Family Things To Do In Williamsburg Va

See The Historic Jamestown Settlement

Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens Williamsburg Park President – Park Reopening

The Historic Jamestown Settlement is just a short drive from Williamsburg. Here youll experience the life and times of the colonists who arrived in 1607 and settled Americas first permanent colony. Tour James Fort, the Virginia Companys 1610 military outpost. Explore the forts storehouse, church, forge, dwellings, and the Governors house where costumed actors bring the settlement to life.

The Jamestown Settlement Ships are a floating museum where you can experience the feeling of a four-month voyage across the Atlantic. Costumed docents enliven the experience with their tales of 17th-century sea voyages.

Powhatan Indian Village is another part of the Jamestown Settlement where you can stroll through an Indian village based on the settlements of the Paspahegh tribe. Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan, grew up in a very similar village. Learn about the lives of Native Americans before and after the settlers arrived in the area from costumed docents.

You can also arrange for a Jamestown Settlement private tour led by a costumed docent that will focus on a topic that interests your family. Themes include The Shot Heard Round the World, Defending the Colony, and Tales of Yuletide. Private tours start at $115 per group of 14 people or fewer.

Stephen B. Goodwin / Shutterstock

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

Another place that all art lovers have to visit. In the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, you can find a lot of sculptures, paintings, and different forms of artwork created by talented local artists. The artists use interesting and unusual materials to portray the everyday life of the city. Its one of the largest folk art collections not only in Virginia but in the entire country too. Some of the most interesting exhibits feature the wooden dog Prince, Down on the Farm, We the People, etc.

Family Activities And Things To Do In Williamsburg Va

Trying to plan a family weekend? Williamsburg is in no short supply of local events and activities to do that are fun for the whole family! Whether youre interested in the history of the area or looking for some thrills, Williamsburg has what you need for a good time.

Busch Gardens is Williamsburgs own theme park complete with rides, shows, and more with special events depending on the season. Catch some thrills with the parks roller coasters or if thrill seeking isnt your thing, catch some family-friendly shows and performances, or see some animals! There is something to do all year round. Prepare yourself for some spookiness during Howl-o-Scream, get into the festive spirit with a walk-through Christmas Town, or enjoy another of many events Busch Gardens has to offer throughout the year.

Got a need for speed? Get strapped in a single or double seat kart and get ready for a race around one of the many different tracks at Go-Karts Plus. Even little ones can start practicing their driving skills on the Rookie Track. On top of Go-Karting, there are plenty of other attractions and activities including Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Gemstone Panning, an Arcade, and more! With a little something for everyone, Go-Karts Plus is a great fun for the family!

Enjoy oddities, mini-golf, 4-D movies, and laser mazes at Ripleys Believe It or Not, the only place in Williamsburg where youll find the strange, the weird, and downright odd like shrunken heads.

Getting Connected

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Eat In An Authentic Restaurant

I wanted my kids to have a chance to dine like a colonist too- but had to balance that idea against the fact that several of them are picky eaters! We chose to eat at Shields Tavern for lunch because I felt it offered the best of both worlds! You can look through all of the menus online and even make your dining reservations in advance to fit your schedule!

My kids enjoyed the food, were entertained by the servers in authentic dress, and loved the musician who wandered through the restaurant and played for us. Of course, having the chance to sit down a bit was also very welcomed!

Place Concert At Governors Palace Select Dates In Nov & Dec 2021

Plan on attending a Palace Concert at Governors Palace on select dates in Nov & Dec 2021 Seclect Dates:Tuesday Nov 23, 2021Saturday Nov 27, 2021Tuesday Dec 7, 14, 28, 2021 The regal Palace of the royal governor comes to life as Colonial Williamsburgs early music ensemble, the Governors Musick, offers an elegant evening of chamber music

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Check Out The Williamsburg Botanical Garden

Considering Williamsburgs beautiful landscape, the Williamsburg Botanical Garden is the perfect place to bring the family. This 2-acre park filled with native flowers is sure to capture the attention of your children. Between the bright flowers and the butterfly garden, your family will have a fantastic time exploring the various gardens. As one of the most colorful free things to do in Williamsburg VA for kids, you dont want to miss the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Dont forget to pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic while youre here!

