Alexandria Virginia is a historic city that has lots of great homeschooling field trip destinations. Homeschooling field trips will help your child learn about the world around them and expand their horizons. The twelve destinations listed below are just some fun places you can visit with your children in Alexandria Virginia.
1. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a memorial to the first President of the United States. It was built by the Freemasons at their expense and dedicated to all Freemasons who have served our country with valor, integrity, and distinction since its founding in 1776.
The memorial is located on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia just across from Mount Vernon. It sits on land that was once part of George Washington’s estate during his lifetime as well as part of his burial plot after his death in 1799. The structure itself is made up of large blocks of stone that mirror those used in Colonial buildings throughout Alexandria such as Old Town Hall. Inside are carvings and symbols meant to inspire visitors about what it means to be a good person.
Adult admission is $18 and children 12 and under are admitted free. Daytime parking is also free.
2. The Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a non-profit art center that offers classes and workshops in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. The center also hosts a number of exhibitions and events.
The Torpedo Factory was once the site of an ordnance factory built during World War II by the U.S. Navy to supply torpedoes for submarines stationed at nearby Quantico Marine Base. Over time it was converted into a live-work community for artists of all mediums to come together and use the space as their own studio or gallery at no cost! This is just one example of how Alexandria has been a haven for creative types since its founding!
Admission is free but you do need to make a plan for parking because your optiions are limited or have some restrictions.
3. The Alexandria Black History Museum
The Alexandria Black History Museum is a destination for those who love history, especially if you’re looking for a place that celebrates the African American community. Situated in South Washington Street Historic District, this museum first opened its doors in 1981. It was formerly known as the Prince William Street Historical Society until 2011 when it changed its name to what it is now. The museum contains artifacts from the 1790s to the present day and houses some of Alexandria’s most important documents pertaining to African American history in Virginia.
General admission is $3.00 per person with special rates for groups. Admission is free if you are a City of Alexandria resident, City of Alexandria employee, veteran, American Alliance of Museum members or, Virginia Association of Museums Members.
4. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum
The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is located in the historic district. The museum is open to the public and admission is free. Exhibits focus on Alexandria’s history, including its past as a major port city and its role in the Civil War. Visitors can also see how people lived during those times through interactive displays and artifacts from archaeologists’ digs. The museum hosts school field trips for students interested in learning about Alexandria’s history or visiting Washington D.C., which is only a few miles away by train or car.
5. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located in Alexandria, Virginia, at the intersection of Payne and Quaker Lanes. The museum itself is not large; it’s made up of two rooms on the ground floor of a building that houses an active non-profit theater company. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in content.
The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is dedicated to telling the story and preserving the artifacts from Fort Ward Park—a Civil War-era fortification built during 1861-1862 as part of the Union Army’s preparations for advancing into Northern Virginia during the American Civil War.
General admission is free but there is a suggested donation of $3.00. If you are coming as a group of 12 or more, you can arrange a guided tour($5 per person) or a free “Meet & Greet” in which a staff member will give you a 10-minute introduction, then you go on a self-guided tour.
6. Jones Point Park & Lighthouse
Jones Point Park & Lighthouse is a great place to explore, learn about the history of Alexandria and even learn about lighthouses! The park itself has several trails, so it’s a great destination for you and your kids to go hiking or just take a walk.
The grounds are open from 6AM to 10PM. You can call and arrange for a Park Ranger led program for additional learning opportunities.
7. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum is located in Old Town Alexandria at 115 S. Union Street. The museum was built in 1785 and was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today it houses an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the history of Alexandria.
The Lyceum is located right next to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, so it is easy for students to see both museums in one day if they choose to do so. This museum focuses on how people from different backgrounds lived during colonial times through exhibits like those found in Colonial Williamsburg (another popular destination for homeschooling field trips). Students can also learn about what life was like on board ships traveling across oceans as well as how slaves were treated when they were brought over from Africa by their masters or owners during slavery days.
General admission is $3.00 for adults, $1 for ages 6-17, 5 and under are free. City of Alexandria residents are admitted free.
8. Alexandria Waterfront Park
If you are looking for a place to take the kids for a walk outdoors, Alexandria Waterfront Park is a great option. The park is located on the Potomac River and has trails that will get your heart pumping. There is also a playground in case your child needs to burn some energy. When it’s time for lunch, there are picnic areas where you can rest after having some fun on the trails. If you want to go boating or kayaking, there is also a boat rental available at this location!
9. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
This museum is a great place to learn about the history of the American Revolution. The building that houses the museum was built in 1792, and it has been preserved to look exactly as it did when it was first constructed. One of the most interesting aspects of this museum is its collection of apothecaries’ jars. These jars were used for storing medicines and other substances during this time period, and they are displayed throughout the museum along with other artifacts from this era.
If you are interested in learning more about how people lived during the early years of our country’s existence, then visiting this museum may be right up your alley! The museum also hosts special events and has hands-on learning experiences that you can schedule for your group.
10. Carlyle House Historic Park
Carlyle House is a restored 18th-century home located in Alexandria, Virginia. The house was built by William Carlyle (1722–1781), whose father served under George Washington during the American Revolution. Carlyle served as an aide to General Lafayette during his tour of America in 1784–85 and later became an aide to Washington himself.
Carlyle’s home has been restored to its original condition with period furniture and artifacts from that time period on display throughout the house’s rooms. The house is also home to many paintings by Gilbert Stuart, who painted members of both families who lived here throughout its storied history – including four presidents!
11. Great Waves Water Park
If you are looking for some cool fun in the sun, Great Waves Water Park has a lot to offer. Not every field trip has to focus on learning — It’s OK to just have fun!
Great Waves has multiple waterslides that are sure to satisfy even your most adventurous child. For the younger ones(and the exhausted parents), the splash pad is a great place to cool off.
Cameron Run Regional Park includes more than just Great Waves Water Park. There is mini-golf, batting cages, and a beach-themed playground. You can get a full facility pass and take advantage of everything Cameron Run has to offer.
12. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is a must-see destination for homeschooling field trips. George Washington’s home and gardens are open to the public and offer educational programs for homeschoolers. Mount Vernon is a great place to learn about American history and the American Revolution, but it also provides an opportunity for students in grades 6+ to learn about 18th-century agriculture, horticulture, natural science and engineering through hands-on activities.
Mount Vernon offers several options for homeschoolers that can be used as part of your curriculum or just as fun field trip ideas:
- Guided Tours
- Museums & Historic Sites
- Special Events like Christmas at Mount Vernon (December 1st – January 6th)
- Farm Tours and Demonstrations
- Scavenger Hunts and Quests
The Mount Vernon Gardens are located right across the street from Mount Vernon and are fun for all ages! You’ll find ponds full of turtles and frogs, as well as an outdoor café where you can sit down for lunch after your walk through the gardens.
Exploration is the Key to Learning
As homeschooling parents, you are active participants in your child’s education. When your child is interacting with their environment on any of these field trips, they are also active participants in their own learning. Let the exploration begin!