For Kids & Families
Make Memories with the Whole Family
At Gunston Hall, family time is meaningful, hands-on, and full of discovery.
Inspired by George Mason’s devotion to his own children, we invite families of all shapes and sizes to explore, learn, and play together across our beautiful historic site. Whether you’re taking a self-guided walk through the gardens, joining a mansion tour, or attending one of our seasonal programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plan Your Visit
Open Daily | Mansion, Visitor Center & Museum Shop: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- General Admission includes guided mansion tours, museum galleries, and grounds access.
- Grounds Pass allows for self-guided exploration of the property.
- Garden Preview is available by looking through mansion windows during tours.
Learning Activities for Kids & Families
Looking for enrichment at home or on-site? Explore our learning resources that align with Virginia Standards of Learning and the C3 Framework. Whether you’re visiting in person or learning from home, there’s something for every age.
Educational Activities by Grade Level
Grades K–2
- Battledore Craft – Learn about 18th-century schooling through art.
- Make a Kite – Fly like 18th-century kids.
- Kush – Taste a historic African-inspired dish.
- Nine Men’s Morris – Play a game from the Revolutionary era.
- Sweet Potatoes – Explore food traditions from Native cultures.
- Sweet Potato Slips – Garden like colonists.
- Whirligig Toy – Make a toy from an archaeological find.
Grades 4–6
- Battledore Craft – Craft meets colonial history.
- Seed Culture & Germination – Hands-on agriculture and science.
- Math with Seeds – Practice fractions, percentages, and volume.
- Kite Design – Study history through creativity.
- Diary Project – Dive into primary sources.
- Kush & Broiled Sweet Potatoes – Explore African and Native American foodways.
- Rosemary Cuttings – Discover colonial plant life.
- Nine Men’s Morris – Learn through games.
- Whirligig– Recreate a toy inspired by archaeology.
Grades 7–8
- Keeping a Diary – Analyze primary sources and understand perspectives in history.
Grades 9–12
- Advanced Diary Analysis – Explore how narratives shape our understanding of history.
History, Heritage, and the Great Outdoors
Explore historic buildings, engaging exhibits, and over 500 acres of scenic trails all in one unforgettable visit.
From hands-on experiences to quiet moments of reflection, Gunston Hall offers a unique blend of past and present. Walk in the footsteps of those who shaped history and take time to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Explore the Historic Grounds
- Kitchen Yard: Peek inside the kitchen, dairy, and laundry. Reflect on the lives of the enslaved people who worked here.
- Schoolhouse: Step into an 18th-century plantation schoolhouse and tutor’s quarters.
- Burying Ground: Visit the Mason family cemetery from the 1770s.
- Guided Mansion Tours: Available every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Wednesdays).
Museum Exhibitions
- Revolutionary Rights: Explore George Mason’s role in shaping American freedoms.
- A Woman’s Place: Discover the lives of free and enslaved women at Gunston Hall.
Outdoor Adventures
- Picnic: Use our tables or bring a blanket. Need lunch? Order ahead through our partner, Amphora (24-hour notice required).
- Hiking: Choose from scenic, easy-to-moderate trails across 550 acres.
- Bring Your Dog:Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds and trails (excluding indoor spaces, except service animals).
A Legacy of Learning, A Place for Families
George Mason was deeply devoted to the happiness and education of his own children. Today, we honor that legacy by inviting families of all ages to explore, learn, and make memories at Gunston Hall.
Visit & Explore
- Self-Guided Tours: Wander through the galleries, kitchen yard, and reconstructed outbuildings (kitchen, dairy, smokehouse, laundry) and absorb 18th-century plantation life.
- Grounds & Gardens: Stroll along historic boxwood paths, admire the restored one-acre formal garden, and enjoy riverside views perfect for a family picnic.
- Guided Mansion Tours: Available every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Wednesdays).
Highlights for Families
- Interactive Outbuildings: Kids can peek into historic workspaces like kitchens and schoolrooms.
- Archaeology in Action: From spring through fall, meet the archaeology team on the grounds
- Gardens & Wildlife: Stroll through the reconstructed one-acre garden and enjoy views of the Potomac, bald eagles, and more
Helpful Tips for Parents
- Arrive Early: Guided tours can fill up.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Gravel paths and hiking trails are part of the experience.
- Picnic Optional: Enjoy dining against the backdrop of historic grounds.
For Teachers
Bring history to life in and out of the classroom.
Educational Programs
- Field trips aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs)
- Options for grades K–12 and homeschool groups
- Customizable tours with hands-on activities and scavenger hunts
Teacher Resources
- Downloadable lesson plans and activities
- Pre-visit materials and suggested reading
- Access to digital archives and primary sources
Planning a Visit
- Dedicated staff to assist with booking and logistics
Book A School Tour
For Parents & Families
A day at Gunston Hall is both educational and fun for the whole family.
What to Expect
- Family-friendly mansion tours
- Outdoor trails and gardens to explore
- Interactive exhibits in the Visitor Center
- Scavenger hunts and seasonal activity booklets
Kid-Friendly Highlights
- Hands-on learning and problem-solving challenges
- Play-based discovery spaces during special events
- Great for school breaks, weekends, and holidays
Upcoming Events
Join us for engaging programs that bring history to life. From educational workshops to seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone.
Support Gunston Hall’s Mission
Your donation helps preserve Gunston Hall’s historic grounds, expand public programs, and increase access to engaging experiences for all visitors. With your support, we can continue to share George Mason’s legacy and provide meaningful connections to history. Your gift helps to:
- Sponsor school visits and outreach to under-resourced communities
- Develop and distribute free educational and historical resources
- Expand interactive exhibits, family programming, and community events
- Preserve and interpret George Mason’s home and legacy for future generations
