5 Ways to Bring History Alive on your Next Vacation

This post was updated September, 2025
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 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 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 Jamestowne can learn more about the site of the first permanent colony and the life of Pocahontas. Explore the 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. 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 move closer to America’s 250th birthday! 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 National Constitution Center is currently under construction in anticipation of new exhibits opening in 2026 but is still open to visitors.

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 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, 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, explore the state-by-state guide for the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail published by the National Park Service.