Jamestown Settlement and Colonial National Historical Park

July 8, 2021 By

While visiting Colonial Williamsburg with kids, definitely budget half a day to visit Jamestown. Learning about this first viable settlement of Virginia rounds out the historical understanding of the area (the residents of Jamestown later migrated 10 miles to settle Williamsburg).

jamestown-with-kids

Jamestown is divided into two sections: the Historic Jamestowne Colonial National Historical Park is the National Park property, and features the archeological dig site of the actual Jamestown fort. The Jamestown Settlement is run separately, and features recreations of the colonists’ fort, a Powhatan village, and replicas of the three ships used by the Jamestown colonists. It also houses one of the most impressive museums in the area. Which to do? Both!

Start with the Jamestown Settlement:

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We recommend starting here, watching the 30 minute film, and touring through the massive indoor museum first. Yes, even in the heat. Why? The museum gives families an excellent overview of the time period (both in the colonies and in England and Africa), and really helps kids know what they’re about to see outside. The museum follows the journey of the Jamestown colonists, and then continues chronologically all the way through the 1690’s, when Jamestown gave way to Williamsburg as a the main settlement.

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Then head outside: here you’ll find the fort, Powhatan village, and ships, all with interpreters in period costume ready to answer questions and demonstrate 17th century skills. This living history tableau rivals those in Williamsburg, with scheduled programs and impromptu conversations. We especially loved the canon firing demonstration and learning about the various levels of period dress.

jamestown-with-kids

In total, budget at least three hours for the Settlement. Picnic food is permitted in the picnic area out front (just show your museum map to regain entry) and there’s also a cafe on-site.

Admission:
Tickets are $16 for adults and $7.50 for kids 6-12. Separate admission is required at the national park site. It’s also possible to buy Historical Triangle tickets at Williamsburg that allows entry into both Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement.

Then head to Historic Jamestowne to see the dig sites:

jamestown-dig-site

This section of Jamestown is located approximately one mile away (clearly marked) and is a national park site. This is where Jamestown actually stood, discovered by archeological dig only 20 years ago. There’s a good museum here too, but if you’ve toured the Settlement museum, you may wish to skip this to head out along the boardwalk to the fort site. Here, kids can talk to working archeologists who are currently excavating the site, and see original brickwork and artifacts emerging. The site is right on the James River, and very interesting. We are only stayed one hour, but are very glad we included it in our day.

Admission: Adults are $14 and kids are free (15 and under). Pass holders are $5.

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Twenty minutes from I-64.

Directions:

Both sites are approximately 10 minutes from Williamsburg. Follow signs along the Colonial Parkway from the Williamsburg Visitor’s Center.

American Colonial and Revolutionary History Road Trip

July 20, 2020 By

Touring Boston, Philadelphia, and Virginia with kids!

Looking for a ready-made American history road trip itinerary? We’ve got it! This itinerary starts in Boston, MA and ends in Williamsburg, Virginia, and hit highlights of American colonial and Revolutionary history. Civil War history can be added, as well!

paul-revere-freedom trail

Days 1-3:

Start your trip in historic Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail, visit Faneuil Hall, and see Old Ironsides. Older kids will love seeing Paul Revere’s house and the historic cemetery.

Where to stay: be part of history when sleeping in the Custom House building, which is now operated by Marriott Vacation Club.

Days 4-6:

Drive down the Eastern Seaboard to Philadelphia to continue your Revolutionary history. In Philly, see where America began in Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Tour the Constitution Center, see the Liberty Bell, and visit the site of Ben Franklin’s home and offices.

Where to stay: Hotel Monaco Philly is located directly across the street from Independence Hall. Need we say more? 

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Day 7:

Head out of Philly and stop at Valley Forge, PA. Spend half a day on the self-guided auto tour of Washington’s winter camp, including his officer’s quarters and many bunkhouses of enlisted men. In the afternoon, drive either to Gettysburg, PA to learn about the Civil War battle (plan to stay two days), or take the long road trip down to Williamsburg, VA.

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Day 8-10:

Spend three days touring Colonial Revolutionary City in Williamsburg, VA. Take the time to visit the various shops and tradesmen, eat in the pubs, and book an evening tour or two. Definitely walk from the Visitor’s Center to Great Hopes Plantation, and play RevQuest if you have older kids or teens.

