Celebrate America’s 250th and Plan a Thrilling American Adventure

On July 4, 2026, Americans will celebrate our nation’s semi-quincentennial (try saying that three times quickly!) It will be a thrilling opportunity to explore the roots of our democracy in the places where history comes to vibrant life. Celebrate America’s 250^th and plan a thrilling American Adventure with your students!

America’s Story

America’s story is an adventure. It’s a story of revolution, independence, dreams of equality, and acknowledgement of the many ways we’ve fallen short. In every chapter, we meet a wide cast of supporting characters known as the American people. Each brings a unique perspective and origin story that contributes to the complicated tapestry of our tale.

The setting for this adventure narrative is our great nation and all that it encompasses – from sacred indigenous lands to trailblazing territories (and everything in between!)

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the American adventure story as part of America250. We will reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead as we turn the page!

The Setting

During this time of celebration, Kaleidoscope Adventures invites your student group to explore some of America’s most captivating destinations. These are the spaces and places that have played pivotal roles in our shared history!

Some are destinations you probably know well while others may be intriguing spots you’ve never considered! Each has a captivating story to tell – and student groups will be riveted! 

Need a little inspiration? Here’s a sample of some of the exciting things your students can do to celebrate America’s 250th!

Learn More About Kaleidoscope’s American Adventures

Philadelphia – The Birthplace of America

• The Declaration’s Journey at the Museum of the American Revolution
• 52 Weeks of Firsts in Philadelphia
• Independence National Historical Park
• Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
• Betsy Ross House
• Valley Forge
• African American Museum
• Franklin Museum
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Learn More About Philadelphia’s America250 Events

Celebrate America in Washington D.C. 

• Monuments and Memorials
• National Archives
• Smithsonian Collection (including Star Spangled Banner)
• Library of Congress
• Ford’s Theatre
• National Postal Museum
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Arlington National Cemetery
• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Learn More About Washington D.C.’s America250 Events

Boston – The Evolution of Revolution

• Boston Revolutionary History Walking Tour/Freedom Trail
• Paul Revere House
• Old State House
• Faneuil Hall
• Old North Church
• Old South Meeting House
• Bunker Hill Monument
• Boston Common
• Sites for Battles of Lexington and Concord
• Granary Burial Ground
• USS Constitution
• Boston Tea Party Ships
• Site of the Boston Massacre

Learn More About Boston’s America250 Events

Revolutionary North Carolina 

• Tryon Palace
• Historic Halifax
• House in the Horseshoe
• Alamance Battleground
• Learn about the Black Patriots of North Carolina
• Learn about the Regulator Movement

Learn More About NC’s America250 Events

Celebrate and Educate – Black History Trips

• Memphis Heritage Trail
• Alabama and the Civil Rights Trail
• Fredericksburg and the Civil Rights Trail
• Baltimore
• Atlanta
• Buffalo

7 Amazing Black History Trips That Will Inspire Your Students

Connecting with the Indigenous People of the Navajo Nation 

• Black Streak Canyon Tours
• Canyon de Chelly
• Window Rock
• Monument Valley
• Antelope Canyon
• Lake Powell
• Navajo Interactive Museum
• Navajo Code Talkers
• Experience traditional Navajo dwellings, crafts, and dress

Learning and Life with the Navajo Nation

Exploring Our National Parks 

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Bryce and Zion National Parks
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Acadia National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Everglades National Park

9 National Parks Your Students Will Love

New York City – A Capital Start

• Federal Reserve Bank of New York
• Morris-Jumel Mansion
• Paul’s Chapel at Trinity Church
• Fraunces Tavern
• City Hall Park & Bowling Green
• Alexander Hamilton’s Grave at Trinity Church
• New York Historical Society
• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island

Learn More About New York’s America250 Events

Florida’s Space Coast and the Kennedy Space Center

• Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex
• Guided tours of NASA facilities
• Astronaut encounters
• Apollo/Saturn V Center
• Launch Complex Observation Gantry
• Journey to Space in 3D IMAX
• Shuttle Launch Experience
• Atlantis Orbiter
• Space Walk of Fame Museum

And the Story Continues…

As America’s 250^th approaches, our story continues to unfold. And if you want students to experience the plot in first person, travel is the perfect teaching tool.

Travel is transformative! It allows us to immerse ourselves in history, appreciate new perspectives, embrace our differences, and celebrate the many ways we are united.

These American Adventures are just a few extraordinary ways we hope to inspire your students and encourage them to learn about our past, present, and future.

After all, they’ll be writing the next thrilling chapters!

PLAN YOUR AMERICAN ADVENTURE WITH KALEIDOSCOPE ADVENTURES