New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites
New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites
Planning for a Family Visit to New York and Pennsylvania

Planning for a Family Visit to New York and Pennsylvania

Bringing your family to the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites? There are many things that visitors of all ages will enjoy! We have gathered suggestions to help make your trip memorable, enjoyable, inspiring, and fun.

Things to See and Do as a Family

While everyone is welcome everywhere at the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites, younger audiences might be especially interested in the following places and activities.

Grandin Printshop

See how the Book of Mormon was first published and learn to fold 16 pages in the book like the printers would have.

Priesthood Restoration Site Visitors’ Center

Learn about the life of Joseph and Emma Smith as they travelled to Pennsylvania and translated the Book of Mormon.

Various people sit on a bench off pathways around the Scared Grove. There are lots of trees and dirt pathways surrounding.

Sample Itinerary

If you would like some additional assistance planning your trip to the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites with your family, we have created a suggested itinerary that provides options for one-day, two-day, and three-day-long visits.

Common Questions

Where are the baby-changing facilities?

There are baby-changing tables in many of the restrooms at the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites. If you’re unable to locate a baby-changing table, please ask a missionary for assistance.

Where are the family restrooms?

There are no family restrooms available at the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites.

Where can I breastfeed?

You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere at the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites you feel comfortable. If you’d like more privacy, please speak to a missionary, who will direct you to a secluded room.

Are strollers allowed in historic homes?

Strollers are allowed in historic buildings. Please be aware that it may be challenging to enter and navigate inside many with a stroller.

Do you have stroller parking?

Stroller parking is available at all visitors’ centers. Please ask a missionary to direct you to the designated area.

Do you have any hands-on activities available at Historic Nauvoo?

Yes! Visit the

Whitmer Farm Visitors’ Center

and the

Priesthood Restoration Site Visitors’ Center

for interactive activities and games that will interest children and youth.

Preparing Your Family to Visit New York and Pennsylvania

Here are some stories and activities to help younger visitors learn more about New York and Pennsylvania.

“Jesus Visited Joseph Smith”

Read a short illustrated story of the First Vision from The Friend magazine.

Explore a short list of resources to help children better understand the First Vision.

About the Book of Mormon

View a brief, illustrated video, showing how the Book of Mormon was written and given to Joseph Smith.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories

Read the illustrated stories from the Doctrine and Covenants of Joseph Smith’s early life.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Doctrine and Covenants

Coloring book with scenes and stories out of the Doctrine and Covenants, including the from New York and Pennsylvania.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories for Young Readers

View a series of illustrated videos for children that cover the many of the key stories in the early restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Restoration Conversations with President Russell M. Nelson

President Nelson speaks about the Prophet Joseph Smith and the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, answers questions, and shares his thoughts and testimony with Primary-aged children.

Related Content 

Various people walk the paths around the Sacred Grove. There are lots of trees around and everything is very green. The families are all walking on dirt pathways.

New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites

The New York and Pennsylvania historic sites are where events fundamental to the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints occurred.

An exterior view of Joseph Smith's family home in Palmyra, New York.
A family walks by the white building family farm. They are on paths around the farmland.

What to Expect

Get an overview on how to best experience the historic sites in New York and Pennsylvania.

A blurry view of a road tunnel.

Travel Information

Get more information on how to travel to the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites.

A map that highlights the travel time between Church History sites in New York and Pennsylvania.

Sample Itineraries

View sample itineraries for New York and Pennsylvania.

A large plinth/plaque with names is featured outside the visitors' center for the Hill Cumorah in Manchester, New York.

Families look at the names.

Code of Conduct and Common Questions

Familiarize yourself with answers to common questions and the expected code of conduct at the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites.

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