Things To Do In Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, Virginia, located in James City County on the historic Virginia Peninsula, offers families an unparalleled blend of living history, modern attractions, and natural beauty. Known as "America's Historic Triangle" along with Jamestown and Yorktown, this colonial city provides educational entertainment where the past comes alive through interactive experiences. Just minutes from Great Wolf Lodge, families can explore centuries of American history while enjoying world-class theme parks and outdoor adventures.
Amusement & Family Fun
Williamsburg is home to some of the most thrilling family entertainment on the East Coast, anchored by the legendary Busch Gardens Williamsburg with its world-class roller coasters and immersive themed areas. The area's amusement offerings extend beyond traditional theme parks to include interactive experiences like escape rooms, mini golf courses, and adventure parks that provide excitement for all ages. Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping rides or gentle family fun, Williamsburg's entertainment options create unforgettable memories for every member of the family.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg is one of the top family resorts in Virginia, combining an enormous indoor water park with a full lineup of activities under one roof. Families can enjoy thrilling water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and designated play areas for younger children—all in a climate-controlled environment perfect for year-round fun. The resort also offers themed suites, kid-friendly dining, an arcade, MagiQuest adventures, and nightly entertainment like story time. It’s not just a place to stay but a full vacation destination that keeps the whole family entertained from morning to night.
Annnnd, the not so obvious: It’s a far cry from the historical reenactments of Colonial Williamsburg, but it sure is a fun thing to do with kids. Let them race in NASCAR-like cars, play miniature golf, try blaster boats, take aim in the shooting gallery, and pan for gemstones and fossils. Whew!
Busch Gardens Williamsburg blends adrenaline-pumping rides with beautifully themed villages representing countries like Germany, France, and Italy. Alongside its roller coasters, the park also features live shows, seasonal events, and attractions for kids.
Just minutes from Busch Gardens, Water Country USA offers an exciting mix of wave pools, water slides, and relaxing river rides. With kid-friendly play zones and thrilling attractions for adventure-seekers, it’s the perfect way to cool off in the summer heat.
Historical & Cultural Experiences
Colonial Williamsburg stands as the world's largest living history museum, where costumed interpreters bring 18th-century America to life through authentic demonstrations, trades, and reenactments. The area's rich historical significance extends through nearby Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Battlefield, forming the complete story of early American colonial life and the Revolutionary War. These immersive cultural experiences offer families educational entertainment that transforms history lessons into engaging, hands-on adventures that captivate visitors of all ages.
Let’s start with the obvious -- Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district and living-history museum where actors in period costume depict daily Colonial life, is an absolute must-see. Because there are so many things to do, it can be overwhelming, and that’s why we appreciate the suggested interest-based itineraries on their site, ranging from “family fun” to “fashionista” and “first-timers.” Some Colonial Williamsburg standouts include its decorative art museums, historic dining options and ox wagon rides.
2. Duke of Gloucester Street
Williamsburg is a great walking city. Grab the kids and take a stroll through one of the town's most famous areas. Named after a certain member of the British nobility, Duke of Gloucester Street is packed with 18th-century architecture, from the Wren Building to the Capitol. After President Franklin Roosevelt visited the area back in 1934, he dubbed it "the most historic avenue in all of America."
3. Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne gives families the opportunity to see history unfold right in front of their eyes! The cultural heritage site features live demonstrations of what life was like when the settlers first landed. Explore the real history of Pocahontas, discover artifacts used during colonial times and search for the founders on your own family tree. The kids can even uncover their own buried treasure while there! A typical visit lasts anywhere from 2 to 3 hours but you're free to spend the day uncovering the town's rich history.
4. Yorktown Battlefield
Welcome to one of the most important sites in American Revolutionary history! The Yorktown Battlefield is best known for having hosted Siege of Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. The park features trolley rides, historical films, museum exhibits and tons of other attractions. It also contains incredible natural resources, like wetlands, shorelines, forests, fields and more.
5. Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers so many ways to learn about and immerse yourself in history – from hands-on learning (grinding corn, digging out a canoe or trying on armor) to 3D movies (spoiler alert: the seats move and you can feel the cannons firing). There is something for everyone – and way too much to mention here. Set aside a whole day for this one!
