A Once-in-a-Lifetime Summer: 9 Historic Trips to Take With Your Grandkids for America’s 250th
Create once-in-a-lifetime memories with your grandchildren while celebrating America’s 250th
Discover these 9 historic places with your grandkids this year to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Whether you visit on July 4, 2026, or explore in the months before or after the 'Semiquincentennial," the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence offers a rare opportunity to build lasting memories at the places where our country's history began.
These trips can also help turn old, dusty history lessons into hands-on adventures. Best of all, many of these iconic sites (and we’ve only listed a few) are rolling out world-class experiences.
Here are 9 standout destinations that make history fun, accessible and — best of all — unforgettable.
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Why America’s 250th is more than just fireworks
America’s 250th birthday isn’t just about dates on a calendar or old documents. It’s about people, places and the millions of stories that make up our nation. It’s about how a group of colonies came together in 1776 to declare their independence, and how that single courageous moment in time set the course for the country we know and love today.
The celebration also offers a chance to learn more about how the United States began, how it grew, and how it has changed over time.
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota, the 60-foot faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country.
For the 250th celebration: This year, Mount Rushmore will host special events on July 2 and 4 to commemorate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the United States, including military concerts with no reservations or tickets required. On July 3, tickets are required for the day’s festivities, which include a fireworks display.
However, because they anticipate large crowds, access for the event on July 3 is entirely dependent on a federal lottery system, which closed on April 12 and was managed through Recreation.gov. That means unless you reserved a ticket before the deadline, you can no longer attend the July 3rd festivities. The park will open for ticket holders at 1 pm. That said, you can still enjoy the park before or after the 250th celebration on July 3.
For the best value: Visit in May or September, when hotel rates can drop by 20% to 30%. There are typically fewer crowds, and temperatures stay in the 60s and 70s. The site is free to enter (you’ll pay a small fee to park), and no long hikes are required. Combine it with a drive through Custer State Park for wildlife spotting that the grandkids will love.
2. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg marks the Civil War’s turning point and is the site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Be sure to visit the Museum and Visitor Center, where you'll find resources and information to help you and your grandkids learn about the battlefield.
For the 250th celebration: Gettysburg will feature major battle reenactments (July 3–5) and special Independence Day events. Parking is on-site and dining is available in the visitor center. Tour costs vary.
For the best value: Visit in April–May or September–October for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Roaming the battlefield is free. But a self-guided auto tour costs about $43 for adults (with senior discounts). The Visitor Center also offers senior pricing. Grandkids will enjoy the interactive exhibits at “Children of Gettysburg 1863.”
3. Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
America’s birthplace, Independence Hall, is where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. It’s the central point for understanding America’s roots and offers a great opportunity for conversations about the beginnings of our country with your grandkids.
For the 250th celebration: Philadelphia’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” and year-long celebrations in 2026 include parades, block parties, and special exhibits. Most sites, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, are free or low-cost for seniors and children. From 9:00 am to 9:50 am, no tickets are required. However, from 10:40 am to 4:20 pm, March–December and holiday weekends, timed-entry tickets are required for ranger-guided tours. A $1 per ticket processing fee applies, according to Recreation.gov. Tickets are not required on July 1st, July 2nd, July 3rd, July 4th, or July 14th. But expect large crowds.
For the best value: Visit in the spring or fall for comfortable temperatures and better pricing on nearby hotels and dining. The area is walkable with plenty of benches, and costumed interpreters make history interactive and fun with hands-on stations for the grandkids. Independence Hall opens at 9:00 am.
4. The Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path that connects 16 Revolutionary sites — from the USS Constitution tall ship to Bunker Hill — bringing the fight for independence to life through stories of historic heroes like Paul Revere.
For the 250th celebration: Boston’s 2026 festivities include reenactments, tall ships, and special guided tours. The Trail itself is mostly free to walk. Costumed-guide walking tours run about $17 for each adult (with a $2 senior discount and $8 for children ages 6–12; free for kids under 6). Other tour tickets vary.
For the best value: Visit in late spring or early fall for savings on lodging and shorter lines. Don’t miss the Paul Revere House or the Bunker Hill Monument for lasting memories and good discussion.
5. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital city, will be a centerpiece of America 250, with the National Mall serving as the hub of the 250th.
For the 250th celebration: Expect patriotic concerts and large-scale anniversary celebrations throughout 2026, including a special Independence Day fireworks display along with performances and ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Smithsonian museums.
The Great American State Fair, a 16-day national exposition, will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and run from June 25 to July 10, 2026. The fair is free and open to the public (advance registration encouraged), with a kickoff celebration on June 24 headlined by President Trump.
On July 4th, a special fireworks display called Salute to America will take place on the National Mall. The event is free and open to the public. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged and parking will be limited.
The original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights remain on permanent display in the National Archives Rotunda in D.C. with free daily admission, 10 am to 5:30 pm. Visitors are strongly encouraged to reserve a free general admission or timed-entry ticket in advance online.
Also, the Smithsonian Institution is marking America’s 250th anniversary with its “Our Shared Future: 250” initiative. Most Smithsonian museums are free, but some popular ones or special exhibits use timed-entry passes (free or low-cost) to manage crowds, especially during the 250th celebration. Visit: https://www.si.edu/visit for info.
For the best value: The best times to visit are April–May and September–October. These months offer moderate crowds, mild weather, and often the best prices on hotels and airfare. Andrew Latham, Certified Financial Planner, passes on this idea: “Going to D.C. is the obvious choice for a reason. The Smithsonian allows you to take all the grandchildren to 21 museums without paying a dime, which means you can put your cash toward food and hotels without blowing your budget on tourist traps.”
