Skip to main content

Meet some of Mount Vernon's animals and learn about their roles in the 18th century. 

Reserve Your Tickets in Advance

Get Tickets

Offered

Cost

Included with Admission

Discover Mount Vernon's Animals

Experience a rare opportunity to see sheep, oxen, and horses during Animal Family Day. Learn about Mount Vernon’s animals and the jobs they performed in the 18th century. Hear stories about the enslaved people who cared for the animals, such as Giles, a coachman, Peter Hardiman, a horse groom, and Kitty, a dairymaid. 

The schedule is subject to change. Please note that the estate will not offer sensory-friendly hours for this event. 

For the safety of our heritage breeds, disturbing or feeding animals is not permitted.

Animal Family Day Activities

Animal Day Family Hub: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Visit the Bowling Green to learn more about the role of animals at 18th century Mount Vernon, and the people who took care of them through hands-on activities. Explore the importance of fish and the Potomac River and the importance of horses in Washington's life. 

Take home activities and crafts will be available while supplies last. 

Animal Look & Learns 

In the Historic Area, meet Mount Vernon's the livestock team who cares for the animals with brief drop-in encounters. Please note the animals will be on view throughout the day. 

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. — Lambs at the Sheep Paddock 
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. — Oxen at Oxen Paddock
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Horses at the Horse Paddock 
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Lambs at the Sheep Paddock 

Performances and Demonstrations

Spinning Demonstrations at 9-1 p.m.; 2-4 p.m.

George Washington and the General’s Dog Story Program 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Music of the Revolution 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. (Saturday Only)

James Anderson: Through My Eyes Tour 11 a.m. (Sunday Only, requires a ticket)

Through My Eyes Tour Tickets

Card Image

For the safety of our heritage breeds, disturbing or feeding animals is not permitted.

Get Emails About Upcoming Events

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the "unsubscribe" link in an email. To learn how your email data is stored and used, please see our privacy policy.