Things to Do in Williamsburg With Kids: 20 Can’t-Miss Spots From Roller Coasters to Colonial Fun
Williamsburg might be famous for its colonial past, but let’s be real—stories about powdered wigs and old battles can sometimes make kids yawn louder than a Monday morning alarm. Parents on the hunt for kids activities Williamsburg VA know that keeping little ones engaged takes more than a musket demonstration.
A family trip is supposed to be fun for everyone, not a marathon of tantrums and “are we done yet?” sighs. No parent wants to regret bringing the kids along just because the itinerary feels more like a history lecture than an adventure. We get it—traveling with kids is all about finding that sweet spot where learning, fun, and energy-burning collide. The good news? Williamsburg is packed with options that prove the past doesn’t have to be boring, and that thrill rides and splash zones can coexist with colonial reenactments.
There’s a treasure chest of things to do in Williamsburg with kids that will make even the pickiest traveler crack a smile. This list of 20 can’t-miss spots will keep your crew happy, entertained, and begging for just “five more minutes.” So, keep reading!
Hands-On History That Won’t Feel Like Homework
Colonial Williamsburg
Think your kids will roll their eyes at a history tour? Colonial Williamsburg proves otherwise with its living history museum, where blacksmiths hammer, carriage rides clatter down cobblestones, and interactive programs let kids try their hand at 18th-century skills.
Families who visit Williamsburg often start here because even the pickiest kids light up when they realize history comes with costumes, horses, and real-life drama. Plus, the adjoining Merchants Square makes it easy to grab a treat or meal before diving back into the past. This is not the dusty field trip you remember—it’s an immersive playground of colonial life.
Governor’s Palace
Step into a royal experience at the Governor’s Palace, where kids can tour the ornate rooms once home to Virginia’s colonial governors. Guides in period dress lead little ones through secret staircases, lavish gardens, and tales of how children actually lived here hundreds of years ago.
The family-friendly tours are designed to keep attention spans hooked, weaving stories that blend curiosity with real history. Expect a balance of awe-inspiring décor and hands-on learning moments that feel anything but stiff.
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Hidden among the historic attractions, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg surprise families with quirky exhibits and hands-on areas that double as a children’s museum Williamsburg VA favorite. Imagine colorful folk art, whimsical toy collections, and creative stations where kids can explore art without “don’t touch” signs.
Admission is free daily, which means parents can relax knowing the kids can explore as long as their attention spans allow. It’s the perfect mix of cultural enrichment and child-approved fun.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
You’ll find that the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown takes living history to a whole new level with immersive indoor galleries and outdoor encampments. Kids can watch real cannons fire, practice military drills, and peek inside recreated soldiers’ tents.
The museum’s interactive exhibits use games and storytelling to make big historical events feel accessible to younger audiences. It’s a destination where the whole family can rally around the excitement of America’s fight for independence.
Pro Tip: Save time, money, and stress with the America’s Historic Triangle Combo Pass—it’s the ultimate hack for families exploring Williamsburg. Enjoy seven days of unlimited admission to five iconic sites (Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Battlefield, and the American Revolution Museum), plus free shuttle service and guided tours that make navigating with kids a breeze.
Jamestown Settlement
Few places are as kid-friendly as the Jamestown Settlement, where life-size replicas of the three English ships let little explorers climb aboard and pretend they’re crossing the Atlantic. Families can also wander through a recreated Powhatan Indian village and a colonial fort, giving kids a hands-on look at life on both sides of the story.
Staff in costume bring history to life with interactive demonstrations like tool-making and cooking. The site is built for discovery, letting children connect the dots between textbooks and tangible adventures.
Big Thrills for Little Adventurers and Brave Parents
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Few things to do in Williamsburg VA with kids compare to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where Europe comes alive through roller coasters, live shows, and themed villages. Thrill-seekers will love the seven world-class coasters, while younger kids can play safely in “KIDsiderate” areas designed just for them.
Families can break up the adrenaline with animal encounters, kid-friendly rides, and plenty of snack stops. Located at 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, it’s the rare theme park where both parents and little ones walk out equally thrilled.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Nothing says family vacation quite like floating along the lazy river at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, an indoor splash wonderland perfect rain or shine. Kids can zip down twisty slides, splash in wave pools, or spend hours in interactive water play zones.
