ML Interest Tag: underground-railroad

18 Women’s History Trips Your Kids Should Experience

by Kate Loweth

What better way to teach kids about powerful women like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman than by visiting places that honor their contributions?

It’s Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate O.G. power girls like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman than by visiting places that honor their contributions to women’s history? These unique vacation ideas and educational trips are perfect for families because not only will your kids be inspired by these incredible people, but they’ll be sure to remember a family vacation that meant more than fighting the crowds and waiting in line. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best places to learn about women’s history in the United States.

National Susan B. Anthony House & Museum | Rochester, NY

Learn all about Susan B. Anthony with a visit to her former home. The famous civil rights leader was arrested here when she voted in 1872, and it was the home of the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association while she was president. Take a tour of the house, learn the story behind her legendary life, and be inspired by her “Failure is Impossible” speech.

Online: susanb.org

Rosa Parks Memorial | Montgomery, AL

Rosa Parks Memorial

Smack dab on the corner where Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks boarded a public bus and where she was infamously arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, this museum focuses on Parks' story and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum includes a permanent exhibit, “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a replica city bus that uses fog, lighting, sound, hydraulics, and a robot bus driver to guide visitors on a series of “time jumps” from Jim Crow to “Separate But Equal.”

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum | Washington, D.C.

Born over 200 years ago in 1821, Clara Barton’s humanitarian legacy continues today with the American Red Cross. In 1881, at age 59, she founded the American Red Cross and led it for 23 years. Prior to establishing the Red Cross in the United States, Barton dedicated years of her life to the soldiers of the Civil War. 

After the Civil War, Barton established the Missing Soldiers Office to locate Union soldiers who hadn’t returned home. She and her team initiated searches on behalf of the women who were looking for their lost husbands or sons. Barton and her team wrote more than 100 letters a day to contacts in the U.S. Army and family and friends of the missing. By December 1868, she and her team had located more than 22,000 missing soldiers.

Visit the preserved rooms where Barton lived and worked during the Civil War and where she and her team spent thousands of hours in the Missing Soldiers Office.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum | Santa Fe, NM

One of the greatest American artists of the 20th century, O’Keeffe’s museum is perfect for budding artists and history buffs alike. Wander through over 3,000 pieces of the artist’s work, and learn about her creative process and the local landscape that inspired her. It’s a stroller-friendly museum, and there are plenty of other fun things to do with kids in Santa Fe, click here to see more. 

Online: okeeffemuseum.org

Sacajawea Center | Salmon, ID

Idaho is a gorgeous state to visit any time of year, especially for families who love outdoor adventures: hiking, biking, rafting, and more. Enrich your trip with a stop at the Sacajawea Center, located in Salmon, which is in the Lemhi Valley, the birthplace of the sole female member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

Online: sacajaweacenter.org

Helen Keller Birthplace | Tuscumbia, AL

The life of Helen Keller was full of hard struggles and amazing accomplishments. When Keller was just 19 months, she suffered a severe illness that left her blind and deaf. Keller became one of history's most remarkable women. She dedicated her life to improving the conditions of the blind and the deaf-blind around the world, lecturing in more than 25 countries. Wherever she appeared, she brought courage to millions of blind people.                                                                                     

When visiting Keller’s birthplace, do not miss the water pump where Keller had her life-changing breakthrough. While cool water gushed over Keller’s hand, Sullivan spelled “water” into her other hand. Suddenly, Keller connected the spelled word with the flowing liquid. Keller immediately began touching the elements around her, wanting to learn their names. Keller’s home includes her complete library of Braille books, her original Braille typewriter, plus mementos and gifts from her travels around the world.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park | Church Creek, MD

Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

Visit the area in the Chesapeake Bay where the Underground Railroad’s most famous conductor—Harriet Tubman—spent her early days as a slave. The 10,000-square-foot visitor center has exhibits about Tubman’s life, the Underground Railroad, and the surrounding lands. There’s a Junior Ranger program for kids, and with a 17-acre state park to explore, it's a great place for the whole family.

Online: dnr.maryland.gov/tubman

Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder | DeSmet, SD

Visit Mr. Loftus’s original store, rest in the shade of Pa’s cottonwood grove, and discover other pieces of the Little House trail in DeSmet, SD, the final settling place of the Ingalls Family. Several Little House-themed events are hosted in DeSmet, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. At the Ingalls Homestead, there are regularly scheduled activities: going to school in a one-room schoolhouse, feeding farm animals, and even twisting hay sticks as Laura did in The Long Winter.

Online: desmetsd.com/laura-ingalls-wilder

 

Boston Women’s Heritage Trail | Boston, MA

Boston is home to a number of self-guided tours where you can learn about the amazing women that have shaped our nation's history. Head to the Back Bay where you can see sculptures from women artists and then to Chinatown for information about Mary Soo Hoo, a longtime Chinatown community activist. 

 

Ontario County, NY

Best known as a wine and leisure destination, Ontario County in the Finger Lakes region of New York is also the epicenter of the women’s rights movement over 100 years ago. Visitors can follow the Ontario County Women’s History Trail to learn more about the history of women’s suffrage at the Ontario County Courthouse, where Susan B. Anthony was famously tried for voting, strides in higher education at Hobert and William Smith College, where the first doctoral degree was issued to a woman, and the traditions of the native Seneca and Haudenosaunee, who operated in a matrilineal society at the Ganondagan State Historic Site.

Bennington Museum | Bennington, VT

Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses (1860–1961) started painting in her seventies and within years was one of America’s most famous artists. Moses, known as a folk artist, painted scenes of rural life that captured an idyllic, bygone era of the United States.  

The Bennington Museum has the largest public collection of paintings by Grandma Moses and a collection of artifacts from her life, including an 18th-century tilt-top table she used as her painting table and her paint-stained apron. In addition, the museum is now home to the schoolhouse where she studied as a child.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett House | Chicago, IL

See the home of the famous journalist, suffragist and civil rights activist on your next trip to Chicago. Now a National Historic Landmark, Wells-Barnett and her husband bought the home in 1919 and lived there until 1922 (it is not open to the public). Want to know what else to do while you’re in the Windy City? This massive list will get you started. 

Online: nps.gov/travel/civilrights

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front | Richmond, CA 

Learn about the women who kept the factories running and the war supplies coming during World War II. Explore the visitor center, which includes interactive exhibits and daily films, or wander the Rosie the Riveter memorial, which includes two gardens and photos and quotes of working women from all over the United States. 

Online: nps.gov/rori

Wyoming House for Historic Women | Laramie, WY

The Wyoming House for Historic Women contains displays of the thirteen honored women and is the site of various conferences and lectures pertaining to women's history and issues. In the plaza, you'll find a life-sized bronze sculpture of Louisa Swain, who on September 6, 1870, became the first woman to cast a ballot under laws giving women full equality to men. Her ballot was cast just one block from the plaza.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | Fort Worth, TX

Craig Kuhner for the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum

The only museum in the world dedicated to the women who helped shape the West is a must-see the next time you visit Fort Worth. There are interactive exhibits, two theaters, and features the legacy of many women on this list, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Sacajawea, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Online: cowgirl.net

Amelia Earhart Museum | Atchison, KS 

One of the most famous early aviators was also a woman, and you can learn all about her at the Amelia Earhart Museum, located in Atchison, Kansas. The childhood home of the record-breaking airplane pilot has been preserved and welcomes visitors to wander the floor and see not only the furniture that belonged to her family but also mementos and historical artifacts from her life as an aviator.

Online: ameliaearhartmuseum.org

National Women’s Hall of Fame | Seneca Falls, NY

Quite possibly one of the best places to learn about women’s history in America is the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Located in Seneca Falls, New York, which is the birthplace of the American Women’s Rights Movement, you can wander the rooms filled with information on incredible women like Maya Angelou, Julia Child, Emily Dickinson, Billie Holiday, and many more. 

Online: womenofthehall.org

Cheyenne, WY

Not only is Cheyenne a great place to go for outdoor adventures with kids, but the Wyoming territory was the first in the US to grant women the right to vote. Cheyenne is the home of Wyoming’s first women judge, Esther Hobart Morris, as well as being the capital city, so whether your family wants to have a cowboy adventure, outdoor thrills or explore a historic city, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. See our insider's guide to the city to help you plan your trip.

Online: Cheyenne.org

Additional reporting by Gabby Cullen

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100 Things to Do with Kids in DC

by Jamie Davis Smith

The best 100 family-friendly things to do and see in the DMV

Millions of people visit the Nation’s Capital every year, and the list of things to see and do in Washington, DC is seemingly endless. No matter the season, DC offers gorgeous hikes and views, rich cultural experiences (including hidden gems in DC) and some of the best museums in the world. We rounded up all the usual spots like the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum and the national monuments and memorials. But there is plenty to see and do beyond the National Mall.

We put together the perfect family bucket list of DMV fun. From downtown DC to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, here are 100 of the best places to take your family throughout the DMV, including some local favorites you won’t find on any other list (PS: check this list if you’re traveling through DC with grandparents).

The Best Places to Opt Outside near Washington, DC

1. Local favorite, Brookside Gardens, features acres of gardens and an extensive conservatory. There is something for everyone with an Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. We love their seasonal events, such as Gardens of Light in the winter and the Wings of Fancy live butterfly exhibit in the Spring.

2. DC is home to over 1,500 acres of national parkland. Spend a few hours at Rock Creek Park—a large urban park that was created in 1860 (the third National Park designated in the US) and has Civil War fortifications, working mills, colonial houses, and thousands of years of DC history you can explore.

3. Thanks to a law that prohibited selling or disposing of parts of the Capitol removed during a 1958 renovation, anyone can visit the now-abandoned ruins called the Capitol Stones—although hurry as they’re slated to be removed by the National Park Service.

4. Great Falls Park has some of the best natural views in the DC area. The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails to tackle with kids.

5. At the United States Botanic Garden, you can experience the jungle and the desert and see rare and endangered plants under one roof. Check out the outdoor Children’s Garden and the canopy walk that gives you a bird’s eye view of the plants.

6. The National Arboretum is a massive oasis in the city. The highlight for many visitors is seeing the old columns from the Capitol Columns dating from the 1800s now sitting on a grassy knoll. Don’t miss the extensive bonsai exhibit and state trees.

7. Roosevelt Island is a fantastic natural place to explore with kids, just minutes from the National Mall. Explore on your own or join a ranger-led program.

8. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is an expansive garden featuring lotus blooms and lilies. Parents love stroller-friendly boardwalk trail.

9. The C&O Canal served as a 185-mile shipping and transportation route along the Potomac River for over 100 years. See a small part of it on your own or through one of the many events held along the canal. You can even take a boat ride along the canal. More adventurous families can even book a stay in a preserved canal house.

10. The grounds of the National Cathedral are their destination. The Bishop’s Garden is a peaceful oasis in the city. Visit the Shadow House gazebo, bring a picnic and ball, and enjoy the grounds. Just past the Bishop’s Garden is Olmsted Woods, with a contemplative circle and native flowers.

11. Kingman Island and Heritage Trail is home to rare ecosystems and over 100 species of birds. This unique spot was created when the Anacostia river was dredged over 100 years ago. Today it’s a great place to look for frogs, ride a (free!) paddle boat, and hike. Check out their events calendar for family-friendly events focusing on helping the environment.

12. Thrill seekers will love exploring the many amusement parks in the DC area. From the sprawling Six Flags America to the smaller Western-themed Adventure Park USA, there is something for big and small adventurers alike.

13. DC kids love to play! These are the best playgrounds in DC for kids or head to a playground with tons of shade to escape the DC heat.

