Do you have a vacation planned with your family to Washington, D.C. soon? Our nation’s capital is one of those places where a little prep work can go a long way to making your visit just a little more fascinating– and a lot more tolerable if you’re a kid.
Washington, D.C. can be an overwhelming place for children– young and old– especially if they’re learning about all the historical facts for the first time while they’re there. Hopefully a few history lessons have helped along the way. But if you need some extra prepping, here are a few tips you can institute ahead of time to get your kids ready for Washington, D.C. They’re all quick, easy ideas to get your kids pumped to see all the major sites that are likely on your list– things like kid-friendly podcasts, blogs, entertaining short videos, or books you can find at your local library. Your entire family will head into your vacation already feeling like experts!
Our tips are broken down by site/attraction to help make it easy. To shop all our book recommendations in one place, go to our Amazon page.
Lincoln Memorial –
Podcast: Abraham Lincoln Podcast Part I and Part II on Bedtime History Podcast
Book: I am Abraham Lincoln (part of the Ordinary People Change the World series by Brad Meltzer)
Our blog post: U.S. Presidents 101: How Abraham Lincoln became America’s Iconic Hero
Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home) –
Book: I am George Washington (part of the Ordinary People Change the World series)
Book: George Washington’s Teeth will prepare kids for the final exhibit at Mount Vernon showcasing George Washington’s dentures. It’s quite the memorable site and one your kids will talk about for a while.
Our blog post: U.S. Presidents 101: George Washington
World War II Memorial –
Book: World War II for Kids
Video: A Brief Overview of World War II
Thomas Jefferson Memorial –
Video: Biography of Thomas Jefferson for Kids: Meet the American President
Our blog post: U.S. Presidents 101: Thomas Jefferson
Roosevelt Memorial –
Book: A Boy Named FDR: How Franklin D. Roosevelt Grew Up to Change America
White House –
Book: Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out
Book: Woodrow, the White House Mouse
U.S. Capitol Building –
Book: House Mouse, Senate Mouse (an entertaining book my own kids love)
Video: This one will send you back to your own childhood, but give Schoolhouse Rock a try. This video, I’m Just a Bill, is entertaining and helpful in learning how a bill makes its way through our Congressional system.
Supreme Court-
Book: Our Supreme Court: A History with 14 Activities for Kids
Book: Marshall the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court
Library of Congress-
America’s Greatest Library is an illustrated history of the Library of Congress with so many fascinating fun-facts.
National Archives-
Book: We the People by Peter Spier
Video: Schoolhouse Rock Constitution
Movie: National Treasure (Brittany’s kids love this one and National Treasure 2 which has a little bit of Mount Vernon in it too.)
Vietnam Memorial
Video: Vietnam: A Brief History
Book: The Wall
Korean War Memorial
Video: The Korean War by Simple History
Book: America in Korean War: A History Just for Kids
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial –
Podcast: Bedtime History Postcast
Smithsonians –
Book: Awesome Adventures at the Smithsonian. The guide is packed with activities, information, maps, photographs, and illustrations and give kids puzzles to solve, games, mad libs and pages for journal entries. It even comes in a spiral-bound version.
Movie: Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian (Brittany’s kids request this one often)
Arlington Cemetery
Book: Arlington: The Story of Our Nation’s Cemetery
Author: Andrea
Former news reporter and Capitol Hill press guru, wife, mom, and pastry addict.
