traveling Through History With Children

By Renée S. Gordon History & Travel Writer

In these times of differing historic perspectives, difficult conversations and divergent interpretations, it is perfectly understandable that when planning travel with children, parents would consider omitting controversial historic sites and exhibits. While these issues may make parents and caregivers uncomfortable the benefits of such a trip for the family far outweigh any perceived negatives. Two of those relevant benefits are a quality family bonding experience and the learning of new and reinforcement of academic and life skills.

The following practices are guaranteed to ease your travel to historic sites with children.

• Planning is essential. Choose your sites wisely to ensure that the information your children will receive is accurate and as nonbiased as possible. Sites have websites that should be mined for information regarding scheduling, special children’s programming, facilities, parking, dining services and, if needed, special needs accessibility. Maps, guides and information are usually available and are invaluable when deciding on a schedule and choosing appropriate attire for the day.

• Engage your children in a conversation on the site to familiarize them on what they will see and do. Allow them to select those activities that interest them. This is a great time to set behavioral expectations for the entire family. Smaller children should expect to receive a lanyard, for tucking inside their clothing, with contact information written on it. Refrain from dressing smaller children in clothing with their name or other identifying information printed on it.

• Upon arrival stop in the visitor center to gather information and view any orientation films, exhibits and interactive displays. Before leaving the center designate a meeting place in case the group is separated.

• Make the visit engaging and fun. Encourage photo stops with the goal of making an album at trip’s end. This will encourage children to be creative and make selections based on critical thinking skills. Note taking and artifact treasure hunts promote the making of connections between the site and their current school curriculum. Urge participation in interactive activities because children learn more using a multisensory approach.

• After the trip keep the momentum going with guided conversations about the trip. Ask open-ended questions so the responses generate further discussion. What was your favorite part of the trip and why? Talk about any photographs taken and activities in which they participated.

Traveling with children has a huge payoff. Being part of a historic tour helps them understand the larger world, those events that shaped us and connect with our daily lives. It inspires confidence and can introduce children to new areas beyond the standardized curriculum.

Take the opportunity of a family vacation to create special and lifelong memories with your children.