Welcome to Monticello! Visiting this historic estate can be a truly magical experience for the whole family. From the hands-on Discovery Center to exploring Thomas Jefferson’s inventions, there’s plenty to spark curiosity in kids of all ages. Here’s a parent-friendly guide to help you make the most of your visit to Monticeloo with the kids, complete with fun tips and trivia to keep the kids engaged!
My children’s favorite spot has always been the grand entrance with its memorabilia from the Lewis and Clark expedition including mastodon bones! Our first home in Charlottesville was actually built on land once owned by the Lewis family. And of course, the kids love visiting the basement where you can see the workings of the amazing perpetual clock Jefferson invented come through the floor. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is our favorite place to bring out-of-town guests and I love every opportunity I get to study the gardens. I can be a little geeky about heirloom varieties and companion planting!
Here is my favorite Mom-tip, Monticello offers kid-friendly scavenger hunts on your cellphone that turn the grounds into a historic adventure. There are special themes like art and even one specifically for middle schoolers. A scavenger hunt will encourage your kids to look for specific landmarks, objects, or symbols around the estate to photograph. It’s a great way to keep them moving and engaged while learning about the estate’s layout and history. They also have beautiful Monticello candlelight tours at the holidays.
Start your Monticello Visit with Kids at the Interactive Discovery Room
What’s Inside:
Begin your Monticello adventure here, where kids can explore history hands-on! The Griffin Discovery Room at the Visitor’s Center offers activities that let young visitors feel like they’re stepping into Jefferson’s shoes. Kids can write with quill and ink, build with tools from Jefferson’s era, and even try a replica of Jefferson’s “polygraph,” an early copy machine. There are many other exhibits to explore at the Visitor’s Center before you walk or take the shuttle up to the main house.
*Kid Trivia:
Thomas Jefferson was famous for writing letters and even invented a machine that made a copy as he wrote! Jefferson wrote over 19,000 letters in his lifetime.
Parent Tip:
Let the kids burn off some initial excitement here. The Discovery Room and the courtyard is a relaxed space where they can touch, play, and explore before heading up to the mansion. The activities also give them context for the rest of the visit.
Head to the Mansion for the Family Tour
What’s Inside:
Monticello’s main house is a marvel of Jefferson’s design, and there’s so much for kids to discover. The Family Tour is shorter than the regular house tour and keeps kids engaged with age-appropriate stories and trivia. You should absolutely do the Family Tour if you can – the guides really do change up their presentation to engage the kids more. My kids especially like the Welcome Hall and the Study. Jefferson was an inventor and thinker, and his study is packed with gadgets and scientific tools. Kids can see his famous “polygraph” machine, his desk, and his unique book stand.
Kid Trivia:
Jefferson loved reading so much that he had a rotating book stand to read five books at once!
Parent Tip:
Encourage kids to ask questions about the objects they see. The guides love sharing fun stories about Jefferson’s quirky inventions. Point out the telescope and scientific tools to spark their imaginations! Be sure to book your tour in advance during peak seasons since family tours can fill up fast.
Take a Break for a Mountaintop Picnic
What’s Inside:
When it’s time for a snack break, find a grassy area to sit and relax while enjoying the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You could bring a small snack or get food at the cafe. Kids can imagine the view Jefferson himself would have admired!
Kid Trivia:
Monticello is on a mountain 850 feet high! Jefferson chose this spot for the incredible views, even though it was tricky to transport building materials up the mountain.
Parent Tip:
Don’t forget a camera; the mountain views make for perfect family photos when you visit Monticello with kids.
Next Stop: The Garden Paths
What’s Inside:
Monticello’s gardens are full of surprises! Jefferson was known for his experimental gardens, where he grew everything from vegetables to flowers and exotic plants. The garden paths are like a maze and are perfect for a quick scavenger hunt – check out some of our special Bumble scavenger hunts here.
Kid Trivia:
Jefferson’s garden was one of the first in America to have tomatoes and eggplants—at the time, many people thought tomatoes were poisonous!
Parent Tip:
Enjoy fun, hands-on activities designed for families at the Mountaintop Activity Center. Write with a quill pen, crack a code with a wheel cipher, and explore mystery objects. This is seasonal so check the Monticello website for details. The Mountaintop Activity Center is located outdoors by the North Terrace, across from the Farm Shop.
