From clocks that go into the floor to 11,000-year-old mastodon bones. The family-friendly tours offer hands-on activities that 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.
A Quick Guide to Visiting with Kids
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Visiting with the whole family? Take advantage of our family savings. Kids under 5 enjoy free admission to Monticello, and when you book your trip online, you receive extra savings on each ticket. When you arrive, you’ll find free and easy parking, a free introductory film, and access to the Griffin Discovery Room—our hands-on activity center for kids of all ages.
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At the Griffin Discovery Room, kids can write on a polygraph machine, touch a model of a mastodon’s jawbone, sit in a replica of Jefferson’s bed, and even play games popular in Jefferson’s era.
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Our guided tours will take you along the first floor of Jefferson’s historic home. From the Great Clock to the “strange furniture,” get ready to ask our expert guides all of your burning questions.
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When we say “get in touch with history,” we really mean it. Our family friendly tours give you and your family a hands-on experience with some of our countries oldest and most fascinating treasures.
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If you’re coming with young children, be sure to find the seasonal Mountaintop Hands-on Activity Center. Here, you can write with a quill pen, play with replicas of Jeffersonian objects, build models of Monticello, and much more!
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Explore the Wings of the House, including Monticello’s kitchens, cellars, and slave dwellings. Here, your family will find a recreation of Jefferson’s riding vehicle and an exhibit on travel during his time. Did you know Jefferson designed his very own carriage? We have a replica on display!
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Your tickets unlock a world of exploration for your family. Each ticket includes access to Monticello’s grounds and gardens before or after your visit. Explore the wings of the home, and walk through the hidden underground passageway. When you’re ready, shuttles are always available to escort you back down the mountain.