Are planning a trip to Mount Vernon with kids? You’ve come to the right place!
Although visiting a historic plantation may not sound like the most fun thing to do with kids, it actually is!
Mount Vernon has many fun activities for kids to enjoy and they’ll also learn a little history about George Washington and his life.
We visited Mount Vernon when the kids were young, and they had a great time doing the scavenger hunt. Our son even got to lead the pledge of allegiance at George Washington’s tomb!
If you are visiting Washington, DC, or Alexandria, VA, Mount Vernon is an easy attraction to add to your itinerary. It’s also a great stop if you’re doing a road through Viriginia.
We share some of the best things to do at Mount Vernon with kids below. Let’s dive in!
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Mount Vernon Tickets
Before you visit Mount Vernon with kids, you’ll need tickets! If you aren’t interested in touring the mansion, you can buy a grounds pass.
This will get you access to the plantation grounds where you can take a self-guided audio tour and visit the many out buildings and gardens on the property.
However, if you want to tour the mansion, you must reserve a spot ahead of your visit. There may be opportunity to add a mansion tour onto your grounds pass, but it is not guaranteed.
- Mount Vernon was originally called “Little Hunting Creek Plantation”
- Mount Vernon has almost 100 animals! They include sheep, donkey, horses, and two cats.
- The siding of Mount Vernon looks like stone, but it is actually wood!
- There was no electricity at Mount Vernon until 1916, 117 years after George Washington died.
7 Fun Things to Do at Mount Vernon With Kids
1. Hands on History
Located in the Education Center, kids can pretend to work on the farm, play with a replica Mount Vernon dollhouse, and dress up in 18th century clothes, all while learning more about George Washington and his estate. This area is best suited for kids 3 – 10 years old.
2. Watch a 4D Movie
Watch George Washington’s most famous battles as you experience the cannon fire and snow falling. This 4D movie might be too intense for the littlest visitors and is recommended for kids (and adults) 8 years and older.
3. Complete the Mount Vernon Scavenger Hunt
Before entering the primary part of the estate, pick up a scavenger hunt and map at the visitor’s center.
The scavenger hunt is one of our favorite things for kids to do at Mount Vernon. It gets the kids involved by listening and observing while wandering the estate. It also encourages visiting areas that may otherwise be looked over.
Each area of the property contains an answer to a puzzle. Solve them all and get a reward! When we visited, the kids received a pressed penny of Mount Vernon.
4. Stroll the Gardens at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is situated on a large property that has many flower gardens, orchards, and a greenhouse. Of all the things for kids to do at Mount Vernon, the gardens are the most beautiful!
Kids will love wandering around, smelling the flowers, and walking through the maze-like flowerbeds of the Upper Garden. Make sure to look for butterflies floating around!
5. Say “Hi” to the Animals at Mount Vernon
Another activity to do at Mount Vernon with your kids is to visit the paddocks. They house some of the animals Mr. Washington would have had on his property, including sheep! Across the way are the stables where he used to keep his horses and coaches.
6. Visit George Washington’s Tomb
On the property is the final resting place of George Washington, his wife, Martha, as well as various family members.
During “Tribute at the Tomb” ceremony, guests are selected to participate. One of the ways kids can get involved is by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. Explore the Buildings at Mount Vernon
In addition to the main house, Mount Vernon also has many outer buildings, like a blacksmith, a spinning shop, and a smokehouse. Some of the buildings have reenactors describing what life was like on the estate during Washington’s time.
Kids will enjoy watching history come to life as they learn what life was like on the plantation during Washington’s time.
Other Things To Do Near Mount Vernon
There are plenty of other things you can do near Mount Vernon as a family.
George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill is included with your grounds pass admission.
Another popular activity is riding bikes on the Mount Vernon Trail. This 18-mile trail spans from Arlington Cemetery to Mount Vernon. Of course you don’t have to bike the whole thing!
Don’t forget, Alexandria is about a 15-minute drive from Mount Vernon and has other fun, historical sites to see.
Lastly, the National Museum of the United States Army is a short drive from Mount Vernon. Admission is FREE but you must reserve your ticket in advance.
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