Enjoyable Activities for Kids in Williamsburg VA:
Title: Top Attractions in Williamsburg, Virginia: A Family-Friendly Guide
Williamsburg, Virginia is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and families. Known for its rich colonial heritage, the town offers a variety of fun activities that will appeal to both adults and kids alike. This guide focuses on the best attractions for families visiting Williamsburg, Virginia.
Is Williamsburg, Virginia good for families?
Absolutely! Williamsburg makes for an ideal destination for a family vacation on the East Coast of the United States. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Washington D.C., *Wilmington* or Raleigh, and offers both educational experiences and entertaining family fun. Although many of the activities are best suited for grade school and above, there is something for children of all ages to enjoy.
Things to do in Williamsburg, VA with kids
1. Explore Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the town's main claim to fame, and understanding its significance is crucial when visiting with kids. This massive open-air museum is the world's largest and provides an immersive experience for visitors, enabling them to step back in time to the 1700s, when Williamsburg was an English colony. The historic interpreters, dressed in period costumes and engaging in live reenactments, add an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
Best Buildings to Visit in Colonial Williamsburg
Despite the vast array of buildings to explore, it's best to focus on specific points of interest to maximize engagement for kids.
- Governor's Palace
- A guided tour of the Governor's Palace is key, revealing details about the lives of seven British Governors. The 20-minute tour takes you through the opulent palace, which serves as a stark contrast to the living conditions of enslaved people.
- Randolph House
- This guided tour offers insights into the lives of the wealthy and influential Randolph family, providing children an opportunity to learn about colonial life, while also delving into the difficult subject of slavery.
- Capitol Building
- Take a guided tour of the Capitol Building to walk in the footsteps of colonial governors and governing officials while learning about significant historical events.
2. Visit Jamestown's Historic Sites
Along with Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown make up Virginia's "Historic Triangle." Visiting these communities together makes for an enriching and engaging educational experience.
- Historic Jamestowne
- Here, families can explore the first permanent English settlement in North America, now an ongoing archeological site. A visit to historic Jamestowne offers an opportunity to learn about the early days of the United States and the relationship between the English settlers and the Powhatan Indians.
- Jamestown Settlement and Museum
- Families can tour museum exhibits, visit replicas of the ships used by the English settlers, and engage with living history interpreters dressed as Powhatan Indians in this separate but complementary attraction.
3. Learn About the American Revolution at Yorktown
Yorktown marks the end of the American Revolution and offers a unique opportunity to learn about this pivotal moment in American history.
- American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
- This museum offers re-created Continental Army encampments and interactive exhibits, allowing families to learn about life on the battlefield while engaging in entertaining activities.
4. Have Fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens is a European-themed amusement park offering thrilling rides, entertaining shows, animal experiences, and live performances.
5. Make a Splash at Water Country USA
Water Country USA, the largest water park in the mid-Atlantic, offers wet and wild fun with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. The park caters to kids of all ages, with extreme slides for daredevils and calmer options for younger children.
6. Take Flight at Go Ape Treetop Adventures
Adventurous kids will enjoy participating in the interactive treetop adventure at Go Ape, featuring ziplines, rope ladders, net crossings, and Tarzan swings. A variety of treetop courses are available for children and adults to conquer, providing an unforgettable experience for families.
7. Step into the Unbelievable at Ripley's Believe It or Not
A break from historical sites, Ripley's Believe It or Not offers an opportunity for families to explore quirky and bizarre exhibits, such as a shrunken head and a two-headed cow. The museum also features a 4D theater, offering an immersive and thrilling experience for kids.
8. Enjoy Beach Time at Yorktown and Jamestown Beach
Although not ocean beaches, Yorktown and Jamestown offer local beaches along the York River and James River, respectively. Families can relax, swim, and engage in water activities, such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
9. Dive into Fun at Great Wolf Lodge
An indoor water park and resort, Great Wolf Lodge is perfect for winter adventures or a change of pace during summer visits. The park features water slides, hot tubs, and a variety of interactive activities for kids and families to enjoy together.
10. Race Around Tracks at Go-Karts Plus
For families with younger kids, Go-Karts Plus provides entertainment with miniature golf, arcade games, and go-kart tracks suitable for kids and adults.
With these top attractions in Williamsburg, Virginia, families can embark on an unforgettable journey filled with history, adventure, and fun for all ages. Whether exploring colonial Williamsburg, immersing themselves in the history of Jamestown, or having a blast at Busch Gardens or Water Country USA, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
A family vacation in Williamsburg, Virginia offers the perfect blend of educational experiences and entertaining family fun, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of history and recreation. Delving into the town's rich colonial heritage at attractions like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown's Historic Sites, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, provides an immersive learning environment for children while exploring the significance and interesting stories of the region's past. Balancing history with excitement, destinations like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, offer thrilling rides, lively performances, and water activities that cater to children and adults alike, ensuring unforgettable adventures for the whole family.
