One trip to Washington, D.C. is not enough to allow you to see and do everything that the city has to offer, even if you don’t have top secret clearance into the really cool places. When I’m visiting a new city with my family, whether it be for a week or a long weekend, it helps me prioritize plans if I give myself a goal or a theme for the visit. For example, I might focus on learning more about the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia. In DC, the possible themes and itineraries for a visit are truly limitless, but the most obvious, I think, is a trip that focuses in on American History. Here are three things to do that will help you pass on a few important civic lessons to your kids while you’re visiting the capital.

3 Ways to Teach Your Kids American History in Washington, D.C.

1. Visit the Capitol.

If you want a tour of any of the legislative buildings, it’s best to start doing your planning as far in advance as possible. However, procrastinators need not cross the Capitol off their list entirely. You can book a tour online a day or two in advance, or try and score one of the limited number of same-day passes first thing in the morning at Information Desks in Emancipation Hall on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. If you still can’t get in on a tour, point to the dome that can be seen from just about anywhere in Washington and say “look, kids! The Capitol!”

2. Take a walking tour of the presidential memorials.

In one day, you can easily do a tour of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. All four of these sights are not only beautiful and great for family photo opps, but they feature exhibits that teach more about the presidency and the specific era in America History during which each man served.

3. Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

If you really take the time to tour the exhibits extensively, you can spend a full day in this single museum, especially if you stop for a lunch break in the middle of the day. (Hint: my family had a picnic on the grass right outside the museum and watched the people walk by while we ate.) Two of my favorite exhibits here included The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden and The Star-Spangled Banner.

Of course, the key to turning any sight-seeing expedition into a real learning experience is to talk to your kids about what they’re seeing. Read the placards together, ask questions, and encourage them to do their own research when they get home on the topics that interested them most.

All Photos by Britt Reints