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.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!
Hi, the Fabulous Fall Vacations and Getaways article it is well written, it’s very informative.
Hi, the Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article it is well written and is very useful.
I love spending time in London. I think if you want to spend time out of the city, Brighton is also a great place to visit, especially as it’s close by. There are a number of family-friendly hotels, too, like The Brighton Hotel:
This blog 11 Driving Tips for Easier Road
Trips helps me a lot with my battery problems. I use a simple
solutio for my battery from here: Kiss you all!
Thanks for sharing a great post!
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most
certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll
settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my
Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!
Yes Zeb!
It’s a steam excursion train, shorter ride, probably many kids on board. This would be better suited to younger children. Much better choice for the under-12 set.
Ralph
Originally created as a recreation area for employees of the Hershey Chocolate factory, today Hershey Park boasts plenty of chocolate paraphernalia, as well as roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to the nearby ZOOAMERICA. Originally owned by the Knott’s jam producers, Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park is one of the older parks in the US, Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic for those looking for thrill rides, water rides and family fun.
Hi Ralph, thank you for your reply. I haven’t booked it yet as I had similar reservations that since it’s an 8-hr journey, it will not be wise to take the kids at this age but would love to take them on a shorter train tour, I’m currently looking at the Jacobite express (here in the UK).
Hello Zeb,
For children under 10, It would simply be too long a day in too confined a space for them, might get a little boring for them after the first 20 minutes; it’s an eight-hour journey.
If they are active, there isn’t a lot of room to run around on the train, which is smaller than the ones we are used to here in the U.S.
If you have already booked a space, and will have toddlers or young children, suggest you bring lots of things to keep the little ones entertained.
Ralph
A very good article! Thank you
Have been to Switzerland but missed the Glacier Express, I’ve heard it really one of the best train journeys in the World with amazing mountain/alps view. Is it good to travel with kids 7 and 4 years old) too, since it’s 8 hours long?
Sunlight, particularly in late summer and fall, sets off the production of anthocyanin. Cloudy weather dampens production and leads to less colorful displays. Many scientists argue that warming temperatures do not have much to do with the intensity of color, only with its timing: when it appears and how long it lasts. But Howard Neufeld, a professor of biology at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, said climate change could eventually affect the complex processes in leaf senescence and lower anthocyanin production, dulling the autumn reds.
Gladiator School – My new favorite thing to do in Rome. We did this on our last trip to Rome and both kids and adults absolutely loved it. Instructors are great. Highly recommended. Book far in advance. (Pictured above.) Walking Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – Excellent guided tour of Ancient Rome. Skip the line to enter all three sites. Very kid-friendly.
Deer Valley caters to families with kid-friendly skiing, child care programs and a limited child-to-instructor ratio. Because Deer Valley sells a limited number of daily lift tickets, tiny tots and pint-sized groms have plenty of room to work on their pizza wedge and French fries. Other amenities include a Children s Center, Adventure Camp and furry mascots on the Adventure Trails. I grew up skiing here and learned to love the mountains and snow at this resort. The amenities are top notch and the food is amazing. As a young kid, when the skiing got tough, I would always head inside and get delicious food and hot cocoa. See more Deer Valley reviews here .
Fall is very busy in the mountainous regions with the influx of leaf peepers from the New England area, around the United States and the world. In these extremely popular areas, you ll want to make lodging reservations at least several weeks ahead, especially on weekends. Columbus Day weekend (Oct 7-9, 2017) is another time in which advanced booking is advised throughout the region.
Awesome post!
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Hey, This article posted at this website is really good.
Guess me aand the squad gonna tour around Europe next year.
Thankful for my homies still stationed in Germany and Italy
Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and actual
effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never
manage to get nearly anything done.
Must say that you have share some really interesting information and the list has many options for one’s family vacation. And the images that you have used in the article are amazing too! US is such an amazing place. Thanks for sharing these ideas with us, it was a good read.