6. San Antonio, Texas
Other than just a great place to visit, at the heart of San Antonio stands The Alamo, a long-standing symbol of the Texas Revolution and a vital part of America's history.
For the 250th celebration: Visitors can explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, with special events including living history demonstrations, guided tours, and programs that connect Texas history to the story of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
For the best value: The best time to visit the Alamo is in the off-season (late fall and winter), when there are fewer crowds and discounted tickets (reservations for Alamo tours are required). Parking is off-site, but buses run throughout the day.
7. Statue of Liberty, New York, New York
Sitting proudly on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, within New York City, the Statue of Liberty is the iconic symbol of freedom, democracy, and hope.
For the 250th celebration: The Statue of Liberty will host several commemorative events, including lighting displays, guided tours, and educational programs for adults and children. The National Park Service strongly encourages you to purchase ferry tickets in advance of the day you plan to visit. Tickets should be purchased through Statue City Cruises, the only ferry service that brings visitors to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
For the best value: Visit during late fall and winter. Although the weather can be cooler during these months, you will run into fewer visitors and shorter lines. Hotels and dining are also often less expensive.
8. Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
These historic sites transform the Revolutionary era into a living classroom so that you and your grandkids can walk where Washington, Jefferson and Lafayette once did. During the 250th celebration, you'll witness reenactments and artillery demonstrations, explore tall ships, and participate in hands-on activities that bring the fight for independence to life.
Yorktown celebrates the Revolution on July 4th with a parade, concert, Declaration of Independence reading, and river fireworks. The American Revolution Museum hosts the Give Me Liberty exhibition, Liberty Celebration with artillery demos and October Victory programs with living history.
Colonial Williamsburg offers immersive events, including the July 4 PBS-broadcast America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together, along with music, performances, a drone show and fireworks.
Yorktown events, including Sail Yorktown on July 4, are mostly free. Museum programs require standard admission ($15 – 18 adults; discounts for children and seniors). You can buy tickets at jyfmuseums.org or on-site.
Colonial Williamsburg’s 250th events and daily activities need Historic Area passes (about $40 for adults). Multi-day passes are your best value; discounts for kids. July 4 event is free. Book Williamsburg tickets ahead at colonialwilliamsburg.org.
For the best value: Visit Yorktown or Colonial Williamsburg in late spring or early fall to enjoy fewer crowds, shorter lines at attractions and museums, and significantly lower hotel and food prices compared to peak summer and the July 4th week. These shoulder seasons still offer exciting 250th exhibits, while making the trip more affordable and relaxed.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
The city of Charleston, a major Southern port and battleground, played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.
Key 250th highlights include events at Fort Moultrie, site of the 1776 Patriot victory, with living history, reenactments and interpretive programs. The city offers a relaxed pace with beautiful waterfront walks along the historic Battery, horse-drawn carriage tours that are easy for grandparents and engaging for the grandkids, and great southern dining.
Expect special exhibits, parades, and patriotic programming throughout 2026, especially around June – July. Many events are free or low-cost; check charleston-sc.gov or sc250.com for details.
For the best value: Visit in late spring or early fall to avoid peak summer crowds and the July 4th heat. You'll also enjoy shorter lines at Fort Moultrie and the Battery, and find better rates on hotels, carriage tours and dining out. These shoulder seasons still offer a lineup of special events, exhibits, reenactments, tours and activities specifically planned for America’s 250th, while offering a more relaxed, affordable experience for you and the grandkids.
Other major national highlights for 2026
Expect a mix of big spectacles and local celebrations:
- July 3–5, 2026 “Moments That Unite a Nation”: Celebrations include the first-ever Times Square Ball Drop on July 3 to kick off the Fourth, massive block parties, concerts, and synchronized events across all 50 states, D.C., and territories.
- Disneyland is celebrating America’s 250th with “Disney Celebrates America.” Kicking off on Veterans Day 2025 and continuing through the July 4, 2026 weekend.
- America’s Block Party: Nationwide neighborhood gatherings, potlucks, and viewing parties so you can watch celebrations happening.
- The Great American Road Trip: This partnership with the Department of Transportation encourages people to drive across the country and visit famous sites in honor of the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.
- A time capsule: A capsule containing items from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and five territories is scheduled to be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. It won't be dug up until the country’s 500th anniversary.
Quick tips for these (and all) trips
- Check America250.org and individual national park sites for exact 2026 event calendars.
- Plan ahead. Why? Because America 250 will mark one of the most significant travel years in U.S. history. Planning ahead helps secure accommodations, tours, and tickets to the most anticipated events and celebrations.
- Grab an America the Beautiful Senior Pass ($20 annual or $80 lifetime) for free or discounted access to many national parks.
- Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, water, and snacks — plus a journal or digital way for grandkids to record their own “trail” memories.
Celebrate with the grandkids
Although there were only 13 original states, all 50 states are planning 250th celebrations and offering both you and your grandkids a chance to experience the places and stories that shaped our nation. These places can turn those long drives into adventures, with plenty of ice cream stops and “wow” moments. Your grandkids will remember the history and the time they spend with you, long after the 250th celebrations are over. For updates, visit https://freedom250.org/celebration often.
More on America's 250th Birthday
- America is Turning 250 — But We Didn't Get Serious About Saving for Retirement Until 50 Years Ago
- America's Cost of Living at 200 vs 250: How Affordable is American Life Now?
- America at 250: The 3 Economic Headaches That Haven't Changed Since 1976
- How Has Retirement Changed in the Last 50 Years? Take Our Quiz
- Financial Advice From America's Founding Fathers
- Which Presidents Are on the Social Security Payroll?
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