Family-Friendly Adventures in Williamsburg, Virginia!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Why Visit?

Welcome to an unforgettable day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a European-themed park with thrilling rides, captivating shows, and enriching cultural experiences!

Morning

Start your adventure early by arriving at the park before it opens—typically 10 AM. Parking is plentiful, and tram services from the lot to the entrance make it easy for families with kids.

Begin in England. Enjoy a delightful ride on the Busch Gardens Railway, a charming introduction that offers a glimpse of the park layout and the day ahead. It’s a relaxing way to see the park without walking too much early on.

Next, head to Sesame Street Forest of Fun. This area is perfect for younger kids, featuring family-friendly rides and opportunities to meet beloved characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster.

Midday

By now, you might be ready for lunch. Grab a bite at Das Festhaus in the Germany section, known for its live shows and authentic German cuisine—plus, it"s air-conditioned!

After lunch, explore Land of the Dragons, a beautifully themed children"s area. Don"t miss the Dragon"s Tale Theater, hosting enchanting puppet shows.

Afternoon

As the day heats up, cool off on the water rides in the Italy section, like Escape from Pompeii, a thrilling boat ride with surprising volcanic effects.

For a mix of thrill and ease, ride the classic Griffon coaster in the France section—fun for teens and daring family members. It’s one of the tallest and first floorless dive coasters in the world!

Evening

As the day winds down, stroll through New France for a quieter, scenic ending. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and grab dinner with views of the park"s natural beauty.

Cap off your day with a show at the Royal Palace Theatre in France, offering spectacular performances that change seasonally.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is not just an amusement park but a journey through the charm and history of Europe, with something delightful at every corner for families to enjoy together!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Yorktown Battlefield

Why Visit?

Welcome to Yorktown Battlefield, the pivotal site of the American Revolutionary War"s decisive battle in 1781. Located in historic Yorktown, Virginia, this tour offers an enrichable experience steeped in history and adventure for the entire family.

Morning Arrival: Begin your visit at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, easily accessible via Colonial Parkway. Arrive early (opens at 9 AM) to beat the crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures. Start with a viewing of the introductory film "The Siege at Yorktown" to give everyone a solid background of the events that unfolded here.

Touring the Battlefield: After the film, join a guided tour led by a National Park Service Ranger. These tours typically last about 30 to 40 minutes and provide fascinating insights into the strategies and hardships of the siege. As you walk through the battlefield, visit key spots like the British defenses, the Grand French Battery, and the Surrender Field. Keep an eye out for historical reenactments – a thrilling spectacle for kids and adults alike!

Interactive Exhibits: Head back to the Visitor Center and explore interactive exhibits. Children can engage with the tactile displays and try on period costumes, which makes for great photo opportunities. Don"t miss the original tents used by General George Washington during the siege.

Picnic Lunch: Pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic at one of the designated areas overlooking the York River. It"s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the views.

End the Day at the Waterfront: Conclude your visit with a stroll to the nearby Yorktown Beach. It’s a short drive down Water Street, where you can unwind and reflect on the day"s historical adventures.

Interesting Fact: The Yorktown Victory Monument, erected to commemorate the American-French victory, stands majestically over the town and is visible from many points during your tour.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of Yorktown Battlefield, ensuring a memorable trip for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Jamestown Settlement

Why Visit?

Day 1: Exploring Jamestown Settlement

Morning: Arrival and Orientation

Start your day early at Jamestown Settlement, located at 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA. Parking is free, and the site is well-signposted. Begin at the Visitor Center to grab maps and check the day’s event schedule. Don’t miss the introductory film, “1607: A Nation Takes Root,” which provides a 20-minute historical overview perfect for all ages.

Midday: Powhatan Indian Village

Explore the re-created Powhatan Indian Village where costumed interpreters demonstrate activities such as cooking, tool production, and basket weaving. Kids can try their hands at grinding corn or shaping pottery, learning through tactile experiences how the Powhatan lived.

