Family-Friendly Adventures in Washington DC!

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

Why Visit?

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center: Engaging Family Itinerary

Morning Start: Arrival and Orientation

Begin your exploration at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, it"s best to arrive early to beat the crowds, especially during peak summer months. The park opens at 9 AM, so aim to be there at opening time. Parking is ample and free.

First Stop: Visitor Center

Start at the Visitor Center for an orientation. Pick up a park map and check out the scheduled Ranger-led programs tailored to family interests and ages. Don"t miss the film “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by Morgan Freeman, which provides a compelling introduction to the significance of Gettysburg. Following the film, explore the adjacent Cyclorama, featuring a 360-degree painting of the battle that offers a stunning visual history lesson.

Mid-Morning: Explore the Museum

Dedicate the next hour to the museum exhibits. Interactive displays and artifacts like the clothing of soldiers and weaponry make the history touchable and engaging for kids. The museum does a fantastic job explaining the complex events leading up to, during, and after the battle in a way that is accessible to all ages.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas. Pack your own or grab something from the Refreshment Saloon at the visitor center.

Afternoon: Battlefield Tour

Post-lunch, head out for a self-guided or guided tour of the battlefield. The Auto Tour, starting from the Visitor Center, is highly recommended. It includes stops at significant sites like Little Round Top, and the High Water Mark, with informative markers and stunning views. For a more interactive experience, consider a horseback tour or a bicycle tour, both great for kids.

Wrap Up

Conclude your visit at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. It’s a poignant place to reflect on the sacrifices made here.

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring along water, sunscreen, and hats for a day of insightful, historical exploration that’s engaging for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Shriver House Museum

Why Visit?

Day Trip Itinerary to Shriver House Museum & Surrounding Attrories

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your day in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. For families driving in, you can find parking available in various lots around the town center. If you"re staying overnight, many hotels offer shuttles to central locations. Begin at the Shriver House Museum located at 309 Baltimore Street. This 1860 home has been restored to its Civil War era splendor, providing a poignant glimpse into the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettireg. The guided tour, lasting about an hour, starts every half hour and delves into the story of the Shriver family, highlighting the impact of the war on ordinary citizens and even showcasing the sharpshooters" nest in the attic.

Lunch: Period Dining

Head to one of the local diners or cafes for a midday meal. For a thematic continuation, try the Dobbin House Tavern, just a short walk from the museum. This tavern, established in 1776, offers a colonial atmosphere and a menu with historical dishes, perfect for keeping in theme with the day.

Afternoon: Battlefield Tour

After lunch, drive or take a historic tour bus to the nearby Gettysburg National Military Park. Families can enjoy a self-guided auto tour that explores key sites of the famous battle. Pick up a map and audio guide at the visitor center to enhance your experience. The park"s Junior Ranger program is particularly great for kids, offering engaging activities and historical insights.

Evening: Ghost Tour & Departure

Cap off your visit with a ghost tour for some spooky fun. Several operators start tours from Gettysburg town center, which is a short walk from the Shriver House. These tours, which mix local folklore with historical facts, are a thrilling way to learn about the town’s haunted past. After the tour, it"s time to head back home or to your accommodation, filled with memories of a day steeped in history.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of education and entertainment, ideal for a family outing in Gettysburg!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Why Visit?

Get ready for a captivating journey through history at Gettubbyurg National Military Park! Start your day early at the Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike. Here, you can pick up a map and watch a short introductory film, “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by Morgan Freeman, which provides a poignant overview of the Battle of Gettysburg’s significance.

After the film, explore the adjacent Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, where interactive exhibits will engage kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the impressive display of artifacts from the battle, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items from soldiers.

Next, join a Licensed Battlefield Guide tour. These expert guides can make the history come alive and tailor the tour to be engaging for kids. You’ll cover key sites like Little Round Top, Pickett"s Charge, and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. Each stop has its own stories that shaped the outcome of the Civil War.

For lunch, picnic at one of the serene spots on the battlefield, like near the Pennsylvania Monument, the largest on the field. Here, children can enjoy some outdoor time, and you can discuss the heroism and tactics depicted on the surrounding monuments.

In the afternoon, visit the David Wills House in the town, where President Abraham Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address. It’s a short walk from the center of town, and kids will love hearing about Lincoln’s famous speech.

End your day with a sunset walk through the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The solemn beauty of the place offers a moment of reflection and a poignant conclusion to your historical tour.

Each step at Gettysburg is a lesson in bravery, strategy, and the complexities of war, making it not just a trip, but an unforgettable educational experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Gettysburg Heritage Center

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for the Gettysburg Heritage Center

Morning Arrival

Start your day at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, located conveniently on Baltimore Street. Parking is available onsite, making it easy for families to access. Begin with the award-winning, interactive museum which offers insights into the life of civilians during the battle. Engage your kids with the scavenger hunt provided at the entrance, perfect for keeping younger visitors enthralled.

Interactive Exhibits

Explore the museum"s interactive exhibits which include 3D artifacts, touch-screen quizzes, and videos that explain the 1863 battle in a way that"s engaging for all ages. Don"t miss the "Cellar Experience," which recreates the harrowing experience of Gettysburg civilians. This immersive activity is both educational and impactful, offering a unique perspective on the historical events.

Guided Battlefield Tour

Post museum exploration, head to the nearby battlefield. Opt for a bus tour which starts right outside the Heritage Center. These guided tours are family-friendly and provide in-depth commentary on the significant sites and strategies used during the battle. The bus tour is ideal as it catifies all the major sites without the fatigue of walking extensive distances, important when you"re with kids.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas on the battlefield grounds. The peaceful setting offers a great spot for families to relax and refuel. Pack some local treats and enjoy the scenic views.

Wrap Up with a Souvenir

Conclude your visit by stopping at the Heritage Center"s gift shop. Allow the kids to choose a book or a souvenir, which serves as a memorable token from the trip and a way to encourage further learning about American history.

End of Day

Head back to the parking lot by late afternoon, recapping your favorite moments from the day during the drive back. This itinerary ensures a comprehensive, enjoyable, and educational visit to the Gettysburg Heritage Center and the iconic battlefield.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.