Top Attractions To See On A Dc School Trip

Whether you are visiting for a single evening or multiple, you can always find lots of things to do and see with your students in these unique places to visit during your Washington, DC, school trip. For school groups traveling to our nations capital, D.C., an all-encompassing bus tour offers many benefits and these attractions enhance the experience

If you are heading to our nations capital and have just a single day to explore, you are sure to want to plan out your trip carefully to see as much as you can.  There is a great advantage to visiting DC museums on an educational tour’ most of them have free admission.

THE FREE MUSEUMS

1. The Air and Space Museum
2. The NationalGallery
3. The Museum of Natural History
4. The Museum of American History
5. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
6. The National Museum of African American History
7. The National Archives
8. The National Museum of the American Indian

The Smithsonian, which offers free admission at every one of its museums. There are also numerous high-quality art galleries, a national museum for American Indians, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, plus scores of monuments and parks worth exploring. This list includes the National Museum of the American Indian, where students can get a fresh look at Native American history & culture, the brand-new National Museum of African American History & Culture, which sets the standard for modern museum experiences, and the ever-popular National Air & Space Museum.

Another high school students favorite is the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. At the National Museum of American History, student can see dresses worn by the first ladies, the flag that would inspire Francis Scott Key to compose the poem that became our national anthem.  An exhibition about the Muppets, and more.

From seeing the flag that inspired our national anthem, to seeing George Washingtons uniform, Dorothys ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and the Greensboro lunch counter from Civil Rights sit-ins – there is something at the National Museum of American History for everyone.

As a part of the Smithsonian, the Museum of Natural History offers a stunning look at the natural world, from rare gemstones, minerals, and animals, to insects, plants, and other fascinating objects. From interactive displays, tours, educational programs, and engaging demonstrations, the museum continues to be one of the most enjoyable experiences on the National Mall.

The handy museum applications are chock-full of hands-on activities that encourage your students to explore the Smithsonian as they learn more about its permanent exhibitions.

Memorials and Monuments

The National Mall is home to some of the most iconic monuments and memorials honoring our leaders, history, and troops.

The memorials and monuments located throughout the National Mall honor Americas forefathers and heroes who gave their lives in service to their nation. Arlington National Cemetery is a moving tribute to brave veterans, home to multiple historical monuments and tours. A tribute to veterans and home to historic memorials, the Arlington National Cemetery is most famous for the site of the Tomb of the Unknowns. Arlington National Cemetery is a Washington, DC, landmark that is must-see for history buffs and military enthusiasts.

Pay your respects to fallen Vietnam war veterans honored here in a two-acre National Memorial. The numerous memorials commemorating American troops efforts, celebrating our nations past heroic and influential leaders, and paying homage to our nations history grace Washington, DCs northwest quadrant, and ensure an emotional experience. Enjoy the gentle breezes from the Potomac River as you explore some of our nations national treasures, including The Washington Monument, 

The National World War II Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial, and The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 

Encourage your students to speak about the key moments in history that have shaped the nation by visiting the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, FDRs memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Your students will thrill at the chance to participate in their own covert mission while touring the Smithsonian. With a visit to the National Geographic Museum, you can unlock an entire world of wonder for your students. The Smithsonian, our nations most renowned museum and research complex, provides students endless opportunities to gain knowledge on a vast array of subjects. From its famous African elephant exhibits, fossils, ancient Egyptian mummies, and much more, the National Museum of Natural History is among the most well-known and visited Smithsonian museums.

Considered to be the most visited among the Smithsonian family of museums, the Air and Space Museum is a perennial favorite with school groups (I myself have fond memories of visiting when I was a child!). The International Spy Museum is the Smithsonians house for all things aeronautical and outer space.

The International Spy Museum is a new museum in DC documenting African American life, history, and culture in America. The largest and most significant collection of aircraft and space artifacts in the world, the museum will give students an integrated human history of flight. The National Archives Museum is where you can view documents that were created by the country. National symbols like the spectacular domed Capitol building and White House are available for visitors, as are dozens of other sightseeing attractions that include world-class museums and significant landmarks.

DC is filled with historical and cultural sites that are great for families, including tons of museums, government buildings, and famous national parks on the Mall and Memorial Park. Our nations capital hosts millions of visitors every year, offering an abundance of historic sites, memorials, museums, and fun attractions. Washington D.C.s rich history and culture are why visitors return year after year. A Washington, DC field trip is probably the greatest class outing that you can plan for your students.

The perfect Washington, DC trip for students includes tours of the White House and U.S. Capitol. 

The U.S. Capitol, however, requires you to contact your representatives or senators and request the tour at least six months in advance. The White House is one Washington landmark that needs little introduction, but visiting requires a little preparation and planning. 

Plan your next Washington DC School Trip, start here: