Education is one of the most rewarding reasons to travel. Whether your desire is to learn about culture, history, or the uniqueness of this incredible floating rock we all live on, travel can help us become more knowledgeable, more tolerant, and more global-minded.
If you’re looking to plan a trip that will enlighten you and your kids, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten educational trips for kids – and their parents. These family vacation destinations are not only memorable but also educational.
Educational Trips for Families to Learn about History
Often to understand current events, you must first understand history. While you can learn about historical events in textbooks, experiencing the places where those events took place creates a deeper connection, understanding, and appreciation for the past.
Washington DC and Virginia
For those in the United States, we’ll start with a destination close to home. The nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is one of the best U.S. destinations for history lovers.
In D.C., families can visit the Smithsonian museums, stand where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, walk the National Mall and see all its famous monuments, and tour the U.S. Capitol to see democracy in action – all for free – making it one of the most affordable destinations for families.
Just a few hours away, the Historic Triangle of Virginia is also worth visiting. Made up of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, the Historic Triangle brings the history of colonial America to life for families. Your kids will be transported back in time through the historical reenactments in Colonial Williamsburg, while learning about the struggles of America’s first permanent English colony at the Jamestown Settlement.
But it isn’t all just history and education. While Colonial Williamsburg is hands-down one of the best things to do in Williamsburg with kids – the city also has an incredible waterpark and one of the best theme parks in the United States – the European-themed Busch Gardens. So, after a healthy dose of history – your family can let loose riding roller coasters and water slides.
Germany and Poland
If you’re more interested in world history rather than U.S. history, a combined trip to Germany and Poland is a powerful way to learn about the atrocities of World War II and how the war shaped global dynamics.
Luckily, the two countries can easily be visited together on a 2-week Central Europe itinerary.
In places like Berlin, Germany, you can learn about the rise of the Nazi regime by visiting historical sites like the Topography of Terror Museum, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and the site of Hitler’s bunker. The city is also the best place to learn about the post-WWII Cold War Era when Berlin was literally divided by a wall.
While many of the cities in Poland are best for learning about the Holocaust & Nazi occupation. Sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau provide a sobering, firsthand look at the horrors of concentration camps. In the capital city of Warsaw, you can visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto to learn about Polish resistance to the Nazi occupation.
Kraków is also worth visiting. With museums like Schindler’s Factory, which tells the story of survival under Nazi rule, a few days in Krakow will leave you with a valuable understanding of the devastation of the second World War.
Of course, World War II history is very heavy. So, if visiting Poland with kids, balance out that heaviness with some light-hearted fun. Consider visiting Germany during the famous Oktoberfest for carnival rides and festivities, spend a day at Therme Erding, or visit the fairytale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
ALSO READ: WHAT IS GERMANY FAMOUS FOR?
Rome, Italy
Another incredible European destination for history lovers, Rome is like an open-air history museum.
Start at the Colosseum, where kids can imagine the roar of ancient crowds watching gladiator battles, then take a guided walking tour through the ruins of the Roman Forum – once the heart of the Roman empire at its peak.
The city is also home to some of the most impressive churches in Europe – including the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Don’t forget to stop at the Trevi Fountain to gaze at one of Italy’s many artistic contributions (and throw a coin in for good luck). You can also learn about Rome’s famous aqueducts – which is sure to inspire any budding engineer!
While Rome makes history an adventure, you could combine your trip to Italy’s capital with visits to some of the country’s other remarkable cities, like Venice, Florence, and Milan.
Japan
If learning about culture and Eastern religions is more your forte, plan your next family vacation in Asia to the country of Japan.
Visiting Japan with kids can be an incredibly educational experience to learn about the history and beautiful culture that Japan is known for.
In Kyoto, families can explore centuries-old temples like Kinkaku-ji and walk through the historic streets of Gion, where they might spot a real-life geisha.
A visit to Hiroshima offers powerful lessons on peace and resilience at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. And in the original Japanese capital of Nara, you can meet the friendly deer that roam freely around Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant bronze Buddha.
Tokyo provides a contrast with its high-tech wonders, yet even here, history is alive in places like the Imperial Palace and the traditional Senso-ji Temple. In many of the temples in Japan, kids can learn hands-on cultural lessons which teach kids about respect and balance – both important values ingrained in the Japanese way of life.
Egypt
Although the European continent has a long and intriguing history, to learn about one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations – plan your next educational family trip to Egypt!
Start in Cairo to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These ancient sites are shrouded in mystery and superstition, which will win kids over instantly! At the Grand Egyptian Museum, you’ll get to see some of King Tut’s treasures that tell the stories of Egyptian pharaohs.
Perhaps the most riveting place to visit in Egypt, Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. You can explore the grand temples, step inside real tombs, and see real mummies and other ancient artifacts.
