14 Best Historical Sites to Explore with Grandkids
Our history is one of the greatest things we have in this country. It’s important to preserve it and talk about it as it truly happened. Is your grandchild a history buff? Do they want to be a history teacher when they grow up? Maybe you have a passion for history too and would love to share some experiences with them discovering history together. There are all kinds of ways you can learn about history all throughout our glorious land. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Places to learn locally
Most of us have historical sites in our own backyards! Metaphorically speaking, of course. If you need ideas on where to take your grandchildren, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for some fantastic suggestions.
1. Local History Museums
One of the best places to learn history is at your local history museum. You will learn all about your town and surrounding areas and any history that happened there. Some local history museums might not require an entrance fee. However, if you have bigger museums in your area, consider timing your visit on days when the entrance fee is discounted. For example, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers free days on the following dates:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
- Presidents Day (Third Monday in February)
- Juneteenth Jamboree (First Saturday in June)
- Fiesta de la Familia (Third Sunday in September)
- Christmas Eve (December 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
2. The old sections of your town
Some of us live in newer areas where history has been razed to make way for another Dollar General. However, if you live in an older area, you’re in luck! Old sections of your town are a great way to learn about history. Sometimes, the Chamber of Commerce will put on tours of old houses and talk about the history of the home and the families who lived there. When I lived in Washington, Illinois, they offered such a tour at Halloween and Christmas. It was fascinating to learn about our town and its residents throughout history.
Here are a few places around the U.S. where you can enjoy some local history!
Mankato, Minnesota (The Betsy-Tacy Homes)
Residents who live in or around Mankato, Minnesota have a fascinating piece of history right in their backyards! Mankato was once home to the author Maud Hart-Lovelace, whose childhood home has been restored to its original appearance as an homage to Lovelace. The home that belonged to her childhood friend Frances Vivian “Bick” Kenney Kirch has also been transformed into a museum. Here’s how much it costs:
Private tour fees (for both Betsy-Tacy Society members and non-members):
- Seniors (age 62+): $12 • Youth (ages 6–12): $8
- Adults (ages 20–61): $15 • Children age 5 or under: FREE
- Teens (ages 13–19): $12
Saturday tour fees:
- BTS members: FREE • Teens (ages 13–19): $8
- Seniors (ages 62+): $8 • Youth (ages 6–12): $5
- Adults (ages 20–61): $10 • Children age 5 or under: FREE
General Information on Touring the Houses
- Group size is limited to 12 people per tour.
- Groups comprising six or more children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Children aged 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Masks are recommended but not required inside the Betsy and Tacy Houses.
- Both Houses are generally accessible, although the only way to access the second floor of Betsy’s House is via a flight of stairs.
- There are bathrooms in both houses.
Lexington, Kentucky (Mary Todd Lincoln House)
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, this home-turned-museum was once occupied by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, wife to Abraham Lincoln. In addition to tours of the home, they also offer walking tours—including one in a cemetery. Spooky! Here are the current admission rates:
- Adults • $15/ $20
- Youth (6–17) • $6/ $10
- Children (0–5) • FREE
Point Pleasant, West Virginia (Mothman Museum)
In 1966, a mysterious winged creature terrorized a small town in West Virginia and forever changed the cryptid community. I’m referring to the man, the myth, and the moth, of course. The one and only Mothman, to be specific! If you or your grandkids are into the more paranormal side of history, you’ll definitely want to drop by the Mothman Museum. It’s filled to the brim with Mothman memorabilia and merchandise—a must-see for any Mothman fan. Here’s how much it costs to make your Mothman dreams come true:
- Ages 11 to Adults • $4.99
- Children 10 & Under • $1.99
And here are the museum’s operating hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Phoenix, Arizona (Musical Instrument Museum)
Rated Phoenix’s number one attraction, this one-of-a-kind museum houses over 7,500 instruments from more than 200 world countries and territories. Every immersive exhibit features interactive media and enough music to make young hearts sing. It’s also the world’s only global musical instrument museum. But how much does it cost to get in? Keep reading to find out!
- Adults • $20
- Teens • $15
- Children • $10 for children.
- *Special exhibition and concert tickets are sold separately.
Open Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Military Museums
If you live near a military museum or a few hours from one, make plans to take your grandchildren. They will love seeing the planes, and military gear, and learning about the military. Some of the museums you can visit around the U.S. include:
- National Museum of the U.S. Army – Fort Belvoir, Virginia (Admission is FREE!)
- National Museum of the Marine Corps – Quantico, Virginia (Admission is FREE!)
- National Museum of the U.S. Navy – Washington, DC (Admission is FREE!)
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force – Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (Admission & parking are FREE!)
- United States Coast Guard Museum – New London, Connecticut (Admission is FREE!)
- National Guard Memorial Museum – Washington, DC (Admission is FREE!)
Discovery history nationwide!
Of course, it goes without saying that there are some pretty spectacular places to visit across the nation! Here are a few cities overflowing with history and learning opportunities. In other words, the perfect places to take a history buff on your next vacation!
1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
You and your grandkids can follow the steps of Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin, and others when you visit Independence National Historic Park. You will want to check in to the Independence Visitor’s Center first for tickets and other information.
Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written, is open for visits. You can visit historic homes (Betsy Ross) and various museums about the Revolution, Ben Franklin, and African-American History. You can also see the Liberty Bell and visit Ben Franklin’s grave. There’s a lot to see, so choose what is most important to you and then plan to make another visit later.
If you’re looking for fun, you can visit Fairmount Park, tantalize your tastebuds at the Reading Terminal Market, and enjoy mosaics in the Magic Garden on State Street. Also, if you have time to go into any grocery store, you must pick up a box or two of Tastykakes. The butterscotch crumpets and chocolate cupcakes (both filled and unfilled) are the best. I grew up on these, so I know what I’m talking about.
Hours and Fees
- 9 am–10:30 am, Open house (no tickets required)
- 10:40 am–4:20 pm, Tour tickets required
- Learn how to obtain tickets on the park’s ticketing web page.
2. Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)
Mount Rushmore is a great historic site to take the grandkids to see and learn about the presidents that are featured: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Many of the trails and visitor centers provide even more history and insight into the area, making this the perfect place to take a budding history fanatic.
3. Stones River Battlefield (Murfreesboro, TN)
The Battle of Stones River began on December 31, 1862, and was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Many men lost their lives near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This national park has both walking and driving trails and a visitor’s center, which houses a museum and a gift shop. As someone who’s been there, I can confidently say it’s one of the most interesting entries on this list! Oh, and did we mention it’s free to get in?
4. Williamsburg, Virginia
This town has three—yes, THREE—museums in what is called the Historic Triangle. Learn about the day-to-day life in the 1700s at the Colonial Williamsburg. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown features a look at rural farm life, a detailed look at the Revolution, and its battle. You can also visit the Historic Jamestowne settlement and the modern, reinvented Jamestown Settlement, which is a recreation of the settlement, the Native American town nearby, and the small ships that the sailors sailed on.
In the summer, you can spend a cool, relaxing day at Watercountry, USA. If you like roller coasters, hit up Busch Gardens. If you want to hit the beach, Yorktown Beach is a great option and you can find fresh produce and baked goods at the farmers’ market in Merchants Square, also near Colonial Williamsburg.
Admissions
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Adult $18 (ages 13 & over) • $18
Child $9 (ages 6 to $12) • $9
Historic Jamestowne:
Adult (16 & over) • $15
Child (6-15) • $5
Child (5 & under) • Free
Tickets for both the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement are $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 6-12. Residents of York County, James City County, and the City of Williamsburg are free.
5. St. Augustine, Florida
In this town, you can visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and explore the fortress, built from coquina limestone. Visit the Colonial Quarter, a living history museum where you can see houses and shops and interact with costumed interpreters. If you venture a little farther out of town, you can visit Fort Mose, which was a settlement for free African Americans.
St. Augustine features several beaches to visit. You can rent bikes, kayaks, and sups at Anastasia State Park. Kids can hunt for shark teeth on Vilano Beach. There is also the Pirate & Treasure Museum, where you can eat dinner and then shop in the Historic Quarter. After that, you can take an evening ghost tour.
Admissions
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Standard Pass • $15.00
Annual Pass • $45.00
America the Beautiful Pass • (includes Senior Passes) FREE–$80.00
Pirate & Treasure Museum
Adult (13-59) • $18.99
Adult Resident of St. John’s County • $16.99
Child (5-12) • $9.99
Child Resident of St. John’s County • $8.99
Family Annual Pass • $99.99
Military Adult • $16.99
Military Child • $8.99
Senior Adult • $15.99
6. Boston, Massachusetts
You can walk the two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail while learning about Paul Revere, John Adams, etc. Better yet, take a guided tour which is way more interesting with kids. You can also visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where you can pretend to dump tea in the harbor.
If your family is into ghosts, they have several walking ghost tours in the Boston Commons. You can get a slice of delicious Boston Cream pie at the Parker House Hotel (also said to have ghosts). If your family loves Italian food, make a stop in the Italian North End where you will find amazing pizza, pasta, gelato, etc.
Admissions
Freedom Trail
Adults • $15
Kids (6-12) • $9
No ticket necessary for children under the age of 6.
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Adults • $35
Children • $26
*Kids 2 and under are admitted for free.
7. Baltimore, Maryland
Fort McHenry; it’s a great place and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. You will want to arrive early so you can take part in the flag’s raising. Next, you can ask a ranger all kinds of questions about the city’s two-sided role in the War of 1812 battle. Then watch a movie in the visitors’ center about the battle that inspired our national anthem.
Another educational and historic place to visit is the B&O Railroad Museum, where you will learn about what part trains played in the Civil War. Other fun places to visit include:
Admissions
Fort McHenry
Standard Pass $15.00
Annual Pass $45.00
America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) FREE–$80.00
The B&O Railroad Museum
Adult • $28
Child • $18
Senior • $24
There are all kinds of places where you can take the history buff in your life, both locally and across our country. Do some research in your town or plan. a trip to one of the locations above, and enjoy learning about history together. Other towns you may want to check out for your next vacation include:
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Nashville, Tennessee
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- New York City, New York
- San Antonio, Texas
- San Diego, California
- Savannah, Georgia
Popular Articles About Activities & Entertaining Grandchildren
Originally published December 23, 2024
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