Williamsburg has been on our travel list for some time as our kids are big into history. Translation: they like all things guns and war. While we set out making plans to visit Colonial Williamsburg, we quickly realized there is so much more to enjoy in the area. Its nickname, the Historic Triangle, says it all; Williamsburg is just part of the destination. Jamestown and Yorktown are not to be missed. There’s no way to pack all the family fun to be had in the Williamsburg area in one article, so here are some highlights.
Colonial Williamsburg is a living 18th century history museum. You can explore the blacksmith, carpenter, shoe shops, and more throughout the city. Be sure to talk with the employee tradesmen and apprentices as they are a wealth of information and ready and willing to chat about their jobs and 18th century live. Fun fact - the products the tradesman are making are not just for show; everything they make has a purpose and will be used in Colonial Williamsburg. Right down to the shoes on their feet.
The beauty of Colonial Williamsburg is you can explore at your own pace, but there are a few events at specific times throughout the day and some do require reservations so plan accordingly. Download the app, check the website or grab a print out of daily events from a super friendly volunteer or the Visitors Center when you arrive. There are several popular kid specific tours and events that you may want to plan for and around, like tours of the Capitol and Governor’s Palace, the Playbooth Theatre and the archeologist dig (that’s right, an archeologist dig for kids!).
Pro Tips - Active Duty Military can take advantage of free tickets for their family and retired military and veterans receive 50% off tickets. Teachers receive 50% off a single day ticket.
Wear comfy shoes. Seriously. You cover a lot of ground in Colonial Williamsburg. Consider bringing scooters and ride on toys for the little, little ones to help them keep up with the family.
Make reservations in advance for dining in the popular taverns, which are one of the favorite authentic Colonial Williamsburg experiences. We enjoyed our tavern lunch, but….
Dine at Huzzah! After a looooong, albeit wonderful, day in Colonial Williamsburg, we were all tired and hungry. We headed to Huzzah located right next to the visitors center and a short crawl back to the parking lot. We didn’t realize we were walking into such a fun, family friendly culinary experience. The staff treated us like family, which along with the food, was truly comforting for our touring bodies. Of course the kids still had tons of energy so they enjoyed the lawn games right outside while we enjoyed a cool beverage and recapping the highlights of the day. Everything we had was outstanding, from the Tachos with brisket and gouda and the most amazing Deviled Eggs, to the burgers and Build Your Own pizza, to the homemade Bread Pudding and the Build Your Own Sundaes served with cookies as big as our heads. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Jamestown - Living history museums are a thing in the Historic Triangle and the Jamestown Settlement knocks it out of the park with its recreation of 17th century life in America’s first permanent English colony. In this outdoor living museum, you can climb aboard replicas of the ships that the colonists sailed to Virginia in 1607, explore a recreated Powhatan Indian Village and Colonist fort, where you can do things like try on English armor and see a musket demonstration. Indoors, there are gallery exhibits, a not-to-be-missed introductory movie, and, of course, an awesome gift shop.
Just down the road is Historic Jamestowne, the site of the original 1607 settlement. Just 25 years ago, archeologists discovered this was the actual settlement and it is currently an active archeological site. We spoke to several of the archeologists on site, who were eager to share details about their work. It is fascinating work and was one of the highlights of our trip. Exploring all this on the banks of the beautiful Jamestown River didn’t hurt the situation either. Don't miss the museum that houses artifacts including skeletal remains and has a resident Native American demonstrating fire building and knife and cutting skills.
We drove the 5 mile loop around the island, complete with shady spots, information plaques, and wooden bridges over scenic marshland. We hopped out of the car for a welcome short, beautiful walk to the river. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, which are common in the area.
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Pro Tips - If you are visiting during the school year, factor in school field trips which can make for bigger crowds. Be sure to get in the right line! School field trips often have a seperate (read: much longer) line.
Historic Jamestown is a National Park so bring your Annual National Park Pass if you have one to save on admission. Have a 4th grader in your family? Sign up for a free National Park Pass through the Every Kid in a Park Program.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a new museum featuring films, gallery exhibits with engaging interactive displays, and a living history recreation of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. Kids will especially love this museum as there are many hands on opportunities inside and out. The 4D theater is an awesome 180 degree kid-friendly experiential movie, complete with smoke and moving seats. You can easily make a day of it in Yorktown, strolling along the waterfront shops and restaurants of Riverwalk Landing, and exploring the Yorktown battlefield, also part of the National Park Service.
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Pro Tip - Save money with the America’s Historic Triangle Deal (which includes access to Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and Yorktown Battlefield for 7 consecutive days), the WIlliamsburg Flex Deal (same as the Historic Triangle deal, but with Busch Gardens and Water Country USA tickets, parking included), or the Summer Bounce Pass (includes unlimited admission to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA for 7 consecutive days, including parking).
Lodging - Since it is a major historic and family fun destination, as well as a college town, there is no shortage of lodging choices in the area. We stayed in the Holiday Inn just minutes from Busch Gardens and 10 minutes or so from Colonial Williamsburg. The indoor and outdoor pools, complimentary breakfast, and short distance to restaurants were a huge plus. We really enjoyed our stay at the Holiday Inn...although I was eyeing up the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites for our next trip with an onsite pool, splash pad, mini-golf, free shuttle, and conveniently located right next to our new favorite restaurant Huzzah…
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‘Take your time’ is the sole piece of advice I received from a friend that has spent a lot of time in Williamsburg. I’m glad we took this advice and were flexible with our schedule to add more time when we needed it or bump something to the next day if we couldn’t fit it all in. There is a lot to explore and you don’t want to rush through it. Plus once you go, you’ll realize you’ll likely be back so there’s always next time.
I received tickets, lodging and meals for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.
