Family Friendly History

Beyond its deep commitment to school and youth groups, staff at Fort Necessity National Battlefield understand the importance of another critical visitor to an historic site, one frequently overlooked in the planning and design of a visitor center: the toddler to elementary age child tourist. A large portion of the heritage tourism user groups at both national parks and at state heritage areas are families with children. In addition to providing an engaging museum experience the new Interpretive and Education Center provide an area for children to play in this rich educational context.

Play and Learning Structure:

Kids just need to be kids. Younger visitors can unwind and explore in an interpretive playground behind the visitor center that features an approximately 20' by 20' climbing structure. This will be evocative of Fort Necessity, made of recycled materials, comply with safety and access standards. Around the climbing structure will be inviting, eye-level to young children interpretive panels that introduce the major participants in Fort Necessity's history. Accompanying these, will be hints for adults suggesting activities and discusses to further enhance children's understanding of historical events.

A lawn area where families can relax after spending time in the Visitor Center, visiting the Fort, having a ranger-led tour, riding in the car, or just to have a picnic lunch will surround the playground. The new Interpretive and Education Center will be a family-friendly destination for the region's cultural and recreational tourists.