14. The DC area is home to an extensive network of spray grounds and splashpads. Open all summer long; these water features are a great place to cool down and let kids burn off some steam.

15. Take a mule-drawn boat ride down the C&O canal. This truly 19th Century experience takes visitors on a scenic trip through Great Falls while they learn about those who lived and worked along the C&O canal in the late 1800s. Boats leave from the Great Falls Tavern.

16. When the original Walter Reed hospital and its grounds closed, it transformed into The Parks at Walter Reed. This area, which had been closed to the public for decades, now features a lovely rose garden, playground and more. Check out their calendar for regular events, including farmers’ markets, outdoor movies, jazz performances and more.

17. Gravelly Point is a park ideally situated for watching planes take off and land from the nearby Regan National Airport. So bring a picnic and settle for an hour or two of epic activity in the sky.

18. The highlight of the expansive Watkins Regional Park, for many families, is the Wizard of Oz-themed playground, complete with an Emerald place and ruby red slipper slides. The park also houses a mini-golf course, a petting farm and more.

19. The DC area’s climate is excellent for growing berries, apples, peaches, pumpkins and we’ve compiled a list of the best pick-your-own farms in the DC area.

20. East Potomac Park is a peaceful park with great water views. The park houses a golf course, mini golf course and public pool. The tip of the park is known as Hains Point and has a playground.

21. Practice your putting on DC’s best mini-golf courses. From glow-in-the-dark indoor courses to a classic mini-green overlooking the Potomac, there’s loads of fun spots to hit some balls.

22. One of the best playgrounds in the DC area is accessible to all kids. Clemyjontri Park has everything from a wheelchair-accessible swing to an accessible carousel. The rest of the park features slides, climbing structures, a maze and more.

23. Wheaton Regional Park is also known as Adventure Park for a good reason. Multi-story slides and a huge blue pyramid great for climbing share space with a carousel, miniature train, digging area and more.

24. Not far from the National Zoo, Tregaron Conservancy is a great place to explore and decompress after a busy day in the city. It hosts a beautiful network of woodland trails, streams, gardens, and meadows.

25. Did you know that there’s a hidden boathouse in Georgetown? At Fletcher’s Cove, you can gain access to the Potomac River and the C&O canal, which is excellent for paddling, row boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Then, head out on your own or take a guided tour. Fletcher’s also rents bicycles for those who prefer to stay on land.

26. Cabin John Park has a huge playground and plenty of shade, which makes it a fan favorite among local families. There is also a miniature train, picnic pavilions and plenty of room for sports.

27. Adjacent to Clara Barton’s home is the fun and interesting Glen Echo Park. The park was formerly an amusement park but is now a vibrant center of arts and fun. The park features the only carousel in a national park, a playground, a children’s theater, a puppet theatre and a network of yurts where artists work and sell their wares.

Related: It’s a Date! 7 Awesome Family Date Spots in DC

The Best Museums & Cultural Experiences in Washington, DC

28. The White House isn’t just where the President lives; it’s also the People’s House! This means it’s open to the public, and it’s a must-do when visiting DC. You won’t be able to see all areas of the White House, but you can visit the East Wing and the residence with some preparation. Contact your Congressional representative at least 21 days before your visit to schedule a tour.

29. After checking out where the President lives, swing over to Capitol Hill. There, you can walk the Capitol grounds and see the Capitol’s majestic rotunda for yourself. Reservations are recommended to visit the Capitol Visitor’s Center. For an even more in-depth look, contact your Congressperson or Senator in advance of your visit for a tour of the Capitol itself.

30. Just a short walk from the Capitol is the Supreme Court. The Court is usually open to the public on weekdays, requiring no reservations. Even if you can’t get inside, it’s worth a stop to take a photo on the Court’s iconic stairs.

31. We are getting closer to the day when anyone might be able to travel to space. Until then, visit the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum to get an up-close look at rockets, space science, and hands-on exhibits about how things fly.

32. To see an actual space shuttle, you must travel to the Udzar-Hazey Center, the Air & Space museum’s satellite location near Dulles airport. The Udzar-Hazey center also houses a Star Wars X-Wing fighter. In addition, the Udzar-Hazey Center hosts regular family-friendly events, so keep an eye on their events calendar.

33. The National Museum of Natural History is a must-do for those who prefer learning about the land. The Museum of Natural History is home to an impressive collection of dinosaurs but don’t miss the indoor butterfly habitat and hall of gems while you are there!

34. No trip to Washington, DC, is complete without a visit to the National Mall to see the monuments. See the monuments for free on foot or book a tour by Segway, bike, or trolley. The monuments are magical at night so consider visiting after sundown if your kids can stay up past dark.

35. Go deep undercover at the International Spy Museum. Learn essential spy skills like crawling through mock air ducts to eavesdrop and designing outfits for secret agents.

36. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens is one of DC’s best-kept secrets. The former home of the heiress to the Post Cereal fortune is now open for exploration. Take a kid-friendly tour of the stately mansion but stay for the expansive gardens, including a Japanese garden, lunar lawn, French parterre, putting green, and more. Bring a picnic or grab something to enjoy at the estate’s café. Keep an eye out for the heavy French and Russian influences throughout, inspired by Mrs. Post’s time accompanying her husband to his assignments as an Ambassador.

37. Visit Artechouse to see the magic happen when art and technology collide. Artechouse’s exhibits change every few months, but they are always interactive, immersive and worth the trip. Past exhibits have focused on everything from cherry blossoms to the life of a neuron. Check out the bar before you leave, which features themed drinks (including virgin versions) related to the exhibit’s theme, complete with V.R. coasters.

38. Not far from Artechouse is The Wharf DC. The Wharf is a great place to go if you have wanted to swing on a giant swing with river views or roast s’mores on a big fire pit. Check out activities ranging from riding a free Water Jitney to renting a paddle board. It’s also an excellent destination for dining and seeing live music.

39. See where George Washington and Martha lived by visiting their well-preserved home in Virginia. Mount Vernon also features sprawling grounds perfect for exploring. While there, you will also learn about the history of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. Before you go, make sure to heck out the kids’ activities happening on the estate.

40. The National Cathedral is a stunning masterpiece and the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Inside view colorful stained glass and search for the moonrock embedded in one of the windows. Visit the many chapels and look for carvings of luminaries, including Rosa Parks and Hellen Keller. Outside look around for whimsical gargoyles.

41. Washington, DC, is an international city and home to embassies from all over the world. Take a self-guided tour of Embassy Row starting at DuPont Circle to see some of the best the street has to offer.

42. The Culture House is an iconic spot for selfies in Southwest DC. The church building dating to the 19th Century is painted in bright, bold colors and is home to a vibrant arts community. Check out their exhibitions to see what is on display. Before you head out, make sure that Culture House is open to the public when you want to visit since it is a popular venue for private events.

43. The Woodrow Wilson House is where the former president and his wife moved when they left the White House in 1921. This well-preserved time capsule from the roaring 20s is just off of Embassy Row and hosts events, including tours and vintage game nights. The Woodrow Wilson House strives to be historically accurate and has programs relating to the impact of President Wilson’s controversial policies, including the segregation of the federal workforce.

44. The Underground Railroad Experience takes visitors on a trail that simulates the experience of enslaved people who fled the south in search of freedom. The trail starts at Woodlawn Manor and takes visitors through woods and fields. Take a guided tour or print out the self-guided map that explains how formerly enslaved people found hiding spots and the dangers they faced on their journey to freedom.

45. Woodlawn Manor House isn’t just the start of the Underground Railroad Experience; it’s also a well-preserved example of the Maryland of yesteryear. The manor includes a sprawling 19th-century house. The grounds preserve Maryland’s agricultural history. Events include public hikes, old-fashioned games and demonstrations on churning butter by hand.

46. The Clara Barton House tells the story of a remarkable woman who founded the Red Cross. Her home once served as the Red Cross’s office. Visitors can explore three levels of this beautiful home and learn more about Barton’s life and work.

47. The National Museum of Women in the Arts, not surprisingly, is dedicated to showcasing art by women artists. It’s a great way to view work from artists who have historically been marginalized.

48. The Renwick Gallery, located across the street from the White House, is part of the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum. This quirky museum has featured exhibits centering on the Art of Burning Man, floor-to-ceiling fiber installations, and Chicano revolutionary graphics. In addition, the Renwick Gallery hosts periodic family events, so check their calendar before heading over.

49. Blagden Alley in DC’s historic Shaw neighborhood is an off-the-beaten-track destination worth exploring. The alley is home to well-preserved townhomes and horse stables from the 19th Century, which now house cafes, bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the colorful “LOVE” mural, a favorite spot for selfies.

50. Visit the Library of Congress. While you have to be an elected representative to borrow books, the Library of Congress’s buildings are open to the public and magnificent! Rare and significant materials are often on display.

51. The National Portrait Gallery is a fantastic way to learn about U.S. history by viewing portraits of presidents, authors, athletes, movie stars and more. If you visit, ask about their family kits for self-guided activities.

52. The American Art Museum is connected to the National Portrait Gallery and showcases the best work of American artists. Don’t miss the building’s beautiful, soaring atrium, the Kogod Courtyard, between the two museums. It’s a great place to stop for a snack break.

53. The Sculpture Garden is a whimsical open space in the heart of the city. Walk through to explore larger-than-life installations, including the façade of a giant red house and art deco vines, or make a pit stop for lunch. During the winter, a big fountain in the middle of the garden transforms into an ice skating rink.

54. The National Gallery of Art features modern art in the East Wing and classic pieces in the West Wing. The museum is full of surprises, including a giant blue rooster on the roof and a magical walkway dotted with pinpoint lights. It’s also home to one of the best cafes on the National Mall.

55. Just off the National Mall, the Canadian Embassy holds a surprise. The domed rotunda just outside the main entrance creates the perfect echo chamber.

56. The National Children’s Museum is a wonderland for the younger set. The museum has hands-on activities, including a green screen, a giant indoor slide, art projects and more.

57. The Hirshhorn Museum is a modern round building on the National Mall. This is the place to go to see contemporary art in DC They also host regular family-friendly events with hands-on activities.

58. The Mansion on O Street is the quirkiest place in DC! Spend an afternoon exploring the wacky rooms and look for hidden doors to nowhere. Find the stuffed life-sized bear, secret wine cellar and more. Then, stay to dine or have tea in their eclectic restaurant.

59. There is a real castle in the heart of DuPont Circle. The Brewmaster’s Castle, known as Heurich House, has survived since the 1800s. Built by the owner of the largest brewery in 19th Century DC, this marvel features intricately carved fireplaces, mantles and more. Now open to the public, the Castle often hosts throwback game nights and family-friendly scavenger hunts.

60. The Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Catholic church in the United States and one of the tenth largest in the world. Open to visitors of all faiths, the Basilica has over 80 shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary, representing cultures and traditions from around the globe. The Basilica is stunning when decorated for Christmas but is worth a visit any time of year.

Related: The Latinx-Owned Shops and Restaurants in DC You’ll Want to Visit

61. The National Museum of the American Indian tells the story of ingenious peoples throughout the Americas, with input from Native voices. It’s a great way to learn about not only the complicated history surrounding American Indians but about vibrant Native culture and arts. Don’t miss the award-winning Mitsitam Café to sample traditional Native foods. Check out the play area where you can build an igloo and try your hand at Native-inspired crafts.

62. The National Museum of African American History and Culture tells the history of the African American experience in the United States, from slavery through Jim Crow to the Civil Rights movement. This museum also highlights the rich contributions of African Americans to American Culture, from music and film to food and sports.

