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Top 3 Lessons To Teach Kids When Visiting The Washington Monument

Top 3 Lessons To Teach Kids When Visiting The Washington Monument

Top 3 Lessons To Teach Kids When Visiting The Washington Monument

By Dane Eyerly of the Double Decker Fam

Visiting Washington, D.C. with our family of eight in our double-decker RV has always been one of those iconic moments on our cross-country journey. When we pulled up to the National Mall and the towering Washington Monument came into view, I knew this would be a memory for all six kids—ages 10 to 5 (including our energetic twins!)—that would stick for years. But what makes the Washington Monument more than just a cool, tall building to snap a family photo in front of? If you ask me, it’s a place packed with big opportunities to teach kids fun and meaningful lessons about history, respect, and the power of curiosity.

Whether you’re planning your family’s first trip to D.C. or just trying to squeeze some real-life learning into your vacation, I want to share the top three lessons we taught our kids at the Washington Monument—and give you a blueprint to turn your visit into something truly memorable. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in a few tips for making your trip smooth with a big crew (because trust me, a double-decker-sized family comes with unique challenges and laughs).

1. Monuments Are More Than Marble—They’re Stories Set in Stone

When our crew first saw the Washington Monument up close, the scale absolutely floored us (okay, mainly our five-year-olds who couldn’t stop running circles around the base while we tried to corral them for a family pic). But beyond its size, this towering obelisk is really a symbol of history and ideals—something that any kid can connect with.

The Lesson: Why Do We Build Monuments?

Monuments like this aren’t just fancy architecture or tourist traps. They’re a way for us to remember important people and stories that shaped our country. With the kids, we started by asking:
– Who was George Washington, and why do we honor him?
– What do you think this monument means to the people who built it—and to us today?
– Can you think of anyone, even in our own family, that we’d want to honor with a monument?

It sparked a great conversation! Our oldest made a case for a monument to “Moms Who Find Lost Socks,” while the twins settled on a statue of our family dog. But, it really got us talking about the importance of remembering big achievements and sacrifices.

Teaching Tip

Before your trip, read a simple kid’s biography of George Washington (here’s a good one from National Geographic Kids). Even just a few fun facts or stories about “the Father of Our Country” will give the monument meaning once you’re standing at its base.

Make It Real:

When we walked around the monument, I pointed out the different colored stones about one-third of the way up (where construction had paused for years due to funding and civil war). That simple detail turned it from “just a building” to a real history lesson the kids could see and touch.
Don’t forget to ask a Park Ranger onsite—they’re great at sharing fun facts or answering kids’ questions, which makes the whole experience less like a history test and more like an adventure.

2. Respect and Stewardship – What Our Actions Say About Us

Let’s be honest: it can be a challenge to keep a big group of kids from running wild at a place like the National Mall, where space is open and temptations (like the reflecting pool) are everywhere. But visiting the Washington Monument gave us an amazing chance to teach our crew about respect for shared spaces—a skill that goes way beyond sightseeing.

The Lesson: How Do We Treat Places That Belong to Everyone?

Public landmarks like the Washington Monument are cared for by all of us, and it’s up to visitors to make sure they stay beautiful for the next family, the next school group, or the next generation! We made it a point to:
– Use quiet voices (as much as possible with six kids)
– Stick to paths and avoid grassy areas marked off for restoration
– Pick up any trash we found (even if it wasn’t ours)
– Respect other visitors’ photos and space

Our kids actually loved being “monument helpers” – it gave them ownership and a sense of pride that they were part of something bigger than themselves.

Why It Matters

Showing respect for monuments is about more than rules—it’s about understanding the value of public spaces, history, and community. That’s a lesson that serves kids on every trip, every playground, and honestly, back home too.

Read more about “Leave No Trace” principles for families from the National Park Service to reinforce this lesson before your visit.

3. Curiosity is Your Best Travel Tool

If I’ve learned anything after hundreds (thousands?) of family miles in our RV, it’s that the best moments come from curiosity. The Washington Monument is packed with surprises if you’re willing to look a little closer or ask “Why?”

The Lesson: Ask Questions, Find Answers

We encouraged each of our kids to come up with at least one question about the monument that we’d try to answer together—either by talking to a Ranger, reading a plaque, or (let’s be honest) pulling out a phone to look it up. Here are some of the gems we got:
– “Why is it shaped like that?”
– “How did they build something so tall without cranes?”
– “Why can’t we go all the way to the top whenever we want?”
– “What happens if lightning strikes it?”

Some of the questions sent us on little scavenger hunts around the monument—did you know there are 50 American flags ringing the base, one for every state? Others led to fascinating facts—for example, the whole monument is made of more than 36,000 blocks and took nearly 40 years to complete (due to wars, funding issues, and political drama!).

Curiosity Challenge

On your next trip, have each kid journal or vlog about one “mystery” they discover. You’ll be amazed what they notice when you give them permission to dig in—sometimes, they’ll give you a new perspective on a place you thought you new backwards and forwards.

Fun Fact for Grownups

Did you know, the monument was once the world’s tallest structure until the Eiffel Tower took the title in 1889? That was a hit with our oldest who loves fun records. (Source: History.com’s Washington Monument Facts).

Quick Tips: Visiting the Washington Monument With Kids

Our family of eight has picked up a few tricks to make any National Mall day less stressful and more fun:

  • Reserve Tickets in Advance: The inside of the monument is open for elevator rides up to the observation deck—but tickets go fast. Reservations can be made online (see the official site for details). Walk-up tickets are a gamble!
  • Pack Snacks & Water: There are limited food options close by, and lines can get long. We always carry a few snack bags to keep the crew fueled.
  • Early Mornings = Smaller Crowds: Beat the heat (and the field trip rush) by arriving early. Plus, the monument looks stunning in the morning light over the mall.
  • Strollers Welcome: Paths are paved, and the open lawns give little ones space without losing sight of them.
  • Pair Your Visit: Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Smithsonian museums are all within a short walk—perfect for a packed day of learning and exploring.

Final Thoughts: Building (Family) Monuments One Memory at a Time

Standing at the base of the Washington Monument, watching my kids look up in awe, I’m reminded that it’s not just the stone or the stories that matter—it’s the moments we share as a family while exploring these places together. These are the days when the kids learn way more than any textbook could ever teach, and as “Double Decker Dad,” I get to see the sparks of wonder that travel can ignite.

Monuments like Washington’s are built to last for centuries—but the values, questions, and memories you build with your own crew last just as long. Next time you roll into D.C. (even if it’s not in a giant RV), take a little extra time to turn your visit into something big. Trust me, your kids—and you—will remember it.

Have you been to the Washington Monument with your family? What lessons did your kids take home? Drop your stories, questions, or favorite D.C. travel hacks in the comments or catch us on Instagram @DoubleDeckerFam!

Sources & Further Reading

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Happy travels from the entire Eyerly (Double Decker) family!