Are you wondering what do at Mount Vernon with kids? If you are heading to Washington, DC with your family, I highly recommend adding a trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon to your trip itinerary. Mount Vernon was the home of the United States’ first president, George Washington, along with his wife, Martha Washington, and their children. Mt. Vernon is a short drive from Washington, D.C. It is on our family’s list of the best things we did on our spring break vacation, and I would highly recommend it for your vacation.
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What is included in a general admission ticket to Mount Vernon?
A general admission ticket to Mount Vernon includes:
- free parking
- audio tour of the grounds of Mount Vernon
- access to the gardens, barn, and farm animals
- slave quarters (replica slave cabin on the property)
- blacksmith shop
- live demonstrations from guides in 18th-century clothing
- the Museum and Education Center
- Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill (located 2.7 miles from Mt. Vernon, open seasonally)
Private tours and special events are also available. Visit Mount Vernon’s website for the latest news and calendar and to purchase Mount Vernon tickets.
Is it worth visiting Mount Vernon with kids?
It is worth visiting Mount Vernon with kids! Exploring George Washington’s home is educational and inspiring, especially for American citizens who might not know much about our country’s first president. Our older kids study Washington in their American history class, so we thought it was time to visit!
It is about a thirty-minute drive from the D.C. metro area in Skagit Country in northern Virginia. The whole family will enjoy the property, as it includes historic sites like the Washington mansion, along with the 16-sided barn, farm animals, beautiful gardens, replicas of the original buildings like the slave quarters and blacksmith shop, alongside a museum filled with interactive elements.
How much time do I need at Mt Vernon?
I think most families will spend 2-3 hours at Mt. Vernon. If you opt to take the mansion tour, that takes an additional 15-20 minutes. You may need to wait in line a bit before your mansion time opens, so be prepared for that.
What is the cost of visiting Mt Vernon?
Be sure to check Mt. Vernon’s website for the current pricing. Adults (12+) cost $28 a person, youth (ages 6-11) cost $10 each, and children 5 and under are free. General admission includes touring the grounds, museum and education center, and an audio tour. On Saturdays and Sundays from April to October, your ticket also gains entrance to the Distillery and Gristmill site, located a few miles away.
The cost to tour the mansion is an additional $2. When you purchase tickets online, you can also select a time for your mansion tour. Visitors may buy additional enhancements, like specialized tours, photo books, etc online.
If you purchase tickets online at least 3 days in advance, you will save $2 off each ticket. Discounts are available to military members, first responders, and medical professionals. I strongly advise purchasing tickets in advance, just in case you arrive at a busy time of the year.
Can I buy tickets over the phone?
Yes, you can purchase tickets by calling (703) 780-2000.
Are backpacks allowed at Mt Vernon?
Bags must be smaller than 16″x16″x8″ when entering Mt. Vernon. Visitors will go through a security screening and bags will be checked. Outside food and drink are prohibited. Water bottles are allowed. Luggage can be stored at the gatehouse if needed.
What can kids do at Mt Vernon?
There is plenty for kids to explore at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon estate. In fact, of all of the historical sites and cultural attractions we have toured with our four kids, I would say this one offers the most hands-on activities and interactive elements. They offer several immersive programs for kids of all ages.
Many on-site and virtual events can be found on Mt. Vernon’s website. These may include lessons about the farm animals and trees of the property. You can learn about upcoming events and specialty tours on their official tourism website and events calendar.
Kids, ages 7-12, can pick up an Adventure Map in the main admission building. Children find clues and pictures of nine different sites of the property, with an overview of each region. The I Spy Adventure Map is perfect for the younger kids, ages 3-7. This scavenger hunt takes them throughout the property with age-appropriate activities. After the completion of their hunt, they collect a small prize at the gift shop.
Be sure to check out these other fun activities!
- Look for a Discovery Station – Helpful guides at the discovery stations help kids (and adults) understand more about life in Washington’s time. You may learn more about the historic buildings, the people who lived at Mount Vernon, the trees of the property, and the popular crafts of the time.
