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Historic Destinations: Fun & Educational
Oftentimes, vacations are designed for relaxation, adventures or doing absolutely nothing, and that’s totally fine. However, when it comes to children, vacations are rich opportunities where young and growing minds can still learn some valuable things while also having fun.
Here some vacation destination ideas for you to consider for your family vacation this year:
Boston offers learning opportunities, including recreations of the famous Boston Tea Party.
Boston, Massachusetts
While Boston - Opens a dialog is known to have some of the best seafood in the U.S., it is better known for its role in American history. 17th Century America comes alive with visits to nearby Plimoth Patuxet. Here you can catch a glimpse of the day-to-day life of some of the first settlers while also experiencing some of the culinary offerings of the period. Plimoth Patuxet is open from early April to late November.
Boston’s oldest building is not only a national landmark, it is also the home of Paul Revere. While self-touring the historic Paul Revere House, you’ll feel as if you have stepped back into time. In addition to learning details about Revere’s historic midnight ride, you’ll gain a greater understanding of the significance of what life was like during these times.
Rebellion with your tea? A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum educates visitors with the events that precipitated the Boston Tea Party. In addition to viewing artifacts from this history-making event, you’ll have the opportunity to help Patriots (in period attire) “toss tea” into the sea - from ships that have been recreated from the American Revolution era.
Museums, historic aircraft and rail history await you in Atlanta.
Atlanta, Georgia
Aviation history can be experienced at Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. - Opens a dialog Located in the immediate shadows of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Flight Museum gives its visitors the opportunity to have an up-close look at historic aircraft, while also having the opportunity to tour the first Boeing 747-400 ever built, and having the chance to walk on its wing! As an added thrill to your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to “fly” a commercial jet via the only public-accessible Boeing 737 flight simulator in the United States.
Experience the history of rail travel at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Housing the largest collection of locomotives in Georgia, this 35-acre museum is a shrine to railway artifacts. From freight cars to sleeper cars, to steam and diesel locomotives, the history of rail travel in the U.S. comes alive in living color. You can even experience travel on a restored locomotive while riding through the facility in a classic caboose.
A deep dive into the Mesozoic Era (better known as The Age of The Dinosaur), can be experienced at the Tellus Science Museum. This 120,000 square foot museum is associated with the Smithsonian Institute, and it is dedicated to educating visitors with paleontological exhibits that have been excavated throughout the region. In addition, Tellus Science Museum is also home to the Weinman Mineral Gallery (featuring valuable minerals from Georgia), The Bentley Planetarium (which explores the solar system and galaxy), and The Crossroads Gallery (featuring modern marvels).
Atlanta, Georgia
Aviation history can be experienced at Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. - Opens a dialog Located in the immediate shadows of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Flight Museum gives its visitors the opportunity to have an up-close look at historic aircraft, while also having the opportunity to tour the first Boeing 747-400 ever built, and having the chance to walk on its wing! As an added thrill to your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to “fly” a commercial jet via the only public-accessible Boeing 737 flight simulator in the United States.
Experience the history of rail travel at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Housing the largest collection of locomotives in Georgia, this 35-acre museum is a shrine to railway artifacts. From freight cars to sleeper cars, to steam and diesel locomotives, the history of rail travel in the U.S. comes alive in living color. You can even experience travel on a restored locomotive while riding through the facility in a classic caboose.
A deep dive into the Mesozoic Era (better known as The Age of The Dinosaur), can be experienced at the Tellus Science Museum. This 120,000 square foot museum is associated with the Smithsonian Institute, and it is dedicated to educating visitors with paleontological exhibits that have been excavated throughout the region. In addition, Tellus Science Museum is also home to the Weinman Mineral Gallery (featuring valuable minerals from Georgia), The Bentley Planetarium (which explores the solar system and galaxy), and The Crossroads Gallery (featuring modern marvels).
Museums, historic aircraft and rail history await you in Atlanta.
Between Government and the Smithsonian Museums, Washington D.C. is a treasure of learning.
Washington D.C.
The capital of the United States - Opens a dialog is a trove filled with historic treasures. Landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Treasury, The White House, and all points in between, are steeped in history. The Lincoln Memorial is a perfect example of Washington D.C.’s rich history. Since its opening in 1922, this grand edifice honors the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Since its dedication, the Lincoln Memorial has played a role in history and was the stage for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s delivery of his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Documents that form the backbone of U.S. democracy may be viewed at the National Archive Museum, including The U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, but this is just the beginning! Over 11 million records are housed within the National Archives, including those that have been generated by various federal agencies, as well as artifacts from events of national interest, are archived for perpetual preservation within the National Archives.
