Most kids are fascinated by history and that is especially the case when they are given the chance to witness the sites where key moments in history were made.
Fredericksburg offers your family a great opportunity to give your children a memorable and enjoyable history lesson as the area is packed with significant battlefield sites and educational resources like museums, which make learning a whole lot more fun than sitting in a classroom.
Plenty of chances to explore the past
Three centuries of American history is waiting to be explored in Fredericksburg, Virginia and if you arrange to stay at somewhere like the Courtyard Fredericksburg Historic District you will be able to reach the majority of the major places of interest with ease.
The Fredericksburg Battlefield is a must for your itinerary and it will give your children a fascinating insight into a part of the country where the Civil War reached a dramatic and bloody climax.
Understanding the civilian experience
It is often overlooked how ordinary civilians lives are affected by war and conflict but if you visit Chatham Manor you will get a chance to see what impact it had on the ordinary people of Fredericksburg.
Chatham Manor played a pivotal role as a Union Headquarters during the Civil War and you will be able to find out more about it when you pay a visit during your stay in Fredericksburg.
The Washington connection
Another interesting place to visit would be the Rising Sun Tavern which was built in the 1760’s as a home for Charles Washington, the younger brother of George.
Part of the Washington Heritage Museums you will often find plenty of events going on at the Rising Sun Tavern, which helps to bring history to life and will allow your kids to learn more about the Washington connection that is so much in evidence in this part of the country.
Learn about “Stonewall Jackson”
There are always going to be national heroes to learn about and “Stonewall Jackson” is definitely a story that is going to hold your kid’s attention and engage them in an active history lesson.
If you visit the National Military Park, make sure you stop at Prospect Hill, where you can learn about this war hero and see the monument where Jackson held his position on the field of battle.
Combining health and history
The National Park Service operates a hiking program and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania runs a hiking series called “Fit History”.
This a family-friendly activity that gives you the chance to join a ranger-led program where you get a history lesson while enjoying some exercise as you explore the grounds and battlefield areas.
Fresh air, exercise, and a fun way to learn some history makes the “Fit History” hike a great thing to do when you come to Fredericksburg.
When you put all of these attractions and places of interest together you have the perfect ingredients for an awesome family learning vacation adventure.
