The 5 Best Lessons For Kids At The Lincoln Memorial
Hey friends, it’s Dane from DoubleDeckerFam, and today, I want to share one of our favorite stops on our cross-country RV adventures—the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. As a family with six kids, aged 10 down to our lively 5-year-old twins, we always try to make our travels meaningful and educational. And let me tell you, the Lincoln Memorial easily makes the top of the list when it comes to American sights that can spark big conversations and even bigger lessons for kids of pretty much any age.
If you’ve ever been on the fence about bringing your kids to the National Mall, let me walk you through why this spot is more than a towering marble building. We visited with all eight of us in our converted Double Decker RV, and the day was packed with teachable moments everywhere you look. In fact, after visiting, I’d say that every family should make the Lincoln Memorial a must-see stop—especially for hands-on, real-life learning.
So, if you’re mapping out your next adventure or homeschool roadschool curriculum, here are the 5 BEST lessons your kids can learn at the Lincoln Memorial (plus a few fun tips and resources to make your visit as memorable as ours!).
1. History Comes Alive: The Legacy of Abraham Lincoln
Why It’s Powerful
Sure, our kids have all heard of Abraham Lincoln, but seeing his 19-foot statue in person just brings those textbook pages to life. The Lincoln Memorial gives you a real sense of Lincoln’s humanity and the immense challenges he faced during his presidency.
How We Made It Stick
We started our day by reading the Gettysburg Address aloud, right in front of the Memorial. Cue the kids echoing phrases like “government of the people, by the people, for the people…” Hearing those words surrounded by other visitors made them feel epic, not just homework.
I challenged each of the older kids to share one thing they learned about Lincoln or the Civil War before we headed up the steps. This made for some awesome discussions both in real time and around our RV dinner table that night.
Pro Parenting Tip: Check out the National Park Service’s Lincoln Memorial site for printable lesson plans, age-appropriate background, and even a virtual tour to preview before you go.
2. Respecting Monuments: Why We Preserve Our Nation’s Past
Why It’s Powerful
Being responsible tourists is a lesson in itself. The Lincoln Memorial is a working monument and a place of quiet reflection, which can be tough for energetic kids to grasp at first.
How We Made It Stick
Before climbing the stairs, we paused as a family to read the plaques describing the importance of silence and respect at the site (it was especially fun trying to see if the twins could stay quiet for more than 60 seconds—results: mixed, but adorable!). We talked about why we take care of places like this, so that other families in the future can have the same special moments.
Even our youngest understood the “no running, no shouting” rule thanks to the park rangers’ friendly but firm reminders. It’s a great lesson for any busy kid—sometimes, being quiet is the best way to honor important places.
Read More: This Smithsonian Magazine article shares some fascinating secrets and etiquette tips about the Memorial to share with kids.
3. Understanding Civil Rights: The March on Washington
Why It’s Powerful
Arguably one of the most moving lessons at the Lincoln Memorial is its role in the Civil Rights movement. Standing on the same steps where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech brings history right up to today, reminding us all that the fight for equality is ongoing and relevant.
How We Made It Stick
We found the exact spot (look for the large engraved marker on the steps) where Dr. King stood in 1963. I played a short YouTube clip of the “I Have a Dream” speech while we looked out over the Reflecting Pool, and each kid took a turn to share their own “dream” for the nation.
We’ve always tried to connect our lessons with current events, and exploring the Lincoln Memorial’s history in Civil Rights is a way to open tough but important conversations with kids—whether that means talking about what it means to stand up for what’s right, or simply understanding that brave people can make big changes.
4. The Power of Words: The Gettysburg Address & Second Inaugural Address
Why It’s Powerful
The Lincoln Memorial has two of Lincoln’s greatest speeches carved into its walls: the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. Even if your kids are littles, just reading these words aloud in that space packs a punch.
How We Made It Stick
We let each child choose one line from either speech that stood out to them, and then we talked about what they thought it meant. The older kids connected ideas like “with malice toward none, with charity for all…” to ways we can be kind even when life feels unfair. Even our youngest pointed at the word “freedom” and made up a song about it. You never know what’s gonna stick!
Homeschool Connection: The Library of Congress Teacher Resources are packed with FREE primary source material to help make these speeches age-appropriate and super engaging before you visit.
5. Family Reflection: Making American History Personal
Why It’s Powerful
Our favorite part about every stop is making it meaningful for us as a family. The Lincoln Memorial makes it easy to pause, reflect, and talk about what it means to be an American family traveling together.
How We Made It Stick
We always do a family picture on the steps, and then, usually after a snack break (parents, come prepared!), we ask each kid to share their “Lincoln Memorial moment.” Sometimes it’s the size of the statue, sometimes it’s the echo on the steps, sometimes it’s just spotting all the ducks in the pool behind us. Connecting history to their real-life experiences is where the real learning happens.
And don’t forget to talk about why you travel! We remind our kids that, just like Lincoln hoped for a united country, we’re lucky to travel everywhere from big cities to small towns—meeting people, learning history, and seeing how diverse and awesome the United States really is.
Bonus: Tips & Resources for Planning Your Visit
If you’re traveling in your RV like us, here’s what we’ve learned to make your Lincoln Memorial trip a success with kids:
- Arrive early for the best parking and fewer crowds.
- Bring snacks and water, but remember no food inside the actual monument.
- Stroller friendly, but there are some stairs (there’s a ramp to the side).
- Restrooms: Closest are at the lower level of the monument.
- Download the National Mall App to navigate, find public transit, and access maps!
- Check for junior ranger programs at the Lincoln Memorial or the National Mall—free, fun, and educational.
Final Thoughts: Why The Lincoln Memorial Is a Must-Visit For Families
As the DoubleDeckerFam, we’ve visited some amazing places all across the U.S., but the Lincoln Memorial easily stands out for the power of the lessons AND the sheer “wow” moment of seeing it up close. It’s the perfect blend of history, inspiration, and family bonding.
So whether you’re roadschooling in your RV, looking for a meaningful weekend trip, or just happen to be passing through Washington D.C., make time to stop. I promise, the conversations you’ll have on those famous marble steps are ones your family will never forget.
And who knows? You might just spark a future leader, peacemaker, or dreamer in your own crew—one lesson, one stop, and one adventure at a time.
Have you visited the Lincoln Memorial as a family? Drop your favorite tip or story in the comments, or tag us on Instagram @DoubleDeckerFam to share your own Lincoln lessons! Safe travels and happy exploring 🚍🇺🇸
References & Further Reading:
– National Park Service: Lincoln Memorial
– Smithsonian Magazine: The Lincoln Memorial
– Library of Congress Teacher Resources
– National Mall App & Visitor Info