Editors note: From exceptional museums and children’s programs to historic haunts and unique hikes, there are numerous hidden places waiting to be explored in Prince William & Manassas. Through a monthly feature, Discover Prince William & Manassas will help residents and visitors alike discover some of the best kept attractions, activities and events the community has to offer.
Prince William & Manassas’ Best Kept — Childrens Programs
The long, lazy days of summer are in full swing, but the learning doesn’t have to stop for children across the region.
From outdoor adventures to educational camps and scavenger hunts, there are numerous unique programs in Prince William & Manassas that will keep students active until the school bell rings again this fall.
Children can experience history first-hand at one of the three Civil War camps offered by Prince William’s Historic Preservation Division. During the week-long camps, children will travel back in time to learn about life as a Civil War solder. Activities include camp life, infantry drills, enlisting in the army, Civil War medicine and “Did Civil War soldiers really eat that stuff? The program ends with a trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park, said Dave Born who manages the camps annually.
“When I was about their age, I had an opportunity to experience Civil War history at a national park site,” Born said. “I’m trying to pass on to this generation an opportunity to experience the Civil War. I hope it sparks enough interest in them to continue studying it.”
Another way children can discover America’s history is through the new cell-phone guided TRACK Trails adventures at Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Created by the Kids in Parks program, TRACK Trails unites history and nature as children follow one of four different brochures as they hike the park’s Stone Bridge Trail. The brochures cover history, birding, trees and the hidden gems along the path that are often overlooked like a sparkling rock or bird’s nest.
On the east side of the county, Prince William Forest Park offers various children’s activities including the Junior Ranger program and something called Letterboxing, according the park’s website.
Letterboxing combines hiking, treasure hunting and navigation as children are asked to follow clues to find a hidden letterbox along the trail. Once completed, children can stamp their thumbprint on a paper and leave it in the box to show they completed the task.
When it’s too hot for a hike, stay inside and visit the free National Museum of the Marine Corps. The interactive museum not only features monthly family days but also recently created various scavenger hunts that engage children as they tour the numerous galleries chronicling the history of the Marine Corps.
For Civil War camp dates and more information about the programs, events and attractions that are great for children of all ages, visit DiscoverPWM.com
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