Where to stay: Williamsburg Woodlands is within walking and shuttle distance of Revolutionary City, plus includes a splash play area, mini golf, and a pool. 

Day 11:

Devote one full day to touring Jamestown, VA. Located adjacent to Williamsburg, this original site of the Jamestown Settlement has two parts: the original national historic site, where kids can see ongoing excavation in progress, and the recreated historic settlement and fort. Take time to tour the museum as well!

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If there’s time, round out your historic road trip with a visit to Washington DC to see the actual Declaration of Independence and the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner.

A family trip through historic Virginia

April 10, 2015 By

Located in the South Atlantic region of the United States, Virginia offers a wealth of American history and heritage that will fascinate as well as educate, making it an ideal location for a family outing. Also known as the “Old Dominion” and “Mother of Presidents”, Virginia’s nicknames result from an historic association with the British as a dominion of the English Crown and from the fact that it is the birthplace of a substantial number of presidents of the US, respectively.

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Origins and early beginnings

Several indigenous groups of Native Americans first inhabited the area, including the Algonquian and Powhatan peoples. The Powhatan eventually became the lead influence for a number of tribes that collaborated in order to protect trade networks. As early as the sixteenth century, Western influences began, with expeditions to Chesapeake Bay by Spanish Jesuits. Many historians have speculated that the name Virginia came from the first exploration by Walter Raleigh in 1584, sanctioned by Elizabeth I of England, who was known as the “Virgin Queen.”

Today, you can retrace some of the fascinating key developments in Virginia’s history, particularly relating to the colonial period from 1607 to 1776, through visiting the family-friendly attractions that bring the heritage alive. Here are a few of the significant attractions you should be sure to look out for:

Famous sites and hidden gems

Old Town in Alexandria was home to the nation’s early leaders, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who strolled its streets and were known to enjoy supping at Gadsby’s Tavern. The inn first opened in 1749 and today you can still dine here and enjoy a selection of early American menu options, including glazed duckling, said to be Washington’s preferred dish.

Besides eating out, visitors can also visit a small museum in two adjacent buildings, with varied exhibits including a portrait of Englishman John Gadsby, the founder of the tavern. It may be worth reminding the kids that Lieutenant-Colonel George Washington (as he was then) was an important and loyal soldier and that he led the Virginia Regiment on behalf of the British during the French and Indian War, which finally became part of the famous Seven Years’ War from 1756 to 1763.

Charlottesville has the distinction of being hometown to two US presidents – Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, while another president, James Madison, came from nearby Orange in Orange County. You and your family will join about half a million annual visitors if you decide to take the opportunity to view Jefferson’s mountaintop home, Monticello, which is a UNESCO heritage site, as is the nearby University of Virginia.

Despite being relatively small, there are an impressive number of popular tourist events for visitors to the area, including entertainment at one of the four large venues, hot air ballooning and hiking, to name a few.

Fredericksburg was the boyhood home of George Washington and James Monroe, who also lived here before moving to Charlottesville. Almost a generation later in 1807, Robert E. Lee, the great Confederate leader, was born close by at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County. Fredericksburg has more significant battlefields than any other Virginian town and in just one day, you can visit the battlefields in the town, as well as at Chancellorsville and the Wilderness.

mt vernon gardens

Mount Vernon was home to George Washington in between his military and presidential duties. He resided at a plantation some eight miles south of Alexandria. Today you can take the family to see one of the most visited historic homes in the US at Mount Vernon, which has been completely restored to replicate Washington’s Georgian mansion. Enjoy viewing George’s dressing table and the china tea service belonging to Martha. Extensive additional visitor facilities are also nearby – a treat not to be missed.

Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown offer what must be the finest examples of colonial America, in terms of architecture and (in museum settings) furniture. Known as the Historic Triangle, Williamsburg alone boasts a multitude of famous buildings to explore, include 88 dating from the eighteenth century. You can check out the workplace of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, the Governor’s Palace, the former home of John D. Rockefeller Jr., Bassett Hall and the King’s Arms Tavern, where the Revolution’s most important people were known to eat and drink. If you’re a fan of social media, check out Outdoor Traveler on Twitter you’ll find information on their Williamsburg resort among others and links to book excursions in and around Virginia.

It seems that no matter where in Virginia you choose to go, you will find a warm Virginian welcome and a taste of colonial history and heritage that you simply won’t find elsewhere. Enjoy a great family trip through the Old Dominion.