Indoor Games & Activities For Kidsview All

This southern city experiences every season. So when its too chilly to explore outdoors, try these tried and true indoor activities for a fun-filled day. Visit the following indoor attractions with the kids:

  • Visit Culture Cafe for great eats in an eclectic, family-friendly setting
  • At My Gym Childrens Gym, sign the kids up for an afternoon of play or some ninja training
  • At Ripleys Believe it Or Not! Explore a world of wacky and wild human feats
  • The parents can sip a beer while the kids enjoy a movie at Movie Tavern
  • Test your logic skills at Colonial Escape Room

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Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery And Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

Two outstanding art museums share a building that, while connected to Colonial Williamsburg, is not part of the Revolutionary City historic area. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery displays American and British decorative arts from the 17th through 19th centuries.

Specialties are the world’s largest collection of furniture made in the American south, one of the largest collections of English porcelain outside of Britain, and a major collection of English silver.

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum contains one of the most complete collections of American folk art, which includes sculptures, paintings, toys, woodcarvings, needlework, quilts, and decorative items created by untrained artists.

The fresh designs, vibrant colors, and creative ideas expressed in these works show an exuberance and spontaneity that makes them especially appealing. The combined museums require a separate ticket from the Revolutionary City sights.

Address: 325 Francis Street, Williamsburg, Virginia

Some of the most fascinating places to visit in Williamsburg are the many artisans’ shops where costumed craftspeople practice and demonstrate the skills that were necessary in any prosperous 18th-century city. Step into these to see authentic tools, clothing, and utensils being handcrafted and to talk with the craftspeople.

At the Apothecary, you’ll learn how apothecaries functioned as doctors at that time, treating patients and performing surgery.

Paddle The Waterways Like Pocahontas

Pantheon Coaster at Busch Gardens – President Kevin Lembke

Powhatan tribes in the Williamsburg area used dugout canoes to transverse the wetlands and trade with their neighbors in this historic area.

For a different perspective on the Historic Triangle, go to the James City County Marina and rent a canoe. Paddle through the channels humming Disneys Just around the Riverbend, imagining what life might have been like in the days of Pocahontas.

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Enjoy Seafood At The Casa Pearl

There are plenty of great restaurants in Williamsburg where you can enjoy a good meal. Casa Pearl offers a unique and delicious dining experience. Found inside a refurbished gas station and featuring a great ambiance, this is one of the most memorable places to eat in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The restaurant is not big and neither is the menu, but sometimes the best surprises come in small packages. The refined menu includes delicacies such as Virginia oysters, peel and eat shrimp, ceviche, and tacos with a variety of protein choices. When you visit the east coast, you simply must try fresh seafood, and this is one of the best places to do so.

Ride The Roller Coasters At Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Leave the history behind for a day and head to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for roller coasters and delicious food. Parents visiting Colonial Williamsburg will appreciate Busch Gardens award-winning landscaping, food, and beer.

Kids will enjoy roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg ranging from Sesame Street-themed Grovers Alpine Express for little ones, to Tempesto, which launches more experienced thrill seekers to speeds of 63 MPH and features a high-speed inversion at 154 feet in the air.

Even if your family has already visited your local amusement park recently, youll still want to leave time in your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary for Busch Gardens. The European-themed villages throughout Busch Gardens Williamsburg are charming and the rides are exhilarating.

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Ripleys Believe It Or Not Museum & 4d Theater

Ripleys Believe It or Not! Museum & 4D Theater

Kids are always interested in the oddest things, right? Bring them to one of the strangest places on earth at . Children love seeing the rarities and interesting artifacts on display throughout the museums exhibits. From a statue of the worlds tallest man to a two-headed cow, this museum is filled with intriguing exhibits. Plus, check out the 4D theater for added fun!

Tour The Alewerks Brewery

If you like trying local, craft beer while traveling then you need to check out AleWerks. The Williamsburg brewing company was opened in 2006 and supplies beer throughout the Virginia and Washington D.C. region. If you are interested to see how this beer is made, you can take a tour of the brewery.

The forty-minute tour will teach you about AleWerks history, take you through the brewing process, and end in the taproom. Here you can get a taste of some of the lip-smacking beer the brewery has to offer. This is definitely one of the tastiest things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.

When people think of Williamsburg, Virginia, activities, they usually image historic homes and people dressed in colonial period costumes. But this city is so much more than just Colonial Williamsburg. Although is you are an American history buff, this city should be on your travel bucket list.

Along with visiting buildings from the 1700s, you can eat your way through seafood restaurants, try regional wines and craft beers, hike along the York River, and see beautiful art in a couple of museums. If you are traveling with kids, make sure to spend a day at Busch Garden and Water Country USA. Whatever your idea of fun, there is something perfect for you to do in Williamsburg.

