Inside: A list of top things to do near Williamsburg, VA, for families and kids.
Planning a trip to Williamsburg, VA with your crew?
Whether you’re into hands-on history, outdoor play, or splashy summer fun, there’s something nearby for everyone in the family. Here’s a handy guide to top attractions in Williamsburg, VA.
Jump to Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA
Historic Adventures That Make Learning Fun
Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown make up what’s known as Virginia’s Historic Triangle — and it’s one of the most educational (and fun!) places you can explore with kids. You’ll walk through colonial streets, climb aboard 1600s ships, and even see real archaeological digs in progress. Each location offers something unique, and together, they tell the story of how America began — in a way kids can see, touch, and experience firsthand.
Colonial Williamsburg
101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Walk through a full-scale 18th-century town where costumed interpreters teach trades, tell stories, and even stage musket drills! Kids can explore shops, meet farm animals, and experience what life was like in the early days of America.
Learn more about visiting Colonial Williamsburg with kids. We enjoyed all the highlights in a 1-day trip to Colonial Williamsburg.
Jamestown Settlement
2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Climb aboard full-size replica ships, wander a re-created Powhatan village, and chat with costumed educators who share life in the 1600s. There are hands-on exhibits inside, too, great for younger kids.
We visited the Jamestown Settlement and have all the details for you!
Historic Jamestowne (National Park Site)
1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081
Where it all really began! See live archaeological digs, original fort remains, and exhibits full of artifacts. Nature trails and river views make it a peaceful, educational visit.
Learn all about the National Park Site where the original fort was located: Historic Jamestowne,
Hands-On Museums & Learning Fun
History is great, but there’s a lot more to do in the Williamsburg area.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA 23669
Blast off into space science and aviation! There are flight simulators, a planetarium, real aircraft, and kid-friendly exhibits perfect for curious explorers.
Virginia Air & Space Center Website
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606
A favorite for families who love ships, pirates, and sea tales! Kids will love the model boats, touchscreens, and the USS Monitor Center — featuring raised portions of the Civil War ironclad. You’ll learn not only about the history of these ships, but also how they preserve the items pulled from the sea floor at the site of the ship wreck. Admission is only $1.
Find out more! Here’s our Kidding Around Review of the Mariners’ Museum
🐾 Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
Part zoo, part science center! You’ll see Virginia-native animals like red wolves, river otters, and bald eagles. Inside, check out dinosaur fossils, aquariums, and interactive displays.
Virginia Living Museum website
Outdoor Fun & Beaches
🏖️ Yorktown Beach
425 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690
Free, sandy, and just minutes from Williamsburg. Families can splash in calm waters, enjoy the fishing pier, grab ice cream nearby, or just relax along the scenic waterfront.
Want a traditional ocean beach?
- Head to Virginia Beach, about an hour away
- For a quieter option, check out Sandbridge Beach, about an hour and a half away
Capital Trail
Trailhead at 205 Bulifants Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Bike, walk, or stroller your way through this 50+ mile paved path that starts right in Williamsburg. It’s scenic, stroller-friendly, and great for burning off extra kid energy.
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (Departure Location)
A free car ferry across the James River that feels like an adventure all on its own. Bring snacks and wave to the birds as you cross!
Ferry Website
Racing, Zipping & Theme Park Fun
🏎️ Langley Speedway
11 Dale Lemonds Drive, Hampton, VA 23666
Fast-paced fun! This short track hosts local races with real cars and roaring engines. Bring ear protection for little ones — it gets loud! You can get the schedule of races happening at the speedway on the Langley Speedway website.
🎢 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Thrilling roller coasters, kid zones, animal encounters, and seasonal festivals make this theme park a full-day experience. There’s fun for toddlers to teens (and grown-ups, too!).
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
💦 Water Country USA
176 Water Country Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Virginia’s largest water park is a splash-tastic place to beat the heat. Enjoy family-sized raft rides, lazy rivers, wave pools, tons of slides, and shaded seating areas. Our favorite spots include the Hubba Hubba Highway lazy river and the Aquazoid Amped raft slide with lights. There’s also a huge splash zone just for little ones. Easy parking and stroller access make it a great all-day spot for families.
Water Country USA Website
🌲 Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
For big kids and brave parents, this treetop challenge course has rope bridges, ziplines, and outdoor fun. They also have smaller courses just right for younger adventurers.
Go Ape Website
🎉 Plan Your Family Adventure!
From cannon fire to wave pools and everything in between, Williamsburg, VA is packed with kid-approved experiences your family will love. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a full vacation, this list makes it easy to fill your itinerary with fun, low-stress activities.
🗺️ Bookmark this guide for your next Williamsburg trip — and let us know your favorite spot in the comments!
