“Before I left home in the spring of 1789 I had improved that species of my stock [of sheep] so much as to get 5 ¼ lbs. of Wool as the average of the fleeces of my whole flock…” - George Washington, 1797
Activities
Meet the Animals
Animal Paddocks
Experience a rare opportunity to hear from Mount Vernon’s livestock staff about the jobs animals performed on the estate in the 18th century and meet our sheep, oxen, and horses. The schedule is subject to change.
- 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Meet the Sheep (sheep paddock)
- 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Meet the Oxen (oxen paddock)
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Meet the Horses (horse paddock)
- 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Meet the Sheep (sheep paddock)
All the President's Pups Dog Tour
10 a.m.
Bring your dog along on this 1.25 mile walking tour and explore canine life at Mount Vernon, from the first president's dogs to the dogs that live at the estate today.
The tour stops at five historic locations, including the historic west gate.
Along the way learn about George Washington's love for dogs, his dogs' unusual names, and his efforts to improve the quality of his hunting dogs through breeding.
The tour route requires visitors to walk on uneven surfaces including hilly terrain, grass, and gravel.
A Good Yarn
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Spinning House
Stop by the Spinning House to see the process of turning sheep’s wool into cloth. Historic Trades staff will discuss 18th-century textile production at Mount Vernon and demonstrate spinning and weaving.
Horsing Around
9:30 a.m. -11:45 a.m., 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
12-Acre Field
Join our Youth Programs team to learn about the horses that called Mount Vernon home in the 18th century. Be sure to pick up a horseshoe craft to take home.
A Place at the Stable
Saturday 11:30am, 1pm, 2pm
Sunday 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm
Stables
Meet "Peter Hardiman," an enslaved groom whose talent with horses and mules was noted by George Washington. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the work done in the stables and Peter's role directing other enslaved individuals at the site.
Saddle Up With George Washington
Saturday 10 a.m., 3:00 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m, 2 p.m.
Stables
Help get Washington’s horses ready to ride! Join interpreter Al Underwood to gather and organize the supplies needed for Washington’s upcoming journey in this hands on activity.
Note: Children ages 6-12 may help saddle the horses, but must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 6, accompanied by an adult, may meet the horses at the end of the program.
Washington in the West
Saturday 11 a.m., 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m, 3 p.m.
Stables
Meet Washington’s horses and learn the Native American Sign Language Washington and other surveyors learned and used on the frontier in the 18th century.
Story Time
Saturday 11 a.m., 2 p.m.
Bowling Green
In the midst of battle, George Washington spies a lost dog. How will Washington find its owner? Learn more about this true story with our Youth Programs team.