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Water Country Usa Williamsburg Va

Water Country USA, open from the end of May to the beginning of September, is a waterpark in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park has a variety of fast slides, pools, and lounging areas, making it an inviting spot for the entire family. Water Country currently has 11 main waterslides as well as four slides specifically for children. The wave pool and the floating river are open to all ages. Water Country USA also offers special family passes that are valid for a year.

Multi-park passes that give visitors access to Water Country USA as well as a nearby park called Busch Gardens are also available.

176 Water Country Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 757-229-4386

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Best Things To Do In Williamsburg Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia is a curious mix of a living museum and a lively, historic college town that is a delight to visit. Stroll through the 300-hundred-year-old streets of Colonial Williamsburg, visit the second oldest college in the country, admire the colorful Williamsburg Botanical Garden, visit a nearby beach, have a great meal, or have fun at Busch Gardens. Here are the best things to do in Williamsburg, VA. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.

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Play In The Waterpark

We decided to balance the educational aspect of a day in Colonial Williamsburg with another day spent indulging in pure fun at the nearby Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. You can access the park as early as 1 pm on the day of check-in, and the kids spent the rest of the day riding the waterslides over and over!

My older kids also worked hard to master the wave surfing ride. I loved hanging out with the kids, riding the slides, and sitting in the hot tub.

We also enjoyed taking a break from the waterpark and having the buffet dinner in the main restaurant.

One of the best parts of Great Wolf Lodge is their themed rooms. We stayed in a Wolf Den Suite that had a bunk bed on one side and a twin on the other. And the kids loved that it had its own TV!

Of course, they were all so wiped out from playing in the waterpark all day that they didn’t watch it for very long!

We brought in goodies from home for breakfast

Enjoy Downtown At A Resort Hotel For Families

Nativity handmade Sharp’s Rd Williamsburg

As you might expect, Williamsburg has its share of affordable chain hotels and quaint colonial inns. But you might expect hotels and condo communities with resort amenities. Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites is one such place.

Its rare that I wish I had more time at the hotel, but I would have spent more time at the Williamsburg Woodlands if I could have. This says a lot about how much there was to do and how comfortable the property was.

The Williamsburg Woodlands is a family hotel. Expect splashing at the pool and a line for the waffle-maker at the complementaty breakfast. Its décor is functional with a colonial accent. It doesnt have an upscale look and feel, but it was comfortable and had a lot of amenities and a helpful staff.

The roons are either doubles and suites. The double was fine for us two adults and a child. We could leave suitcases around and hang bathing suits to dry without feeling like we were constantly stepping over things.

In the suites, the bathroom separate a sleeping area from a living area with a sleeper sofa. If you have older or younger kids who dont sleep when you do this is a nice option.

The pool was nice and big and my then 7YO really liked the adjacent water playground. I liked that I could be in the regular pool or on a lounge chair and keep an eye on her.

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Before You Check Out The Things To Do In Williamsburg Va:

There are a few things that helped us in terms of advance planning before our trip- that I thought I would pass along to you! Go online and check out all of the possible events and tours on Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center website. You can even look over the Visitor’s Guides for the days you will be there .

I suggest buying your tickets online in advance . I also suggest making reservations for lunch and dinner if you plan to dine in the colonial city

If you stay at a hotel nearby , arrive early and park at the Visitor’s Center. From there you can take a shuttle bus over to the historic city or even take the path and walk over .

Taste Test At Williamsburg Winery

The Williamsburg Winery has been producing critically acclaimed wine since the 1980s and is a great place to taste some of the wine Virginia is famous for. You can either do the fine wine tasting or the reserve wine tasting. Either way, you are in for a treat!

You can tour the gorgeous vineyards and eat a scrumptious meal at their restaurant. If you are looking for a romantic place to stay in Williamsburg then the winerys beautiful Wedmore Place is for you. Each room of this hotel is inspired by a European region. Book this hotel for a memorable couples getaway in Virginia.

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Family Friendly Things To Do In Williamsburg Virginia Part One

April 30, 2018 By admin

If you follow along on , you know we took a multi-generational spring break vacation in Williamsburg, Virginia. My daughter is a little history buff so I knew it would be fun for her but I was blown away by how many cool things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia appealed to our entire group. I usually choose cruises for multi-generational vacations because of their ease in getting around and activities for all but Im happy to report that Greater Williamsburg is a great option for keeping parents, grandparents and kids of all ages engaged. It turns out history is a great common denominator and we all came away with more knowledge, memorable moments and awesome photos of our bonding getaway. We were there for an entire week and visited Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown and Busch Gardens but this post just focuses on our time in the Colonial Williamsburg area.

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