President’s Day is more than just a fun day off work and school. It is a day meant to honor the President’s of the United States. Originally, President’s Day was known as Washington’s Birthday, which was first celebrated in 1880 as a holiday in D.C. Then five years later in 1885, Washington’s Birthday was made a federal holiday. Traditionally, it was celebrated on his actual birthday of February 22nd, but in 1971 it was moved to the third Monday of February. In addition, President Lincoln’s birthday is also in mid-February, so President’s Day weekend now recognizes both birthdays as well as all the Presidents’ lives and service. A great way to spend the holiday is to visit a local Presidential Library. That’s why I spent President’s Day at the Nixon Presidential Library with kids.
The Nixon Presidential Library is located in Yorba Linda, California. If you who don’t know where that is exactly, it is in Orange County, just a few minutes from Disneyland. For us, it is really close to home, but surprisingly enough, we had never made a visit there before. It was one of those things. You keep meaning to check out, but because it is local you keep putting it off.
Well, I was watching the news and found out that on President’s Day, the Nixon Presidential Library was offering free admission! Plus, they had a fun day of events planned to add to the excitement. Right then and there, I made the decision to finally go see it! That’s how we spent President’s Day at the Nixon Library with kids.
Keep the Cost in Check:
Certain events allow for free admission, like President’s Day. Free is cool, but it is also cool to support museums like this and besides, admission is not expensive.
• Adults: $6.00
• Seniors 62 years and older: $4.25
• High School and College students with ID: $3.50
• Active Military: $3.50
• Children ages 7-11: $2.50
• Children ages 6 and under are free
• Museum members are free
Entertain Me!
So, what is there to do on President’s Day at the Nixon Library with kids? First of all, on President’s Day there is a ton of excitement and activities going on. There were news crews and we got to meet Gail Anderson from KTLA 5. There were presidential impersonators, talks, readings, and tons more.
Even if you don’t go on President’s Day, there are still lots to do. The grounds are really pretty and my kids loved wandering around. In the museum are various galleries and exhibits, which include a replica of Lincoln’s Sitting Room as it would have looked during President’s Nixon’s time in office.
My kids really enjoyed the exhibit showcasing the space program during the Nixon administration. The exhibit has an astronaut suit, the actual telephone Nixon used to call Neil Armstrong ON THE MOON and a real moon rock!
There is a replica of the White House East Room as well as Nixon’s post-presidential home office.
Also on the grounds, is Nixon’s birthplace as well as memorial site for him and his wife. This was my favorite part of the Nixon Presidential Library. His childhood home was simply adorable and charming. It is so amazing to think about such a large family living happily in such small quarters. My kids really loved the little home and wanted to live there too.
Want to see how presidents rolled? Check out the 1967 Lincoln Continental Limousine, which was used to transport President’s Johnson, Ford, and yes, President Nixon.
A major highlight for my family was the Army One/Marine One Helicopter. This helicopter carried presidents as the traveled to important summits and such, including Presidents Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, and Ford. However, what it is most famous for is the infamous Nixon “peace-out,” when it flew President Nixon off the South Lawn of the White House on the day of his resignation.
That’s a Wrap!
So, if you are struggling with how to spend your free Monday, do something that honors the Presidents. For us, President’s Day at the Nixon Presidential Library with kids was a perfect idea. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy the day and now I want to see all the presidential libraries. If you think it will be boring for your kids, think again. I was actually surprised how much my kids enjoyed the day and how much they learned! Happy President’s Day!
Have you ever visited a Presidential Library? Tell me about it.
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