costumed tour guide, consider the “Walk Into History Tour.” Take time for lunch in the North End, where you can stop for pizza at Regina Pizzeria, or a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street. While there are too many other fun activities in Boston to name, some of our favorites are riding the famous Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden, taking a Duck Tour, visiting the New England Aquarium or exploring the Museum of Science. Street performers can usually be found performing downtown during the summer months, and if your kids are like mine, they will love to cool off in the Rings Fountain.

• Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg and historic Jamestowne. Learn about everyday life back in colonial times through programs like Patriots at Play. Join one of the Colonial Williamsburg tours, many of which are offered on a daily basis.  In nearby Jamestowne, visit the site of the first permanent colony and learn about the life of Pocahontas. Visit the new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with interactive exhibits and an outdoor living-history area. When you are ready for a different kind of fun, head over to nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg to ride the newest coaster, the InvadR. The official Colonial Williamsburg website offers information and packages that combine admission for some of the most popular tours, like America’s Historic Triangle Ticket (combining Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne and Yorktown), or the Williamsburg Summer Bounce ticket, which combines Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
• Visit the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.  Interactive exhibits, along with shows in The Kimmel Theater bring the Constitution to life. Take the self-guided audio tour to enhance your visit. For more history, visit the Independence Visitor Center, where you can pick up free tickets to tour Independence Hall.  Read more about our History in HD tour with Urban Adventures and be sure to check out the Pennsylvania travel page on this website.  ​
• Take a Presidential Road Trip in Virginia. Visit Monticello, Mount Vernon, Montpelier and Ashland-Highland, the homes of former presidents Jefferson, Washington, Madison and Monroe. The scenic Charlottesville region is just a two hour drive from the DC area, and beautiful Mount Vernon is roughly 16 miles south of Washington, DC.  Read more about the 8 US Presidents born in Virginia. At Mount Vernon, kids may enjoy the National Treasure Tour  which highlights areas on the estate where the filming of National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets took place.  
  
  

• Re-live the Journey of Lewis and Clark at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Washington. Several years ago, after road tripping through rugged Olympic National Park in Washington State, we headed south along the coast and found this gem of a museum perched on a cliff at the mouth of the Columbia River.  For history buffs, the Interpretive Center has interactive exhibits that highlight the historical journey of the Corps of Discovery from St. Louis all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Next time, we’ll also explore family-friendly Long Beach, where you can ride horses along the beach and visit the World Kite Museum.  After leaving Washington, head to Oregon and Fort Clatsop, to see how the Corps of Discovery spent the winter back in 1805. The town of Seaside, Oregon is worth a stop, and kids will love watching the antics of the seals at the quaint, Seaside Aquarium. To learn more about all the wonderful activities in this area, download the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park Guide published by the National Park Service.