Are you looking for something fun to do that the whole family can enjoy for FREE? We recently visited the Fredericksburg Battlefield, and we were surprised at all it has to offer!
Fredericksburg Battlefield is one of 22 National Parks in VA (and 1 of 4 local parks in our area that commemorate Civil War battlefields near us-the others are Spotsylvania, Chancellorsville, and Wilderness) They have free parking and restrooms available in the Visitors Center building.
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We explored the day with the help of Emily Williams. She is the Lead Associate at the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania Battlefield bookstore/gift shop, and she showed us around the Battlefield. When we arrived, we stopped at the Visitors Center, and we were given a map of the area, and each child was given a Junior Ranger Activity book. With this book, kids can learn all about the park, complete some fun activities, and share their answers with a park ranger when they have completed it. Once completed, they receive a patch, and they can be sworn in as a Junior Park Ranger! Junior Park Rangers are typically 5-13 years old, but anyone can participate.
We then walked around the Battlefield, filling out the books, and reading about the battle that occurred right where we were standing. We saw the Kirkland Memorial, which pays homage to the deeds of Richard Kirkland, a Confederate sergeant, who crossed over the stone wall to give water to wounded US soldiers after the fighting of December 13, 1864, at the Battle of Fredericksburg. We walked by the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, where over 15,000 United States soldiers are buried (over 80% are unidentified)
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While walking, we spotted Park Ranger John Launius, in a U.S. soldier uniform. He talked with all of us about the life of a soldier. He explained what a soldier would carry for battle. He showed us how to fire a musket and he explained the difficulties that soldiers faced daily.
We stopped back at the Visitor’s Center to show our completed books and the kids were sworn in as Junior Rangers. We toured the rest of the Visitors Center looking at the exhibits. They have a 20-minute film that explains the battles fought in our area. The interactive exhibits help show where the battles were fought and display items from the battle and time period. They also host special events throughout the year including the Luminaria on Memorial Day weekend- https://www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/special.htm
Did I mention all of this is FREE?
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Before heading home, we stopped at the Bookstore/Gift shop. They offer books, educational, products, and souvenirs. Many families that visit National Parks around the country purchase stickers, coins, or collect free stamps that can be found at all of the National Park visitors centers.
If you would like to visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield and Visitor Center, it is located at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. They are open weekdays from 9:00 - 5:00. They are open 362 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day)
