A weekend at Colonial Williamsburg with kids

A trip to Colonial Williamsburg with kids is a fantastic family activity in Williamsburg, Virginia. It offers fun and educational opportunities for the whole family.

You can explore most main sites in a day, but I recommend spending a weekend at Colonial Williamsburg with kids to fully experience Virginia’s historic triangle.

Colonial Williamsburg is part of the Historic Triangle in Virginia and marks major events in the story of Colonial America. The Historic Triangle consists of five historic sites.

These include the first English settlement in Jamestown, Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown’s American Revolutionary War history and battlefield, and Colonial Williamsburg. It’s one of our favorite places for a weekend getaway from DC.

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Stay in a Colonial Williamsburg Resort

During our family weekend at Colonial Williamsburg VA, we stayed in a Colonial Williamsburg resort hotel located within the historic area.

The Griffin Hotel was the perfect place to stay since it’s an easy walking distance to the historic areas and far enough to have some quiet.

I recommend a stay here or at one of the other Colonial Williamsburg Resort hotels and colonial houses in Virginia.

Recommended Colonial Williamsburg Hotels:

How long to stay at Colonial Williamsburg 

You can easily spend one day in Colonial Williamsburg to see the main attractions like a visit to the Governor’s Palace and the Courthouse.

But for a more comprehensive visit with kids, plan at least a weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to explore the historic town and do additional activities like a visit to the Archaeology lab or firing a flintlock musket.

If you plan to visit all the sites in the Historic Triangle, including Jamestown and Yorktown, a one-week visit would be best.

You can purchase the Historic Triangle ticket which gives you unlimited admission to all the sites for up to 7 days!

READ NEXT: How to spend the day in Yorktown Virginia

Where to get tickets to Colonial Williamsburg

When visiting Colonial Williamsburg, you can purchase tickets at the Visitors Center or online, which I highly recommend.

• If you download the Colonial Williamsburg app, you can also purchase admission tickets, and make reservations for other activities as well.

• If you’re planning on visiting the other sites along the Colonial Parkway, I suggest purchasing America’s Historic Triangle ticket which gives you unlimited admission for up to seven days to these sites:

• All Colonial Williamsburg sites
• Jamestown Settlement
• Historic Jamestown
• Yorktown Battlefield
• Yorktown American Revolutionary Museum

• Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tickets: Tickets include admission to the newly expanded Art Museums collections. Purchase tickets here
• Single day tickets-$49.99 Adult/ $12.99 Youth (6-12)
• Multi-Day ticket (3 days)-$59.99 Adult/ $33.99 Youth (6-12)
• Williamsburg Residents unlimited pass-$19.99 Adult/ $9.99 Youth (6-12)
• Historic Triangle Tickets: $119.00 adults 16 and up / $53.00 ages 6-15
• FREE kids under 6

• MILITARY TICKETS:
• Free admission once annually for Active-duty Military, Reservists, National Guard Personnel, Retired military, veterans, and up to three direct dependents on either Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend.
• *Must present valid proof of service including military ID, honorable discharge paperwork, DD Form 214 
• Colonial Williamsburg also offers 25% off Single-day admission tickets, or 25% off Annual Passes for themselves and up to three direct dependents. (Tickets must be purchased at the ticket office)

Start at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center

On your visit to Colonial Williamsburg, your first stop should be at the Visitors Center.

This is where you can purchase tickets, and get information on the attractions, and current events. You can park there for free, and take the free shuttles into the historic areas.

Make sure to watch the orientation video to get a better idea of the history here, and visit the gift shops to purchase some souvenirs.

Restroom locations

• Wheelchair Accessible Restrooms:
• Art Museum
• Botetourt St. 
• Henry Street Shops
• Market House
• Governors Palace
• Visitors Center
• Not wheelchair-accessible restrooms:
• The Capitol
• Everard House
• Ticket Office 

*CLICK HERE FOR RESTROOM MAPS

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How to get around Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is a very walkable town, and can easily be explored on foot. When visiting with little ones, make sure to bring along a stroller as there will be lots of walking.

There are also free shuttles that take you around the area. The shuttles run from 9am-10pm daily and arrive at each stop about every 15 minutes.

