5 Ways to Bring History Alive on Your Next Vacation

(Updated May 2026)

When summer rolls around, 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 1700s? Here are 5 fun ways to make history come alive on your next 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 use the free audio tour on the National Park Service 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.

After your tour enjoy a taste of Italy in Boston’s North End. Stop by Galleria Umberto (limited hours) for a slice of pizza or arancini, and one of the many pastry shops for dessert! 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, and taking a food tour in the North End. Street performers can often be found downtown during the summer months, and if your kids are like mine when they were younger, 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 with interactive programs like Company of Comedians and Order in the Court. Join one of the Colonial Williamsburg tours, many of which are offered on a daily basis. Visitors to nearby Jamestown can learn more about the site of the first permanent colony. Explore the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with interactive exhibits and an outdoor living-history area. Use our planning guide to help plan your trip Williamsburg, Virginia. Be sure to pick up your Virginia 250 passport for discounts and prizes.

When you are ready for a different kind of fun, head over to nearby Busch Gardens. No matter the season, there is always something fun happening. 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 special bounce tickets which offers some combination of Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

Visit the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia 

It’s a great time to visit as we celebrate America’s 250th! At the National Constitution Center, visitors will find interactive exhibits, along with a show in the Sydney Kimmel Theater that 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. The latest exhibit, Governing the Nation, opens in mid May, 2026. 

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to bring history alive in Philadelphia, including tours like the Franklin Footsteps Colonial Walking Tour which takes you past historic sites including the Liberty Bell.

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.  At Mount Vernon, numerous add-on tours are available to enhance your experience. Before you visit, read more about Virginia’s rich presidential history. 

Re-live the Journey of Lewis and Clark at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Washington

We found this gem of a museum perched on a cliff at the mouth of the Columbia River after road tripping through rugged Olympic National Park in Washington State.  For history buffs, the Lewis and Clark 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.

You can 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 to take a walk on the Promenade and visit the quaint Seaside Aquarium.

Explore the state-by-state guide for the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail published by the National Park Service to find a site near you.