History buffs eager for a unique, immersive experience should spend a weekend at the Marine Corps Museum in Virginia. The 135-acre National Museum of the Marine Corps site proudly honors the accomplishments of the Marine Corps through exciting public programming.
The galleries combine a vast collection of historic Marine Corps artifacts with interactive exhibits. Talk to enthusiastic, trained guides and you’ll see that they will literally walk guests through the history of the Marines.
With free admission and a wealth of information, a visit to the Marine Corps Museum is a truly priceless experience for families to learn about some of the nation’s celebrated heroes.
A Multimedia Living History at the Marine Corps Museum
The museum is committed to telling the story of the US Marines through a mix of clever interactive stations, films, and informed volunteers. Immersive programs certainly leave an impression on guests.
Begin your journey at the Leatherneck Gallery, a beautifully designed space that depicts the Marines’ transition from ocean to shore. Kids love the watercraft, tanks and planes on display that were key to Marine history. This impressive entrance welcomes guests into the “next” part of their journey as they can choose to enter the museum’s Theater — that plays an informational film on Marine history — or walk into the popular Making Marines Gallery.
Bootcamp for Marine Corps Museum-Goers tests Marine Worthiness
The Making Marines Gallery was a favorite spot on our trip, and with good reason. That’s because this gallery presents a first taste of the museum’s overall exciting and innovative approach to education. Step inside and be whisked down the path of what it takes to be a marine. Experience a variety of “stations” that depict the memorable experiences that forge recruits into cadets and, with luck, privates and lieutenants.
Guests meet their drill instructor (DI) and have a hands-on opportunity to see what Boot Camp is really like. Think you’re tough enough to make it in the Marines? Try your hands at lifting and carrying gear. For more of a challenge, try to make at least one pull-up on a bar and learn how to solve problems in simulated scenarios. For a greater accomplishment, try to make a bullseye at the museum’s own laser simulator M-16 rifle range. (This gallery has limited its operations to weekends only to minimize the impact of Covid 19.)
New Legacy Walk Gallery Adds to Marine Corps Museum Experiences
This first gallery marks the beginning of a series of interactive spaces. Guests not only touch, but also see and even in some cases smell, what it’s like to be a US marine. The Legacy Walk illlustrates more than 200 years of Marine Corps history. A new extension, opened in 2020, explores the service’s role in the 2001 terror attacks, aspects of Marine culture, tributes to the fallen and more recent Marine deployments.
Families play dress-up with Revolutionary war wear and handle touchable artifacts. Watch interactive videos and meet volunteers who are readily available with information and, in some cases, even personal stories to share with guests.
A note for travelers with small children: Some of the museum’s exhibits depict scenes of combat and, in some cases, combat casualties, including interactive environments complete with loud sounds that may frighten small children. Museum staff and guides will help you determine whether exhibits are appropriate for littler ones.
Marine Corps Museum Children’s Activities & Program
The museum makes a commitment to educating the public on the history of the Marines. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the museum also hosts all sorts of special programs made just for kids. These kid-friendly activities range from gallery scavenger hunts to special kids’ areas and programs.
When entering the museum, kids should pick up one of the Gallery Hunts, and follow along with a series of activities as they make their way through the museum. Kids will also be pleased with many of the touch activities at the museum, and even certain stations decked out with clothes and gear to try on.
Two special kids activity areas feature the museum’s bold bulldog mascot, as well as a variety of activities, books, toys, and more.
Littler guests who need a break can check out all the bits and bobs tucked in Chesty’s Corner, which includes comfy chairs and a large bookcase, as well as a special desk with paper and crayons for kids to leave messages for the museum. Chesty’s Dock, located just outside the Defending the New Republic gallery, has a variety of Revolutionary War themed activities designed for littler hands.
Shopping & Dining with the US Marines
Hungry travelers appreciate the Devil Dog Diner, located on the museum’s second deck, for a cafeteria-style restaurant that honors Marine mess hall operations. This diner features several grab-and-go items, homemade soups and chili, pizza, sandwiches, and even a salad bar. It’s open Friday to Sunday only.
Guests can also visit the museum’s Tun Tavern, also on the second deck. This restaurant was based off of the legend that the Marine Corps was founded in 1775 at the original pub in Philadelphia. With décor to match the famous colonial era tavern, this restaurant offers up a full lunch menu of Southern classics and alcoholic beverages.
Also be sure to visit the museum’s gift shop for a souvenir to commemorate your trip!
Trip Planning Tips for a Marine Corps Museum Weekend
The National Museum of the Marine Corps can be found at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway Triangle, VA 22172. It is accessible by car and by public transport, including via Amtrak, Metrorail and local buses. There is no charge for museum parking.
The Marine Corps Museum hosts special Family Days on the second Saturday of every month, where children of all ages are invited to participate in fun, educational activities to learn about Marine Corps history. The museum’s education department produces many themed Family Days and special events. For more information and for a complete listing of family programming, check out the museum’s calendar of events here. And, just like “admission” into the museum, all family programs are free of charge.
Turn a trip to this unique museum into a weekend getaway by setting up a “base camp” at the nearby Holiday Inn Express at 14030 Telegraph Road, Woodbridge, Virginia 22192. This hotel is within driving distance of not only the National Museum of the Marine Corps, but also other local attractions such as the Potomac Mills Mall.
Families can also take the car out for a drive on the Prince William Parkway towards Manassas to spend the day strolling through charming Old Town Manassas or to soak up the sights at the historic Manassas National Battlefield. be sure to check out our review of the battlefield and tips on what to see and do.
For more information, please visit the official website or call the museum directly at 877/635-1775.
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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Hello Hatch, we would be pleased if you want to share any articles from FamilyTravelForum with your audience. Anything we can do to help family travelers is a plus! Thank you.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.