Washington DC with kids: Touring Mount Vernon

October 3, 2014 By

While you’re in Washington DC with kids, a stop en route to the city (or on your way out) at Mt. Vernon is definitely worth your time. We visited Mt. Vernon on our way into DC at the start of our trip, and spent approximately three hours. It’s definitely possible to spend more time.

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Travel tip: If you’ll be pairing your Washington DC itinerary with some time at the beach, consider a Virginia Beach vacation rental. Kids can have some downtime on the shore after studying history!

George Washington’s Mount Vernon includes a state-of-the-art museum, beautiful grounds, a working farm with animals, Potomac River access, outbuildings and living history events, and of course, the mansion where Washington lived and died.

Tickets include entry to all of it. We started with the 20-minute film depicting the highlights of Washington’s life, then proceeded to the grounds where we had a guided tour of the house via timed entry. We visited during a busy summer day, so we did wait in lines, even though we’d purchased our tickets online in advance. (The timed entry marks the time to get in line for the house tour, not the time you’l actually go in.) Bring plenty of water, as you’ll be waiting in the sun.

mt vernon gardens

The tour of the house takes about 25 minutes to go through, and shows Washington’s formal entertaining rooms, dining room, personal study, and several bedrooms, including the one he shared with Martha Washington and died in. You’re deposited outside, where you can tour the outbuildings on your own. During our visit, a team of university students were actively excavating an area behind the house, trying to find the site of the original well and other structures. It was nice to talk to them about their findings.

washington-dc-with-kids

We toured the stables, smokehouse, and kitchens, then the final resting place of Washington and slave memorial (Washington owned many slaves). There’s a wooded trail to a slave cabin that I remember being very interesting from a previous visit, but the day we were at Mt. Vernon, it was too hot to make the trek. The farm (adjacent to the grounds) is also a good place to go when the weather cooperates. During our visit, baby pigs had just been born, and young sheep jumped in the pastures.

washington-dc-with-kids

We saved the museum for last, relishing the air conditioning after so much time outside. Allow at least an hour for this space: there’s a lot to see about Washington’s life and American Revolution history. If you have young kids, look for the children’s activity room run by museum staff about halfway through the museum. They have daily crafts kids can do if they need a break.

potomac-river

Date last visited:

July 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Not far from I-95.

Admission:

Adults are $17 (12 and up), and kids are $8 (7-11). Under seven is free. When buying tickets online (recommended in summer to avoid long waits), select your tour time.

Hours of operation:

8 am to 5 pm, or 9 am to 4 pm, depending on the season. Open 365 days per year.

Dining:

Mt. Vernon has a food court, and the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, which serves Colonial style food. We packed a picnic, and ate it on the grounds before realizing we weren’t supposed to bring in outside food. If picnicking, eat before you head inside.

Directions:

The estate is located 15 miles from the city, at 3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway. Follow the parkway out from Alexandria.

This post written in partnership with VacationRoost.com.

Shenandoah National Park: Nicholson Hollow hike

September 8, 2014 By

Shenandoah National Park is massive, and popular Skyline Drive necessities many hours in and out of the car. Everyone knows Old Rag Mountain offers one of the best day hikes on the East Coast, but it takes most of a day and is very strenuous…not the right fit for every itinerary or every family. However, few people know about the much shorter, much more kid-friendly hike of Nicholson Hollow, accessed right from Old Rag Mountain parking lot.

nicholson-hollow-hike

We got the inside scoop on Nicholson Hollow from the staff at Belle Meade Farm in nearby Sperryville. Instead of the tough uphill mileage of Old Rag Mountain, Nicholson Hollow follows a wide creek through the woods at a modest incline. It’s in shade, and during our June visit, the bugs weren’t bad. The trail starts 1/2 mile from the Old Rag Mountain parking lot (you follow the paved road to the sign post), then at 1.5 miles, you see a large boulder by the creek. Here, a great swimming hole spills from a short waterfall. The depth during our visit was enough for jumping off the big rock and others in the vicinity. If you continue up the trail, it leaves the creek and continues to a Y, where more trails convene. Go as far (or short) as you like.

old-rag-mountain

The first half mile of the trail is on private property; it’s fine to hike it, but remember there is no fishing allowed in this section. After that, you enter Shenandoah National Park.

