Taking a family vacation to some historical lands is a great idea when your kids are in school. It is an interesting way to learn more about U.S. History while having that "getaway" feeling. Check out this list of six awesome memorials and battlefields that are educational and fun for the whole family, as well as beautiful vacation rentals near each site.
Top 6 Family-Friendly War Memorials and Battlefields In The U.S.
1. Iwo Jima Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Also known as the U.S. Marine Corp Memorial, this statue in Washington, D.C. depicts men raising the American flag during a battle in World War II. This site is great for taking pictures, and every evening in the summer, marines host a Sunset Parade, where they perform drills for an hour. This is the perfect place to picnic, relax, and spend time with the kids.
Washington, D.C.
2. Memorial Park, Washington, D.C.
What was once home to the WWI U.S. Army Training Camp is now one of the largest parks in the U.S. This park is filled with fun activities like golf courses, playgrounds, tennis, swimming and more. Bring the family along to go for a hike or bike ride, while also learning more about those soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Washington, D.C.
3. USS Arizona Memorial, Washington, D.C.
This monument pays tribute to the attacks on Pearl Harbor, as well as the United States’ entry into World War II. Built on top of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, this memorial honors the crewmembers and civilians who were killed or injured during the December attack. Inside the memorial you can watch a short film inside the theater, learn more about the attacks on your own, or take a guided tour. Kids can sign up to go on the scavenger hunt inside the memorial, or purchase an activity book, to make their experience here more interactive and fun.
Washington, D.C.
4. Bunker Hill Monument, Washington, D.C.
This famous battle that marked the start of the Revolutionary War has come with it’s own monument, as well as a museum. The museum features artifacts from the battle, details about the monument, as well as history about the town of Charlestown. The monument itself is a 221-foot obelisk that single-handedly marks the historical beginning of the Revolutionary War. Here, you can stand outside and take pictures, or try your best to climb all the way to the top. Take the kids and see who can climb the highest!
Washington, D.C.
5. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier/Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
At the top of a hill overlooking all of Washington, D.C. stands this tomb of an unidentified soldier from World War I. What may seem like a boring statue comes alive, as the tomb is guarded at all times by U.S. soldiers, and every hour the guards change during the ‘changing of the guard’ ceremony. Bring the kids by at the right time to watch this powerful ceremony take place, but it’s recommended to leave the babies at home: this ceremony prefers complete silence.
Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.
6. National D-Day Memorial, Washington, D.C.
This memorial honors the U.S. soldiers who invaded France on D-Day, one of the most important battles of World War II. This memorial is seen as more of a timeline of events leading up to D-Day, starting in the back and working its way up to the front. This monument is filled with statues, pools of water, and boat replicas. Bring the kids along for a walk back through time, as they can experience what it was like to be one of the first people to walk on the beaches of Normandy.
Washington, D.C.
This article was written by Kellyn Nettles.