Arlington National Cemetery is a great place to visit and show your kids the importance of those who serve our country. If you have small children or are unable to hike up hills, I HIGHLY recommend paying for the Tram tour. If it were just my husband and I, we could probably walk it, otherwise, we take the tram when we visit. Since the Tram is expensive, we don’t come here every visit.
The first stop is to JFK’s grave, where his wife and 2 small children are also buried. The eternal flame was fascinating to our kids. We were also here the same day at the eclipse and saw the full eclipse from here.
Then it is onto the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We made it JUST in time for the changing of the Guard. It was amazing to watch and a must see on your tour.
Then onto Arlington House, which was getting work done on it, so we couldn’t really go in. The view from up there is always AMAZING though! Beautiful view of DC! You can get a Junior Ranger Badge at Arlington House, but we haven’t gotten ours back. Maybe they aren’t doing it during the renovations?
While waiting for the tram at Arlington House, we saw a coffin being pulled by a team of horses. I think it was the Navy. It was amazing to see.
You can then take the tram to the Iwo Jima Memorial. You have to take a decent walk over there still.
Of course, you see many memorials and final resting places of people of various backgrounds on the tour as well. The tour guides do a good job of telling you what is around you, with parts of the cemetery dating back to the Civil War (when it became a cemetery)
I think this is a must-do on at least one trip to Washington DC – not every trip, but at least once in your life, it is important to see and experience. Pay for the Tram tour to get the most out of your visit.