Where to stay: Shenandoah National Park cuts a long path through Virginia. In order to be centrally located, it’s good to have a home base in the countryside surrounding it. Check out these options from VacationRoost.

Entrance Fee:

You will need to pay the national park entrance fee at the kiosk at the parking lot. The fee is $14 per car, or $8 per adult (kids are free).

Directions:

The Old Rag Mountain parking lot can be accessed from the Thorton Gap park entrance of Shenandoah National Park, or from the county road access off F.T. Valley Road outside Sperryville (follow signage). From the parking lot, walk up the paved road 1/2 mile to the Nicholson Hollow sign.

Disclosure: this post written in conjunction with partner VacationRoost.com.

Virginia farm stay with kids: Belle Meade Farm

September 5, 2014 By

We’d planned to tour Shenandoah National Park on our full day in Western Virginia; instead, on a sunny Monday in June, I found myself lazying on the dock of the inviting pond at Belle Meade Farm, the kids practicing their high dive from one of the pond’s wooden platforms. Earlier, we’d followed the advice of Belle Meade’s resident chef and explored a little-known trail at the base of Old Rag Mountain, leading to inviting swimming holes, and were now well-settled into a routine of swimming, canoeing, and reading. We’d made the right call.

virginia-farm-stay

Belle Meade Farm’s bed & breakfast focuses on sustainable living, hospitality, and farm life, and offers four rooms (with varied occupancy) on its 138 acres adjacent to Shenandoah National Park. For a Virginia farm stay with kids, it can’t be beat. The property plays host to streams, meadows, incredible views, and a holistic farm housing pigs, horses, cattle, and chickens. Guests can use the outdoor spaces, including a large outdoor pool and hot tub, patio, deck overlooking Old Rag Mountain, and a cozy living room and dining room. Owners Mike and Susan can point families in the direction of local activities and destinations, or direct kids to the on-site swimming pond with floating docks, diving platforms, a rope swing, and canoes. Yes, it’s heaven.

belle-meade-farm

We visited during the middle of a long tour of the East Coast between visiting historic Williamsburg and Washington DC. A stop at a farm stay with Susan and Mike was just the break we all needed to rewind, regroup, and relax before tackling more city life and history.

Farm stay component:

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belle-meade-farm-animals

belle-meade-farm

Like all farm stay destinations we review, Belle Meade is a working farm. We love getting involved, helping with chores and caring for livestock. However, like all farm stays, the amount of ‘work’ we do depends solely on what’s needed at the time, and at the farm owners’ discretion. During our stay at Belle Meade, the kids collected eggs, helped put the animals ‘to bed’ at night, and fed the pigs, rabbits, and horses. However, what’s on offer during another families’ stay may vary. I always remind my kids prior to any farm stay that ‘we’ll see’ what’s needed. Mike was generous with his time, and great about letting us know when an opportunity to help was at hand.

virginia-farm-stay

Bed and breakfast:

Think a B&B can’t be for kids? Well, sometimes (and some places) that’s true, but not at Belle Meade. Kids are welcome, but as with any B&B, I only recommend bringing kids who are old enough to be respectful of other guests. During our stay, we enjoyed the company of two other couples, so we certainly weren’t solo at the farm. A stay at Belle Meade includes a full cooked breakfast, made by talented chef Anna (who lives on-site). Anna inquired about any allergies or preferences, then surprised us each morning with a feast (many of the ingredients directly from the farm or locally sourced). Each morning, breakfast was fantastic.

belle-meade-bed-and-breakfast

Room amenities:

Each room at Belle Meade is different. We had a group of four (one teen, two kids, and one adult) and had two rooms. Rooms have modern, new bathrooms with showers and tubs, and comfortable beds with wonderful views out the windows. We brought a cooler for our lunch and snack foods, and the kitchen was able to keep us supplied with ice. We brought our own drinks, and eat dinner in town (the staff has great recommendations).

belle-meade-farm

What to do nearby:

As noted above, Belle Meade is located close to Shenandoah National Park. We drove to the Old Rag Mountain trailhead in 10 minutes (where there’s a small kiosk to pay park admission), and the larger entrance at Thorton Gap is only 20 minutes away. Ask about kid-friendly hikes nearby, or try Skyline Drive in the park. Families able to bring bikes can meander along the country roads, and dining choices are abundant in the nearby towns. For a casual meal, we recommend Burgers ‘N Things in Sperryville. Their burgers, fries, and shakes are great!

belle-meade-farm

virginia-farm-stay

Note: Belle Meade is far more than just a farm: it’s an educational community. In addition to teaching B&B guests about sustainable farming by example, it also runs a school, day camp, and many retreats and events. If you visit during the summer, expect day camp kids to be on the farm during weekdays. Beware: your kids will want to join in the fun!