63. The National Museum of American History touches on nearly every aspect of American life. History exhibits explore the development of railroads and transportation, cultural exhibits explore everything from video game development to Julia Child’s kitchen, political exhibits showcase First Ladies’ inaugural ball dresses, and pop culture exhibits feature iconic items like Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Don’t miss the hands-on activity areas for kids of all ages.

64. Want to see how money is made? Head over to the United States Mint just off the National Mall. Take a tour, then visit the Coin Shop on your way out.

65. Tudor Place has been home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants. Occupied through the 1980s, this home and its grounds are now open to the public. Visitors can tour the house and the Georgetown estate’s 5 1/2 acres of land. In addition, Tudor Place hosts frequent family-friendly events, including Tudor Tots. So keep an eye on their calendar.

66. Dumbarton Oaks is the former home of a distinguished ambassador and his wife. Now a research institute run by Harvard University, the house and expansive gardens are open to the public. Dumbarton Oaks has expansive gardens named one of the ten best in the world by National Geographic. They make a lovely spot to rest and explore after a busy day of eating and shopping in Georgetown.

67. The National Naval Museum is a hidden gem. This museum tells the story of the U.S. Navy, from covert submarine operations to the role of the Navy in conflicts starting with the Civil War. Many exhibits are hands-on and lots of fun.

68. The National Postal Museum is one of the Smithsonian’s lesser-known museums, but it is worth a visit. Learn the history of Postal Services from its days as the Pony Express and trace how the agency became the high-tech operation it is today. Sit on a horse-drawn wagon, “drive” a big rig, hop on an old-fashioned mail hauling train and test your speed at sorting packages before you leave mail a postcard and get it hand-stamped.

69. The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a massive home to all types of sea life. The aquarium’s centerpiece is shark alley, where visitors are surrounded by over 200,000 square feet of various sharks. In addition, learn about jellyfish, see dolphins being playful, watch scuba divers feed deep sea creatures and more.

70. Baltimore’s Maryland Science Center is the destination in the greater DC area for kids to get up close and personal with science. Learn about everything from gravity, space, electricity, and the human body’s functions. There are plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits for kids and teens. Also, check out the planetarium for a glimpse into the night sky.

71. Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore is a wonderland for kids of all ages. Kids can get wet in the Wonders of Water room (raincoats provided!), slide down three stories from the top to the bottom of the museum, create in the art room, join in a storytime, and explore ancient Egypt and more.

72. The written and spoken word dominates our lives, but a museum has not been dedicated to this essential part of our lives until now. Planet Word is dedicated to how people all over the world use language. Planet Word is full of voice-activated and immersive exhibits.

73. The National Building Museum is dedicated to buildings of all types. Past exhibits have centered around everything from art deco movie theatres to eco-friendly homes to designing livable neighborhoods. In addition, the National Building Museum is a popular family destination because of its two exhibit spaces dedicated to exploration and play. All of DC looks forward to the museum’s annual Summer Block Party when a new, fun, massive exhibit is installed for the season.

74. Abraham Lincoln lived in what is now known as President Lincoln’s Cottage for over 25 years. Today, the home and grounds host events year-round. Take a tour of the house and explore President Lincoln’s life in the adjacent visitors’ center.

75. Fredrick Douglass National Historic Site commemorates the extraordinary life of the famed abolitionist. Take a tour of his DC home and view thousands of objects belonging to Fredrick, Douglass, and his family. This site is a unique look into the life of this formerly enslaved person who dedicated his life to securing freedom for others.

76. Ford’s Theatre is where President Lincoln was assinated. Tour the theatre to learn about one of history’s most famous assignations or grab tickets to a play in this theatre which is still operational.

77. After President Lincoln was shot, he was carried to the Peterson House across the street from Ford’s Theatre, now known as The House Where Lincoln Died; the room where the president succumbed to his wounds has been preserved. Visitors who are not faint of heart can even see the pillow used while at the Peterson House, which is stained with the president’s blood.

78. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Attraction is the place to hang out with everyone from Obama to Taylor Swift. Learn about everything from how the attraction’s intricate wax figures are created to the civil rights movement to landing on the moon. Because this is DC, Madame Tussaud’s has a wax figure of every president from George Washington. Take a photo with the current president in an Oval Office replica. This attraction is surprisingly interactive, with the opportunity to pose for several pictures with American luminaries, costumes, and a Virtual Reality option.

79. The Holocaust Museum teaches children about the Holocaust through the story of a child. Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story tells the story of one child’s experiences living in Nazi Germany. This exhibit is on the museum’s first floor, close to the entrance, so it’s possible to visit with younger children without seeing the rest of the museum, which may be upsetting.

80. The REACH at the Kennedy Center honors President Kennedy’s commitment to the arts. The REACH transformed the Kennedy Center from primarily a performance space to providing more room for arts education and community events. Check out their calendar to find a family-friendly event or spend some time wandering the grounds. Definitely don’t miss the reflecting pool.

81. The National Archives in DC is a must-do for history buffs. Visitors can gaze at the soaring rotunda’s Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and Magna Carta. Also, check out their events calendar for family-friendly events that turn little ones into history detectives.

82. National Geographic is best known for its stunning magazines. However, those in the know also know that the National Geographic Museum is not only a place to see some of National Geographic’s famous photos up-close. It [‘s also a great family museum that showcases many of the topics covered by National Geographic in a fun and accessible way. Past exhibits have centered around Jane Goodall, ancient Egypt, and studying animals in the wild.

83. The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in DC is a magnificent place to explore families of all faith traditions. The monastery has lovely gardens that are more than a century old featuring replicas of sacred shrines from around the world. Visitors can also tour the monastery itself. The highlight of a visit for many is the extensive underground catacombs.

Related: Your Family’s Official Fall Bucket List

Must-Visit Gems in Washington, DC

84. Visit National Harbor and Gaylord National Resort. Take a ride on the Capitol Wheel to catch great city views, shop and dine and spend time diffing on the beach. National Harbor hosts special events like a Lantern Festival, outdoor movies, jazz festivals and more. Make the most of your visit with a stay at Gaylord National and experience an indoor laser and lights show in an impressive atrium, a family-friendly rooftop bar with incredible sunset views and augmented reality games.

85. Roer’s Reston Safari lets visitors get up-close and personal with animals. This safari has two parts. First, hop in your car to take a self-guided tour to see bison, llamas, deer and more. These animals will wander right up to your car for a treat. Then, head over to the zoo to visit with barnyard animals. Feed sheep and see goats, zebu and more!

86. Whether you live in DC or are just passing through, it’s good to shop local! Everything sold at Made in DC is made by a resident of the DC area. It’s the best place to find something unique that celebrates DC or your new favorite, snack, t-shirt or toy.

87. Dino fans of all ages should not miss Dinosaur Park. This park is home to an unbelievably large number of fossils still in the ground. Better yet, young archeologists get to dig themselves. If you dig up a rare fossil, it is cataloged with your name, and you could see your name in a museum one day! Dinosaur park also has a playground that is, of course, dinosaur themed.

88. DC is one of the few places in the United States you can see pandas. They are even more adorable in person. Be sure to visit the National Zoo to catch a glimpse. While at the zoo, explore the rest of Asia Trail, play in the Pollinator Playground and seek out your favorite creatures, from tigers to bald eagles. Best part? Admission is free to the National Zoo.

89. You can’t go too far in the DC area without finding a bowling alley. We love swanky Pinstripes.

90. In simple terms, hop-on, hop-off big bus tours means you can get on and off a Washington, DC bus tour at any of the designated stops, as many times as you wish.

91. If you want to do something adventurous, check out The Escape Game in Georgetown. Their 60-minute adventures include A Pirate’s Adventure, The Curse of the Mummy, and Dr. Whack’s Elixer of Life. If you don’t have that much time, they have two 45-minute adventures, Titanic and The Cabin.

92. The Sweet Home Cafe inside the National Museum of African American History is a cafeteria you do not want to miss. Celebrity chef Carla Hall is the culinary ambassador, so you know there’s some delicious food being served. The restaurant aims to feature African American history and culture through food.

93. The original DC food and art market, Eastern Market, opened in 1873, and it is still a happening local spot. In the heart of Capitol Hill, the market features fresh food, community events, and local farm-fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts everyone will enjoy.

94. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind local art experience at the Torpedo Factory. Not only can you peruse beautiful original pieces to purchase and take home, but you’ll also get a chance to see pieces in process, talk to the artists and experience over 80 local artists’ studios.

95. Rent a kayak from the Key Bridge Boathouse and paddle along the Potomac River to catch a spectacular view of the Georgetown waterfront, Roosevelt Island, and the Key Bridge’s underside.

96. The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf is the oldest continuously-operating open-air fish market in the United States, dating back to 1805. The Fish Market remains an iconic DC destination for hungry locals and savvy visitors seeking fresh fish, crabs, and cooked seafood.

97. Join a 40-year tradition by visiting or joining the drum circle at Merdian Hill Park. Every Sunday at 3 pm, locals from all walks of life come together to perform and create some cool beats. All ages are welcome to watch or drum along together.

98. Rental a bike at one of the hundreds of stations around the metro DC area. It’s a fun and affordable way to get around and see the city. Also, you can do your part to reduce carbon emissions and choose a fun way to explore that’s good for you, your family and the environment.

99. Catch the sunset over DC from the Kennedy Center terrace. Surprisingly, you don’t need a ticket to visit this area. You can head straight to the terrace, order some drinks and goodies and enjoy one of the best sunset views in the DMV.

100. If you and your crew like to run, then DC is the town for you. You’ll find a local 5K or family fun run almost any time of the year. It’s a great way to get some exercise as a family and see the sights of DC.

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35 Black History Books for Kids of All Ages

by Amber Guetebier

Your little kids will love the two from Brad Meltzer’s I Am series

Did you know that African American inventors are responsible for the modern-day supermarket and for cell phone microphones? Or that a nine-year-old was arrested at a Civil Rights protest in 1963? Here are 35 Black History books for kids that celebrate the rich history of Black people in the United States. Enlighten, encourage, and inspire your kids with these titles.

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Heart and Soul is an important Black history book for kids

If you want to talk about Black History with your kids, this book will take you back to the beginning. Told from the point of view of a 100-year-old African-American woman, Heart and Soul takes kids on a journey through the history of slavery to Jim Crow laws to the quest for equality and freedom in our schools and beyond. It shows them the reality and the inspiring truth about the men, women, and children of all colors who rallied to change education laws and end segregation and who fight still for truth, justice, and the American way. Kadir Nelson is an award-winning author and illustrator whose honors include the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Award. 

Recommended age: 6–10

Buy it here, $7

Free at Last

Free at Last is a good Black history book for young kids

Do your young ones know the story of Juneteenth? Originating in Texas, this holiday marks the day slaves were finally free: June 19. Told in a simple poetic style and coupled with beautiful illustrations, this is the perfect Black history book for little kids.

Recommended age: 4-8

Buy it here, $18

The Undefeated

A poem about the reality of slavery and all of its trauma, the power of the civil rights movement, and the determination of some of our country's greatest heroes, this historical book is a must for your bookshelf. Kids will get a deeper insight into an integral period of our nation's history and learn the words of change-makers like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gwendolyn Brooks.

Recommended age: 6-9

Buy it here, $9

Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Sweet Justice is a good Black history book for kids

It was Dec. 5, 1955, and Georgia Gilmore no longer had to boycott Montgomery, Alabama busses alone. After Rosa Parks was kicked off a local bus, things had to change. With her cooking skills by her side, Georgia uses her love of justice (and her friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) to make sweeping changes for integration. This book by Mara Rockliff is accompanied by stunning illustrations by Caldecott Honor Winner R. Gregory Christie.

