The Lone Star State is home to three Presidential Libraries and Museums—more than any other state in the U.S. Sure, if you mention visiting an educational museum in the summer, you’re likely to hear a few grumbles from the kiddos. But these museums and historic sites disguise learning as fun. So plan to spend the day (or a weekend trip) exploring, learning and having a blast at these most presidential destinations.
Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
Though he didn’t live here long, Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower, 34th President of the U.S. was the first president born in Texas. You can visit this modest frame house and participate in guided tours, which include 30 minutes in the house filled with period and reproduced furnishings and 30 minutes in the Visitors Center. // Denison, 903/465-8908; visiteisenhowerbirthplace.com
Why bring the kids: You’ll take a step back in time and explore what life was like in the late 1800s and learn how Eisenhower went from working-class life to the Oval Office. Once you’re done here, head over to Eisenhower State Park, which is just under 10 miles away, for an afternoon of fishing, hiking, swimming, biking and more.
George H. W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
This presidential library and museum displays artifacts and records from the 41st President, along with artifacts from the years before and after his presidency. Highlights include “The Beast” (the presidential limousine), a restored 1944 TBM Avenger (like the one Bush flew as a Navy pilot in World War II) and spy equipment that was used by agents during Bush’s time as Director of the CIA. // College Station, 979/691-4004; bush41.org
What the kids will love: In addition to all of the cool artifacts on view, you can snap a pic in the Seat of Power at the president’s desk in the Oval Office replica. Then, make a stop at the Literacy Overlook, where you can select a book to read to your kids.
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The 13th presidential library in the U.S., this museum explores the 8 years of President George W. Bush’s time in the White House. Permanent exhibits include a September 11, 2001, exhibit, a replica of President Bush’s Oval Office and an interactive experience in presidential decision making. // Dallas, 214/200-4300; bushcenter.org
What’s in it for the kids: There are lots of interactive components that will engage kids in learning about history. Take a break at the mini kids’ library—it’s full of books from a reading list Laura Bush published on the White House’s website—to read a book or two in honor of the First Lady’s focus on literacy. Snap a pic of your kids sitting at the replica of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. Then learn what it’s like to grow up in the White House and discover the adventures of Barney and Miss Beazley, the Bush’s dogs.
LBJ Presidential Library
Much like the other two presidential libraries in Texas, this one houses historical documents, photos, recordings and artifacts from Lyndon B. Johnson’s tenure as the Commander-in-Chief and chronicles his life and lasting legacy. Highlights include the custom-built limousine Johnson used post-presidency, an animatronic of the President featuring real recordings of some of his favorite tales, more than 2,000 state gifts given to the president and artifacts from the LBJ Ranch, including Johnson’s favorite pair of cowboy boots. // Austin, 512/721-0200; lbjlibrary.org
What’s kid-friendly: On display through September 24, The Lorax: Who Speaks for the Trees Now? is a kid-friendly exhibit that features original artwork from the Dr. Seuss book. The exhibit explores the Johnson’s and Dr. Seuss’ shared interest in environmentalism and shares ways kids can help the environment. Plus, you can explore recreation of the Oval Office during Johnson’s presidency.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
This historical site has two separate locations: In Johnson City, you’ll find the National Park Visitor Center, Johnson’s boyhood home and the Johnson Settlement, where the President’s grandparent’s first settled in the 1860s. Nearly 14 miles down the road in Stonewall, you’ll find the State Park Visitor Center and the LBJ Ranch. Stop at the State Park Visitor Center to get a free permit for the self-guided driving tour, which includes stops at LBJ’s birthplace, the family cemetery and LBJ Ranch, also known as the Texas White House, where the Johnsons lived post-presidency. // Johnson City, 830/868-7128; nps.gov/lyjo // Stonewall, 830/644-2252; tpwd.texas.gov
Why bring the kids: Once you’re done exploring the place where President Johnson was born, lived, died and is buried, you can walk the 1.2 miles of nature trails in the State Park, passing bison, longhorns, wildflowers, and other historic cabins. Plus, the State Park hosts family-friendly events, including the Annual LBJ Fishing Day on June 3 and LBJ’s 115th Birthday celebration on August 27.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
While young kids are permitted, this museum is probably better suited to older kids, tweens and teens. Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository building, The Sixth Floor Museum chronicles President John F. Kennedy’s legacy and his assassination at Dealey Plaza. // Dallas, 214/747-6660; jfk.org
What kids will find interesting: The main exhibit, John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation, is located in a primary crime scene of the assassination and includes artifacts and images from the early 1960s, a video that explores the social and political atmosphere of Dallas at the time, and artifacts from the investigation. The exhibit also features original evidentiary areas, including an accurate recreation of the corner window where shells were discovered.
RELATED: Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Museums in Dallas-Fort Worth
Top image courtesy of LBJ Library
