Thomas Jefferson is rarely given the credit he deserves for being an extrodinary American. Yes, there's scandal, but that's not what Jefferson was about. That's quite obvious at your first look at Monticello, which mean's 'little mountain.'
His home is full of intersting and unique ideas. Such as the clock over the entrance that measures the days of the week and the month of the year, as well as the time. (He ran out of room on the wall, cut a hole in the floor, and Saturday and Sunday are marked on the floor below.) He kept fossils that he found and other interesting artifiacts that he enjoyed.
It's also neat to learn that Jefferson didn't like to waste space with stairs in his architecture, so the staircases are very small and out-of-the-way. The gardens are also fabulous, and the slave history is facinating.
The tour usually ends with a visit to Jefferson's grave. His tombstone recognizes him for three things, the Declaration of Independence, and Father of the University of Virginia, to name the two I remember. President of the United States isn't one of them, which I think is a very humble approach to his life.
This is a whole-day activity, and fun for everyone in the family. Many aspects are hands-on.