Meanwhile, parents love the resort setting, where on-site dining and family suites make the stay easy and fun. It’s a one-stop adventure hub that combines lodging with endless water play under one roof.
Water Country USA
Families rave about Water Country USA because kids love the more than 40 slides, splash zones, and lazy lagoons spread across Virginia’s largest water park at 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg. From toddler play areas to towering slides for teens, the park feels effortlessly family friendly for all ages.
Parents say they’d highly recommend bringing swimsuits and extra towels because the kids won’t want to leave the wave pool or water playgrounds. Add in the free Preschool Pass for ages 3–5, and it’s one of the best water day values in Williamsburg.
Adventures That Beat Screen Time Every Time
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf makes putt-putt epic with waterfalls, caves, and 18th-century pirate theming that hooks kids from the first swing. Families can choose between two beautifully landscaped courses, complete with shipwrecks and hidden treasures. The course is lit at night, so evening rounds feel like a mini adventure under the stars. It’s the perfect mix of competition and laughter, without the pressure of “real” golf.
The Wagsters Magic Theatre
The Wagsters Magic Theatre delivers a family-friendly illusion show that makes kids believe Hogwarts could be real. Expect dazzling tricks, mind-reading moments, and storytelling that keeps even short attention spans glued to the stage. Seating is cozy, so every spot feels close to the action. Parents rave about it as a unique night out that entertains adults just as much as kids.
Bounce House Family Entertainment Center
For pure energy-burn, nothing compares to the Bounce House Family Entertainment Center, with 30,000 square feet of inflatables and jump zones. Kids can bounce, slide, and climb while parents lounge in comfy seating areas with free Wi-Fi.
Open play sessions make it easy to drop in and let the kids run wild without overplanning. It’s a lifesaver on rainy days or anytime you need guaranteed giggles.
Children’s Museum of Virginia
A quick drive to Portsmouth brings you to the Children’s Museum of Virginia, the state’s largest museum dedicated just to kids. Located at 221 High St, Portsmouth, this spot features interactive exhibits on science, art, and transportation—including a massive train collection little engineers adore.
Kids can climb, pretend, and explore while learning through play. It’s a must-stop if you’re looking to expand beyond Williamsburg for a full day of family fun.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
At Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, families step into a world of oddities that feels part museum, part funhouse, and 100% entertaining. This spot is often considered a quirky kids museum Williamsburg VA choice thanks to its 350+ hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.
Kids can gawk at shrunken heads, explore an optical illusion tunnel, or test their reflexes in a laser race. It’s weird, wonderful, and guaranteed to spark endless dinner table conversations.
Trails, Lakes, and Just Enough Adventure for the Whole Crew
Waller Mill Park
Waller Mill Park offers 2,705 acres of outdoor beauty, anchored by a 360-acre lake that’s perfect for fishing, boating, and paddle boating with kids. Families can rent kayaks or pedal boats, or stick to land with shaded picnic areas and wooded trails.
The dog-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal if your crew includes a furry family member. Parents love it as a laid-back alternative to busier attractions.
York River State Park
Families flock to York River State Park for its mix of scenic trails, playgrounds, and water access that keeps kids busy all day. With more than 30 miles of hiking and biking paths, it’s perfect for little adventurers who need room to roam.
Wildlife spotting—from herons to fiddler crabs—turns every walk into a nature scavenger hunt. Pack a picnic and make it a full-day escape just minutes from Williamsburg.
Go Ape Treetop Adventure (Freedom Park)
The thrill factor is high at Go Ape Treetop Adventure, tucked inside Freedom Park, where zip lines, rope ladders, and Tarzan swings challenge kids and parents alike. Courses are designed with different age levels in mind, so everyone from tweens to teens can join in.
Trained instructors make safety a top priority, giving parents peace of mind while kids test their limits. It’s a family bonding experience that feels part playground, part jungle adventure.