You can also download the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app for downloadable maps, and other features to help with your visit.

Top things to do in Colonial Williamsburg with kids

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Colonial Williamsburg offers free entry to the grounds, including taverns and gift shops. However, a ticket is required to enter historic buildings and take part in certain experiences.

The site features reenactors who work, dress, and speak as they would have in colonial times, providing a truly immersive experience.

Visit the Governor’s Palace at Colonial Williamsburg

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Colonial Williamsburg is the Governor’s Palace.

The Governor’s Palace is a ticketed tour, and it was once the official residence of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Virginia.

It was also home to two of Virginia’s post-colonial governors, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson until the capital was moved to Richmond in 1780.

The Palace is reconstructed in its original site and is one of the two largest buildings in the area. We took a tour of the Palace and had an amazing time learning more about its history.

Visit the Governors Palace Gardens and Maze

At the end of your Governor’s Palace tour, make sure to stroll around the Palace Gardens.

This is one of the most picturesque places in Colonial Williamsburg with its beautiful and serene landscaped garden.

The kids will also love the garden maze, which is located just off the back of the gardens.

Don’t miss a visit here during the spring when the flowers are in bloom and during Colonial Williamsburg’s CW Lights evening garden illumination event.

READ NEXT: Best spring break ideas from DC

Immerse yourself in the history at Colonial Williamsburg

The best thing about a visit to Colonial Williamsburg with kids is the opportunity to immerse yourself in history.

There are so many family-friendly activities and tickets are required for most. Here is a list of a few, and you can also visit the website here for a list of more events at Colonial Williamsburg.

• Step back in time and observe the many different tradesmen as they share their craft, including a blacksmith, shoemaker, tailor, historic gardening, and more!

• Not only do they share their expertise with visitors, they also provide services to the historic area as well.

• One of the highlights was a visit to the kitchen and learning what the early colonial settlers ate, and how they cooked their meals on the fire, which was pretty interesting.

• Take part in some hands-on workshops and learn the 18th-century trades that include woodworking, bread making, embroidery, and more!

• Take a guided tour of the Capitol and learn more about the founding principles of our government. Tours are every 15 minutes and are open till 4:30pm.

• Take part in a court proceeding at the Courthouse and see how justice was served during colonial times. The Courthouse is open from 9am-4:30pm

• Take part in a public auction. You can bid on select items from the Colonial Williamsburg stores and other exclusive items.

• Listen to a discussion with our Nations Builders through stories, discussions, and questions. This event happens daily from about 11:45am-12:20pm and is located at the Charlton Stage.

• Go on a guided tour of the Colonial Williamsburg Archaeology Lab and see archaeological objects and hear about current excavations. Free reservations are required with limited space. Visit a ticket office or call Guest Services at (888) 965-7254. Check dates & times here.

• The Haunted Williamsburg candlelit walking tour takes you to some of the most haunted sites with costumed storytellers who share their spooky stories. This tour is suitable for ages 8 and up and cost $19.00 adults / $12 kid up to 12 and goes from 7-8pm

• There’s also a Ghost Walk Junior tour that’s suitable for kids 4 and up. This 45-minute interactive storytelling experience is fun for the whole family and costs $8 for all ages.

• Fire a Flintlock Musket! You can fire live rounds from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War. Must be age 14 or older to participate and must sign a waiver. Guests ages 14–17 must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult. Purchase tickets here.

Watch the march of the Fifes and Drums

One of our little ones’ favorite things to do at Colonial Williamsburg is watching the Fifes and Drums band as they march through Duke of Gloucester Street.

The sounds of the drum beating will stop you in your tracks, and it’s such a cool experience!

One interesting fact I learned was that during the 18th century, military field music acted as a melodic communication system that ordered the soldiers and sent vital communications through the chaos of battle.

Go on a horse-drawn carriage ride

One of the best things to do in Colonial Williamsburg with kids is a horse-drawn carriage ride around the town. It’s one of the best ways to explore the sights of this living history museum.

• You can purchase carriage ride tickets at the Visitors Center, or the Lumber House ticket office, but make sure to reserve them early in the day as they do sell out quickly.

• Tickets cost $67, but you can get a $15 discount with a current admission ticket or annual pass.

