Family vacations are wonderful, but what about family vacations that also hold educational value? When children are learning and growing as they explore, a family trip becomes more than just a vacation. Educational family vacations are beneficial when children transition through school and take on new passions.
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Educational Places to Visit
Below are six educational destinations for families to take together in the United States that not only teach lessons, but make lifelong memories.
1. Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg isn’t just some static, historic town. It’s a living, breathing version of the American Revolution from our past brought into the present. Known as a history museum brought to life, Williamsburg has buildings from the 17th century that are still standing and lived in. With two busy museums and reenactors reliving the past every day on the Williamsburg streets, there is never a dull moment. Children will play and explore the city while absorbing the historic elements on this educational family vacation to Colonial Williamsburg.
2. Jackson, Mississippi
Learning about history–the good and the bad–is all part of the learning experience. Learning about some of the more difficult times in history can be more impactful in the locations that experienced them first-hand. In Jackson, Mississippi, Civil Rights and Black History made huge leaps in a positive direction after such a negative time in history. Between the Mississippi Freedom Trail, the Mississippi Blues Trail, and the Civil Rights Driving Tour, Jacksonville is a favorite when it comes to educational places to visit.
3. Cape Canaveral, Florida
What family hasn’t watched the stars with their children or at least discussed star-gazing with them? At Cape Canaveral, Florida, exploring outer space can become a reality! The Kennedy Space Center is an adventure that meshes science with imagination. Families learn about legendary space travelers while getting sneak peeks of launch pads and shuttles. The museum and town make the ultimate educational trip for families who want to learn more about the science of space!
4. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Most kids learn about the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock during their early years in elementary school. Why not bring them to the exact place they’ve learned about in school? Plymouth, Massachusetts makes an excellent educational trip for families for this reason exactly. Many children are visual and interactive learners. Bringing children to the place they’ve discussed in school helps them connect with the history on a genuine level. Being able to learn about the intriguing 17th-century and experience reenactors is not only an educational adventure, but an entertaining one!
5. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is one of the ultimate destinations for educational trips for families–especially when you don’t want those field trip vibes! Traveling as a family to this historic city offers the chance to explore different museums and monuments at your own pace. From the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, little ones will learn about history as they stand in awe of the iconic structures. When teenagers are looking for educational places to visit in Washington, D.C., museums are not only educational, but interesting for those who may not be familiar with Washington’s history.
6. New York City, New York
New York, New York. The Big Apple tops most lists of educational family vacations! While some people see NYC as too fast-paced, too dirty, and too crowded, others see beyond the chaos. New York City is where families can learn about the immigrants who arrived in the United States through Ellis Island. Children can explore the Statue of Liberty and stand in awe of bustling Times Square. For families who want to remember September 11th, Ground Zero is an experience unlike any other. Walking the streets of NYC is often a step into history itself and children never forget any of those steps.