Visit Mulberry Row for a Step into History
What’s Inside:
Mulberry Row was a bustling area where the workers and enslaved people of Monticello lived and worked. It was home to blacksmiths, joiners, and weavers, all contributing to the estate’s daily needs.
Kid Trivia:
Over 130 enslaved people worked at Monticello, each with different skills that kept the estate running. Jefferson recorded each person’s job, from the cooks to the blacksmiths.
Parent Tip:
This area may bring up important questions, so be prepared for a meaningful conversation about history, hard work, and equality. Monticello’s educational programs and resources can help answer questions thoughtfully.
Wrap Up in the Gift Shop & Family-Friendly Exhibits
What’s Inside:
Before you leave, pop into the gift shop for a souvenir. They have postcards, books, and hands-on activity kits. There’s also a rotating exhibit area with themes about Jefferson’s life and ideas, which change seasonally.
Kid Trivia:
Jefferson designed Monticello to be like a mini-village. He even had his own icehouse where he stored ice all year, something very rare for his time!
Parent Tip:
Let kids choose a small keepsake to remember the visit. Many kids love picking out a postcard or even a small quill and ink set to try writing like Jefferson at home.
Bonus Tips for Parents Visiting Monticello
– Get ready for your visit by reading the downloadable Monticello guidebook for kids. Written in the voice of Cornelia, Thomas Jefferson’s granddaughter.
– Plan Ahead: The Family Tour is highly recommended, and reserving tickets in advance ensures you won’t miss out.
– Download the online scavenger hunts ahead of time so you don’t run down your phone battery.
– Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes are musts for outdoor exploring. And don’t forget a water bottle!
– Stay for Events: Monticello often hosts seasonal events, like harvest festivals and holiday celebrations. Check their calendar to see if there’s anything special during your visit.
A trip to Monticello with kids is an amazing way for youngsters to step into history, see nature up close and be inspired by Jefferson’s love of science, learning, and invention. Enjoy this family adventure filled with curiosity, discovery, and a little bit of 18th-century magic!
FAQs for A Visit to Monticello with Kids
Here’s a family-friendly FAQ for parents planning a visit to Monticello with kids. This guide covers the essentials for a smooth, enjoyable experience:
1. Can I bring water for my family?
Yes! Bringing water is highly recommended, especially during warmer months, as Monticello involves outdoor walking and gardens. Refillable water bottles are encouraged, and there are water refill stations on-site.
2. Are snacks allowed?
You can bring snacks, but be mindful that food isn’t allowed in certain areas, especially inside the house and museum spaces. There are designated picnic areas where families can take snack breaks. Pack easy-to-carry, non-messy snacks for the little ones.
3. Can I bring bags or backpacks?
Small bags are permitted, but larger backpacks may not be allowed inside the house to protect the space. If you plan to explore the gardens and grounds after the house tour, a backpack can be convenient for snacks, water, and extra layers. Bags and containers larger than 11 inches by 15 inches by 6 inches (28 cm x 38 cm x 15 cm) are prohibited beyond the visitor center and on the mountaintop. All guests must pass through a brief security screening upon arrival, and all bags are subject to inspection.
4. Is Monticello stroller-friendly?
Yes, most of Monticello’s outdoor areas and paths are stroller-friendly. However, strollers aren’t allowed inside the historic house itself, so you may need to park it outside or fold it temporarily. Lightweight, collapsible strollers are the easiest for navigating the grounds and shuttle when you visit Monticello with kids.
5. Are there tips for taking the Monticello shuttle with kids?
- The shuttle from the visitor center to Monticello’s mountaintop is a fun part of the trip, especially for kids who enjoy riding buses. To make it smoother:
- Arrive a bit early to ensure you catch the shuttle without waiting too long.
- The ride is only about 10 minutes – you could be waiting longer for the little bus to arrive on busy days even though the shuttle operates continuously.
- If you have a stroller, make sure it’s folded before boarding, as space can be limited.
History Day trips in Virginia for Families
Booker T. Washington National Monument
A Collection of Patriotic Day trips