Afternoon: Ships and James Fort

Head to the riverfront to board replicas of the three ships that brought English colonists to Virginia in 1607: Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. Discover how sailors lived during their voyage to the New World. Next, visit the James Fort replica to see musket firing demonstrations and armor displays. Children can participate in military drills, giving them a firsthand experience of colonial militia training.

Late Afternoon: Museums and Films

Wrap up your visit at the expansive museum galleries. Interactive exhibits and personal stories of the settlers provide insights into the early struggles and triumphs of the colony. Check out the special children’s museum areas designed with engaging, hands-on activities.

Day 2: Historical Lectures and Seasonal Events

Plan a return trip or extend your day to enjoy themed lectures and seasonal events such as military reenactments or traditional cooking demonstrations, which vary by season. Check the Jamestown Settlement"s official website for the latest schedule and special family-friendly events that could be a delightful surprise to your itinerary!

This educational yet fun-filled itinerary ensures that every family member will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of America"s early history, making your visit to Jamestown Settlement a memorable journey through time.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Colonial Williamsburg

Why Visit?

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Colonial Williamsburg

Start your adventure at the Visitor Center where you can purchase tickets and grab a map. Opt for the multi-day pass to enjoy all the attractions at your leisure. Take the shuttle or enjoy a scenic walk to the Historic Area.

First stop, the Governor"s Palace, a stunning example of colonial grandeur and power. Join a guided tour to learn about the governors who resided here and explore the beautiful gardens.

Next, stroll over to the Capitol at the east end of Duke of Gloucester Street. Here, families can delve into early American government where pivotal decisions were made. Participate in a mock trial in the colonial courtrooms to engage kids with history in an interactive way.

For lunch, head to Chowning"s Tavern for some authentic 18th-century recipes.

In the afternoon, visit the Blacksmith Shop and Cooper"s Yard, where kids can witness live demonstrations of colonial crafts.

End your day at the Raleigh Tavern, where important historical figures once discussed revolutionary ideas.

Day 2: Hands-On History and More

Begin at the Bruton Parish Church, an active place of worship since 1715 and a great testament to the enduring community spirit of the era.

Afterwards, visit the Peyton Randolph House, one of the most haunted sites in Williamsburg, offering spooky tales for thrill-seeking kids.

Spend your afternoon at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Engage with kid-friendly exhibits and participate in hands-on activities.

Finish your visit with a special dinner at King"s Arms Tavern, where servers in period costumes serve dishes inspired by America"s colonial past.

Throughout your visit, engage with the costumed interpreters; their stories breathe life into history, making it a memorable experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through history with your family at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a perfect blend of educational fun and interactive experiences that bring the past to life.

Morning: Arrival and Orientation

Start your day by arriving early at the museum, which is conveniently located in Yorktown, Virginia. If you"re coming from Williamsburg, it’s a short 15-minute drive via the Colonial Parkway, a scenic route that itself offers views of historical landscapes. Upon arrival, grab a map and check the schedule for any special events or demonstrations.

Mid-Morning: Museum Galleries

Dive into the museum"s expansive indoor galleries. Start with the introductory film, “Liberty Fever,” which narrates the stories of ordinary people who lived during the Revolution. As you move through the exhibits, engage with the interactive displays that explain the Declaration of Independence and the fundamental concepts of democracy. Kids will love the tactile experiences like touching a replica of a Continental soldier’s musket or trying on period-appropriate clothing.

Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch at the museum"s café, which offers kid-friendly options alongside selections that reflect historical recipes. If the weather is nice, consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the museum grounds.

Afternoon: Outdoor Living History

After lunch, step outside into the re-created Continental Army encampment where historical interpreters dressed as soldiers demonstrate daily military life. Watch musket and artillery firing demonstrations, and learn about the medical practices of the 18th century. Next, explore the Revolution-era farm, complete with a house, kitchen, tobacco barn, and crop fields, showing how civilians supported the war effort.

Late Afternoon: Hands-on Activities

Before leaving, participate in hands-on activities often available in the afternoon. These may include military drills, historical games, or craft-making sessions, providing kids a hands-on taste of 18th-century life.

Departure

Conclude your visit at the gift shop, where educational toys and books make perfect souvenirs to remember your day at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.