More things to do in Virginia!

belle-meade-pool

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Belle Meade is located within easy driving distance of I-66 or I-15.

Rates:

Room rates (for single or double) range from $160-$220 night, and include breakfast. Rates may vary.

Directions:

The farm is located at 353 F.T. Valley Road, Sperryville Virginia. Follow directions listed on the website.

As disclosed whenever applicable, we experienced Belle Meade Farm as guests of Mike and Susan. Without their hospitality, we’d be unable to bring farm stay reviews like this one to Pit Stops for Kids. All opinions are our own.

Williamsburg Woodlands: where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

September 1, 2014 By

So, you’ve planned your Williamsburg itinerary with kids, but don’t know where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg with kids? Official hotels of Colonial Williamsburg include options ranging from the luxury Williamsburg Inn to Colonial houses for rent, to family-focused hotel rooms. We found the perfect middle-ground for our family at Williamsburg Woodlands. This hotel is located directly adjacent to the Visitor’s Center, is within walking distance of Revolutionary City, and offers free parking, a deluxe free breakfast, and lots of included amenities and programs.

pool-at-woodlands-hotel

Room amenities:

We booked two standard rooms for our group of six. We had two queen beds and a pull out single bed (it comes out of a plush chair). The rooms were not overly large, but did include a shower with tub, separate vanity/sink area, and a mini fridge. Rooms are up-to-date, comfortable, and quiet. Wifi is available in all rooms at no charge.

mini-golf-at-woodlands

Hotel amenities:

Ready for the #1 reason we love the Woodlands? Free mini golf. This 18-hole course is set in their wooded area, and was our go-to evening activity. My kids love mini golf! The #2 reason: the outdoor pool. We just missed the opening of the new pirate themed splash park, but that will be open as of July 2014, next to the large pool.

breakfast-at-woodlands

The Woodlands also offers kids’ activities every evening starting at 5 pm. Activities range from face painting or crafts in the early hours to reenactments and historical activities in the later evening, at 7:30. Our first night, we took part in a military drill circa 1775.

woodlands-hotel

There is dining on-site: the Huzzah BBQ restaurant is a great option with family-friendly fare, many gluten-free options, and carry-out pizza. If you time your dinner right, you can sit outside on the patio around 7 pm and watch (or participate in) the 7:30 historical activities for the kids.

The hotel also has a small exercise room (it was adequate, but with only a few machines, could get crowded at key times) and coin-operated laundry facilities. Families can purchase Williamsburg tickets right on-site, or the walk to the Visitor’s Center is one minute.

woodlands-hotel

Transportation:

With your room key, you get free shuttle transportation to Colonial Williamsburg (the stop is at the Visitor’s Center). We used this option when our feet were tired after a long day! There’s also a walking path to the city, which takes about 25 minutes, and takes you right past the Great Hopes Plantation (a must!).

 

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Just off I-64 in Williamsburg, VA.

Rates:

At the time of our (summer) visit, room rates started at $160 for a standard room. Rates are, of course, seasonal. Look for family-friendly packages: 3-4 night stay, play, and eat free packages start at $159!

Directions:

The hotel is located at 105 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA.

Colonial Williamsburg with kids: two-day Revolutionary City itinerary

August 29, 2014 By

There’s so much to do in Colonial Williamsburg with kids, prep work ahead of time is definitely essential. Luckily, planning a Williamsburg vacation is very user-friendly. It’s been called the ‘Disney of history buffs’, and I do see the similarity. Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City has a lot going on…at all times. Prepare for sensory overload!

colonial-williamsburg-with-kids

Like Disney, Williamsburg cannot be done in a day…at least not in our opinion. And like many destinations, Williamsburg is what you make of it. Come ready to participate and be open to its many opportunities. Families will want to stay ‘on-site’, and purchase two-day tickets to the city. Here’s how we do it:

Pre-trip prep:

revolutionary-city-with-kids

Ahead of time, book your hotel reservations and tickets to any programs or tours you want to participate in beyond what’s offered in the daily admission. We recommend staying at an official Williamsburg hotel; if you have a reservation number (or room card, once on-site) you save considerably on Revolutionary City tickets and other programs.

williamsburg-with-kids

Where to stay: Williamsburg official hotels range from luxury to colonial cottages to family-focused hotel rooms. We loved staying at The Woodlands, which is located directly adjacent to the visitor’s center and right on the walking path to Revolutionary City. The shuttle bus stops nearby as well. The Woodlands offers upscale rooms, and lots of included amenities, such as a pool, mini golf, free parking, and a deluxe free breakfast.

williamsburg-with-kids

Day 1:
With your Revolutionary City passes in-hand (buy the evening before or morning of, in the visitor’s center), head into Colonial Williamsburg. Don’t plan an itinerary for this day. I can’t believe I’m advising this, but trust me: the magic of Williamsburg lies in the reenactments, living history characters, and impromptu moments. Sticking to an exact itinerary limits your ability to be spontaneous. When we kept our plans open, we were able to linger a full hour participating in the storming of the Governor’s Palace and later make an unplanned stop at the bakery. Later, the kids played a Colonial stickball game in the streets with costumed characters, and we had a lively debate about the idea of a Constitution with a tradesman of the middling class. Keep yourself free to go where you feel led.

williamburg-with-kids

Walk Duke of Glouchester Street and adjacent blocks and stop at the various living history exhibits, pausing for programs as desired. Among our favorites: the Brickyard, where kids can stomp through the muddy clay; the Milliner, and the Military Encampment, where kids can be treated like newly enlisted soldiers (for better or for worse!). We also loved the 30 minute tour of the Governor’s Palace (be sure to try the maze in the self-guided portion at the end) and Great Hopes Plantation, located at the edge of the city on the walk in from The Woodlands or the Visitor’s Center. At the plantation, kids learn about rural living and the life of slaves. Everywhere you go, ‘citizen’s of the city are in costume (and in character). Ask them questions, and they’ll give answers relevant to their time period. It’s a lot of fun.

living-history

Day 2:

Day 2 is when you’ll want to make a more detailed plan. Check out things you missed on Day 1, or use the weekly program guide to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to see reenactments. We especially enjoyed the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the capitol lawn and a fife and drum corp marching down Glouchester.

williamsburg-with-kids

Kids may also want to try RevQuest on Day 2. This high-tech scavenger hunt-type game uses any cell phone to send clues to kids. The quest takes you all over Revolutionary City, and prompts kids to interact with various characters at many locations. It’s easy to set up on your phone, but not easy to play, and does take quite a bit of time to do (some steps have to be completed at designated times). We don’t recommend it for the first day of your first visit, because it sends you from location to location without time for side trips or delays. Our middle grade and upper grade kids loved it as a final activity of our trip to Williamsburg, but our 4th grader got bogged down by it.

shields-tavern

During both days, we brought lunch food into Revolutionary City, and ate picnics. Picnicking is permitted in many places; we liked the tables behind the Bakery (after buying some cookies to end our meal)! We also saved money by bringing waters bottles in; drinking fountains for refills are abundant. Of the taverns, our favorite evening meal was at Chownings, which specializes in reasonably priced flatbread-style sandwiches and homemade root beer and cider.

Evening programs worth booking:

evening-programs-williamsburg

Life of a Jolly Pyrate: this dinner theater production at Shields Tavern combines good food with a fun colonial atmosphere and an intimate live theater production. The show’s acts take place between courses, and is family-friendly.

Pyrates Among Us: This nighttime tour takes visitors to three different Revolutionary City destinations. In each, a live actor tells a different part of the story of the infamous Blackbeard. It’s creepy, yes, but was not too frightening for our school-aged kids. We didn’t see any kids under age 8 at this event.

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Admission prices:

One-day admission is $43.95 for adults, and $22 for kids 6-12. Multi-day tickets are available (and the best deal).

williamsburg-with-kids

Hours of operation:

Hours vary by season, but most of the year, Revolutionary City’s interactive exhibits and reenactments take place between 9 am and 5 pm. The Visitor Center is also open until 5 pm.

colonial-williamsburg

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced some of our colonial experience as guests of Colonial Williamsburg. All opinions are our own.