Discover Educational Activities
Participate in Hands-on Experiences
Visit Mount Vernon educators at the 12-acre field to learn about the American Revolution in the fall of 1775.
- Learn about Henry Knox, For Ticonderoga, the Siege of Boston, and more.
- Explore the creation of the Continental Navy, the Continental Marines, and the role of privateers in the fight for independence.
- Discover 18th-century political cartoons.
- Create your own miniature flag.
Talk with Mount Vernon archaeologists about the archaeological process and their recent discoveries.
Hear a Speech by George Washington
Watch a speech by George Washington about his time in the Continental Army and what it meant to create one united fighting force.
Listen to Music of the Revolution
Hear our fifer play the fife, flute, and drums, and learn about the military music of the American Revolution at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Attend a Special Book Reading
Listen to Mount Vernon staff perform a special reading of Henry and the Cannons by Don Brown at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
See 18th-Century Demonstrations
Watch spinning and weaving demonstrations in the spinning house, where enslaved and hired weavers made utilitarian wool and linen cloth (9 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.).
Visit the blacksmith shop to discover what it meant to be a blacksmith during colonial America (9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.).
Please note: While the farm will be open for visitation, it will not be staffed. All trades activities will take place in the historic area and on the 12-acre field.
Explore our Revolutionary War Encampment
Experience the American Revolution as you walk through an 18th-century Continental Army encampment featuring soldiers' tents and an officer’s tent.
At this hands-on attraction located on the exit path of the estate, you can touch the items inside the tents, wash clothes in the laundry yard, and examine cooking utensils used by women and children who traveled with the army.
This attraction is made possible thanks to Americana Corner.
Learning Materials
Prepare for your visit by reviewing a printable version of the Homeschool Day Learning Materials. These tools will be available prior to the program.
Learn more about themes relating to different aspects of George Washington’s life and the enslaved people who worked and lived on his five farms.
- George Washington the Farmer
- George Washington and the Revolutionary War
- The Timeline of the Coercive Acts of 1774
- The Coercive Acts
- Lives Bound Together
- Enslaved People at Mount Vernon
- 18th Century Farming
- Teaching with Place Lesson Plan
Extend the learning at home by visiting the Online Activities for Kids webpage.
More Information
For more information about visiting Mount Vernon, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Please note: Outside food and drink other than bottled water are prohibited on the estate. If you would like to bring bagged lunches, tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the Shops at Mount Vernon.
Food will be available for purchase at the food court, the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, and the food truck inside the estate.