Egypt can be overwhelming for novice or young travelers, so we recommend hiring a tour guide. A cruise down the Nile is a convenient way to travel the country while also learning about how the river shaped Egyptian civilization.
Greece
Another one of the top educational trips abroad, Greece is one of the most historic places in Europe. Its allure is one kids will love, as the country is famed for its mythology.
From exploring the ruins of the Acropolis in Athens to walking the streets of ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were held, families can learn about ancient Greek life.
Once your kids learn about Greek mythology in Greece, the ancient Greek gods and goddesses become more than just stories and fables. They’ll walk away with an appreciation and an expanded knowledge of the mythological symbolism that is still widely used in modern times.
Beyond the history, Greece is also a fun country to visit with kids. After learning about Hades, and Athena, and Venus, and Hercules, you can island-hop, try lots of delicious Greek foods, and take in the beautiful culture, music, and island views.
Educational Trips for Families to Learn about Nature
While learning about history is an important part of any trip – some of the most educational places to take kids are designed to teach them about nature and the earth’s unique biospheres.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica was one of our first family vacations and for good reason. We wanted our daughter to have an appreciation for nature early on. Visiting Costa Rica with kids promises both education and adventure – all wrapped into one.
You can learn about the rainforests and volcanoes while taking a ziplining canopy tour in the Arenal Rainforest or chance a unique close encounter with toucans, sloths, and monkeys on a hanging bridge tour.
Along the coastline in Tortuguero National Park, you may get the unique conservation experience of watching sea turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean. While on the other side of the country, you can have a glorious beach vacation with an educational component.
Take a beach hopping tour to visit some of Costa Rica’s best beaches — from rocky, black sand beaches to soft, white sand that is perfect for building sandcastles. After all – family trips are about balance – so pack your beach essentials – and plan for both fun and teachable moments.
Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A
If the idea of going abroad is intimidating or out of your budget, there are lots of educational trips for families within the United States.
While all the national parks are incredibly educational, Yellowstone National Park is our favorite one for learning about the earth and its composition. Visiting Yellowstone is like stepping into a giant outdoor classroom.
Your kids will no doubt fall in love with science after they witness the power of geothermal activity as they watch Old Faithful erupt and explore the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring on a day trip to the park.
The park’s diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities to study wildlife, from spotting bison and elk in the Lamar Valley to possibly seeing wolves in their natural habitat.
There are also bubbling mud pots, towering waterfalls, and forest hiking trails surrounded by mountains that active families will enjoy exploring together.
In Yellowstone, you’ll learn lessons on conservation, geology, and the importance of protecting national parks. Add a few days in Western Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley to round out your vacation.
Kenya
When your kids reach the age when sitting still for hours at a time isn’t an extreme challenge, they’re at the right age for one of the most memorable educational trips – an African safari!
Kenya is one of the best countries if you want to see the Great Migration. A million times better than any zoo you could possibly visit, imagine the excitement of witnessing elephants roaming freely in the Maasai Mara or watching lionesses hunt prey.
During a safari, Maasai guides will educate your group about their coexistence with nature. Beyond the thrill of spotting lions and giraffes, your whole family will gain a deeper understanding of Kenya’s ecosystems, the importance of protecting endangered species, and the interconnectedness of our planet.
Iceland
Last but not least, Iceland is a dream destination if you want to learn about the Earth and its incredible natural phenomena. Fun fact about Iceland, it’s known as The Land of Fire and Ice – which means your Iceland itinerary will potentially include everything from glaciers to volcanoes.
Iceland’s Þingvellir National Park is the only place in the world where you can walk between two continental plates, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart.
You can also hike across glaciers, explore volcanic landscapes, and even visit ice caves to see how Iceland’s unique terrain was formed.
Along the southern coast, you can also see many of the country’s majestic waterfalls and learn about geothermal power at the famous Blue Lagoon.
One of the most important lessons learned in Iceland, however, is about the effects of climate change. Take a boat ride through the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake and listen as your guide explains the devastating impact of the quickly melting glaciers. It’s a lesson that is sure to inspire your future environmentalist to take actions both big and small to save the planet.
Why you should consider these educational places to take kids
I believe every trip can be educational. Even a theme park vacation can teach kids the importance of stepping out of their comfort zone and doing something that initially scares them. While snorkeling at the beach, children can learn about life under the ocean and the importance of protecting barrier reefs and not polluting the planet.
But admittedly, some destinations offer a richer educational experience than others – thanks to their historical sites or natural environment. It’s important to take your kids to places that will expand their minds and their understanding of the world. But it’s equally important that those trips are fun.
Endless museums with audio guide headsets won’t instill a love of travel or of education. But a zip lining adventure to learn about the rainforest or a nature hike that takes you behind a waterfall – so close you’re soaked in its mist – that is what I call an immersive education!
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