Family Friendly Things to Do at Oatlands in Leesburg, VA

by Janis Golden

Nestled in scenic Loudoun County on over 400 acres, visitors to Oatlands Historic House and Gardens experience a remarkable glimpse into the past.  Oatlands is home to several school and scout programs, family friendly events like the Harvest Festival, specialty tours focusing on the enslaved, gardens and architecture, and beautiful wide open spaces. 

"It is hard to believe a place like Oatlands still exists in the middle of the fastest growing county in the country. I encourage everyone to take a look at what Oatlands has to offer – there is something here specifically for you," says Janis Golden, Manager of Programming and Education. 

Family-friendly activities at the Oatlands include:

• Tour the historic mansion:  From March through December, families can step back in time by taking a 45-minute tour of the historic property.  Interpretive guides lead tours of the mansion and tell tales of the families who lived there, life of the slaves, and history of the home and grounds. Please keep in mind that the mansion was built in 1804 and is not air-conditioned.  Be sure to plan time to enjoy the gardens and grounds before or after your tour. Tours depart every hour on the hour with a final admission at 4:00 PM.
  

Historic Mt Gap Schoolhouse, Oatlands

• Learn what life was like under slavery: Every day at 1:15 PM (from March-November,) the Oatlands staff offers an Enslaved Community at Oatlands Tour.  In 1860, the Carter family at Oatlands was the largest slave owner in Loudoun County.  Questions are welcome. This is an outdoor tour, please plan and dress appropriately for walking and the weather.

• Attend an afternoon tea:  The Afternoon Tea at Oatlands is a long-lasting tradition, and kids will love being a part of these charming, special occasions.  Guest can dine on assorted sandwiches, traditional scones with cream and preserves, a variety of sweets, and a special black tea, uniquely blended for Oatlands.  Teas are offered regularly in the historic Carriage House and occasionally in the lush Greenhouse.  Mansion tours are offered to tea guests at a discounted price.  Visit Oatlands' website for information on dates.  Reservations are highly recommended.
  
  

• School and Scout Programs: (includes Mansion museum, carriage house, historic c.1810 greenhouse, 4 acres of formal gardens and wide open spaces - so much to see and do at Oatlands!)
  
  Come step into the past! Bring your students and scouts to Oatlands Historic House and Gardens to learn about life long ago. Discover and explore over 200 years of history! Oatlands School and Scout Programs offer unique, hands-on, and engaging ways to learn, earn badges and achievements, and have a ton of fun.  (Shhh, don’t tell them they are learning!)  School and scout programs require reservations.  Call 703-777-3174 or email [email protected] to find out more about school and scout programs.
  
  

• Attend a special event: The calendar at Oatlands is full of year round family-fun.  View the calendar on the website to find happenings like children's performances, pony shows, historic schoolhouse events, Homeschool History Day,  hands-on workshops, and the fall Harvest festival.

Oatlands
Monday through Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
The last tour of each day is at 4pm.
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane 
Leesburg, VA 20175
Tel: 703.777.3174http://www.oatlands.org/


Unless otherwise noted, photos are courtesy of Oatlands. This guest post is done in cooperation with Oatlands.