Things To Do in Colonial Williamsburg with Kids

1. Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center

The first stop in Colonial Williamsburg should be the Visitor Center. That's where you'll buy your wristbands (or pick up wristbands you pre-purchased online), which everyone will need to enter any of the historic buildings. You can also get maps and information on special events and activities going on that day. 

2. Historic Shops

Once you enter the historic area, take your time strolling the tree-lined, cobblestone streets and enter as many of the historic shops as you can. You'll know which ones are open because they'll have the Union Jack flag waving out front. Once inside, costumed interpreters will demonstrate their trade and sometimes even give kids a chance to get hands-on. I still remember how much I loved doing this as a kid, and my daughter enjoyed it just as much!

Some of our favorite shops/artisans to visit were the shoemaker, the carpenter, the printer, the weaver, and the silversmith. 

3. Courthouse

At the courthouse, visitors can participate in mock trials based on historical records, and potentially be selected to be jurors or play other roles. Be sure to put your head, arms, and legs through the wooden pillory and stocks next to the courthouse for a fun photo op!

4. Historic Homes

Several historic homes are open to visitors, including the grandest one of all—the Governor's Palace. Take a guided tour of the palace between 9am and 4pm or tour it on your own from 4-5pm. Be sure to visit the gardens out back and work your way through the hedge maze—it was my kids' favorite part of the palace! You can also explore the homes of Peyton Randolph (first president of the Continental Congress), George Wythe (one of America's Founding Fathers), and more. 

5. Capitol

Take a guided tour of Colonial Williamsburg's Capitol building, the center of British authority in Virginia for most of the 18th Century. Many pivotal events, including the trial of Blackbeard's crew for piracy, took place there, so it's pretty amazing to get to go inside! 

6. Weapons and Artillery Demonstrations

Want to really wow your kids? Visit the Magazine Yard for a demonstration of a firelock gun, which typically happens five times a day. Or, head to Market Square North behind the courthouse to see—and hear!—a cannon fire, which typically takes place at 3:30pm daily. 

7. Horse and Carriage Ride

Taking a colonial carriage ride is a fun way to rest those tired little legs and feet. Stop by the Lumber House Ticket Office as soon as you can in the morning to buy tickets, as rides sometimes sell out on busy days. 

8. Walking Tours

Colonial Williamsburg offers several guided walking tours that give guests a glimpse into the history of the area. I did the 90-minute Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Tour with my 13-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, and we all enjoyed it equally! This tour reveals the true, dark, and unbelievable stories of the giants of American history who lived in Williamsburg, including a few tales of places that are said to be haunted! Our young tour guide was so knowledgeable and funny, so the kids really enjoyed talking to him.

If your kiddos enjoy spooky stories, try a nighttime ghost tour! I know many families who have taken these tours and loved them. The Original Ghost Tour is a popular one. Colonial Ghosts, the same company that ran our Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Tour, also has some great options. If you want to actually go inside the historic buildings at night, go with Haunted Williamsburg, the official ghost tour of Colonial Williamsburg. 

9. Soldier Training

Kids ages 6 and older (and grown-ups, too!) can experience being a Revolutionary War soldier with Under Arms, a roughly 40-minute program that typically takes place daily at 11:25am. Falling in on the Palace Green, recruits of the Williamsburg Independent Company will be briefed on the current predicament before being marched to the Public Magazine for drills, training in the manual exercise., and an inspection by Captain James Innes. 

10. 

11. Shopping

Colonial kids didn't need video games to be entertained, and yours don't, either—right? Find out by bringing them to the William Pitt Store, which is chock full of old-school wooden games, instruments, dolls, tea seats, and more. The outdoor Market House is another fun place for 18th Century toys, hats, and trinkets. And if you're looking for more modern goods, check out the clothing and specialty shops in Merchants Square. 

Best Colonial Williamsburg Restaurants for Families

12. Aromas Coffeehouse Bakeshop & Cafe

We loved this popular Merchants Square fast-casual breakfast spot so much, we went back the next morning! The massive breakfast sandwiches and coffee were to-die-for, and there were also yummy muffins, cookies, and other baked goodies. Aromas serves lunch and dinner too, with entrees such as sandwiches, salads, mac and cheese, and even fondue. Just beware: The line can get long, especially on weekends—we waited almost 45 minutes on a Saturday morning! 

13. Retro's Good Eats

This 1950s-style, fast-casual burger joint in Merchants Square was as fun as it was delicious! Retro's is known for its burgers and frozen custard, which my family can vouch for, but the menu also includes hot dogs, loads of sandwiches, chicken tenders, and lots more. Go hungry, leave full!

14. King's Arms Tavern 

If you want to experience a true colonial meal, head to this authentic reproduction of an 18th century tavern in Colonial Williamsburg's historic area. The menu features actual colonial recipes, such as cornish hens and crab croquettes, modified for modern palates. No worries—there's also a children's menu. My family enjoyed eating by candlelight, being served by costumed servers, and listening to musicians play period songs.  

15. The Cheese Shop

We didn't get to eat here, but countless people have sung its praises to me, and it's been featured in many outlets like the New York Times. Enjoy all sorts of cheeses from artisan cheese makers in the US and Europe, as well as sandwiches on freshly baked bread, charcuterie, and more. There's also a wine cellar. No wonder this place is legendary!

Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in and Near Colonial Williamsburg

16. Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection

We loved staying this 18th century-style hotel right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. We could easily walk to the historic area and Merchants Square, then back to the hotel when we needed a rest. The room had two queen beds and a queen sofa bed, so my family of five easily fit. There's also an indoor pool, two outdoor pools (a family pool and a tranquility pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants.

17. Kingsmill Resort

Kingsmill is a true oasis less than 15 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, a private beach on the James River, a playground, tennis courts, a gold course, a spa, and evening activities for families such as magic shows and movies. Accommodations range from private cottages where everyone can have their own bedroom to traditional hotel rooms. Kingsmill is also a stone's throw from Busch Gardens. 

18. Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

With more than 20 family resorts in North America, Great Wolf Lodge is a wonderland for kids and families. Enjoy a massive indoor water park, a magical scavenger hunt, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, gem mining, and so much more. Kids are gifted wolf ears at check-in and it's a wild, fun-filled adventure from there. Like Kingsmill Resort, Great Wolf Lodge is under 15 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. 

Things to Know Before You Go

Plan in advance, special activities, tavern dining reservations, and horse-drawn carriage rides fill up quickly! Make your reservations before you leave home or hit the Lumber Building as soon as you arrive.

Stay in one of the Colonial Williamsburg hotels. They aren’t just lovely and well-appointed they also provide a quick getaway if you need a break. Williamsburg Woodlands is the furthest away from the historic area at a 10-15 minute walk or shuttle bus the other lodging choices are much closer.