Embark on a Revolutionary War road trip from Boston to Washington, D.C., following in the footsteps of America’s fight for independence—perfect for curious kids and history-loving parents alike.
If you’ve ever found yourself explaining the Boston Tea Party to your kids using a juice box and a handful of goldfish crackers, this trip is for you. It’s eight days of immersive Revolutionary War history—from lanterns in church towers to original copies of the Declaration of Independence. This is not your average textbook tour. It’s a cross-state quest for liberty, freedom, and just maybe the perfect roadside sandwich.
✈️ Flying in? Here’s a smart move: Book open-jaw flights—fly into Boston and out of Washington, D.C. That way, you can start your rental car on Day 3 when you leave Boston, and drop it off as you arrive in D.C. No need to fight city traffic or pay for expensive parking during the urban legs of your trip. Trust me, your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you.
Let’s roll.
🎆 Days 1–2: Boston, MA – The Spark of Revolution
Start your Revolutionary War Road trip where the sparks first flew. And if your kids can walk, they can trace the path of the Revolution right alongside you.
Must-See Stops:
- The Freedom Trail – A 2.5-mile walking trail featuring 16 historic sites including Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, and the USS Constitution.
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – Climb aboard a replica ship, dump some tea, and experience an interactive reenactment of that fateful December night.
- Lexington & Concord – Walk the Old North Bridge where “the shot heard ’round the world” was fired.
- Concord Museum – See one of Paul Revere’s original lanterns.
- Longfellow House – Washington’s HQ during the Siege of Boston.
Where to Stay:
Look for family-friendly accommodations near Back Bay or Beacon Hill. Easy T access and walkable to major sites. Airbnb options abound, especially near Cambridge for a quieter stay.
Want more Boston tips? Check out our Boston Family Destination Guide.
🐎 Day 3: Boston to Saratoga (Optional Overnight)
If you’ve got a history buff in the backseat, take a slight detour west to Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, NY (~3 hrs).
Stops Along the Way:
- Springfield Armory NHS – See the world’s largest collection of American military firearms.
In Saratoga:
- Tour the Battlefield – Drive or walk the 10-mile loop with interpretive stops.
- Boot Monument – Honors Benedict Arnold’s bravery at Saratoga (without naming him).
- Marshall House – Hear the story of civilians sheltering from cannon fire.
- Optional: Fort Ticonderoga (~1.5 hrs north) for immersive exhibits and stunning views.
Where to Stay:
Saratoga Springs offers cozy inns and family-friendly hotels. Look for places near the historic downtown for good food and walkability.
🔔 Days 4–5: Philadelphia, PA – The Birthplace of Independence
Get ready to stand in the room where it happened. And bring snacks—there’s a lot to take in.
Day 1: Old City
- Independence Hall – No Revolutionary War road trip is complete without a visit to Independence Hall. Timed entry required.
- Liberty Bell Center – Iconic, free, and photo-worthy.
- Museum of the American Revolution – George Washington’s tent alone is worth the visit.
- Elfreth’s Alley – Oldest residential street in the U.S.
Day 2: Field Trip Day
- Valley Forge NHP – Washington’s winter encampment. Explore reconstructed cabins and HQ.
- Brandywine Battlefield – Site of one of the war’s largest battles.
Where to Stay:
Airbnb options are great in Old City or Society Hill. For hotels, look near Rittenhouse Square for a balance of walkability and quiet.
Dive deeper with our Philadelphia Family Guide.
⚔️ Day 6: Philadelphia to D.C. (Optional Stop in NJ)
Break up the drive with a detour to:
- Princeton Battlefield State Park – See where Washington claimed a major victory.
- Trenton Battle Monument – Commemorates his surprise attack after crossing the Delaware.
- Old Barracks Museum – Colonial military life brought to life in Trenton.
📜 Days 7–8: Washington, D.C. – The Legacy Lives On
No battles happened here, but D.C. is where the Revolutionary story gets preserved, studied, and enshrined.
Day 1: Founding Documents & Museums
- National Archives – View the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
- DAR Museum – Learn how women helped shape the revolution.
- Smithsonian Museum of American History – See Washington’s uniform, Lafayette’s sword, and more.
Day 2: Mount Vernon
- George Washington’s Estate – Tour his home, working farm, and final resting place.
- Don’t miss: Revolutionary War Theater, museum exhibits, and riverside views.
Where to Stay:
For family lodging, look in Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, or across the river in Arlington, VA. All are Metro-accessible and safe.
Planning your time in the capital? Here’s our Washington D.C. Family Travel Guide.
🔍Bonus Activity: Which Revolutionary Patriot Are You?
Whether you’re leading the charge like Washington or getting things done behind the scenes like Abigail Adams, every great road trip needs a hero. Explore Revolutionary history with your kids using this engaging 3-page guide—featuring must-know events, key vocabulary, and a fun “Which Patriot Are You?” quiz. Perfect for car rides, homeschool, or your next heritage road trip!
🧭 Final Thoughts
Revolutionary history isn’t just for museums—it’s for the minivan. When your kids can stand in the same room where independence was declared or hold a replica musket, suddenly it clicks. It’s real. It matters.
This road trip is about more than memorizing dates. It’s about connecting the dots between the past and your family’s own adventure—one roadside stop, scavenger hunt, and Dad-history-lecture at a time.
Ready to load up the car? Let’s go make some history.
