National Harbor Provides Hands-on Real-Life Learning Opportunities for Children Whether They’re Homeschooled or Distance Learning

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 18, 2020—National Harbor has created a roundup of locations throughout and around the property where parents can take their children to enhance home schooling or distance learning. The various locations and activities provide hands-on learning opportunities in math, science, history and art. Studies have shown the benefits to hands-on learning versus learning in a classroom setting.

“National Harbor has a lot to offer families and we wanted to provide a place where parents can bring their children to enhance their learning,” said Deborah Topcik, Director of Marketing, National Harbor. “We know that we have some great spots for exploring, teaching and learning and we want to make sure that parents know they can get out of the house and bring their home schoolers or children here who are distance-learning to places that will bring that learning to life. To see real life examples of what they are reading.”

All activities are operated under COVID-19 guidelines and masks are required. Highlights of the real-life learning options include:

–Elevated Classroom at The Capital Wheel where children can take a spin in climate-controlled gondolas and learn arithmetic, geometry and physics from 180-feet in the air. Free common core compliant teacher resource guides are available for grades 6-12.

–A Presidential Experience includes a trip to National Harbor partner Mount Vernon. Tour the mansion, meet heritage breed farm animals, go undercover as a Revolutionary War spy. For fans of the musical Hamilton, a new tour reveals Washington’s role in the Broadway hit.

–If You Can Reach It, You Can Touch It provides an interactive outdoor-art experience at National Harbor. The self-guided tour (available free via mobile phone, data rates apply) tells about each piece of art and the history makers. A scavenger hunt makes the history lesson even more fun.

–Go Back in Time at Piscataway Park offers an educational tour through the Accokeek Foundation. Students learn the differences between past and present time and how daily decisions impact the environment. The programs help to show the effects of human interaction with the land while encouraging physical activity in an outdoor living classroom. National Colonial Farm, Piscataway Park nature trails and Heritage Livestock barnyard are all part of the visit.

–Potomac River Explorer takes place at The Potomac River Heritage Center at Tanger Outlets provides an opportunity to view archeology exhibits and interpretive signage on the rich cultural, historical and natural legacy of Prince Georges County while also telling the story of the plantation on which the outlet mall is located. A memorial garden, interpretive signs and historic wall fragments are all located on the grounds.

–Classroom on the Water provides an opportunity to board a two-person catamaran boat and experience nature and history along the Potomac. The knowledgeable guide (in a separate boat) will create a fun and memorable outing.

Learn more about these homeschool field trips and how to book an experience here. For more information on National Harbor, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.

# # #

About National Harbor

Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to eight hotels including two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center and MGM National Harbor. Also within National Harbor is Tanger Outlets’ 85 designer brands. The vibrant Waterfront District at National Harbor features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades as well as the iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel and the Guide by Cell outdoor art gallery tour. National Harbor typically welcomes more than 12 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.

Contact: Vicki Bendure
202-374-9259 cell/text
Vicki@Bendurepr.com