Visit Merchant Square at Colonial Williamsburg

Don’t forget to visit the nearby Merchants Square, which is an interpretation of an 18th-century style retail village in Colonial Williamsburg.

There are many dining options here, and lots of shopping opportunities at one of the many local boutiques. Some of our favorite restaurants here are:

• DoG Street Pub for craft beers and British-inspired comfort foods
• Blackbird Bakery for its assortment of baked goods, buttery croissants and giant oatmeal cookies.
• Kilwins Chocolates and Ice cream shop
• Blue Talon Bistro for their French inspired bistro
• Mellow Mushroom for their amazing pizzas
• The Cheese Shop for their specialty cheese, sandwiches, freshly baked breads and wine.

Dine at a historic Tavern

Another must-do when visiting Colonial Williamsburg is to eat at one of the historic taverns for a historically-inspired family meal. There are a few to choose from including:

• The Chowning Tavern for colonial inspired pub fare
• Kings Arm Tavern for a Colonial chophouse menu
• Shields Tavern for dishes and spices from the far corners of the new world

Visit the William and Mary College Campus 

When visiting Colonial Williamsburg, don’t miss a visit to the historic William and Mary College.

The college was founded in 1693 and is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the US, after Harvard University.

Another cool fact about this college is that some of America’s first presidents went to school here, including Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.

Take a stroll along the campus grounds and make sure to visit the Wren Building. There is a free self-guided tour in one of the oldest college buildings still in use today which was built in 1695.

The Mary and William campus is located just a short walk from Merchant Square, and it’s worth a visit!

READ NEXT: A visit to Jamestown Virginia with kids

Visit Colonial Williamsburg in all seasons

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Christmas at Colonial Williamsburg

A visit to Colonial Williamsburg at any season is amazing, but when you visit at Christmas time, the whole place gets even more festive with natural holiday decor and so many fun activities.

One thing to look forward to during the holidays at Colonial Williamsburg is ice skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion.

Bring your skates or rent some, it’s fun for the whole family and you can purchase some hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies to warm up at the nearby snack shop.

Halloween at Colonial Williamsburg

A visit to Colonial Williamsburg in the fall is so much fun, especially during their annual trick-or-treating event.

The Haunting on DoG Street Halloween event is always a hit with our little one.

We loved trick-or-treating along the historic Duke of Gloucester Street and filling our bags with candy!

The Halloween event also features a fun dance party, actors dressed in fun costumes, and some fun entertainment for the whole family. (THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED)

READ MORE: Haunting on DoG Street at Colonial Williamsburg

Summers at Colonial Williamsburg

Summer is a great time to visit Colonial Williamsburg with all the fun outdoor events to look forward to including:

• Farmers Market: From April to November, merchants square hosts a weekly farmers market every Saturday from 8am to noon. Locally sourced produce, pasture-raised meats, fresh cut flowers, handmade soaps, homemade pastries, and more! 

• Spend the 4th of July at Colonial Williamsburg: Watch the fireworks over the Governors Palace for the Lights of Freedom on July 4th! You can also enjoy a day of patriotic festivities, including public readings of the Declaration of Independence, and musical performances!

• 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival: Another fun event at Colonial Williamsburg to look forward to is the Art & Music Festival held on the 2nd Sundays of every month (except Jan. & Feb.) from 11am-5pm. This street festival features more than 100 artisans, musicians, and food vendors along the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.

Spring at Colonial Williamsburg

One of our favorite times at Colonial Williamsburg is during the spring when the tulips and wisterias are in bloom.

The gardens are just so enchanting in springtime, and you can’t miss the frolicking lambs, which are so cute! There are so many pretty spring gardens to explore and they’re all free to visit!

Make sure to visit the website and check out the events schedule to plan your visit, there’s always something fun going on at Colonial Williamsburg.

One event to look forward to is the CW Lights Magical Glow Event when the Palace Gardens are illuminated!

 If you haven’t visited the area yet, then you should plan that weekend getaway to Williamsburg VA. There are so many fun attractions in the area for the whole family.

You can also take the kids to the nearby Busch Gardens theme park, or stay at Great Wolf Lodge for some fun family-friendly accommodations.

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