Recommended age: 4-8

Buy it here, $16

I Am Harriet Tubman

Books for Kids About Racism

In Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Change the World series, we learn the story of Harriet Tubman and her bravery as she fought to abolish slavery. She helped hundreds of African Americans escape slavery and find freedom through the Underground Railroad and is and this is one book that will inspire your kids to become heroes themselves. 

Recommended age: 5-8

Buy it here, $11

Segregated Skies: David Harris’s Trailblazing Journey to Rise Above Racial Barriers

Segregated Skies is a good Black history book for kids

After serving for years in the United States Air Force as a B-52 bomber pilot, David Harris began applying to be a commercial airline pilot. He was turned down until, in 1964, American Airlines hired him, making him the first African American commercial pilot in history. The story itself discusses a lesser-known hero in the fight for justice, and perhaps most importantly, the book itself is exquisitely written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and renowned journalist Michaelell H. Cottman, who spent more than two years researching, interviewing, and getting to know David E. Harris.

Recommended age: 9-12

Buy it here, $27.

Speak Up, Speak Out!: The Extraordinary Life of Fighting Shirley Chisholm

Coretta Scott King Honor Winner Tonya Bolden introduces kids to the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives: Shirley Chisholm. Expertly researched, this story follows Shirley on her journey of speaking up and out.

Recommended age: 10-14

Buy it here, $13

Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy

Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy is a good Black history book for kids

Before there was Misty Copeland, there was Aesha Ash, Debra Austin, Raven Wilkinson, and so many more. Copeland's book, filled with stunning illustrations by Salena Barnes, shares how each Black ballerina who came before her influenced the dance community, and how Misty herself has changed the world for Black dancers.

Recommended age: 8+

Buy it here, $15

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

Alice Fay Duncan shares the straightforward and inspiring history of Opal Lee and her journey of advocating for this important day to become an official holiday. She was 94 years old when Juneteenth was finally acknowledged as a holiday and has no plans to stop fighting until everyone is free. Illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo.

Recommended age: 6-8

Buy it here, $11

The New Black West: Photographs from America's Only Touring Black Rodeo

While this is not a children’s book per se, this stunning collection of photographs is both about Black history and Black history in the making. It belongs on every bookshelf (or coffee table) in America. The collections of full-color photographs by Gabriela Hasbun showcase the modern Black cowboys of the annual Black rodeo in Oakland, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Simultaneously it brings to life the legacy of Black cowboys, including Bill Pickett, in America.

All ages

Buy it here, $34

Related: 10 Movies to Educate & Entertain During Black History Month

My Little Golden Book About Kamala Harris

Golden Books

The beloved My Little Golden Book series celebrates the history-maker Kamala Harris, the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Indian American woman elected as Vice President. The simple format is ideal for young children. 

Recommended age: 2-5

Buy it here, $4

Bold Words from Black Women

This collection from Tamara Pizzoli celebrates Black womanhood with Monica Ahanonu's 50 different gorgeous illustrations of 50 different Black activists, leaders, and artists, all accompanied by powerful quotes.

Recommended age: 4-9

Buy it here, $13

The 1619 Projects - Born on the Water

This picture book is a kid-appropriate version of the New York Times' groundbreaking 1619 project. Created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, bestselling author Renée Watson, and Artivist Nikkolas Smith, it chronicles the consequences of slavery in America. 

Recommended age: 7-10

Buy it here, $15

A Voice Named Aretha

In this gorgeous picture book by award-winning Author Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrator Laura Freeman, kids are introduced to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The story follows the life of Franklin as she overcomes shyness as a child to become a legend, and of course, as she earned a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T along the way. 

Recommended age: 4-8

Buy it here, $11

A Ride to Remember

A Ride to Remember is a good Black history book for kids

The summer of 1963 was an important time in America. Not only did Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington take place, but the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and open to everyone. As the first African-American child to ride the carousel at the park that day, co-author Sharon Langley shares her story about how a community came together for positive change. 

Recommended age: 6-9

Buy it here, $11

Black Is a Rainbow Color

When debut author Angela Joy set out to teach her children their first Black History lesson she was not expecting her preschooler to say, "But Mama, we're not black, we're brown." It was then that she realized that she wanted her children, and all children, to understand that being Black was about culture as much as color. Vibrant, stained-glass-like artwork by Coretta-Scott King Award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes accompanies Joy's poetic text as we join a little girl on a journey to discover all the wonderful things that Black is. It's an exceptionally designed, written, and thoughtful new book appropriate for kids of all ages and ethnicities.

Recommended age: Suggested age, is 4-8, but we think even older kids can benefit from this book due to the important historical talking points at the back of the book.

Buy it here, $13

A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks

Books for Kids About Racism

Celebrate the life and voice of poet Gwendolyn Brooks with this thoughtful story that combines Brooks' legacy with her life story. Known for being one of the foremost poets on the Black experience and the role of women in society, Gwendolyn Brooks went from a young child writing all the time to become the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize and authoring 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Celebrated author and children's librarian Alice Faye Duncan makes Brooks come to life on the page for the young reader. 

Recommended age: 5 and up 

Buy it here, $16

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA is a good Black history book for kids

Written by Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Brenda Woods, The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA, tells the story of a unique friendship between a young white boy and a black WWII veteran. Mr. Meriwether Hunter returns to Jim Crow South in 1946; when he saves little Gabriel’s life during a bike accident, Gabriel’s father offers Meriwether a job as a mechanic at their family garage. Gabriel and Meriwether form a friendship that endures despite the extreme prejudices in the world around them. A beautiful read. 

Recommend age: 10 and up

Buy it here, $17

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville

Little Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, and tomorrow is the big parade where three-time Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph will be riding on a float. Just like Alta, Wilma was once the quickest kid in Clarksville, and just like Alta, Wilma once had holes in her shoes. What will happen when a new girl comes to town, a new girl with shiny brand new shoes, and challenges Alta to a race? This clever story teaches kids about Wilma Rudolph and the power of dreams and grit, in a manner that they'll get (and remember). 

Recommended age: 5-8

Buy it here, $7

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

This little book packs a big punch! Featuring forty trailblazing women in African-American history, each entry is accompanied by a beautiful illustration. From pilot Bessie Coleman to crooner Nina Simone to poets, inventors, athletes, and more, this book will inspire children of any gender to be bold, and beautiful, and make history. 

Recommended ages: 3 and up, but we think you should read it to your baby. 

Buy it here, $9

Related: 30 Kids Books That Feature Diverse Characters

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited his local planetarium in New York City as a young boy. His quest for knowledge knew no bounds, and this is the story of how young Neil went from stargazer to one of the most respected astrophysicists in the world. Beautifully illustrated and excellent for young readers. 

Recommended age: 4-8

Buy it here, $13

We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders

Black history books for kids like We Are the Change are important

Sixteen award-winning children's book artists illustrate the civil rights quotations that inspire them in this amazing book. With an introduction by Harry Belafonte, words from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the book includes illustrations by Selina Alko, Alina Chau, Lisa Congdon, Emily Hughes, Molly Idle, Juana Medina, Innosanto Nagara and many, many more. 

Recommended age: 8-12

Buy it here, $13

Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten

Chronicle Books

Singer-songwriter Laura Veirs brings the story of the folk singer Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten to life in this beautiful book illustrated by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh. Libba, best known for the song g Freight Train, taught herself to play guitar as a child: upside down and backward no less (Libba was left-handed and did not have a left-handed guitar). She wrote the song Freight Train when she was just 13 but wasn’t really “discovered” until she was in her 60s. Learn about the woman behind the song and teach your children that creativity and productivity are important no matter your age. 

Recommended age: 5-8

Buy it here, $18

You Should Meet: Katherine Johnson

Who was Katherine Johnson? This book will tell you: she is said to be one of the greatest minds of all time! She worked in the 1950s for the NASA space program and was such a brilliant mathematician that she figured out the math needed to send a rocket to the moon in her head. She didn't even use a computer or a calculator. This book will teach kids about her early life as a child growing up in a small town in Virginia that didn't have a high school for African Americans (schools were segregated then), how her family moved to a town with a high school she could attend, and her incredible career as a scientist and mathematics marvel.

Recommended age: 6-8

Buy it here, $5

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

Afro-Puerto Rican immigrant and hero Arturo Schomburg was a law clerk with a passion: he collected books, letters, art, and music from Africa and the African diaspora. When the collection got too big for his shelves, he turned to the New York Public Library where, in 1905, he curated a collection known then as the "Negro Division." Not only does this book take you through the life and times of Schomburg, but it also details critical and often overlooked African Americans and African American history throughout events in the forming of the United States of America, including revolutionaries, the woman who wrote poems in praise of George Washington, the writings of Frederick Douglass and the whitewashing of African history. 

Recommended age: 9-12

Buy it here, $11

Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans

Marvelous Cornelius is a Black history book for kids

This heartwarming book tells the story of a New Orleans sanitation worker who would often dance down the streets along his route, inspiring other native New Orleanians to follow along. Find out how this humble man made a lasting impact in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Recommended age: 5-8

Buy it here, $17

42 Is Not Just a Number: The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero

Jackie Robinson was an all-star from a young age: in baseball, basketball, and football, he excelled. Jackie joined the Negro Leagues, setting records and impressing the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1946, Jackie became the first African American EVER to play in MLB. He faced cruelty, protests, and violence. But he persisted: he displayed courage, determination, restraint, and an incredible ability to win the game. This detailed chapter book will help parents and kids to remember never to give up. 

Recommended ages: 8-12

Buy it here, $15

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

Written by President Barack Obama as a letter to his own daughters, this is the story of 13 key players in American history. From Jackie Robinson to Georgia O’Keefe to George Washington,  Obama illustrates how his own children—and all kids—have these heroic traits in themselves. Uplifting and encouraging, your kids will gain an understanding of the history of the United States and know that “yes!” they can. Illustrated by Loren Long. 

Recommended age: 5 and up

Buy it here, $11

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin's Big Words is an important Black history book for kids

Both a picture book and a biography, this intro to the life, times, and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a bestseller for a reason. Illustrated with stunning, lush pictures by Bryan Collier, author Doreen Rappaport has hit the sweet spot by telling the true history, making a book kids won’t want to put down. 

Recommended age: 5–8 years

Buy it here, $9

Maya Angelou (Little People, Big Dreams)

Like the “I Am” series, the Little People, Big Dreams series explores amazing men and women of history, from artists to scientists to activists, teaching kids that one person can make a difference. This book covers the inspiring Maya Angelou’s journey, from a traumatic childhood to one of the world’s best-loved authors. If you thought you knew who Maya Angelou is, you are in for a treat: this book will leave you even more in awe than you already were. Written by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Leire Salaberria. 

Recommended age: 5–8 years

Buy it here, $9

Related: 25 Black Heroes Our Kids Should Know by Name

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist

Cynthia Levinson brings this true tale of the youngest known child to be arrested at a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama. Kids will cheer for Audrey, equality, and the rights of all children. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. 

Recommended age: 5–10

Buy it here, $12

What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors

Co-authored by NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, learn about 16 inventors who not only broke the color barrier but created some of the most widely used and extraordinary things in the world. From refrigerated trucks to the ice cream scoop to open-heart surgery, join Kareem and his team as you explore the history you use every day. Co-authored by Raymond Obstfeld and illustrated by Ben Boos and A.G. Ford.

