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Photo Credit: The Healthy Habit Lady
Exploring US History with the Kids
Where do we come from? How have things changed? Why did people used to do weird things? It’s no surprise that kids find history interesting and have so many questions to ask moms!
To help young imaginations flourish, here are a few ideas for great US attractions for children who love history and parents who are tired from trying to give them all the answers.
New York Historical Society
New York City’s first museum, the New York Historical Society covers everything from the civil war and the founding of the country to the more recent growth of New York and the surrounding area.
But while the entire location provides plenty to see for inquisitive minds, it’s the DiMenna Children’s History Museum that’s a must-see attraction.
The DiMenna is designed with children in mind, focusing on interactive exhibits and the personal stories of real people rather than abstract artifacts and objects.
So from sporting legends to New York’s child newsies, it’s a relatable, engaging day out.
The National Children’s Museum
Just outside Washington D.C., The National Children’s Museum is mainly focused on more recent history, including the traditions of the world’s diverse cultural groups.
With a spirit of ‘learning through play’, it’s the ideal place to take younger children who are just discovering the joy of history for the first time. And with the addition of familiar Sesame Street characters and exhibits, it’s an energetic, fun place to be.
For older children, the NCM Theater offers regular talks and performances designed to bring cultures and traditions to life, as well as impart some useful life lessons.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian has a reputation for being an old-fashioned, very traditional type of museum – but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Today, the Smithsonian brings together more than three million artifacts from the War of Independence onwards and, crucially, it does so in a stimulating, child-friendly way.
Around the site, you and your family can explore traditional exhibits with iconic objects including the iconic top hat that Lincoln wore on the night of his assassination.
Meanwhile, interactive displays give children the chance to go hands-on with history, bringing the topic to life in a fun – and memorable – way.
Which historical location in the US is your favorite?
I love museums sadly I have not been to all of these. I did go to the Smithsonian in high school and really enjoyed it, I hope my kids grow to appreciate great museums and history!
I would have to say the Statue of Liberty. She’s on our list of must visit places in the next few years!
My guy is really into history, thus we’ve been trying to get the kids into it as well and they actually really like learning about it all. We need to get to the National Children’s Museum sometime, I’m sure they’ll love that.
I have always loved going to museums My favorite is when I visited Lincoln’s boyhood home last summer. However, I’d love to one day visit these museums that you’ve mentioned.