On a whim, my wife and I took the kids to a "living history" weekend a few years ago that happens annually remarkably close by at a several-hundred acre family homeplace. They have American Revolution through Vietnam encampments set-up by people that are really into the history and the gear, and boy do they bring the gear, all their personally-owned stuff. Some reproductions, but lots of real original uniforms, camp-gear, and weapons from small arms to cannon. Last year my 14 year old son got to shoot a number of original full-auto WWII arms, both German and US issue, including a 50 cal mounted atop a running halftrack (all blanks of course).
The reinactments include Civil War, Vietnam, and WWII skirmishes with all the iron rumbling. Learning from knowledgeable enthusiasts who love to share their passion with anyone who cares to ask is a great way to absorb some fascinating history. The kids love it and we go back every year now.