Recommended age: 8–12

Buy it here, $7

I Am Rosa Parks

You are never too young to learn about real-life heroes and Brad Meltzer’s “I Am” series proves it. I Am Rosa Parks shows kids how Rosa Parks dared to stand up for herself by staying seated and refusing to give up her seat. Not only will they learn about her courage and her role in helping to end bus segregation and fight for Civil Rights, but they will also be empowered with the idea that one person, one small act, can change the world. Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. Also in the collection are I Am Jackie Robinson and I Am Martin Luther King Jr. 

Recommended age: 5–8

Buy it here, $11

Loving vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case

Loving vs. Virginia is an important Black history book for kids

This Black history book for older readers tells the story of a landmark civil rights case. Richard and Mildred Loving met in 1955 in Caroline County, Virginia, during a time when segregation, prejudice,  injustice, and cruelty were the norm. They fell in love and their love was at the heart of the Supreme Court case that legalized marriages between races.

Recommended age: 12 and up

Buy it here, $16

African Town

African Town is a black history book for older kids

This historical fiction novel for young adults chronicles the story of the last African slaves brought illegally over the Atlantic to America in 1860. Their journey includes being hidden in swamplands near the Alabama River, being divided among plantations, and finally, creating a community called African Town, which still exists today. Told from the point of view of 14 different characters, this novel is a gripping tale of Black history. 

Recommended age: 12 and up. 

Buy it here, $13

—with additional reporting by Karly Wood

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

All book covers courtesy of the publishers unless otherwise specified

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25 Places to Visit to Understand Race in America

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Take some time to learn about another race and you just might learn something about yourself as well

Raising kids in one of the biggest melting pots in the world comes with a responsibility to acknowledge and celebrate all of our differences. From talking about the civil rights movement to exploring cultural traditions, it’s important we help kids learn about their own identities while also developing respect for those from other backgrounds. As a first step, visit one of these amazing historical sites and museums that help kids understand the complex realities of race and cultural appreciation.

Hibulb Cultural Center | Tulalip, WA

Kate Loweth

Driving north from Seattle you will notice all the cities and businesses named after the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and that tells you that the indigenous history is powerful in this area of the country. Head to the Hibulb Cultural Center where you can learn all about the history, traditional cultural values, and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes (who are the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and other tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott). Start your visit in the longhouse where you can hear stories told by Tulalip’s storytellers before heading to the main gallery for interactive exhibits the kids will enjoy. 

National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, D.C.

National Museum of American Indian

ImagiNATIONS Activity Center at the National Museum of the American Indian was designed for kids to not only tucker themselves out but to also organically explore native culture and lifestyle. Little ones can weave a huge basket, surf a virtual river in a tippy kayak, or hunker down inside a real teepee. A library and kiddie craft center will keep bookworms engaged. The Mitsitam Cafe downstairs in the museum—serving native foods from around the Americas like fry bread and succotash—is well known and worth a visit.

Learn more: americanindian.si.edu

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Cincinnati, OH

Courtesy of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Located just a short walk from the beautiful Ohio River, this museum's mission is to "reveal stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times." From permanent exhibits to new and rotating exhibitions, the museum illuminates the concepts of freedom, what it means to be free, and issues of both historic and current slavery. Read the letters home from a Black soldier in WWII, see what a slave pen really looked like, and learn about the journey from being enslaved by a family to emancipation, in pictures and letters. You'll find an array of online learning resources including exhibits, lesson plans, and videos. 

Learn more at: freedomcenter.org

Civil Rights, Black History & Culture - Jackson, MS

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum courtesy Visit Jackson

Jackson, Mississippi, is famously known for the renowned Civil Rights Museum, But Jackson is also home to many lesser-known Civil Rights sites you can visit and more than one iconic walking trail, making it a great place to experience Black history any time of the year. You'll find the Mississippi Freedom Trail with ten important sites as well as the Mississippi Blues Trail which highlights the history and significance of the Blues in Jackson. 

Additional spots not to miss include the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, the International Museum of Muslim Cultures, countless historic churches, and, of course, some of the best eateries in all of Mississippi. 

Learn more at: visitjackson.com

 El Museo del Barrio - New York, NY

 El Museo del Barrio

At El Museo del Barrio, kids can learn the history of stickball, talk about Mexican social issues, celebrate Carnival, and view the artwork of everyday life in Puerto Rico. Plus, special ArteXplorers Activity Cards from the Museum help families identify and learn about the artworks in the galleries. Super Sabado (Free Third Saturdays) teaches the vibrancy and diversity of Latino Culture through free art-making workshops, storytelling, concerts, and more.

Learn more: elmuseo.org

Related: 12 Fantastic Books That Celebrate Native American Culture

The National Museum of African American Music - Nashville, TN

National Museum of African American Music, artist rendering

This highly-anticipated museum is the only museum dedicated to educating, preserving, and celebrating more than 50 music genres and styles that were created or inspired by African Americans. The 56,000-square-foot museum is in the heart of Nashville, and includes artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing, and state-of-the-art technology to showcase different narratives and genres. 

Learn more: nmaam.org

Wounded Knee Museum - Wall South, SD

On your way to Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills, be sure to take a detour to the Wounded Knee Museum in Wall South. There you'll find exhibits and pictures that vividly present the massacre of over 300 men, women, and children from the Lakota nation by the 7th Calvary of the United States Army on December 29th, 1890. Your kids will see firsthand the tragic events that are, sadly, a common narrative in Native American history. You can also visit the actual historical site, geared up with information from the museum. The museum is also home to "Lakota Ways: A Cultural Experience," which celebrates the Lakota Nation, which is still active in the area today. 

Belle Meade Plantation- Nashville, TN

You’d think the last thing you’d want to do to understand race in America is to visit the grounds of a plantation that once used enslaved people to make its wealth. But after a recent visit to Belle Meade Plantation in the Nashville area, we can report first-hand that this historic property is at the forefront of talking with the public in a truthful way about the horrors of slavery while honoring the African-American history of the property. The Journey to Jubilee tour follows the story of the African-Americans who were brought to the plantation in 1807, but who stayed on the plantation through the early 1900s. It shows their vital presence on the property, their story of enslavement and provides visitors with an understanding of the times from the African-American viewpoint. This tour is not recommended for kids under 12 due to the graphic reality of slavery, however, the general tour of Belle Meade also incorporates the story of the African-Americans who came as enslaved people but stayed on as hired workers after the abolishment of slavery. The property itself is very kid-friendly and an excellent respite from the bustle of the city.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site - Little Rock, AR

Wikimedia Commons

The Little Rock Central High School was the most prominent example of the desegregation of public schools in 1954 when nine African-American students attended school here for the first time in history. You have to arrange a tour to enter the school, now designated a National Historic Site, but it’s relatively easy to do and a great way to help kids understand the significance of this school as well as the history of desegregation in the U.S.

Ellis Island - New York, NY

Ellis Island

A quick boat ride from the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island (now known as the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration) is where 12 million immigrants were processed before moving on to New York City and beyond to make a new life between 1892 and 1954. The museum's showpiece is the Great Hall, where all of the immigrants were processed. The museum shows how the hall changed over the years, in addition to a slew of artifacts, photographs, prints, videos, and interactive displays. One of the coolest things about this museum is that thanks to the American Immigration History Center, you and the kids can try to trace your own heritage back to Ellis Island and a relative who may have been processed there. 

Angel Island - San Francisco, CA

Frank Schulenburg via Wikimedia Commons

Now a state park, Angel Island boasts some of the best views of San Francisco and Marin counties around, but don't just go for the photo opps. In 1905 an Immigration Station was constructed, which began operating in 1910. Because of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, a law passed limiting the number of Chinese immigrants into the US, anti-Chinese sentiment, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California, was rampant. While the station at Angel Island was meant to be a processing center, many immigrants primarily from Asia (and most from China) were held for interrogation. While they were supposed to be held for just a few days, in some cases they were held for nearly two years. Detainees expressed their feelings in poetry carved into the wooden walls of the detention barracks, still legible today. The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation is an excellent resource to learn more. Find our guide to Angel Island here. 

The Chickasaw Cultural Center - Sulphur, OK

Learn and connect with First American History at this center for arts and culture. Performances, reenactments, classes, demonstrations, collections, and interactive exhibits all work together beautifully to educate and inform visitors of the story of the Chickasaw people. This is one of the largest and most extensive tribal cultural centers in the United States and is operated entirely by the Chickasaw Nation. Located on 184 acres, you'll find not only the exhibit center but The Center for the Study of Chickasaw History and Culture, a theater, the Inchokka' Traditional Village as well as First-American foods and goods for purchase. 

Learn more at: chickasawculturalcenter.com

Related: Parent’s Guide to the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Legacy Museum - Montgomery, AL

Legacy Museum

The museum depicts the history of black people in the United States, beginning with slavery, through Jim Crow laws and segregation, to current issues of mass incarceration. The memorial, a quick walk away, honors 4,000 victims of lynching and racial violence. By filling in the gaps in the history that many Americans learn in school, the content presented may help families initiate discussions related to race and inequality in the United States

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - Atlanta, GA

Wikimedia Commons

Take your kids back to where this leader of the Civil Rights Movement was once a kid. At the Martin Luther King Jr. site, you can visit his birth home, play where MLK played as a child, and learn all about his early years in the movement. Get inspired to fight inequality in your neck of the woods.

Tenement Museum - New York, NY

Wikimedia Commons

Get a recount of daily life from more than a hundred years ago in America in a preserved tenement building at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Tour the preserved building that housed 7,000 working-class Irish and Jewish immigrants from 1863 until 1935.

Museum of African Diaspora - San Francisco, CA

Museum of African Diaspora

Celebrating the universal connection of all people through their association with Africa, this must-visit museum showcases exhibitions aimed at representing work that may be under-represented in other U.S. museums. For example, as soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a three-story mural comprised of 2,100 photographs submitted by people of the Diaspora.

Chattanooga, TN

A visit to Chattanooga, TN is full of opportunities to learn about Black history. 

Founded in 1983 as the Chattanooga African American Museum, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center celebrates the African Diaspora and pays tribute to Chattanooga’s African American culture with an emphasis on Bessie Smith, “The Empress of the Blues.” While there, you can also visit the Ed Johnson Memorial, a permanent public site that strives to promote racial healing and reconciliation by acknowledging the lynching of Ed Johnson, honoring the courageous work of his attorneys, and recognizing the resulting U.S. Supreme Court case that established federal oversight of state-level civil rights issues.

National Museum of American Jewish History - Philadelphia, PA

National Museum of American Jewish History

Located on historic Independence Mall, this museum brings to life the 360-year history of Jews in America. Through more than 1,200 artifacts, films, and interactive exhibitions, this family-friendly museum tells the struggles of an immigrant population that ultimately flourished in a foreign land.

Civil Rights Lessons - Greensboro, NC

Annette Benedetti

In Greensboro, NC , your kids can visit the site of the first Civil Rights sit-in and learn about the A&T Four—four young Black students who sat at a “Whites Only” counter inside the Woolworth restaurant on Feb. 1, 1960, and refused to move. At the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, a guided tour helps your family learn and relearn important facts about America’s history before, during, and after the Civil Rights Movement. The Greensboro Cultural Arts Center houses the African America Atelier where you will find moving exhibits that the whole family will enjoy. And you'll want to visit the Guilford College Underground Railroad trail, which simulates how fugitives seeking freedom navigated in the woods of the Guilford College community with assistance from free and enslaved Black Americans and European-American Allies. 

Explore Richmond's Legacy - Richmond, VA

Dustin Klein Light Projection Courtesy Visit Richmond

Richmond is steeped in important Black history and here are just a few of the ways you can experience it with your kids.

Visit the home of Maggie Lena Walker, a newspaper editor, bank president, and champion of civil rights for Black Americans and women. Join a tour of her home and an exhibit hall, watch a short film about her life and walk in the footsteps of a great activist of the early 20th century. There's also a Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza. 

