FYI: Relax & Chill includes affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you buy through them – all at no added cost for you!
Your Guide to the Best Family Activities in Williamsburg, VA
The beautiful and Historic town of Williamsburg, VA is one of the best vacation destinations in the U.S. Every year, thousands of tourists take advantage of everything this town has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, love great food, or just feel the need to explore, you won’t be disappointed. And, if you Googled “family activities Williamsburg VA” then you’re in the right place!
Williamsburg, VA has dozens of historical sites, taverns, shops, walking tours, museums, and things for the whole family to enjoy. If you need a place to stay, hotels, cabins, and lodges are in abundance. So get ready to learn about the thrill of a lifetime in this historic area.
Family-Friendly Sites in the Historic Triangle
The historic area of Williamsburg is filled with fun things to do for the whole family. Take a look at our list of historic sites the kids are sure to love!
Colonial Williamsburg
This is undoubtedly one of the area’s top attractions. This literal 301-acre historical area of Colonial Williamsburg transports visitors back to the days of 18th-century Virginia. Take advantage of historical reenactments, museums, bakeries, shops, landmarks, and carriage rides, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery. During Christmas, enjoy music, lights, and so much more along a walking tour.
Historic Jamestowne
Located on Jamestown Island on the James River, you’ll learn about Pocahontas, Chief Powhatan, and all things archaeology at this living history museum. The Ed Shed at Historic Jamestowne provides hands-on experiences the whole family will enjoy. Little ones will love sorting through artifacts from the excavation sites!
The Governor’s Palace
Another favorite on Williamsburg’s must-do list is the Governor’s Palace. This tour takes you to the luxurious site where several of the state’s governors lived during the 18th century. The ground is still meticulously kept and the furnishings in the palace are as they were nearly 300 years ago. Kids will have fun walking outside and exploring the beautiful gardens and scenery.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
This living history museum gives a first-hand look at what a revolution-era family farm and house looked like during the 18th century. Kids will get a first-hand look at the Continental Army encampment where they’ll get to see demonstrations of medical treatment, camp life, cooking, and firings of a flintlock musket. There are also films and artifacts to immerse you in colonial days.
Guided Jamestown and Yorktown Tour
If you are a history buff, you will absolutely love these tours in the historic triangle. See sites that almost perfectly preserve 18th-century history like the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Battlefield from the Revolutionary War. The full-day tour lasts about 9 hours. You will also be treated to a scrumptious colonial-style meal.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
This unique museum houses a lot of great art and toys from the 19th century. You will get a feast of wonderful galleries, paintings, sculptures, and folk art. The artwork comes from local artisans and a lot of self-trained artists. Whether you appreciate regular art or off-the-wall creations, you are sure to love this art museum.
Taste Of Williamsburg Walking Food Tour
If you’re a foodie, you will absolutely love this tour. Discover Williamsburg’s culinary scene and eat till your heart’s content. Enjoy everything from wine to pizza, to tacos, to gourmet cheese. The three-hour tour takes you to several places where you can watch the food being made and the whole family can even participate!
More Family Activities in the Williamsburg Area
There are tons of fun things to do with kids while you’re in Williamsburg, ranging from amusement park and waterpark thrills to sightseeing and nature activities.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
If you are a person who loves the adrenaline rush of theme parks and thrill rides, Busch Gardens is the place for family activities. Located just inside the city limits, this amusement park has a number of water activities, rides, food, rollercoasters, and more. Try out some of the epic rides like the DarKoaster, Pantheon, or Apollo’s Chariot. Sesame Street Forest of Fun has rides the whole family will enjoy and a photo op with their favorite furry friend. Take advantage of seasonal shows, dining, shopping, and other events. With so much to explore, plan to spend an entire day here.
Water Country USA
If your kids love water parks, head to Water Country USA. They can splash in pools, zip down water slides, relax down the lazy river, and swim all day! There are even onsite dining options throughout the park.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
There is so much to do at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Kids will enjoy 9,000 square feet of optical illusions, hands-on interactive experiences, and sensory experiences. Have fun playing a round of mini golf at Catfish Cove or get lost in pop culture memorabilia. This is sure to be a hit during your family vacation to Williamsburg.
Great Wolf Lodge
This indoor waterpark complete with a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and play areas will surely keep the kids happy (and free from sunburn). Relax and recharge in one of their suites, comfortable for the whole family. If the troops get hungry, that’s no worry – there’s an entire lineup of places to grab grub and get back to the water. Book your stay here!
Go-Karts Plus
Live life in the fast lane at the go-kart track. There’s also a mini golf course, bumper cars, gemstone panning, a toddler play area, and thrilling rides! Keep in mind this attraction closes in November and reopens in March.
York River State Park
Go hiking, biking or birdwatching along the York River. You can also go kayaking and enjoy the Yorktown Riverwalk Landing, which is a waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and a boardwalk.
Ghost Tours of Williamsburg
Experience a night of fun, frills, and frights during these nightly tours. Look and listen as costumed guides take you around to a number of haunted stops around Gloucester Street. Bring your cameras so you can take pictures of ghosts, the tavern, and other historic sites. This is a family-friendly favorite!
But There’s Even More!
Don’t forget there are also the following to do in Williamsburg:
- Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum
- Merchant’s Square
- Virginia Captial Trail
- Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
If you’re lodging a short distance from the Williamsburg area (or visiting from Virginia Beach, Richmond or beyond), hop on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry – from the comfort of your car! Drive to all the places you’re planning on sightseeing.
Start Planning Your Trip to Williamsburg
If you want a place where the whole family can have fun year-round, come to Williamsburg. Take advantage of awesome shops, dining, hotels, historical sites, guided tours, and much, much more.
Now that you’re up to speed on family activities in Williamsburg, all that’s left to do is plan family travel time. What are you waiting for? Come visit Williamsburg!