Family tending to a garden in Colonial Williamsburg Garden
Family tending to a garden in Colonial Williamsburg Garden. Provided by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Family Fun Activities and Attractions in Williamsburg

As one of the most popular cities to visit in the state of Virginia, Williamsburg is the perfect getaway for a small vacation with big attractions. No matter what time of year it is, families from all over continually find that Williamsburg is a unique vacation destination with a variety of activities to choose from, whether you are looking for fun, adventurous, educational—or all three! Show your children what Williamsburg is all about by partaking in the area’s exciting activities and attractions for both the young and young at heart.

Historical and Educational Fun

It wouldn’t be a proper Williamsburg vacation if you didn’t hit the streets of Colonial Williamsburg where you will instantly feel as if you have taken a step back in time. Men, women and children dressed in colonial attire roam the streets as you explore your way through this 18th-century restored city.

Colonial Williamsburg’s colonists, shopkeepers, blacksmiths and farmers look forward to sharing their lifestyles and stories with you and your family and are always looking for a helping hand from the young guests! Visit the authentic James Anderson Blacksmith Shop where guests of all ages will witness the workings of a genuine blacksmith shop firsthand—from the heat and noise to the dirt and dust.

Click here to read more about Colonial Williamsburg.

Explore areas nearby Colonial Williamsburg 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 re-created 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. With five different Kids’ Museum Guides to choose from, your child is sure to have a fun and educational experience at the Jamestown Settlement.

Click here to read more about Jamestown Settlement.

Be sure to explore these unique and once-in-a-lifetime destinations where history unfolds right before your eyes!

Thrilling Adventure

If you are looking for more outdoor entertainment your child will love, there are plenty of other activities in and around Williamsburg. Set aside a day for thrills at the local amusement park where you will find the tallest and fastest dive coaster in the world as well as an entire area with rides, entertainment and dining designed specifically for kids.

Spend an afternoon at the area’s only treetop adventure that no chimp will soon forget! Go Ape’s 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 the kids 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!

With all there is to see and do, Williamsburg certainly has what it takes to ensure you and your family have a fun and kid-friendly experience.

Rainy Day Activities for Children

Raining outside? Don’t fret! If your day is spoiled by bad weather, there are just as many indoor activities in Williamsburg as there are outdoor activities.

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Burn Some Energy

Want your child to have a blast while getting some exercise? Williamsburg is home to activities that offer endless opportunities for play, while challenging your child both mentally and physically in a fun and creative way. The Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex (WISC) offers a number of different programs that include a preschool before and after school, indoor soccer, gymnastics, dance, CrossFit and a gym. Let your child run wild and free at The Zone, a kid-friendly area with Redemption Games, an Indoor Playground, Clip ‘N Climb, Laser Tag and a Laser Maze. The WISC is a great way to spend the day if it’s raining outside or merely for a day of adventure!

How about letting your child step inside a real-life video game? Laser tag has always been a popular activity for kids, but Williamsburg offers laser tag on steroids! With lightweight and simple to use laser tag guns, your kids will love working as a team to complete their mission of receiving the highest score. These lasers shoot at extreme ranges, giving your child an ultimate laser tag experience you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Family-Friendly Competition

You can never go wrong with a game of bowling! The pins are positioned and waiting and you’re up next, so put on your bowling shoes and pick out your favorite color ball as you and the kids rediscover fun at the bowling alley.

Wind Down at a Local Museum

You will always find something amazing at one of the marvelous museums. Providing hours of exploring and learning, Williamsburg’s museums are home to unique features such as 350 bizarre jaw-dropping displays, up-close and personal encounters with live animals and hands-on exhibits where history and art come to life. Be sure you and the kids take advantage of a day indoors by experiencing all the amazing opportunities that prove learning can be fun!