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia celebrates the rich culture and history Black Americans in Virginia and has permanent exhibits that explore Jim Crow, Reconstruction, Emancipation, and more. 

You can also explore Richmond’s monuments: Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the Capitol grounds, Slavery Reconciliation Statue, Henry Box Brown, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson monument, and the Arthur Ashe monument on Monument Ave. There's also a self-guided Richmond Slave Trail: Walk along and discover seventeen different markers that display the somber truth about slavery in Richmond. 

At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts entrance along historic Arthur Ashe boulevard, you'll find Rumors of War, a powerful sculpture by Black artist Kehinde Wiley. 

Discover even more at visitrichmondva.com 

National Museum of African-American History and Culture- Washington, D.C.

National Museum of African-American History and Culture

The stunning building, inspired by Yoruba art and filigree ironwork, is filled with presentations and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at all aspects—the good and the gut-wrenching—of the African American experience. It’s a must-visit for the entire family. See our in-depth guide here.

Wing Luke Museum - Seattle, WA

Grace S. via yelp

"The Wing," as it is affectionately called by locals showcases the history, art, and culture of Asian Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Check out KidPlace, the Museum’s dedicated gallery to kids and families that is always open and filled with colorful and playful interactive exhibits. 

Rosa Parks Memorial - Montgomery, AL

Rosa Parks Memorial

Smack dab on the corner where Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks boarded a public bus and where she was infamously arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, this museum focuses on Parks' story and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum includes a permanent exhibit, “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a replica city bus that uses fog, lighting, sound, hydraulics, and a robot bus driver to guide visitors on a series of “time jumps” from Jim Crow to “Separate But Equal.”

Japanese American National Museum - Los Angeles, CA

Japanese American National Museum

Whether your kids know very little about Japanese American culture or they have a budding interest in the country that invented sushi, this is a perfect place to begin their journey. JANM hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as Free Family Fun days to bring to life the interesting, fun, and sometimes grounding aspects of Japanese American history and culture.

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park - Auburn, NY

If your kids don’t already know who Harriet Tubman is, the national park that bears her name is the perfect place to learn all about this incredible woman who emancipated herself from slavery at the age of just 27 and went on to help dozens of slaves find freedom. Before you go, the kids can become an Underground Railroad Junior Ranger to learn about the system of secret houses and way stations that helped enslaved people find freedom in terms they can understand. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes her home, a visitor’s center, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and the church she raised funds to build. Her burial site is also nearby.

—additional reporting by Kate Loweth & Amber Guetebier

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The Best Under-the-Radar National Parks in Every State (& D.C.)

by Amber Guetebier

Did you know the US has more than 400 national parks, sites, preserves, and monuments? From ancient fossil beds to wild and scenic rivers to camping, hiking and villages that sustain artists, we’ve found under-the-radar places in every state in the country (& D.C.) that you should add to your adventure list. With massive crowds heading to spots like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, these lesser-known spots are great options when you want to visit without much planning.

1.ALABAMA: Russell Cave National Monument - Bridgeport, AL
Not only is Russell Cave an archaeological mother lode, it is actually one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the entire Southeast. Early North Americans lived here between 10,000 B.C. and 1650 A.D. Which is basically a really, really, really long time ago. The 310-acre park is home to more than 30 types of insects, amphibians and reptiles.

2. ALASKA: Bering Land Bridge National Preserve - Nome, AK
Denali National Park gets a lot of glory (and for good reason) but if you’re heading to Alaska, consider a visit to the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Here you will find an almost fairy-tale-like place, with structures left behind by volcanic activity and ice-age landscapes that will make you think you’re in a Tolkien novel. It is home to caribou, muskox, reindeer (the only national park that allows reindeer herding) along with bears, weasels and more. You’ll also find native plant species that will stun you. Plus, this is the land bridge that holds the secret to human migration so it's an incredible lesson in migration and human history.

3. ARIZONA: Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site  - Ganado, AZ
With the likes of the Painted Desert and the Grand Canyon, Arizona is a hotbed of impressive parks. Step back in time at the Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. Built in 1878, the Mercantile is still in operation today and acts as a hub for Native American arts. There’s a Junior Ranger program, seek and find activities and more.

4. ARKANSAS: Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site - Little Rock, AR
The Little Rock Central High School was the most prominent example of the desegregation of public schools in 1954, when nine African-American students attended school here for the first time in history. You have to arrange a tour to enter the school, now designated a National Historic Site, but it’s relatively easy to do and a great way to help kids understand the significance of this school as well as the history of desegregation in U.S.

5. CALIFORNIA: Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park—Richmond, CA
California has no shortage of impressive state and national parks but this humble and a relatively new park to the scene is just as valuable as mighty Yosemite. Built to honor the efforts of Americans at home during World War II, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front tells the story of those citizens who worked tirelessly for the war effort, many of whom were women. There are exhibits, artists displays and even a huge ship docked in the nearby shipyard.

6. COLORADO: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—Montrose, CO
Oh, Colorado! With its Rocky Mountains and raging rivers, there isn’t much Colorado doesn’t have The Black Canyon of the Gunnison adds to the state’s appeal with steep cliffs, craggy spires and some of the oldest rocks in North America (over two million years in the making!).

7. CONNECTICUT: Weir Farm National Historic Site —Ridgefield & Wilton, CT
Got little artists in your fam? Then you won’t want to miss Weir Farm: the only national park dedicated to American painting. Artists of all types are encouraged to visit and work on site where a gorgeous old home, beautiful landscape and endless inspiration await.

8. DELAWARE: First State National Historical Park—DE & PA
The first state in the Constitution, Delaware is home to First State which is actually made up of seven sites throughout the state, including Fort Christina—where the first Swedish and Finnish American settlers came some 375 years ago—as well as the New Castle Court House Museum.

Timucan National Park/NPS

9. FLORIDA: Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve—Jacksonville, FL
Timucuan is truly one of the hidden gems of the Sunshine State. One of the last unspoiled wetlands along the Atlantic Coast, you’ll find coastal dunes, forests and salt marshes along with a historic fort that marks the site of a now lost colony a 19th-century plantation. Plus every year the park hosts a variety of lively cultural and historical celebrations.

10. GEORGIA: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site—Atlanta, GA
Take your kids back to where this leader of the Civil Rights Movement was once a kid.  At the Martin Luther King Jr. site, you can visit his birth home, play where MLK played as a child and learn all about his early years in the movement. Get inspired to create lasting change in equality in your neck of the woods.

11. HAWAII: Haleakalā National Park—Kula, Maui, HI
Home to volcanic landscapes and tropical forests, one Haleakalā most remarkable features are the native endangered species some of which exist nowhere else in the world. This place is a sacred site to both ancient and modern Hawaiian culture. Also, there’s a crater!

12. IDAHO: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve—Arco, Carey & Rupert, ID
Formed when a volcano erupted some 2000 years ago, Craters of the Moon is like an otherworldly landscape right here on Earth. Evidence of lava flows and cinder cones created a backdrop so moon-like that astronauts of the Apollo 14 trained here in 1960 in preparation for their upcoming trip to the moon. Astounding for rock-hounds, history buffs, space-lovers and budding archaeologists.

13. ILLINOIS: Pullman National Monument—Chicago, IL
Next time you’re near the Windy City, take some time to explore the Pullman District. Designated as a National Monument in 2015, the Pullman Historic District in Chicago was the first model, planned community in the United States. The site includes the Pullman factory (which made the famous Pullman train cars) as well the Hotel Florence and the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum—which explores African-American labor history.

14. INDIANA: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore—Porter, IN
Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes not only offer endless hours of sandy beach scooping they are prime for kite-flying, too. But that’s not nearly all: the park is 15,000 acres and home to rare birds, wetlands, prairies, rivers and forests all accessible via 50 miles of trails.

15. IOWA: Effigy Mounds National Monument—Harpers Ferry, IA
Visitors to Iowa often overlook one of the most incredible sites not just in the state, but in all of North America. Effigy Mounds park has more than 200 American Indian mounds, many of which are in the shape of animals like bear, deer, lynx and turtle. Formed during the 1400-750 B.P., this is a sacred site that is a testimony to the early Mississippi River culture and the Effigy Moundbuilders. A visit here will change your view of what you think you know about early American history.

16. KANSAS: Nicodemus National Historic Site—Nicodemus, KS
Kansas was once the wild west for early settlers migrating across the country from the East Coast after the Civil War and evidence of towns, trailways and history dot the Kansas countryside. Nicodemus, is perhaps the most unique among them. Founded by African Americans after slavery became illegal, it is not only the oldest Black settlement west of the Mississippi, it is the only one remaining and well worth a visit for all.

17. KENTUCKY: Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park—Hodgenville, KY
Lincoln is honored in many places around the country, from Illinois to Nebraska to Washington D.C. But it is Central Kentucky that lays claim to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace. Learn what it was like for young Abe growing up on the frontier, long before he became the country’s 16th president.

 

18. LOUISIANA: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve—New Orleans, LA
A visit to the culturally-rich city of New Orleans will yield endless tales of adventure and characters that seem to step out of an adventure novel. Jean Lafitte, a French pirate and privateer, is one of them. This park that bears his name pays homage to the diversity of the early Acadians—who later became known as Cajuns—who lived, fought, cooked and danced here.

19. MAINE: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument—Penobscot, ME
Imagine a woodsy wonderland that brings to mind Winnie the Pooh’s 100 Acre Woods, only this place is 87,000 acres. Designated in 2016, you can spend a lifetime exploring Kathdin’s rivers and streams, plants and forests and still not see it all.

20. MARYLAND: Harmony Hall—Prince George’s County, MD
While Maryland is the site of much of early American history, few places are quite as charming as Harmony Hall. Located on the Potomac River, it’s a 62.6-acre park with a gorgeous, 18th-century brick mansion you can explore. A great way to learn about Colonial history.

21. MASSACHUSETTS: Lowell National Historical Park—Lowell, MA
While Massachusetts, and specifically Boston, offer plenty in Colonial history as well, the smaller town of Lowell is famous for another era. Lowell National Historical Park is the site of some of the earliest water-powered textile mills, the same mills that launched the Industrial Revolution and changed the country’s economy. The city of Lowell is also the birthplace of Beat Generation author of On the Road, Jack Kerouac.

22. MICHIGAN: Keweenaw National Historical Park—Calumet, MI
Few folks make it up to the Keweenaw Peninsula, part of Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior. Keweenaw Historical Park pays homage to the copper history of what locals call Copper Country. Here nearly 7000 years ago, Native Americans formed copper into tools and trade, and in the 1800s—before even California’s Gold Rush—the copper mining industry began to boom. Hear the stories of immigrants who settled here, many of them Finnish, and the rise and decline of the economy of this important part of the American story.

23. MINNESOTA: Pipestone National Monument—Pipestone, MN
The red pipestone quarries here have been in use for 3,000 years. Early Plains people came here to mine the stone for sacred pipes used for prayer. Still in use today, you can check out the stones, hike an easy trail to see the Quartzite Cliffs and view remaining petroglyphs.

24. MISSISSIPPI: Natchez National Historical Park—Natchez, MS
Visitors to Mississippi can’t miss the Delta and history of the blues but the town and park of Natchez should be on your radar, too. From early Europeans to African American enslavement to Civil Rights, this place has seen it all.

25. MISSOURI: The Oregon National Historic Trail—Independence, MO
The Oregon Trail actually spans seven states: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington and Oregon but the very beginning is in Independence, Missouri. Start exploring the National Historic Trail here, learning all about the path of Westward Expansion. Want to take on more of the Trail? Plan your route with this super-cool interactive map that shows sites along the way, including Independence’s other underrated National Park, the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site which features the 33rd president’s impressive historic home.  

