Family fun is not just a theme, it’s a way of life in Williamsburg. The Greater Williamsburg area boasts a wide variety of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy some quality time together.
Thrill seekers will love the excitement of a rollercoaster or zip line adventure. While parents will delight as their children take part in educational fun at one of the local living history museums. Once the kids are tuckered out, enjoy some adult time at one of the nearby breweries, wineries and distilleries. There’s no shortage of experiences to have, no matter your budget, when you visit Williamsburg.
Historic Sites
Go back to a simpler time, where the modern hustle and bustle of everyday life melts away. Colonial Williamsburg is a must-do for any visitor coming to the area. Men, women and children dressed in colonial attire roam the streets as you explore your way through this 18th-century restored city. These colonists, shopkeepers, blacksmiths and farmers look forward to sharing their lifestyles and stories with you and your family, and they are always looking for a helping hand from the younger guests!
Relaxing and educational experiences abound in the Greater Williamsburg area. Explore nearby historical attractions such as the Jamestown Settlement where kids can climb into a sailor’s bunk, steer with a whipstaff or simply wander through one of the three recreated ships that brought the first English colonists to Virginia in 1607. Expand your child’s knowledge of Pocahontas and her fellow tribe members as you and your family stroll through the Powhatan Indian Village and interact with historical interpreters demonstrating how they would survive on a daily basis.
If you enjoy live performances, soothing jazz, plays or featured films, then make your way over to Merchants Square. Here you will find inspiring performances as well as special events and thought-provoking movies. With a theatre hosting special events throughout the year, there is always a chance to witness creativity right before your eyes.
Amusement Parks and Attractions
Williamsburg is filled to the brim with fun and exciting activities for both adults and kids. Set aside a day for thrills at Busch Gardens, where you will find some of the most exciting coasters in the world as well as an entire area with rides, entertainment and dining designed specifically for kids. Or spend a day at Kings Dominion, northwest of Greater Williamsburg, which also offers fun adventures—including rides, attractions, shows and more—for the whole family.
Spend an afternoon at Go Ape Treetop Adventure, the area’s only treetop adventure that no chimp will soon forget! This easy and safe course built for all ages allows you and your child to explore the treetops of Freedom Park using zip lines, obstacles and Tarzan swings. Those who participate will have the chance to live daringly—while treading lightly—and witness one of the most beautiful places in Virginia from a bird’s-eye view.
Perhaps you would like to race your way to fun at Williamsburg’s only go-kart course. Grab the kids and get into gear at Go-Karts Plus, where children can be the ones behind the wheel for the day. Here you will find all types of go-karts waiting to be ridden on, a wide variety of fun and unique tracks. Be ready to burn some rubber!
If you are looking for a more low-key family-friendly activity, consider Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, a pirate-themed miniature golf course full of captivating scenery including ships, waterfalls, caves and more!
Rainy Day Activities
Raining outside? Don’t fret! If your day is spoiled by bad weather, there are just as many fun, indoor activities in Williamsburg as there are outdoor activities.
You won’t believe your eyes while watching a live show at The Wagsters Magic Theatre. Escape reality and experience spectacular illusions and performances by Brandon and Hannah Wagster at their premier venue. With state-of-the-art technology and engaging storytelling, the interactive shows deliver Vegas-caliber entertainment to audiences in an intimate atmosphere. Tickets for the year-round shows disappear quickly, so buy tickets early.
Experience more of the unbelievable at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This popular attraction is best known for its Odditorium, featuring a collection of weird oddities from around the world—such as shrunken heads and a two-headed parrot. Don’t stop there, Ripley’s also has amazing add-ons. See movies come to life at the 4D Theater or sneak and crawl through a web of lasers at the Impossible LaseRace.
For more futuristic fun, head to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets and experience VR64. The cutting-edge virtual reality technology is perfect for all ages. Play over 100 games, including sports, dance party, fantasy and more.
Challenge yourself, family and friends in a real-life adventure game at one of Williamsburg’s escape rooms. Players are racing against the clock to escape a locked room filled with hidden clues, codes and challenging puzzles. Room Escape Williamsburg provides four exciting room options, including: Experiment 1215, Time Siege: The Battle of Yorktown, Bank Heist 2 and The Wizards Pub. Colonial Escape Room has four different themed rooms, including: Cyber Punk’d, Chesapeake Bay Butcher, Viking Heist and Blackbeard’s Cabin. Operation Escape offers six fun, interactive escape rooms: Once Upon a Time, The Other Side, Gold Rush, Escape to Neverland, The Cursed and Carnival Caper.
Reach new heights by booking a flight at iFLY Va Beach for an indoor skydiving experience. No experience is necessary for participants to free fall in the cushion of air generated by iFLY’s wind tunnels. iFLY instructors help make flying safe and fun, and this activity is sure to be a thrill family members will remember.
Let your kids flex their creative muscles at Paint on Pottery. Even if you are first-timers or don’t think you’re very “artsy,” painting your own pottery is a great way to have fun and explore creative possibilities. Plus, your kids will love leaving with their very own pottery creation to keep as a sweet memory of their time in Williamsburg. Catalillies Play Cafe is an indoor play space perfect for younger children. Full of imaginative and creative activities, Catalillies Play Cafe allows kids to play their way in an entertaining, safe environment.
Providing a relaxing experience, this is the perfect cap to a fun-filled vacation. Recline in a comfortable chair, please your ears with peaceful music and breathe in air saturated with beneficial minerals. A therapeutic session at the Williamsburg Salt Spa will leave you feeling naturally rejuvenated and healthy without the use of medication. Or, indulge in a facial or mani-pedi at one of the many area spas. You won’t want to miss out on the therapeutic, beautifying and healing experiences these locations offer.
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing like kicking back with a great brew or a glass of wine. There are several wineries and breweries, both in and nearby Williamsburg, offering Virginia-made libations with a distinct and delicious taste. Sample tastings of various wines and brews and make some tasty memories. Pair your favorite drink with a delicious meal at one of the bars or restaurants open late in the area. Having a laid-back night out never hurt anybody! Whether you prefer your vacation tempo slow, medium or fast, enjoy your time here at your pace.