- Meet characters dressed in period costumes to learn about life on Mount Vernon.
- Visit the farm animals on the property, from April to October.
- Walk forest trails on the property.
- Take a cruise on the Potomac River.
- Visit the Museum and Education Center
Should we visit the Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon?
Our kids especially enjoyed the interactive elements within the museum and education center. Be sure to leave enough time for those activities at the end! The museum includes 23 galleries housing exhibits on the life of George Washington, and the lives of others living on the property.
The 4D theater about Valley Forge and General Washington is a highlight! Additionally, another fantastic element is the “Be Washington” interactive experience. It takes viewers into a real-life situation Washington faced. Certainly, advisors offer their opinions, but the viewer has to make the call “What should Washington do?”
The Hands-On History offers 3-10-year-olds a chance to explore Mt Vernon life with costumes, books, and special activities just for them! Check the website before your vacation to see which exhibits will be available during your visit.
Can I bring a stroller to Mt Vernon?
Yes, strollers are allowed at Mt. Vernon. As long as they are parked outside of the Mansion, it will be easily accessible for drop off and pick up. The trails are easily marked and navigated with a stroller.
What time is Mt Vernon open?
Mt. Vernon is open 365 days a year. The museum’s hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM (April to October) and 9 AM to 4 PM (November to March).
How do I get from Washington, DC to Mt Vernon?
If you have a car, there is plenty of free parking located at Mt. Vernon. The address is 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. It is a short drive from Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, VA.
If you opt to use public transportation from D.C., take the Metrorail’s Yellow Line to Huntington Station. Exit at the lower level (Huntington Ave) to take the Fairfax connector bus to Mt. Vernon. The Fairfax Connector Bus (#101/Fort Hunt Line) takes about 20 minutes to reach Mt. Vernon.
Of course, you can choose to bike! Ride on the lovely Mount Vernon Trail from Old Town Alexandria. Additionally, visitors can catch a boat cruise from D.C. down the Potomac to the estate.
Certainly, tour buses and large buses are also welcome at the property.
Where can you eat at Mt Vernon?
Mt. Vernon offers a couple of dining options. The Food Court Pavilion offers standard favorites like hamburgers, salads, fries, and chicken strips. At some times, a food truck is also available.
The lovely Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is a more elegant option. It feels like stepping back into the 1700s when you enter the dining room. Menu items include historical favorites like colonial cornbread, turkey pot pie, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes. The peanut soup is also delicious!
A kid’s menu is available at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant featuring items like hamburgers, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese for under $12. Are you visiting on the weekend? Check out their Saturday and Sunday brunch which features Belgian waffles, Eggs Benedict, and delicious omelets.
Is the mansion tour worth it at Mt Vernon?
I think the mansion tour is worth it! Of course, when you purchase your admission ticket, you are given the mansion tour option. Select a tour time of the main house and see how the Washington family lived. The home of George Washington includes multiple guest rooms, Martha and George’s bedroom, a library study, and a kitchen.
How can I prepare my kids for Mt Vernon?
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, who run Mount Vernon, have done an incredible job bringing Washington and his family to life for families. The immersive programs and hands-on history center will entertain and educate the whole family.
As you prepare for your visit to George Washington’s estate, consider reading and watching material about our country’s first president. Be sure to visit the Mount Vernon website, which offers multiple articles, books, and videos to view and explore. Specifically, this is a fantastic website for teachers to use before or after a field trip to Mount Vernon.
Not surprisingly, there are many fantastic books to read with your children before your trip! Here are a few of our favorites.
National Geographic Readers: George Washington
A Picture Book of George Washington
Where is George Washington buried?
George and Martha Washington are both buried on Mount Vernon’s property. You can visit the memorial, along with a memorial to the slaves who lived and worked at Mount Vernon.
I hope this post encourages you to visit Mount Vernon with kids the next time you are in the Washington, D.C. area! It is a beautiful and inspiring place worth a few hours of your time! Please keep reading for more great travel tips for your family, and sign up for my free family packing list for your next adventure.
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