26. MONTANA: Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site—Deer Lodge, MT
Montana’s unique landscape ranges from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains and so it’s no surprise that it also home to some incredible parks, like Glacier National Park and the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Don’t miss a trip to Grant Kohrs Ranch, though where you’ll find cowboy culture preserved. Still an operating cattle ranch, you can learn about horses and cattle, tour the historic home and wander over seven miles of roads and trails for that “don’t fence me in” kinda feeling.

27. NEBRASKA: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument—Harrison, NE
Not only is this place considered the most significant Miocene Epoch mammal sites in the entire world, it is also a place of cultural importance to the Lakota Sioux who knew of the fossils long before scientists in the 1890s first “discovered” them. Today it is a place where culture meets science: kids can explore tipis, fossil beds, a “touch table” of artifacts and more. Although somewhat isolated from nearby towns, this park is well worth the journey (bring snacks, though!)

28. NEVADA: Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument—Las Vegas, NV
30 minutes north of the bustling Vegas strip, within the Las Vegas city limits, Tule Springs Fossil Beds is a true hidden gem. Here, mammoths, lions, bison, ground sloths and camels once roamed. See what they left behind!

29. NEW HAMPSHIRE: Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site—Cornish, NH
Saint-Gaudens was once the home of famous American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. You can see hundreds of his sculptures on display, tour his home, studio and gardens and even take a sculpture class yourself!

30. NEW JERSEY: Thomas Edison National Historical Park—West Orange, NJ
Your little inventors will go mad for a tour of Edison’s home and laboratory, the site of so many inventions that change the world. Kids can get hands-on here, too. Try making a light bulb work or attempting to pass “the Edison test.”

31. NEW MEXICO: White Sands National Monument—Alamogordo, NM
New Mexico is known for its colorful landscape and impressive sites including ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs, but if you want to go beyond you should bookmark White Sands National Monument. In the heart of a huge basin (Tularosa) is the largest gypsum dune field in the world. In other words, 275-square miles of wave after wave of sparkling white sands. It is a stunning sight to behold.

32. NEW YORK: Harriet Tubman National Historical Park—Auburn, NY
If your kids don’t already know who Harriet Tubman is, the national park that bears her name is the perfect place to learn all about this incredible woman who emancipated herself from slavery at the age of just 27 and went on to help dozens of slaves find freedom. Before you go, the kids can become an Underground Railroad Junior Ranger to learn about the system of secret houses and waystations that helped slaves find freedom in terms they can understand. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes her home, a visitor’s center, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and the church she raised funds to build. Her burial site is also nearby.

33. NORTH CAROLINA: Cape Hatteras National Seashore—Nags Head, Buxton, Ocracoke, NC
Many who flock to North Carolina’s shoreline love to head to the Outer Banks so this one might not be completely off the radar but with all there is to do in this part of the country, don’t miss a visit to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. With ocean waves, pristine beaches and a super cool lighthouse, we’re banking Cape Hatteras is going to become your new favorite destination. You can kayak, climb, hike and explore—and even spot sea turtles in the summertime!

34. NORTH DAKOTA: Theodore Roosevelt National Park—Medora & Watford City, ND
You’ve probably heard of the Badlands of South Dakota, but did you know the Badlands are in North Dakota too? The richly colorful Painted Canyon is located within Theodore Roosevelt’s Badlands. This park has it all: scenic driving loops, multiple hands-on visitor stations, guided walks, trails to roam, bison, elk and prairie dogs, and the beautiful Maltese Cross Cabin, where President Roosevelt once lived. Don’t miss the town of Medora and the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Oh, and did we mention you just might see the Northern Lights from here? 

35. OHIO: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park—Chillicothe, OH
A visit to Hopewell Culture will leave you in awe. 2000 years ago earthen mounds and embankments in stunning geometric enclosures were built by hand by the American Indians who lived, gathered, feasted and held funerals here. They are the largest example of prehistoric landscape architecture in the world. Visit Hopewell and learn why it’s been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

36. OKLAHOMA: Chickasaw National Recreation Area—Sulphur, OK
A swimmer’s paradise, Chickasaw has lakes, stream, natural springs, waterfalls and rivers. If you want the ultimate water destination, this is your bet. There are campsites and rental cabins, too.

37. OREGON: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument—Kimberly, OR
Explore the prehistoric past at these fossil beds 40 million years in the making. John Day Fossil Beds is also home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center which is a working lab. Don’t miss the Painted Hills area.

38. PENNSYLVANIA: Steamtown National Historic Site—Scranton, PA
With no shortage of outstanding sites, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed), and Valley Forge it’s easy to spend your days reliving history throughout the state. Don’t overlook the town of Scranton and the Steamtown National Historic Site where train lovers will delight in the history of the steam railroad.

39. RHODE ISLAND: Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park—RI & MA
Established in 2014, the Blackstone River Valley National Park spans several sites in Rhode Island and Massachusetts including the Old Slater Mill, one of the first cotton mills. Learn about the history of industry in the U.S. while exploring the many trails and tributaries of the river. Kayaking, anyone?

40. SOUTH CAROLINA: Congaree National Park—Hopkins, SC
A park teeming with biodiversity, it is home to some of the oldest trees in the Southeast. Explore the 20,000 acres on foot, by kayak, or canoe. Put this one on your radar for stunning fall colors, too.  

41. SOUTH DAKOTA: Wind Cave National Park—Hot Springs, SD
Although South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, don’t leave Wind Cave National Park off your list. Free roaming bison and elk, prairie grasslands and the mysterious, moaning Wind Cave—one of the longest and most complex caves on Earth are just a few reasons to visit this impressive park. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfXCVtdOGoC/?hidecaption=true

42. TENNESSEE: Obed Wild & Scenic River—Wartburg, TN
A river recreation area that is relatively unchanged over the last 300 years, it’s also a popular spot for rock climbers. There’s even a monthly Coffee & Climb with a Ranger aimed to introduce new climbers to the sport. This is a great park to visit with teens and tweens, too! 

43. TEXAS: Waco Mammoth National Monument—Waco, TX
We’re pretty sure you think of Chip & Joanna Gaines when you think of Waco, but Waco Mammoth Monument is another great excuse to visit this Texas town. Designated in 2015, this site has the country’s only “nursery herd” of Columbian mammoths, that date back 67,000 years.

44. UTAH: Cedar Breaks National Monument—Cedar City, UT
Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon might already be on your bucket list, but you should definitely add Cedar Breaks to your must-sees. At 10,000 feet in elevation you’ll look over a landscape of color and wild beauty unlike any other place.

45. VERMONT: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park—Woodstock, VT
Cultivated gardens, historic homes, rambling rock walls and 400-year-old hemlocks all find a place at this haven for artists and nature lovers. Check out their winter art programs for some postcard-perfect moments for your family album.

46. VIRGINIA: Maggie L Walker National Historic Site—Richmond, VA
Dedicated to the legacy of Maggie Lena Walker, newspaper editor, bank president and a champion of civil rights for African Americans and women. Join a tour of her home and an exhibit hall, watch a short film about her life and walk in the footsteps of a great activist of the early 20th century.

47. WASHINGTON: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve—Coupeville, WA
Located at the gateway to Puget Sound, this reserve captures the agricultural, historical and cultural traditions of Native Americans and European settlers. Home to the once-yearly Preservation Field School, volunteers work with National Park preservation carpenters to learn how to restore and rehab historic structures in the park.  

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site/NPS

48. WASHINGTON D.C.: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site—Washington D.C.
Visit Cedar Hill, the historic estate of abolitionist leader and champion of justice and equality, Frederick Douglass. Kids can join in the junior ranger program and collect Civil War to Civil Rights trading cards on site. This site just celebrated its bicentennial in 2018, in which kids (seen above) won awards for the Frederick Douglass speeches they memorized and delivered. Throughout the park there are opportunities to teach kids about the man Douglass was, to talk about racism in America and to celebrate the great accomplishments of this incredible man. 

49. WEST VIRGINIA: Gauley River National Recreation Area—Summersville, WV
If white water rafting is your jam, Gauley River Recreation Area has what thrill seekers are looking for. The mellower crowd can find plenty of slower-moving scenic spots along the 25-mile river’s lush gorges and valleys.

50. WISCONSIN: Ice Age National Scenic Trail—Madison, WI
Some of the best evidence of the North American Ice Age can be found in the state of Wisconsin and the Ice Age Scenic Trail takes you through 1200 miles of valleys, lakes, rolling hills and more.

51. WYOMING: Fossil Butte National Monument—Kemmerer, WY
Dubbed by the National Park Service as “America’s aquarium in stone,” this sagebrush desert oasis of Fossil Butte truly lives up to its name. Here you can see fossilized fish, insects, birds, plants and mammals, some which are incredibly well preserved.

 

RELATED STORIES
Best National Parks for Families
Airbnb Is Making It Easier to Visit National Parks
This National Parks Road Trip Is Scientifically Proven to Be the Greatest Family Vacation of All Time
10 Off-the-Beaten-Path National Parks in and Around D.C.

 

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Train Vacations Every Family Should Experience at Least Once

by Wendy Altschuler

Travel by train—one of the oldest forms of transport—has a charm and nostalgia that engages even the smallest of passengers. For your next adventure, take your brood on a family rail vacation; it’s an indelible way to give kids a chance to be a part of the world around them. You’ll be able to move about the train, dine in a special car, listen to the conductor and view different cities and country landscapes out of the window from the comfort of your seat. 

Once you’ve gotten them totally addicted to everything train, book a few nights at one of these train cars you can sleep in!

Explore the Last Frontier in Alaska

Wendy Altschuler

Go on a wild vacation to usurp all others and visit Denali National Park, which sits on six million acres in Alaska. You’ll explore some of the most rugged landscapes, dotted with moose, bears, mountain goats, and other wildlife as you travel through the park. Located between Fairbanks and Anchorage, the interior of Alaska is home to North America’s tallest and most majestic peak, Denali, which rises to 20,310 feet. Your adventure includes a ride on the Alaska Railroad via the Denali Star Train, which stops in the charming town of Talkeetna where a cat is a mayor. Really!

Good to Know: The experts at Pursuit can craft an Alaska Collection trip for your family, creating an itinerary that includes a stay at Denali Backcountry Lodge where your family can go on guided hikes, pan for gold, and enjoy delicious meals.

Online: pursuitcollection.com

Experience Ultimate Luxury 

Wendy Altschuler

Choose from four different unique rail adventures on a luxurious train trip with Rocky Mountaineer. The First Passage to the West travels from Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise, the Journey Through the Clouds goes from Vancouver to Jasper, the Rainforest to Gold Rush goes from Vancouver to Jasper, and finally, you can journey from Moab to Denver via the Rockies to the Red Rocks route. 

Your family will travel in style and have access to some of the most stunning views in the world out of large glass-domed windows. You’ll ride the rails through some of the most remote nature-filled areas, some of which are inaccessible to vehicular traffic. The food is incredible, the onboard stewards are knowledgeable and entertaining, and the overnight accommodations are top-notch. 

Good to Know: Spring for the GoldLeaf service to make the most of the adventure aboard. You’ll enjoy panoramic views out of the top-level glass-topped windows, can dine in a separate lower car, and kick back in a super comfortable seat as you watch the world go by. Step out on the outdoor viewing platform to feel the wind in your face and take unobstructed photographs. 

