Homecoming: Family Day

During the Civil War, the Lincoln family called the Cottage home. Tad Lincoln spent three summers of his childhood exploring the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home as well as the rooms of the Cottage. Here he played with friends, soldiers, animals, as well as his own family. Each year, we welcome families to enjoy the grounds as the Lincoln family did with a full day of family fun activities at Homecoming!

10 AM - 3 PM: Family Day activities, FREE for all:

• Arts and Crafts: Make a leadership tapestry, connect with your aspirations, and create your own top hat!


• Storytime: Sit down with the CEO and Executive Director of President Lincoln’s Cottage, Callie Hawkins to hear a story about embracing ALL your emotions.


• Pony Rides & Petting Zoo: It's no secret Tad Lincoln loved keeping pets on the grounds. Don't let this chance slip by to ride a pony on Lincoln's lawn or encounter another amazing creature!


• Eureka!: Did you know that Abraham Lincoln is the only president to hold a patent? Get inventive doing hands-on activities with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.


• Picnic on the Grounds: Pack your own picnic and enjoy lunch at the picnic tables or on the spacious South Lawn. Also featuring snacks from our food truck vendors including Money Muscle BBQ, J&J Mex-Taqueria, and Captain Cookie!


• Music: We will get things started with the Kidsinger Jim Puppet Show! Express yourself! Break out your funkiest dance moves when you rock out with Rocknoceros! During the Civil War, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band played concerts in Lafayette Park across from the White House. Enjoy their acoustic ensemble in the bandstand!


• Movement: Take care of your mind and body during Family Zumba with Melissa from One Rule Dance Fitness


• Preservation: Learn about the importance of caring for our built environment with Director of Preservation, Jeff Larry. Participate in hands-on preservation activities. Try your hand at rough-cast stucco or build a miniature brick wall!


• Community: Learn about DC Public Library’s after school programs and much more.


• Tour the Cottage: Take a guided tour of the Lincoln family's seasonal retreat. Regular ticket prices apply; visit our tickets page to purchase in advance. The first tour begins at 10 AM, and the last tour begins at 2 PM.


• Self-Guided Grounds Tours: Connect with nature on this self-guided, app-based, meditative grounds tour. Visit our tickets page to purchase in advance.

Limited, free parking onsite.