By Juliane Kim
It can be difficult to get children interested in learning once summer vacation starts, but there are many exciting educational events that children can get involved in both with their parents and on their own such as day camps, book clubs and festivals. These nine kid-friendly historical events will provide your child with something fun to do this summer while simultaneously learning about Virginia’s rich past.
American Indian Pow-Wow at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds
Dates and Times: June 4 and 5 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: $8 per adult, $8 per child 13 years and over, $6 per child 3-12 years; all ages welcome
The American Indian Pow-Wow will have dancing, singing and art to both celebrate and inform the public about traditional and modern American Indian culture. Watch American Indian dancing and craft demonstrations, eat American Indian foods and interact with dancers and artists representing a variety of different nations. Crafts, art and jewelry will be on sale as well. The Pow-Wow will take place on June 4 and 5 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. // 2400 Airport Road, Fredericksburg
21st Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival in Historic Downtown Manassas
Dates and Times: June 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Free to attend, excursion train tickets available for purchase; all ages welcome
The Railway Festival is an event for train enthusiasts and families alike. There will be train memorabilia, miniature displays, vendors and live performances as well as country and bluegrass music. The event begins at 10 a.m. on June 6 and concludes at 3 p.m. There will be four train excursions to Clifton departing at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. //9431 West St., Manassas
Hands on History Tent: Hospital Adventures of the Civil War at Carlyle House
Dates and Times: June 11 noon to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free with a suggested donation of $5; designed for children ages 3-12 years but all ages are welcome
The Mansion House Hospital is a former Civil War hospital across from the historic Carlyle House and was made famous by the TV show Mercy Street. Visitors will be able to meet a Union Army surgeon, learn about Civil War-era medicine and equipment and, of course, take a tour at the Carlyle House. The highlight of the event is a mock operation that will be performed on a volunteer. This will be a one-day event from noon to 3 p.m. on June 11. //121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria
Museum Kids Monday at the Ben Lomond Historic Site
Dates and Times: June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15 from 10-11 a.m.
Admission: $5 per child; designed for children 4-7 years
The Ben Lomond Historic Site is a former plantation and Civil War hospital with historical exhibits such as the original slave quarters, Civil War-era graffiti and a rose garden. Family-friendly crafts and activities will be available on June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15 from 10-11 a.m. to teach children about the history of farming, textiles and 19th-century toys. Adults must be able to participate with children and reservations are required. // 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Family Sundays at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Dates and Times: Every Sunday from June 26-Sept. 4 from 2-5 p.m.
Admission: $5 per adult, $3 per child 5-12 years, free for children 4 years and under
Although Gadsby’s Tavern was once a hub for drinking and social events, it’s now a family-friendly museum with tours and a historic ice well. The Sunday event series focuses on families, so children will be able to take tours through the museum led by junior guides close to their own age and will participate in activities such as making ice cream. Alexandria City Public School families and Blue Star Families are granted free admission, and coupons are accepted. Family Sundays will be from 2-5 p.m. every Sunday from June 26-Sept. 4. // 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria
Revolutionary Readers Book Club for Young Readers at Rippon Lodge Historic Site
Dates and Times: July 8, July 22, Aug. 5 and Aug 19 from 10 a.m. to noon
Admission: $7 per child; designed for students entering fourth through sixth grade
Revolutionary Readers is a book club for rising middle schoolers. The reading list will focus on the portrayal of American history from the point of view of young adults, and each meeting will include a discussion of the book and related activities. Registration is required, and a book list will be provided at the time of registration. The meetings will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on July 8, July 22, Aug. 5 and Aug. 19. // 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
Civil War Kids Drill Day at the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Dates and Times: July 9 from 9 a.m. to noon
Admission: $25 per child; designed for children ages 9-12 years
Children will be able to immerse themselves for a day in what it was like to train to be a soldier during the Civil War, drilling with a reenactor and learning about soldiers’ uniforms and equipment. Snacks will be provided, and there will be activities and crafts such as making a canteen. The Drill Day will be on July 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. // 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria
Colonial Kids: Summer Day Program at Mount Vernon
Dates and Times: July 20 and Aug. 3 from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: $125 per child per session; designed for rising third- and fourth-graders
Children will experience what it was like to be a colonial child at George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. The day camp will teach children about popular games, schooling and everyday entertainment popular with children during the 18th century. Activities will include writing with a quill, gardening, churning butter and making candles. Tickets are required for attendance, and 10 campers are accepted each day. The camp will take place July 20 and Aug. 3 from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Carriage Day at the National Sporting Library and Museum
Dates and Times: July 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free; all ages welcome
The National Sporting Library and Museum is dedicated to all things horses and equestrianism. More than 20 historic and refurbished carriages will be displayed on the grounds of the museum during the Carriage Day event. Food will be provided at the event, which will take place on July 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be walking tours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and carriages will drive on the museum circle at 3 p.m. // 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg