Family-Friendly National Archives Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
- Discover the Declaration of Independence
- See the U.S. Constitution up close
- Learn about the Bill of Rights
- Engage with interactive exhibits designed for families
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guided tour of the National Archives Building
- Skip-the-line access to the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
- Interactive exhibits tailored for children and families
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
Discover History at the National Archives – Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Families! Step into the National Archives, where history comes to life! See the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in the breathtaking Rotunda. Explore letters from George Washington and JFK, and marvel at the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Abraham Lincoln to help end slavery. Don’t miss the Magna Carta of 1297, a document that shaped America’s founding principles. With engaging stories and fascinating facts, this tour makes history fun and inspiring for all ages. A perfect adventure for families looking to learn and explore together!
Meeting point
Start Location
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is wheelchair accessible; please inform us in advance for any special accommodations.
- Children under 5 years old can join the tour for free; please include them in your booking for accurate group size.
- The National Archives Building is a secure facility; all bags are subject to inspection.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing.
- Bring a valid ID for all participants; security checks are mandatory.
- Photography is allowed, but tripods and flash are prohibited.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
- Wheelchair Accessible
Good to know
- A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed
- Notes: National Archives and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Traveler reviews
Maribeth Made the Archives an Incredible Experience
Our tour of the National Archives with Maribeth was absolutely outstanding. From the moment it began, it was clear how knowledgeable and passionate she is about the Archives and its incredible history. She brought the documents and exhibits to life with context, stories, and insights that went far beyond what you’d expect from a standard tour. What I appreciated most was that Maribeth never rushed us—she took her time to answer every question thoughtfully and ensured we could truly absorb and appreciate what we were seeing. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she made the entire experience both educational and enjoyable. Thanks to Maribeth, this tour was one of the highlights of our trip. I can’t recommend her highly enough for anyone who wants to experience the National Archives in a meaningful, engaging, and memorable way.
Tour guide recommendation
Ryan was an absolutely amazing tour guide, highly recommend! Went with my family and we all learned a ton of new things. He was very sociable and a wealth of knowledge. A local himself, he truly knew everything.
Wonderful experience
Our tour guide Maribeth Oaks was outstanding! She is very knowledgeable and took the time go over valuable details and info, making this tour a great experience for all of us. My daughter is taking a US history class and she enjoyed the time spent is new learning. Highly recommend this tour to everyone.