Family Friendly Guide to Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia has long been a popular destination for families, especially those looking for history and fun. It’s easily accessible from cities like Richmond and Norfolk. Summer is the most popular time to visit due to school vacations, but the fall is nice as well. Colonial Williamsburg is easy to visit, especially for its shuttle bus system, but a car is required to explore beyond that.

This area has some great kid-friendly accommodations, including themed hotels, condos, and resorts. Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park, family-sized rooms, and countless activities. Kingsmill Resort has a wide variety of options including traditional hotel rooms and full-sized rental homes.

Greensprings Vacation Resort is one of the many vacation rental resorts. Williamsburg has a number of vacation rentals and condos that can be found on websites like VRBO. Camping is another option at Williamsburg KOA, which also has yurts and cabins. Get a discount on your stay here.

Williamsburg Museums and Attractions

Give yourself at least three days to explore the many attractions in the greater Williamsburg area. You could spend a week at Colonial Williamsburg alone!

Busch Gardens– The theme park is known for its incredible roller coasters and thrill rides as well as activities for younger kids. Get your Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets before you go.
Colonial Williamsburg– The historic landmark and living history park features colonial era and constructed period buildings with costumed interpreters doing demonstrations. Get your Colonial Williamsburg Admission before you go.
Jamestown Settlement and American Museum at Yorktown– These joint museums have acres of living history and indoor exhibits on early life in America from the perspectives of colonists, slaves, and Native Americans. Get your Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum 7 Day Pass before you go.
The Watermen’s Museum– The Yorktown museum interprets the history of the people who work on the area’s waterways including oystermen, sailors, and even pirates.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not- The worldwide leader in weird has an “Odditorium” in Williamsburg that has exhibits on the strangest people and places.

Williamsburg Parks and Gardens

Williamsburg has plenty of green spaces for your family to take advantage of year-round.

Colonial National Historical Park at Yorktown Battlefield– This large park is made up of a number of locations including the park and memorial at the top of the hill in Yorktown.
Freedom Park– This park is on the site of a Revolutionary War battlefield. It has recreated cabins, interpretive panels, and two miles of trails, including one that is paved and ADA accessible.
New Quarter Park– The massive 500-acre park is a community favorite with many trails, picnic shelters, sporting courts, and a disc golf course.
Virginia Capital Trail– This over 50-mile trail runs between Jamestown and Richmond. The paved path is open to both cyclists and pedestrians.
Williamsburg Botanical Garden– Wander through the garden that features plants from Virginia and beyond.

Family-Friendly Williamsburg Restaurants

Williamsburg has an incredible restaurant scene for a city its size and there are plenty of spots that provide good value and options for picky eaters. And don’t forget about the themed dining in Colonial Williamsburg!

Giuseppe’s– For authentic Italian fare near the outlets, visit this restaurant that has an extensive wine list. They also have heaping portions of pasta, wood-fired pizza, and chicken Parmesan.
Fat Tuna Grill– Enjoy fresh seafood including oysters and clam. The kid’s menu has fish sticks, fried shrimp, and non-seafood options like chicken tenders.
National Pancake & Waffle House– Located between Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, this restaurant is popular for its heaping pancakes, French toast, and burgers.
Rick’s Cheese Steak Shop– The family-friendly space is known for its Philly-style cheesesteaks. But they also have burgers, hoagies, chicken fingers, wings, and all-day breakfast.
Huzzah’s Eatery– Located in Colonial Williamsburg, the restaurant has a breakfast buffet, custom made pizzas, burgers, and barbecue. They also have a kid’s menu.

Family-Friendly Activities in Williamsburg

Yankee Candle

Looking for something a little different? Williamsburg has tons to offer for all types of families and interests.

Yankee Candle Company– You can build your own candle like colorful sand art at the company’s Williamsburg outpost. It’s also a chance to meet Santa year-round!
Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure– Located at Freedom Park, this park offers zipline adventures and ropes courses for most ages and experience levels.
Escape rooms- There are a number of themed escape rooms in town including Room Escape and Colonial Escape Room.
Patriot Tours & Provisions– This Yorktown outfitter runs tours and offers rentals of Segways and bikes that showcase the Chesapeake Bay area.

Family-Friendly Williamsburg Events

There’s never a shortage of events going on in Williamsburg, no matter what time of year you visit!

Williamsburg Book Festival– Held every fall, the event brings in authors, illustrators, and speakers from the state and the rest of the nation.
Williamsburg Christmas Parade– The annual parade starts the holiday season with floats and appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Jamestown Day– This day celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the English colony at Jamestown. They have demonstrations and educational events.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream– The theme park is transformed for the Halloween season with haunted houses and rides that run in the dark.