History is fun when it is brought to life for kids. Reading about history can seem too far away and not relatable for children. But a visit to Jamestown Settlement and the new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown makes learning interactive and entertaining. These two museums in Virginia encourage all ages to discover America's history through exploration and play.
Jamestown Settlement 1607 ships at pier (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)
This story is brought to you in partnership with Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown was America's first permanent English colony. Today, families can visit Jamestown Settlement to learn the story of 17th-century Virginia. Jamestown comes to life through film, gallery exhibits and outdoor living history. Children will enjoy climbing aboard re-creations of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607, depositing the colonists at Jamestown. Costumed historical interpreters demonstrate daily life in early 17th century Jamestown so visitors feel as though they've stepped back in time.
Jamestown Powhatan Indian Village (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)
Families can also explore life-size re-creations of the colonists’ fort and a Native American Powhatan village. Kids who have seen Disney's Pocahontas movie will love a temporary exhibit dedicated to this Native American legend. Here they can get a taste of Pocahontas’s life as a little girl in a Powhatan Indian village. They can also try their hand at weaving on a frame and decorating clay pots on a chalkboard wall. (The Pocahontas Imagined Special Exhibition runs July 15 through January 28, 2018.)
Learn more about things to do at Jamestown Settlement on TripAdvisor.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Thirteen days of festivities kick off the Grand Opening Celebration of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on March 23, 2017. No matter when you visit, this museum teaches the story of the nation’s founding, from the colonial period to the drafting of the Constitution in 1776 and beyond. The museum features immersive environments with period artifacts and interactive exhibits. “The Siege of Yorktown,” a film with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects, may be too scary for little ones but bigger kids just may become so enthralled that they forget they're learning.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown farm cooking (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)
The outdoor living history area includes artillery demonstrations (for kids who love everything that goes boom), a recreated Continental Army camp and more. I know my kids would love the Revolution-era farm best, though. Children and adults can help weed or water the plants, comb cotton or “break” flax into fiber, and even assist in creating 18th-century dishes.
Read reviews of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on TripAdvisor. Explore more American history with these Virginia and Washington DC road trip tips from our friends at 2TravelDads.
Watering the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown farm garden (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)
Which appeals most to your family: a visit to Jamestown Settlement or American Revolution Museum at Yorktown? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: I received compensation related to this story.
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
Wow.. It is really a good place to explore exciting stuffs with kids. Thanks for the details.
This would be so fun for kids!! Such a great way to teach them history!
I’m pretty sure that my kids will love to go in a historical place. I’m glad you shared this.
They’d have so much fun, I bet they wouldn’t even realize they’re learning about history! 🙂
I loved taking my kids to historical places when they were young. It was a memorable and awesome learning experience for them. Now it is the grandchildren’s turn. We have to carefully plan where to go and see what kid-friendly activities are being offered in those places.
How wonderful that you travel with your grandchildren, Annemarie!
I would love to take my kids to visit this place. I looked for them when we went on vacation.
My kids always loved visiting places like this that made history come alive. You learn so much more than from a book.
Agreed! The best combo is a book + a live visit!
This is an awesome way to make learning fun! Looks like a great day for kids and parents.
Agreed, Tracey. This makes a great option for summer travel so kids can keep learning even when school’s out!
My 3rd grader is learning about the American Revolution in school so this is perfect. What a great museum.
Robin – It’s so great when the lessons learned in school can be reinforced with real-life experiences!
I love to learn about history but when they have interactive activities with people who are playing the part, it’s makes it so much more memorable! I would love to visit here!
So true, Rach!
There is something magical about visiting places like this. We have a few historical sites complete with interactive exhibits and information around our area, and we go there often. It’s like stepping back in time.
Agreed, I love the characters who bring it all to life!
That is so great! I’m a huge fan of visiting historical sites and interactive historical areas like this.
Me too! So fun and educational for all ages!
Wow! What an amazing idea! I love it! It’s looks like a lot of fun!
I still remember when i was a child, history just like letters on paper and i couldn’t understand.
So true – kids learn so much through travel!
Going on trips great way to help kids learn more instead of just reading boring text-books. Who knew museums can be so much fun? Even the parents are fascinated!
Museums with interactive displays like these always get my kids interested!