Eco Discovery Park
For a mix of exercise and exploration, Eco Discovery Park has bike and kayak rentals that let families explore the waterways and trails between Jamestown and Williamsburg. Paddling through calm inlets or biking shady paths gives kids a chance to see the region’s natural beauty up close.
The focus here is on eco-friendly fun, teaching kids to enjoy and respect the outdoors. It’s an easy way to sneak in activity while making new memories together.
Pumpkins, Costumes, and Face Paint—Oh My!
Trick or Treat with the Vendors
Every October, the Williamsburg Premium Outlets transform into a kid’s dream with Trick or Treat with the Vendors. Families stroll store-to-store collecting candy, enjoying face painting, balloon art, and plenty of costumed fun.
Parents love it because it’s safe, free, and offers a festive twist to a shopping trip. It’s the kind of event that makes kids brag about their Halloween haul long after the night is over.
2nd Sundays Williamsburg
On the second Sunday of each month, downtown Williamsburg fills with art vendors, live music, and family activities at 2nd Sundays Williamsburg. Kids can join craft tables, watch street performers, and nibble their way through food trucks while parents browse local art.
The event is walkable and lively, making it easy for families to spend an afternoon exploring together. Bonus: it’s free, which means more money saved for snacks and souvenirs.
Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka
The Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka brings concerts, movie nights, and cultural events to the William Mary campus, many of them family-friendly. Parents can spread a blanket on the grass while kids enjoy the open space to dance, play, or just soak in the outdoor fun.
Seasonal events here often feel like a community gathering, blending campus life with local family vibes. It’s one of those Williamsburg surprises where kids can burn energy while parents relax under the stars.
Ready to See Which Spot Becomes Your Kids’ Favorite?
Williamsburg proves that history and fun can go hand in hand, with plenty of kids activities Williamsburg VA designed to keep the whole family smiling. From theme parks to colonial adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do in Williamsburg with kids that mix learning with laughter.
Planning your trip is easy when you bundle Williamsburg attractions and hotels in one place. By securing vacation packages through Tripster, you’ll save money and skip the stress of piecing it all together.
The result? A family getaway that balances thrills, downtime, and plenty of memory-making moments. Don’t wait—your Williamsburg adventure is calling!
What Are The Kids Activities Williamsburg VA FAQs?
Are there indoor things to do in Williamsburg with kids on a rainy day?
Yes—try Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the Children’s Museum of Virginia, or Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park. Each offers plenty of hands-on fun while keeping the family dry.
Is Colonial Williamsburg kid friendly?
Absolutely—kids can interact with costumed interpreters, try hands-on trades, and even ride in horse-drawn carriages. It feels more like a giant outdoor classroom than a traditional museum.
What’s the best theme park for families in Williamsburg?
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is packed with rides for all ages, from kid-sized attractions to world-class roller coasters. Water Country USA is the go-to during summer for slides, wave pools, and splash zones.
Can we find free family activities in Williamsburg?
Yes—check out 2nd Sundays Williamsburg, stroll through Merchants Square, or explore Waller Mill Park’s trails and lake views. These activities cost nothing but still deliver memorable experiences.
How many days should we spend in Williamsburg with kids?
A 3–4 day trip usually works well to cover Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and nearby attractions like Jamestown Settlement. If you want to explore at a slower pace, plan for a full week.
What’s the best time of year to visit Williamsburg with kids?
Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds, making it easier for families to enjoy outdoor adventures. Summer is busier but great for water parks, while winter offers holiday-themed events.
How do we get around to all the attractions?
Most family attractions are within a short drive, and the Historic Triangle Pass even includes shuttle service between key sites. Renting a car or driving your own is the most convenient option.
Are Williamsburg attractions suitable for older kids and teens too?
Yes—older kids love Busch Gardens’ thrill rides, Go Ape zip lines, and the interactive exhibits at the American Revolution Museum. Williamsburg balances history with adventure, so every age group finds something to enjoy.
Are there package deals for Williamsburg attractions and hotels?
Yes, you can bundle tickets and lodging with vacation packages through Tripster, which helps families save money and simplify planning. This makes it easy to secure your spots at the most popular attractions while booking kid-friendly hotels in one step.