A visit to Washington D.C. isn’t complete without visiting at least one of the 16 Smithsonian Institution Museums in Washington D.C. For instance, the National Air and Space Museum is the 5th most visited museum in the world and it is known for its archival of historic avionic elements including Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 Command Module. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest Smithsonian museum and it is dedicated to preserving and highlighting the African American experience. This 10-story architectural gem houses more than 40,000 artifacts in the museum’s collection, of which roughly 3,500 are currently on display.
The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Williamsburg, Virginia
As a place where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1776, it comes as no surprise that Williamsburg, Virginia - Opens a dialog continues to treasure its significant place in U.S. history. Of particular interest is Colonial Williamsburg which is a 301-acre heritage site where visitors are transported back in time to a place that is frozen in an 18th-century theme. The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant. If you enjoy amusement park experiences with high adrenaline attractions, be sure to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This 422-acre theme park has 10 distinctive “hamlets” with theming focused on European Villages. Consisting of 54 attractions including 9 rollercoasters and 3 water rides, Busch Gardens Williamsburg will provide your family the thrills that it needs for a memorable and educational vacation.
Williamsburg, Virginia
As a place where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1776, it comes as no surprise that Williamsburg, Virginia - Opens a dialog continues to treasure its significant place in U.S. history. Of particular interest is Colonial Williamsburg which is a 301-acre heritage site where visitors are transported back in time to a place that is frozen in an 18th-century theme. The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant. If you enjoy amusement park experiences with high adrenaline attractions, be sure to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This 422-acre theme park has 10 distinctive “hamlets” with theming focused on European Villages. Consisting of 54 attractions including 9 rollercoasters and 3 water rides, Busch Gardens Williamsburg will provide your family the thrills that it needs for a memorable and educational vacation.
The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania offers visitors unique offerings that will amaze and excite.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Notable for its place in history as the location of President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - Opens a dialog offers visitors unique offerings that will amaze and excite. You can start your day with a horseback tour of historic Gettysburg and then follow it with a Gettysburg Battlefield Reenactment. Conclude your day with a modern-day take on history, The 1863 Escape Room. This one-of-a-kind escape room experience requires participants to complete a Civil War focused mystery in an hour.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
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Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
Boston offers learning opportunities, including recreations of the famous Boston Tea Party.
Boston, Massachusetts
While Boston - Opens a dialog is known to have some of the best seafood in the U.S., it is better known for its role in American history. 17th Century America comes alive with visits to nearby Plimoth Patuxet. Here you can catch a glimpse of the day-to-day life of some of the first settlers while also experiencing some of the culinary offerings of the period. Plimoth Patuxet is open from early April to late November.
Boston’s oldest building is not only a national landmark, it is also the home of Paul Revere. While self-touring the historic Paul Revere House, you’ll feel as if you have stepped back into time. In addition to learning details about Revere’s historic midnight ride, you’ll gain a greater understanding of the significance of what life was like during these times.
Rebellion with your tea? A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum educates visitors with the events that precipitated the Boston Tea Party. In addition to viewing artifacts from this history-making event, you’ll have the opportunity to help Patriots (in period attire) “toss tea” into the sea - from ships that have been recreated from the American Revolution era.
Museums, historic aircraft and rail history await you in Atlanta.
Atlanta, Georgia
Aviation history can be experienced at Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. - Opens a dialog Located in the immediate shadows of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Flight Museum gives its visitors the opportunity to have an up-close look at historic aircraft, while also having the opportunity to tour the first Boeing 747-400 ever built, and having the chance to walk on its wing! As an added thrill to your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to “fly” a commercial jet via the only public-accessible Boeing 737 flight simulator in the United States.
Experience the history of rail travel at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Housing the largest collection of locomotives in Georgia, this 35-acre museum is a shrine to railway artifacts. From freight cars to sleeper cars, to steam and diesel locomotives, the history of rail travel in the U.S. comes alive in living color. You can even experience travel on a restored locomotive while riding through the facility in a classic caboose.
A deep dive into the Mesozoic Era (better known as The Age of The Dinosaur), can be experienced at the Tellus Science Museum. This 120,000 square foot museum is associated with the Smithsonian Institute, and it is dedicated to educating visitors with paleontological exhibits that have been excavated throughout the region. In addition, Tellus Science Museum is also home to the Weinman Mineral Gallery (featuring valuable minerals from Georgia), The Bentley Planetarium (which explores the solar system and galaxy), and The Crossroads Gallery (featuring modern marvels).