6. Ghosts of Williamsburg Candlelight Tour
Seek out the spirit world on this family-friendly tour, based on the book *The Ghosts of Williamsburg* by L.B. Taylor, offered nightly at 8 p.m. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg while hearing eerie stories and spooky folklore from local guides.
Outdoors & Nature
The Virginia Peninsula's natural landscape provides endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, from scenic hiking trails through lush forests to kayaking adventures along pristine waterways. Williamsburg's location offers easy access to both peaceful nature preserves and exciting outdoor recreation facilities, including championship golf courses and scenic parks perfect for picnicking and wildlife observation. The region's mild climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable year-round, whether families are seeking peaceful nature walks or more adventurous outdoor challenges.
1. Freedom Park
If your kids are sick of museums and go-karts, declare freedom! Freedom Park, that is. Ride 20 miles of bike trails, take a hike, or check out the butterfly haven of the Williamsburg Botanical Garden.
2. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Why? Well, for starters it's free and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all major holidays. And it's a special way to see more of the colonial area and see the real Jamestown the way settlers saw it! (Also, locals say it’s a great way to beat traffic going into Williamsburg.)
Fox Wire Farm is located just outside Williamsburg. There, you can enjoy over 200 acres of farmland, pastureland, woods and creeks. It's also home to 100 Huacaya alpacas, plus a "guard llama," miniature donkeys, horses, goats, steer, chickens, ducks, and pigs running around. Talk about a full house!
4. Go Ape Tree Top Adventures
Located just one hour outside of Williamsburg, this outdoor adventure park will send you flying through the treetops. Their adventure experiences include dangling obstacles, Tarzan swings, zip lines and more! The kids are bound to love this one.
5. James City County Marina
Why spend all your time on land when there's over 80 miles of water to explore! The James City County Marina is just a short drive from Williamsburg and provides access to the Chickahominy River. Visitors can rent kayaks, take a boat tour, go fishing and more.
6. Segway Tours
Exploring a new place on foot can be a lot of fun, until it's not. Skip the blistered feet and swollen ankles and get yourself a pair of wheels. Head into neighboring Yorktown and enjoy a two-hour guided Segway tour of the town! You'll be taken around the waterfront area, the bluffs overlooking the river and historic village along Main Street. Note: the minimum age for riders is 14.
7. Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is just about an hour and a half away from Williamsburg. Walk the boardwalk, play in the sand, enjoy the street performers, outdoor cafes and other attractions scattered around the surrounding area! It's the perfect way to punctuate all that history with some chill-time.
8. York River
The York River opens up to an amazing state park that contains more than 25 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. There are also fresh and saltwater fishing spots, boat rentals, picnic shelters and more! The visitor center displays make navigating your way around easy. It's one of the area's most celebrated natural attractions.
Dining & Shopping
Williamsburg's dining scene perfectly balances historic tavern experiences with modern culinary excellence, offering everything from colonial-era recipes served in 18th-century settings to contemporary farm-to-table restaurants. The area's shopping destinations range from unique colonial crafts and artisan demonstrations in the historic area to modern retail complexes featuring national brands and local specialties.
1. Williamsburg Premium Outlets
A lot of things can go wrong on vacation. Luggage gets lost, clothes get stained, unpredictable opportunities for which you did not pack for may arise. And sure, some folks just like to shop. Head to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets to stock up on shoes, sunglasses, clothes and more. Pull up the official site once there – it lists all the different sales going on.
Other Activities & Entertainment
Beyond its famous historical attractions and theme parks, Williamsburg offers diverse entertainment options including live theater performances, seasonal festivals, and unique attractions.
If you want to take in some entertainment when in town, look no further than the historic Kimball Theatre. Originally opened back in 1933, the venue is home to stage productions, musical performances, speakers and more. There's a 410-seat theater with a stage for live productions and a 35-seat screening room to enjoy. The best part? It's conveniently located in the center of the city, by Merchant's Square.
Kids like weird stuff, right? Well, at least some of them do. If your pack gravitates towards that kind of thing then you'll have to check out the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and 4D theater. After all, it's the only place in Williamsburg where you'll find shrunken heads, two-headed critters, vampire killing kits and more! When you're done getting your minds blown head over to the theater and give your body a treat. The 4D effects include blasts of air, water mists and other exciting sensory experiences. What's not to love about that?
