Just outside Washington, D.C., George Washington’s estate is a can’t-miss destination for families, offering something for all ages to enjoy.
Family Events
Explore the Estate with our Adventure Map
Written clues and colorful pictures guide families on an exploration of nine locations on the Mount Vernon estate.
Pick up the Adventure Map in the Orientation Center when you arrive at the estate. Ages 7-12.
Audio Tour
Hear details about the estate's history as you tour the grounds with our audio tour.
While exploring the estate, the device tracks the stops you visit.
Mount Vernon's audio tour is available in multiple languages.
Look for the Discovery Station
Look for one of our discovery stations and explore topics related to George Washington and Mount Vernon.
You could:
- Hear about Mount Vernon’s historic buildings
- Learn about the people who called Mount Vernon home
- Grab a take-home craft kit
See the "Today at Mount Vernon" web calendar for program offerings.
This program is weather-dependent. All Ages.
Try the I Spy Scavenger Hunt
Our youngest guests match nine images with objects and places at Mount Vernon while they explore the estate.
Ages 3-7.
Meet People from Washington's World
Attend one of our character programs or take a specialty tour to hear what it was like at Mount Vernon in George Washington's time.
Take a Photo Cruise on the Potomac River
Leave dry land behind and enjoy the river breeze during a narrated tour on the Potomac River. Cruises are available seasonally, through fall. All Ages.
Visit the Farm
From April through October, head to the Farm for a taste of 18th-century farm life. Watch farming demonstrations from plowing to harvesting to cooking, and see our farm animals. All Ages.
See Mount Vernon's Animals
Meet the animals who live at Mount Vernon, such as Ossabaw Island Hogs, Hog Island Sheep, Dominique Chickens, and Red Devon Cattle. All Ages.
Walk the Forest Trail
Walk through a wooded area with interactive text panels along the way to learn who lived here before the Washingtons and what animals roamed the woods. The forest trail includes several steep inclines and uneven terrain.
Ages 8 and up. Not stroller friendly.
Watch a 4D Movie in our Revolutionary War Theater
This fast-paced, 4D production traces General Washington's important military victories at Boston, Trenton, and Yorktown. The Revolutionary War Theater—where cannons fire and snow falls every day—is one of Mount Vernon’s most popular attractions. Ages 8 and up.
Play Be Washington
See if you can lead like George Washington with this leadership experience inside our Education Center. Ages 10 and up.
Try our Augmented Reality Glasses
Put on a pair of augmented reality glasses and explore the estate through rich 360-degree visuals, narration, period music, and atmospheric sounds. Ages 11 and up.
Play Agent 711
Become one of George Washington’s spies! Go undercover and test your spycraft skills while exploring the grounds of Mount Vernon with this free app.
Pick up the Agent 711 map in the Orientation Center when you arrive at the estate. Ages 11 and up.
Take the Photo Quest
Follow the clues to discover great places to take photos! Pick up your free photo quest at the Ford Orientation Center or download it before you visit. Ages 11 and up.
Tips for Families
Bags: All bags are subject to inspection. Bags larger than 16x16x8 inches are prohibited.
Food & Drink: Outside food or drink (except water) are prohibited.
Strollers: Strollers are welcome on the estate but cannot be taken inside the Mansion. Strollers may be parked outside of the Mansion prior to your tour.
Hours
Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year, including holidays.
April through October: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.*
November through March: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.*
*The museum is open to guests for 30 minutes after closing. The Education Center is closed for an extensive rebuild and will reopen in 2026.
Admission
George Washington's estate is a can’t-miss for history buffs, families, and visitors to Washington, D.C.
Start by getting your grounds pass, which grants you admission to the estate. Plus, get unlimited visits in 2025 for the price of one.
Starting at:
$28 Adults (12+)
$15 Youth (6-11)
FREE Children (0-5)
Directions & Transportation
Mount Vernon is located just outside of Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by car. Parking is free.
You can also reach us by public transportation, via boat cruise, or by bike (bike rentals are available).
Our street address:
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Mount Vernon is located in northern Virginia, just a short drive from Washington, D.C.
For more information about things to do in Virginia, visit Virginia.org, the official tourism website for the state of Virginia. You’ll find an overview of each region in Virginia, as well as information about cultural attractions, upcoming events, and where to stay. You can also purchase merchandise featuring the official Virginia slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers.”
