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When planning a student trip, there are few better options than our nation’s capital. There are many points of interest in Washington, D.C., with sites that will interest students who are interested in everything from history, to art, to STEM. Don’t miss these must-see sites on your trip to Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian comprises museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo, 17 of which are in the Washington, D.C. area. Maintained by the Smithsonian Institution, admission is free, and all locations are open every day except December 25. Students with an interest in STEM will love the interactive exhibits of the Air and Space Museum, while everyone can enjoy the National Zoo, which is home to giant pandas, Sumatran tigers, and much more. For art history students, the Portrait Gallery, African Art Museum, and American Art Museum are just a few of the highlights the Smithsonian has to offer.
Government Sites
Washington, D.C. is home to the most important houses of U.S. government, including the White House, Capitol Building, and Supreme Court. Students can even schedule a meeting with their congressperson. Though the process of government can often seem dull in the classroom, bringing students to the halls where history was made brings the curriculum to life.
Monuments/Memorials
Some of the best sights to see in Washington, D.C. are the numerous monuments and memorials. Give students a greater sense of history and gauge the impact that some of our nation’s hardest times have had with a visit to the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. And at the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, you can show students exactly how great of an influence these men had on our nation.
Also available are night tours of the monuments and memorials, a beautiful way to see the city as well as remember the past.
Other Museums
Besides the Smithsonian, there are other museums for students to check out in Washington, D.C. The Newseum is a great way to teach students about the importance of the First Amendment, with interactive exhibits that can highlight everything from the perils of censorship to the ethics of reporting on a story. The International Spy Museum is another hit with students, featuring spy experiences and interactive exhibits centered on both historic and modern espionage.
Mount Vernon
Only 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. lies Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home. Accessible from the city by metro, this historic estate features beautiful gardens and wonderfully kept grounds. The outbuildings surrounding the mansion once housed the trades that helped build the estate, including a blacksmithing shop, and demonstrations still run today. Visitors can tour these structures in addition to the inside of the main house.
Book a Trip Today!
If you’re booking a field trip to Washington, D.C., book with Son Tours. Our tours feature hassle-free booking and are fully-escorted and fully-customizable to your curriculum. To learn more about how Son Tours can help you today, contact us online, or give us a call at (800) 416-8212.
