10 Places to Learn About George Washington in the Northeast

America’s first president, George Washington, has hundreds of schools, buildings, institutions, and memorials dedicated in his honor. There are also dozens of historical sites associated with Washington  preserved all  throughout America. We recently realized that we’ve explored many historical spots connected to Washington and thought it would make a good “trail” of sorts to share with our readers. So this week, we’re sharing 10 locations throughout the Northeast dedicated to George Washington- all of which are kid friendly and offer lots of interactive learning about our nation’s first president- and what to do at each location.

1. Visit George and Martha Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Located just 30 minutes south of Washington DC, Mount Vernon is the most popular home in America, with over one million visitors each year.  Originally the estate had five farms on 8,000 acres, but today the complex has 50 acres and over 20 areas open to the public. The Washington family lived on the estate from 1759 until the early 1800s and the estate opened to the public in 1860.
   Kids will especially love completing the Adventure Map and exploring the Education Center and Pioneer Farm
   Other nearby fun: Several Smithsonian museums are less than 30 minutes north of Mount Vernon and the National Museum of the Marine Corps and other historic attractions in Fredericksburg, Virginia are 30 minutes south of Mount Vernon.
   Travel tips: Plan on a full day at Mount Vernon to explore all the spaces and exhibits; info on admissions and hours here; plenty of free parking; shopping and dining options on site; wear sneakers and bring the stroller for the toddler crowd.
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2. Walk through the gardens of George Washington’s childhood home, Ferry Farm, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The home was purchased by George’s father, Augustine in 1738, one of three plantations the Washington family owned, and George lived there until moving to Mount Vernon. The property fell into despair until the early 2000s when archeologists dug up the foundation of the home and historians spent several years recreating the home. Guests can take guided tours of the property, including exploring the home, walking through the gardens, and seeing some of the archeological dig sites.
   Kids will especially love sitting on the furniture and playing with replica artifacts like wig curlers and roped beds.
   Other nearby fun: See all of our recommendations for family friendly attractions in Fredericksburg here.
   Travel tips: The property is open March through December- see up to date information on hours and admissions here; guided tours available every hour; plenty of free parking on site; check in at the Visitor Center; no dining options on site; plan on 90-120 minutes to explore the entire property. 
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3. Check out sweeping views of Alexandria, Virginia and Washington DC from the 9th floor of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. Built in the late 1920s and early 1930s atop Shooter Hill just outside Old Alexandria, the 333 foot tall memorial honors George Washington, who was a freemason in his 20s. The complex also includes a museum honoring the brotherhood of freemasons, active Masonic temple, performing arts center, and research library.
Kids will especially love the Form and Function of American Freemasonry exhibit and walking around the 9th floor Observation Deck  for views of Washington DC.
Other nearby fun: Alexandria has tons of family friendly attractions, like the Archeology Museum, the Carlyle House Historic Park, and the tall ship Providence- see our full city guide here.
Travel tips: The Memorial is open seven days a week with daily guided tours- more info on admissions and hours here; plenty of free parking on site; no dining facilities; bring the stroller for the toddler crew; plan on 90-120 minutes to fully explore the Memorial and exhibits.
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4. Take an elevator ride to the top of the Washington Monument in Washington DC (visitors are no longer allowed to climb the stairs). Arguably one of the most well known sites associated with Washington, the Washington Monument was completed (it took 36 years to complete!) in 1884 and then opened to the public in 1888 and is over 550 feet tall, the tallest structure in Washington DC. There is an observation deck where visitors have great views of the Capitol area and National Mall.
Kids will especially love earning a Junior Ranger badge with the National Park Service.
Other nearby fun: Washington DC has a seemingly endless list of things to do and places to explore- start with this list.
Travel tips: Reserved tickets are required- more info on hours and admission and reservation fees here; all visitors must go through security screenings; plenty of dining options near the National Mall.

5. Read George Washington’s resignation speech, on display inside the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland. The Capital of America from 1783-1784, the Maryland State House was the site of both George Washington’s resignation as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in December of 1783 and where the ratification of the Treaty of Paris was signed in January of 1784. There are several exhibits that explain the important historical events that took place inside the Capitol. Visitors can also peek inside the Senate Chamber, Caucus Room, and House Chamber.
Kids will especially love the various statues and portraits of important American figures.
Other nearby fun: The Annapolis Maritime Museum is lots of fun, and visitors can tour the impressive campus of the US Naval Academy.
Travel tips: The State House is open 363 days a year for self guided tours- more info here; metered street parking available and nearby garages available; no dining facilities on site; plan on 60 minutes to tour all the public exhibition spaces.
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6. See George Washington’s War Tent in the Museum of American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The museum celebrates the American fight for freedom and independence from British rule with chronological exhibits highlighting significant events from 1770 through present day, with a heavy emphasis on George Washington. There are several short films through the exhibits and weekly family friendly programs and events.
Kids will especially enjoy climbing aboard a replica sloop ship, completing a scavenger hunt, and the newly reopened Revolution Place.
Other nearby fun: Philadelphia is full of family friendly sites- see our full City Guide here.
Travel tips: The museum is open from 10am-5pm seven days a week- up to date info on admission hours and fees here; info on metered street parking and garages here; Cross Keys Cafe and a museum shop on site; plan on two hours to fully explore the museum exhibited and watch the short films.
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7. See the Liberty Bell up close in the Liberty Bell Center part of the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park includes several spots throughout the Historic District, including Independence Square where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were created and signed. Adjacent to the Liberty Bell center is the President’s House Site (an outdoor exhibit on the site of where both George Washington and John Adams lived).
Kids will especially love eating lunch at City Tavern (where Washington once dined!) participating in free junior ranger programs and earning a Junior Ranger badge and exploring Independence Square.
Other nearby fun: Philadelphia has tons of historic attractions kids of all ages will enjoy- see our full City Guide here.
Travel tips: The historic park is free to visit, some activities charge a nominal fee- get up to date info on admissions and hours here; start at the Visitor Center; a parking garage is located underneath the Visitor Center- more info on parking here; small cafe inside the Visitor Center, but plenty of restaurants within an easy walk; bring the stroller for the toddler crew;  plan on 4-5 hours to fully explore all stops inside the Historic Park.
Read our full post here (it’s #6).

8. Earn a junior ranger badge at Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City. Located in the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, the hall is most well known as the site of George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789. The hall was later used as New York’s City Hall, America’s first Capitol, and then a US Customs House and the home of the US Independent Treasury system. Today, the site is overseen by the National Park Service and has two floors of interactive exhibits.
   Kids will especially love seeing the gold vault.
   Other nearby fun: The Financial District is full of family friendly attractions and historical sites- see our full guide here.
   Travel tips: Part of the National Park Service, the site is free to visit with seasonal hours- check here for up to date information; daily ranger led programs and tours; no designated parking or dining options on site; plan on 90 minutes to fully explore all exhibits.
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9. See a collection of American Revolutionary War flags on display at the Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City. Located just a couple of blocks from Federal Hall National Memorial, Fraunces Tavern, a popular spot for political gatherings during the late 18th century, is the site where George Washington said goodbye to his Continental Army officers in December 1783. Later, the first offices of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, War, and Treasury were established on site. The tavern opened as a museum in 1907, with almost 10,000 artifacts associated with Washington and the American Revolution. Today, guests can both explore the museum and eat in the first floor Tavern.
Travel tips: The museum is open from 12pm-5pm every day; free, guided tours are included with admission fees on the weekend; museum if handicap accessible via an elevator; dining in the Tavern on the first floor; plan on 90-120 minutes to explore the museum.
Kids will especially love seeing locks of Washington’s hair and one of his teeth, and eating in the Tavern.
Other nearby fun: See our full Financial District guide here and our Manhattan City Guide here.
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10. See the site of the start of the American Revolutionary War at Minute Man National Historical Park in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. Located just 30 minutes north of Boston are the grounds where, on April 19, 1775 local, colonial militia fought British “redcoats” who were coming to steal the supply of weapons and ammunition.  There are three Visitor Centers and several historical homes and buildings, including Munroe Tavern, where Washington visited in 1789.
Kids will especially love getting dressed up at the Jacob Whittemore House and playing I Spy at Buckman Tavern.
Other nearby fun: deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum has over 50 sculptures on display outdoors (and a playground!) and indoor museum exhibits.
Travel tips: The park is spread throughout both towns with several seasonal attractions- be sure to check online to get hours and admission fees for some buildings; bring the stroller for the toddler crew; check the calendar for ranger led programs and special events- well worth the time; plenty of dining options in both towns and near park sites. 
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