Top 10 Historical Sites Every Kid Must See
Sure, I plan on taking my kids to the usual places like Disneyland and Disney World, but how about the historical hot spots? My lifelong love of history has motivated me to make sure my kids see some of the most interesting historical sites around the country.
I'm sure my kids will complain about most of the places I plan on taking them - after all, I used to whine to my parents when we visited national parks and other historical sites, but I now understand why they loaded all of us in a van and drove us from site to site while on family vacation. Often, kids learn best outside of the classroom and instead, experiencing history in person. See below for the top 10 historical sites every kid must see!
Related: 8 tips for surviving a road trip with your kids
1. Shiloh Battlefield - Hardin County, TN
The Battle of Shiloh was a turning point in the Civil War. With 13,000 casualties the Battle of Shiloh was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Despite the heavy casualties, President Lincoln finally found the man who could lead the North to victory - Ulysses S. Grant.
Related: 7 things I wish I knew about men before I got married
2. The Court Building - Washington, D.C.
The home of the Supreme Court has to be on the list. So many great decisions have come out of that building (as well as some bad ones). And from a personal standpoint, the reason I first wanted to become a lawyer worked as one of the nine Justices in that building - Thurgood Marshall.
3. Ford's Theater - Washington, D.C.
The theater where Lincoln was shot is a must-see. The greatest president in United States history (and my personal favorite!) was shot there and died shortly thereafter. Who knows how much different history would have been in a United States run by a post-Civil War Lincoln?
Related: Women are desperate to get married...and 16 more myths in the male mind
4. The White House - Washington, D.C.
C'mon, it's the White House. When I visited Washington D.C., I did not have time to stop at the White House. That is one of my biggest regrets. To walk the halls where the nation's leaders have lived and worked has to be an incredible feeling.
5. Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg, VA
I visited Colonial Williamsburg when I was younger. I do not remember much about it, but I do remember being fascinated about the way of life of the people who lived in colonial America. If I was entertained at a young age, my kids will likely be entertained as well.
Related: 10 things you should NEVER say to your husband...but probably do
6. Brown's Park - Moffat County, CO
I have camped here many times and can't wait to take my daughters. Located near my hometown, Brown's Park sits along the banks of the Green River in Colorado and is one of the places where Butch Cassidy and his gang hid from the law.
7. Alcatraz - San Francisco, CA
This tiny rock of an island located in the San Francisco bay has been a lighthouse, miltary fortification and, most famously, a military and federal prison dating back to the 1800's. Thanks to the intrigue of that rock, Nicholas Cage was able to make a decent movie and I'm determined to visit the famous site with my girls.
Related: 20 funny excuses women give to get out of sex
8. Assembly Room at Independence Hall - Philadelphia, PA
The Assembly Room at Independence Hall is one of the most historic rooms in United States' history. It is where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both adopted.
9. Antelope Island and Fremont Island - Great Salt Lake, UT
These Islands are located in the Great Salt Lake. Few seem to know about the historical significance of the islands, however. Kit Carson carved a seven inch cross into a rock on Fremont Island and George C. Fremont named Antelope Island after killing several antelope. He was also the first to accurately map the Great Salt Lake and was the first known white man to visit the islands.
Related: 10 ways to turn your backyard into an arcade
10. Eastman House - Rochester, NY
The George Eastman House is located in Rochester, New York. It's a gorgeous mansion and contains lots of history about photography. Plus, I love Rochester, New York (where I lived for 2 years) and my family can get a Garbage Plate at Nick Tahou's.
- By Cody Coombs
Follow Cody on Babble
For 10 more historical sites every kid must see, visit Babble!
MORE ON BABBLE
7 things you should NEVER say to your child
25 things every kid should experience
11 hilarious tips for undressing in front of your lover (circa 1937)
25 things women will never understand about men
11 signs you're a babysitter's worst nightmare
