As a parent who homeschools my kids, I am constantly thinking of our vacations as learning opportunities. I love visiting patriotic places in the U.S. to learn about American history, and kids put all of their senses into learning when they get to experience it versus just reading about it. So, check out my five favorite patriotic places to visit in the U.S. with kids.
Philadelphia
One of the best destinations to start an American history lesson is Philadelphia. Our country was founded in 1776 in Independence Hall. Your family can explore museums, historic sites, and even the Liberty Bell. This is always a crowd-pleaser!
When planning your trip, you may want to consider a Fourth of July vacation to Philadelphia. What an amazing way to celebrate July 4 in the city that started it all. They also have a spectacular Independence Day fireworks display!
Washington, D.C.
My daughter just got back from a field trip to Washington, D.C., with her Girl Scout Troop. It is also a popular destination for school trips. Why? There is so much American history in this one city. You have monuments, museums, the Capitol, and the White House. You can spend several weeks in Washington, D.C., and still not see it all.
Some of our favorite spots to visit with kids are the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. If you visit in spring, you can add another element to your education with nature. Spring is the season when the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom. There is even a National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Boston
Another amazing city that tops my list is Boston. One of my kids’ favorite lessons was the Boston Tea Party. Taking them to Boston to see the historic sites and museums helps them soak in the history of our great country.
Some of the highlights of Boston include the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill Monument, and Boston Harbor. The Freedom Trail is more than 2 miles of historic sites of the birthplace of the American Revolution.
Williamsburg
During the early years of our country, Williamsburg was a thriving capital. Our favorite spot is Colonial Williamsburg, where you can step right into history. Colonial Williamsburg is a living museum. Your kids will love this historic destination, and you may find yourself amazed at how much they remember from their visit.
New York City
Among the most patriotic places to visit in New York City are Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island was an American immigration station. You can learn about the process and even see Lady Liberty, which was a gift from France during the American Revolution, during your visit.
Another patriotic location in New York City is the Freedom Tower. You can learn about the city’s history and the tragedy of 9/11.
Honorable Mention
One patriotic location did not make our top-five list, but it deserves an honorable mention: Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore features leaders from our history — including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln — carved into the mountain.
There are so many patriotic places throughout the U.S. Did I miss your favorite? Leave a comment below!
