With the United States’ 250th anniversary on the horizon, families throughout Virginia are already looking for meaningful ways to connect with the Commonwealth’s rich past. As a Charlottesville-area parent, you may have thought, “Where can we take the kids that makes history feel fun?”
The Virginia 250 Passport program is the perfect answer. It’s an easy, interactive way to explore the places that shaped our country.
At a Glance
- The Virginia 250 Passport program celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States.
- Families can visit historic sites and museums around Virginia and collect stamps in their program passport to win prizes.
- Popular family-friendly destinations in the Virginia 250 Passport include Colonial Williamsburg, Mt. Vernon, the Frontier Culture Museum, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
- Some family-friendly destinations in the Virginia 250 Passport are found in varying locations, including tribal grounds of the Sovereign Nations and Indian Tribes of Virginia and the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience.
What Is the Virginia 250 Passport Program?
The Virginia 250 Passport program is a fun and unique way to engage children in learning about the rich history of the Commonwealth close to Charlottesville and beyond. At participating museums and historic sites around the state, families can pick up a passport and collect stamps for each location they visit. Collect five stamps, and you can even enter to win prizes!
The program runs through the end of December 2026. With 64 pages, discounts, and plenty of room for stamps, the passport offers kids a reason to feel proud each time they “check off” another destination.
For more information, visit the Virginia 250 Passport site.
Top Family-Friendly Destinations in the Virginia 250 Passport
We’ve visited many of the 70 locations on the passport, and they all offer something special. But some stand out as especially fun, accessible, and hands-on for families. These are Charlottesville Family’s top picks for inspiring young learners and offering grown-ups a fresh appreciation for the history of the Commonwealth.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture (Richmond)
From tours and events for all ages to its collection of over 9 million items, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond is sure to captivate any visitor. Stop in on the first Friday of every month, and enjoy live music, food trucks, and more.
Learn more: Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg)
Colonial Williamsburg is known for being among the best places in Virginia to visit during the holiday season. It’s also the world’s largest living history museum. Kids can easily spend an entire day stepping into 18th-century life. Families looking for an overnight getaway can enjoy lodging right on the 300-acre property.
Learn more: Colonial Williamsburg
George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mt. Vernon)
This historic site is home to George Washington’s first estate. In addition to the mansion, you’ll also find museums, gardens, tombs, a distillery and a gristmill. For one unforgettable immersive experience, visit the farm to learn about how 18th-century workers farmed, cooked, fished, and sheared sheep.
Learn more: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
American Revolution Museum (Yorktown)
This Yorktown-based experience-driven museum allows visitors to learn what life was like for Revolutionary War soldiers. Families can explore medical treatments of the era and observe family life in the 1700s. Interactive exhibits and films make it especially engaging for school-aged kids.
Learn more: American Revolution Museum
Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg, VA)
The exhibits and galleries at this Williamsburg museum allow visitors to take a deep dive into the 1600s. Exhibits share the stories of the Native Americans who inhabited the land as well as the arrival of colonists and West Central Indians. Movies, outdoor living history areas, and life-size recreations of ships are available to explore.
Learn more: Jamestown Settlement
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (Charlottesville)
This World Heritage Site in Charlottesville is always a fun place to visit with kids. The sprawling property, once home to Thomas Jefferson, features a variety of tours, family events, and gardens sure to engage interested learners of any age.
Learn more: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
VA250 Mobile Museum Experience (varying locations)
This traveling museum brings interactive exhibits directly to communities across Virginia. It’s ideal for families looking for local, hands-on learning without going far from home. Check its schedule to find a stop near Charlottesville or throughout the region.
Learn more: VA250 Mobile Museum Experience
The Sovereign Nations and Indian Tribes of Virginia (varying locations)
The Sovereign Nations of Virginia have many tribal grounds around the Commonwealth. During the year, Indigenous people host festivals and other events on the land to celebrate their heritage. Visitors are often welcome to join.
Learn more: The Sovereign Nations and Indian Tribes of Virginia
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop (Fredericksburg)
In the 18th century, Dr. Hugh Mercer operated out of a shop in what is now Downtown Fredericksburg. Visitors can see the types of medicinal treatment that he used at the time to treat patients. The demonstration of live leeches, handled by docents in period dress, are sure to catch the attention of young visitors.
Learn more: Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia (Staunton)
As the largest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley, the Frontier Culture Museum is the perfect place for a day out. Sweeping mountain views are a backdrop to the exhibits and costumed reenactors who share the stories of the lives of Native Americans and immigrants. Families can see demonstrations of woodworking, blacksmithing, yarn-spinning and more.
Learn more: Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (Alexandria)
This National Historic Landmark is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Learn about the operator of the tavern and hotel, John Gadsby. Explore the rich history of the place where half a dozen presidents chose to dine, stay, or celebrate. The museum also has a junior docent program with young guides who may be an inspiration to aspiring historians.
Learn more: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest (Lynchburg)
Poplar Forest was once a retreat for Thomas Jefferson in Lynchburg. Today, it’s a space to learn about Virginia’s history. Visitors can admire the architecture of the house, explore archaeology, and learn about the lives of his workers. The destination also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year.
Learn more: Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Looking for more family-friendly day trips? Virginia has plenty to choose from, no matter what your interests are, including science museums, transportation, dinosaurs, and of course, history!
Sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag so you’ll receive weekly or monthly (you choose!) family news and events right in your inbox. Plus, meet the amazing local businesses and partners who help families thrive in our community.
JENNIFER WALDERA is an award-winning freelance writer published in numerous print and digital publications. When she’s not crafting creative content, Jennifer can be found exploring new spots, indulging in some quality time with a new novel or magazine, or streaming shows about food, drinks, and travel.