Atlanta, Georgia
Aviation history can be experienced at Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. - Opens a dialog Located in the immediate shadows of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Delta Flight Museum gives its visitors the opportunity to have an up-close look at historic aircraft, while also having the opportunity to tour the first Boeing 747-400 ever built, and having the chance to walk on its wing! As an added thrill to your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to “fly” a commercial jet via the only public-accessible Boeing 737 flight simulator in the United States.
Experience the history of rail travel at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Housing the largest collection of locomotives in Georgia, this 35-acre museum is a shrine to railway artifacts. From freight cars to sleeper cars, to steam and diesel locomotives, the history of rail travel in the U.S. comes alive in living color. You can even experience travel on a restored locomotive while riding through the facility in a classic caboose.
A deep dive into the Mesozoic Era (better known as The Age of The Dinosaur), can be experienced at the Tellus Science Museum. This 120,000 square foot museum is associated with the Smithsonian Institute, and it is dedicated to educating visitors with paleontological exhibits that have been excavated throughout the region. In addition, Tellus Science Museum is also home to the Weinman Mineral Gallery (featuring valuable minerals from Georgia), The Bentley Planetarium (which explores the solar system and galaxy), and The Crossroads Gallery (featuring modern marvels).
Museums, historic aircraft and rail history await you in Atlanta.
Between Government and the Smithsonian Museums, Washington D.C. is a treasure of learning.
Washington D.C.
The capital of the United States - Opens a dialog is a trove filled with historic treasures. Landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Treasury, The White House, and all points in between, are steeped in history. The Lincoln Memorial is a perfect example of Washington D.C.’s rich history. Since its opening in 1922, this grand edifice honors the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Since its dedication, the Lincoln Memorial has played a role in history and was the stage for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s delivery of his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Documents that form the backbone of U.S. democracy may be viewed at the National Archive Museum, including The U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, but this is just the beginning! Over 11 million records are housed within the National Archives, including those that have been generated by various federal agencies, as well as artifacts from events of national interest, are archived for perpetual preservation within the National Archives.
A visit to Washington D.C. isn’t complete without visiting at least one of the 16 Smithsonian Institution Museums in Washington D.C. For instance, the National Air and Space Museum is the 5th most visited museum in the world and it is known for its archival of historic avionic elements including Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 Command Module. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest Smithsonian museum and it is dedicated to preserving and highlighting the African American experience. This 10-story architectural gem houses more than 40,000 artifacts in the museum’s collection, of which roughly 3,500 are currently on display.
The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Williamsburg, Virginia
As a place where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1776, it comes as no surprise that Williamsburg, Virginia - Opens a dialog continues to treasure its significant place in U.S. history. Of particular interest is Colonial Williamsburg which is a 301-acre heritage site where visitors are transported back in time to a place that is frozen in an 18th-century theme. The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant. If you enjoy amusement park experiences with high adrenaline attractions, be sure to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This 422-acre theme park has 10 distinctive “hamlets” with theming focused on European Villages. Consisting of 54 attractions including 9 rollercoasters and 3 water rides, Busch Gardens Williamsburg will provide your family the thrills that it needs for a memorable and educational vacation.
Williamsburg, Virginia
As a place where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1776, it comes as no surprise that Williamsburg, Virginia - Opens a dialog continues to treasure its significant place in U.S. history. Of particular interest is Colonial Williamsburg which is a 301-acre heritage site where visitors are transported back in time to a place that is frozen in an 18th-century theme. The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant. If you enjoy amusement park experiences with high adrenaline attractions, be sure to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This 422-acre theme park has 10 distinctive “hamlets” with theming focused on European Villages. Consisting of 54 attractions including 9 rollercoasters and 3 water rides, Busch Gardens Williamsburg will provide your family the thrills that it needs for a memorable and educational vacation.
The experience is rich and the historic takeaways are significant in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania offers visitors unique offerings that will amaze and excite.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Notable for its place in history as the location of President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - Opens a dialog offers visitors unique offerings that will amaze and excite. You can start your day with a horseback tour of historic Gettysburg and then follow it with a Gettysburg Battlefield Reenactment. Conclude your day with a modern-day take on history, The 1863 Escape Room. This one-of-a-kind escape room experience requires participants to complete a Civil War focused mystery in an hour.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger, and Costco enthusiast. Jason Gordon is compensated by Costco Travel to share his travel experiences.
