Even when a government shutdown takes place, students traveling with NationsClassroom will continue to enjoy inspiring, educational experiences. While some federally funded sites may limit access, most student-friendly destinations remain open, and our team always provides great alternatives. That means your child’s itinerary will still be full of exciting learning opportunities.

Please find below an overview by state for educators travelling during a government shutdown.

Washington, DC

Attractions that remain open during a Government Shutdown:

  • Alexandria Black History Museum
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Art Museums of Americas
  • DAR Museum
  • International Spy Museum
  • Mount Vernon
  • Museum of the Bible
  • National Building Museum
  • National Cathedral
  • National Law Enforcement Museum
  • Performances at the Kennedy Center
  • Planet Word
  • President Lincoln’s Cottage
  • Textile Museum
  • The People’s House

And so much more! For more information on what remains open in Washington, DC, reach out to your NationsClassroom representative!

While attractions like the United States Capitol will be closed immediately, some attractions, like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Smithsonian Museums, will remain open temporarily using discretionary funds, but operations could be affected after the first few days or weeks.

Philadelphia

Attractions that remain open during a Government Shutdown:

  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Franklin Institute
  • Museum of the American Revolution
  • Mutter Museum
  • National Constitution Center
  • Penn Museum
  • Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

And so much more! For more information on what remains open in Philadelphia, reach out to your NationsClassroom representative! 

New York

Attractions that remain open during a Government Shutdown:

  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Broadway
  • Liberty Cruise
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Spyscape
  • The Rise NY
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum

And so much more! For more information on what remains open in New York, reach out to your NationsClassroom representative! 

Boston

Attractions that remain open during a Government Shutdown:

  • Boda Borg
  • Boston Duck Tours
  • Boston Tea Party Museum
  • MIT Museum
  • Museum of Science
  • New England Aquarium
  • Plimoth Patuxet Museums

And so much more! For more information on what remains open in Boston, reach out to your NationsClassroom representative! 

Virginia

Attractions that remain open during a Government Shutdown:

  • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – Yorktown, Virginia
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Colonial Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Jamestown Settlement – Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Monticello – Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Pamplin Historical Park – Petersburg, Virginia
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Historic St. John’s Church – Richmond, Virginia

And so much more! For more information on what remains open in Virginia, reach out to your NationsClassroom representative! 

Because NationsClassroom plans ahead, your group won’t miss out. If a closure changes your original itinerary, we’ll adjust with engaging alternatives so students still return home with lasting memories. For questions about how a government shutdown could affect your trip, or to learn more about the many options available, reach out to your NationsClassroom representative.

NationsClassroom