Online: rockymountaineer.com

Urban Adventure

Vacation by Rail

Explore the urban sights of Canada’s biggest and best urban areas on a nine-day journey that'll take you from Niagra Falls to Ottowa and Montreal and then, after traveling along the St. Lawrence River, land you in Quebec City, the only walled city in North America. The train ride is done in comfort, via first-class accommodations, and you'll have plenty of time to explore each city.

Good to know: Meals are included in your plan, and on long-haul trains, games and crafts are available for the kids.

Online: vacationsbyrail.com/canada/maple-explorer

See America's Great National Parks

You've always wanted to see the Big 5 when it comes to National Parks (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Arches and Canyonlands), so why not travel by train to them all? Start your journey in either Seattle or Chicago, and make your way to Glacier National Park. You'll travel the famous Going-the-Sun-Road, explore Upper and Lower Falls in Yellowstone, float down the Snake River, and spend a night exploring Jackson Hole. After stopping at what was once part of the Oregon Trail, you'll make your way to Utah to see the Landscape Arch, before making your way home on the famed California Zephyr, through the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Good to Know: You’ll travel on Amtrak and spend the night for one night and then sleep 12 nights in hotels in a variety of accommodations.

Online: vacationbyrail.com/americasgreatnationalparks

Guided Trip Thru Colorado

Summit as high as 14,000 feet above sea level during this eight-day tour of Colorado's finest jewels.  Travelers will explore Pike's Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and board the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway.

Good to Know:
Talk your daredevil wild child into Bungee jumping off one of the highest Bungee locations on earth at the Royal Gorge suspension bridge (Or, if you've had too much family time, arrange your own plunge.).

Online: vacationsbyrail.com/coloradorailadventure

Ride the Rails at America’s Northeast Corridor

courtesy AMTRAK

Amtrak has dozens of different train routes covering the northeastern territory, that are ideal for families. Tour through the cities that shaped American history, romp through nature or experience art and culture in a newfangled way. Travel from Boston to Washington D.C. on the Acela line, from Montreal to New York on the Adirondack line, New York to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited line, Toronto to New York on the Maple Leaf line, or Boston to Virginia Beach on the Northeast Regional line. 

Good to Know: Passengers aged 2 to 12 receive a half-off discount when traveling with fare-paying adults—one discounted ticket per one full-price ticket. 

Online: amtrak.com/home

By Way of Desert to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Pixabay

Do you have secret dreams of sailing the world in a hot air balloon à la Around the World in 80 Days? Imagine arriving by train to the early morning image of nearly six hundred balloons magically lifting off into the sky. This guided trip tours desert highlights like Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Santa Fe before ending at the highlighted 50th annual International Balloon Festival in New Mexico.

Online: vacationsbyrail.com/albuquerqueballoonfestival

 

Blaze Your Own Trail

Robert Stafford via Pixabay

For families who want to wing it, the California Zephyr is a great way to blaze your own trail. Following a nearly identical path as the original Zephyr train, the San Francisco to Chicago route covers several states including Colorado, Utah and Nevada. Imagine chugging by Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and down through the deserts of Utah. Be thrilled by spectacular views in Gore Canyon, CO, a place with sheer drop-offs on either side—it's only accessible by rail or kayak. You'll pass by the hometown of Western hero Wyatt Earp and consider stopping off in Princeton Il, near Chicago, to check out the home of abolitionist Owen Lovejoy—it was a major stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a National Landmark Site. A grand total of 2,438 miles, for one amazing journey, phew!

Good to know: Tickets for kids twelve and under are half off every day. Kids two and under are free.

Online: amtrak.com/california-zephyr-train

 

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Make Tracks for the Best Train Museums in the Country
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Family-Friendly Things to See & Do in Lewes, DE

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Southern Delaware is home to some of DC’s favorite beach destinations. With five family-friendly destinations to choose from, it can be hard to narrow the choices and pick which beach town is just right for your family. From kid-friendly eats to rainy day fun, we rounded up the best family activities in each destination to help you make the best choice. Once you settle on your home base, be sure to check out our guides to near-by Reboboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island for  more fun things to see and do in Southern Delaware. For more information on Lewes, read on.

Lewes

If you’re looking for a road-trip that will make your kids smarter, head to the historic town of Lewes in Delaware which holds the title of “The First Town in the First State.” Lewes was colonized by the Dutch in 1631 and has played many roles in history since. It was bombed by the British Royal Navy in 1812 (the cannonball can still be seen at the maritime museum) and it was an important  stop on the Underground Railroad during the American Civil War. Today, you can visit many of these historic sites for an educational adventure. Or spend the day at one of the bay beaches where you can skip the waves and let the littles splash in calm waters. Read on for the best things to see, do (and eat!) in family-friendly Lewes, DE.

The bike path at Cape Henlopen State Park

photo: Meghan Yudes Meyers 

Where to Play

You’ll find bay-front beaches and a charming canal running through this town. If you want to see the ocean, you’ll need to head to Cape Henlopen, a state park just outside town limits ($10 out-of-state car entrance fee). You can borrow a bike (totally free!) to go on two-hour loop that includes peddling through the Fort Miles historic area and a stop to climb tower 7, The Observatory. Bikes are rented Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  with the last rental starting at 2 p.m. Bikes are loaned for 2 hrs. at a time, so if you’re not an early bird, plan on swinging by around 12 p.m. when the first rentals begin to return.  Be sure to pop in the Visitor’s Center when you grab a bike; there is a touch tank that features horseshoe crabs.

If you’re spending any length of time in the area, you may want to consider a day trip to Cape May which is just an 85 minute ride across the bay by ferry. If you do decide to hop onboard, be sure to check out the Cape May County Park & Zoo which is just a short drive from the ferry terminal.

 

photo: Lewes.com

History Floats

Lewes is home to many historical sites and museums. One of the most kid-friendly ways to dive into history is aboard the Overfalls, a permanently moored lightship. What is a lightship, you may ask? It serves the same functions as a lighthouse (providing light at night and a horn during foggy weather) and this particular ship — the last of its kind to be built — spent most of its service hours off the coast of  Connecticut. It was donated to the town of Lewes to be used as a floating museum; today you can tour the boat seasonally (Labor Day-Memorial Day) or take a virtual tour.

Rainy Day Fun

Lefty’s Alley & Eats sits behind the Wawa on Rt. 9 and offers hours of entertainment beyond bowling. There are two floors dedicated to laser tag, a giant arcade, ax throwing and an onsite restaurant.  If you’re looking for something to bring back to your hotel room to keep the kids entertained, head to Puzzles for an assortment of family-friendly games and, well, puzzles.

photo: Heirloom 

Where to Eat

Heirloom’s beautifully plated dishes are so exceptional they have been nominated twice for the coveted James Beard Award and while the lack of a children’s menu (and steep prices) might make this Victorian house a no-go for a night out with small children, we strongly recommend their take out for a grown up treat (let the kids have Grotto Pizza that night!). For a family-friendly night on the town hit Crooked Hammock, a brewery restaurant with a kid-friendly backyard that sits on the edge of Lewes as you head toward Rehoboth Beach. Keep the kids entertained with an onsite playground and outdoor games like ping pong and tetherball while you wait for your order. You’ll find elevated bar fare, like Shrimp Street Corn and Sticky Lager Grilled Chicken, listed for entrees and kid classics like hot dogs and chicken fingers on the Children’s Menu.

Where to Stay

The Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach is a relatively new hotel that sits off the main drag on Rt. 9 and is convenient to both towns as well as popular dining along Rt. 9. This pet-friendly hotel features apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes and an indoor pool making it a family-friendly option for those traveling with young children and fur kids. For a quaint downtown experience, check out the Hotel Rodney. Boutiques and fine dining are just steps away and the Delaware Bay Beaches are within walking distance.

For more information: lewes.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Best Family Beach Towns in Southern Delaware

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

A beach is possibly nature’s most perfect playground: kids can scavenger hunt for shells, build sand castles and shallow pools in the sand, ride the ocean’s edge on a skim board and so much more. With so much to do at the water’s edge, it’s no wonder many families choose a beach for their summer vacation.  If you’re looking for some of the area’s best beaches, follow the traffic to Southern Delaware. Because so many migrate to Reboboth Beach in July and Aug., it has become known as the nation’s summer capital. Near-by Lewes, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are also packed with family-friendly activities and worth a visit. Scroll down for a quick guide to what to see & do and where to eat & sleep with kids in Southern DE.

Historic lighthouse boat in Lewes, DE is a kid-friendly attraction

photo: Lewes.com

Lewes

If you’re looking for a road-trip that will make your kids smarter, head to the historic town of Lewes in Delaware which holds the title of “The First Town in the First State.” Lewes was colonized by the Dutch in 1631 and has played many roles in history since. It was bombed by the British Royal Navy in 1812 (the cannonball can still be seen at the maritime museum) and it was an important  stop on the Underground Railroad during the American Civil War. Today, you can visit many of these historic sites for an educational adventure. Or spend the day at one of the bay beaches where you can skip the waves and let the littles splash in calm waters. Check out our guide to Lewes, DE here. 

Rehoboth Beach

Just a quick 3 hour trip from Washington, Rehoboth Beach ranks as the #1 beach destination for DC residents. In fact, so many people make the drive from DC to Delaware that this small town is often referred to as the nation’s “Summer Capital.” From boardwalk staples like Funland amusement park and Zelky’s arcade to natural attractions like the free public beach and Gordon’s Pond State Park, it’s no wonder families flock to this beach destination. Check out our guide to Rehoboth Beach here. 

Dewey Beach

Walk two to three blocks east or west of Rt. 1 and you’ll hit the water in this narrow little hamlet. With the Rehoboth Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, this thin strip of a town has an almost island feel. Lending to the laid-back atmosphere are a number of outdoor restaurants and bars and the popular East of Maui where you can rent kayaks, surf boards, skimboards and more. While this hamlet has a party town reputation during summer months, there are plenty of family-friendly perks (and off-season, it’s a family paradise). Check out our guide to Dewey Beach here. 

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is the less commercial cousin of Rehoboth Beach. You’ll find a similar strip of shops and upscale restaurants located on and near a much smaller boardwalk. Family is the focus in this town where much of the accommodations are home rentals. For those looking for digs with lots of perks, Sea Colony boasts 12 heated pools and many oceanfront condos for rent. There are also two hotels in town. Like Dewey, the beaches are broad here and offer plenty of room to run around. If you reach Bethany by way of Delaware, you’ll cross the Indian River Inlet Bridge which is fun to drive or walk over when it turns blue at night. Check out our guide to Bethany Beach here. 

Fenwick Island

If you want to balance the hustle-and-bustle of Ocean City with the serenity of state parks and quiet beaches, Fenwick Island is the ideal location. Straddling the Delaware Maryland state line, Fenwick Island is just steps away (literally) from the action-packed fun of Ocean City. Spend nights on the Ocean City boardwalk, ride the amusement park attractions at Jolly Roger or Trimper Rides  and then retire to quieter digs in this family-friendly town. Fenwick Island has its fair share of beach attractions, as well, like Viking Golf & Go Karts and Thunder Lagoon Water Park. Fenwick is known to have some of the cleanest beaches in the area. Stretch out anywhere on the 3-mile stretch or head north to Delaware Seashore State Park. To the south, you”ll find Assateague Island where horses roam free. Check out our guide to Fenwick Island here. 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

RELATED STORIES:
Family-Friendly Things to See and Do in Lewes, DE
The Best Kid-Friendly Eats and Attractions in Rehoboth Beach
The Best Things to See & Do in Dewey Beach
Explore Bethany Beach: A Family Friendly Beach Town
Why Fenwick Island Is the Perfect Location for Family Fun

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