Traveling to other cities with your kiddos? Don’t miss Curbed’s maps of the best family activities
Good to know : West Valley is open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Apples are $0.85 a pound. Follow their Facebook page for updates on U-pick apples. And be sure to bring containers for their popular juice pressed right on site!
Minneapolis, Minnesota is a great pick for outdoor-loving families thanks to kid-friendly (and free) favorites like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to more than 40 outdoor works of art
You can’t go wrong with a safari and I would recommend booking with a company like Timbuktu Travel. Have a look at their safari travel tips – .
The K Bar S Lodge, built in 2006, is located a short distance from Mount Rushmore. It is quietly secluded on 31 forested acres and away from busy streets. Battle Creek winds its way throughout the property and the large meadow in front of the Lodge is often a playground for deer and turkeys. As a single traveler it was so fun to be with this group. It s much nicer to be with others when you share a great experience or see something wonderful. And, it s safer than traveling alone. I m hooked on Road Scholar.
Rockefeller State Park offers seasonal activities including hiking, running, bird-watching, fishing ( New York state fishing license required), picnicking, horseback-riding, carriage-driving, photography, painting, and geocaching (park permit required). Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown have a deep immigrant history resulting in a rich mix of cuisines: Italian, Greek, Mexican, Indian, French, Portuguese, Irish, Japanese, Dominican, Chinese, Ecuadorian, Thai, Moroccan, and Chilean. Foodies should not miss the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow farmers market at Patriots Park where you ll find fresh Hudson Valley produce, meat, bread, and wine.
Speaking of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, don t miss out on seeing the Rockettes show-stopping leg kick precision chorus during the holidays at Radio City Music Hall.
Jimmy Buffet s restaurant is a short walk from the Comfort Suites Paradise Island Hotel and Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. What could be better than eating a literal Cheeseburger in Paradise? Pairing it with a yummy margarita, of course.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup.
Make sure you check out the new sustainable Christmas Market in Berlin!! Its located by Hacksnshiremarkt!
What s more exhilarating than seeing the city from 108 floors above the world-famous Las Vegas Strip? Jumping off it. Strap in and face your fear as you jump off the side of SkyPod at The STRAT.
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own ice sculpture? The Quebec Winter Carnival has just what you’re looking for! Bring your group to our Ice Sculpture Workshops under the guidance of a team led by none other than Marc Lepire, chief sculptor of Bonhomme’s Ice Palace! During this one-hour event, you will learn the workflow of master sculptors and enjoy the unique experience of carving your own solid ice block with your group of 2 to 4 people. Free all-you-can-drink hot chocolate will keep you warm throughout the frosty fun.
When you’re travelling with your kids, indoor-fun options are a must no matter what the season. Montreal saves the day with all kinds of activities, from adventurous physical feats to skill-testing games and educational entertainment.
Hi everyone, it’s my first pay a visit at this site, and piece of writing is actually fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these types of content.| ?
Very ?nteresting topic, thank you for posting.
As I website owner I believe the content material here is very superb, thanks for your efforts.
Make sure to have lists of important contacts, in case of any emergency like health issue, car issue, towing issue (for emergency roadside assistance nyc), police issue, these all contacts make a trip safe and secure
Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and
I am waiting for your further write ups thank you once again.
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually
realize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally consult with my
website =). We will have a hyperlink alternate agreement among us
I am interested in taking a family vacation with my 2 children.
Great Read! Travelling with your family is one of the most exciting way to spend your holidays. If you are wondering where to travel next, here are some of the best vacation spots in the world.
Nice information thanks for sharing us.
Awesome post!
Thanks for sharing..
Thanks for sharing a great post!
We have traveled through several airports in Germany but never Munich. We will keep Munich on our list for the next trip through Europe since it sounds like the best place to have a stop over with kids. Thanks for the review and the information for kids to do in Munich Airport.
Greetings! I am going to be moving to Brooklyn from Minnesota in the beginning of February! My dad and I plan to take on the journey and would love to take your car with us! Contact me if you need your car out in NYC. Thanks.