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History Lessons at D.C. Museums and Memorials

History Lessons at D.C. Museums and Memorials

Don’t know which Washington museums are best for kids from tykes to teens? Read here for age-appropriate recommendations.

  • The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.’s West Potomac Park.
  • Courtesy of Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation
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Visiting Washington, D.C., for the first time usually includes stops at many major presidential monuments, war memorials and museums. For most kids though, the thought of a trip dedicated to educational enrichment is about as appealing as spending 10 hours strapped in a car seat to view the largest ball of twine. Face the facts now: Although your eyes may become teary reading the Gettysburg Address, your kids will instead race up the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial or try to climb on Lincoln’s lap—it being about 10 feet off the ground serves as no deterrent.

Fortunately, most of the key monuments and memorials are located around the National Mall, which includes a reflecting pool adjacent to a large span of green grass lined with trees—a perfect place to let kids run and explore. Keep in mind that the Mall is a very large area. If you want to try to see the monuments and memorials surrounding it, plan to spend the entire day and take into consideration the age of your children and short attention spans. Children younger than 5 will need stroller assistance, and everyone will need comfortable shoes. 

Monuments and Memorials

Ages 4 and up

Lincoln Memorial: As mentioned, kids enjoy climbing the stairs and it provides a spectacular view across the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument.

Korean War Veterans Memorial: Even the very young will be engaged by this powerful memorial featuring the expressive statues of soldiers on the march.

Ages 8 and up

Jefferson Monument: This is considered by many to be the most beautiful monument but it is a long walk from the main area of the National Mall and is best suited for older children.

  • The Washington Monument stands tall at the west end of the National Mall.
  • Jake McGuire

FDR Memorial: This is close to the Jefferson Memorial and offers a spectacular view of D.C. across the tidal basin.

Washington Monument: An elevator takes you to the top for a spectacular view of D.C. Try to go mid-week to avoid long lines.

Arlington National Cemetery: A moving experience so set aside at least 2 hours to navigate. Located just across the Memorial Bridge in Arlington, Va.

Ages 10 and up

Vietnam Veterans War Memorial: The devastating impact of walking past the names of nearly 60,000 soldiers who died during the war inscribed on black granite will be completely lost on younger viewers but for adults and older students, the experience can be unforgettable.  

World War II Memorial: This memorial can be an excellent experience for students learning about the war and a stunning reminder of its toll as it honors the more than 400,000 lives lost.

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Comments

1 Comments on this article | read all comments
dangerjr

Love the age breakdown

by dangerjr on May 16, 2008

Very helpful to have the information listed by age interest.

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