Family Friendly Tours
Offered seasonally, these special guided tours are uniquely designed for families with children ages 5 to 11.
From clocks that go into the floor to 11,000-year-old mastodon bones. Our tours and hands-on activities offer experiences we’re certain our youngest guests will find to be a blast. And who knows, maybe their favorite grown-ups might have some fun too.
Griffin Discovery Room
The Griffin Discovery Room is a hands-on space for children and families to learn about the past and discover their own place in history. Located in the Woodland Pavilion at the visitor center.
Meet Thomas Jefferson
Meet Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker) in person and ask questions of the man who wrote "all men are created equal" and who helped found the United States of America.
Mobile Scavenger Hunt for Families
Use your smart phone to snap photos, test your knowledge, and share your thoughts to complete the challenges.
Mountaintop Activity Center
Enjoy fun, hands-on activities designed for families at the Mountaintop Activity Center. Write with a quill pen, crack a code with a wheel cipher, and explore mystery objects. (Included with admission.)
Exploring Monticello Booklet
Before your visit, download, read, and bring along "Exploring Monticello: A Guide for Young Learners" (pdf).
The Shops at Monticello
Two Shops offers a wide selection of books, clothing, games, toys, and souvenirs that make a lasting impression of any visit.
While visiting the house and grounds:
- Encourage your child to ask questions when prompted by your guide.
- Look for themes in the house, such as "gadgets," clocks, or portraits (notice the different types of portraits). Look for the natural history specimens, the Native American artifacts, the art, or other objects.
- See if you can find the portraits, paintings, views of the house that appear on the U.S. Nickel and the $2 bill.
- In the gardens look for plants with unusual shapes, lovely scents, and even surprising behavior (hint)
Before your visit:
- Watch videos and livestreams or download our podcasts!
- Check out the Monticello Classroom, which has lots of information for kids ages 8-14.
- Help Thomas Jefferson see the modern world! Print, color, and photograph Travelin' TJ at a location near you. You can e-mail us the image for our Flickr group. Or bring Travelin' TJ with you on your visit where you can hang him on our Travelin' TJ Wall in our Smith Education Center.