Williamsburg drew me in when I moved here from Baltimore—it felt like the perfect city to grow our family. Although it’s a partially college town, Williamsburg has always felt very inclusive of families and children of all ages. Since moving here, I’ve experienced the town as a married couple without kids, and now, as a mom to our baby boy, London, who is almost one. I love experiencing each season through his eyes.
Between the vibrant crape myrtle trees, sunbathing sheep, and luscious, blooming gardens just opposite some 300-year-old buildings, Williamsburg holds a special place in my heart, especially during the spring. Delighting in a mouthwatering meal, discovering hidden treasures inside the locally owned boutiques, and making lifelong memories while watching tiny feet run back and forth, I feel confident that once you visit, you’ll feel the same way.
Follow my deep dive into kid-friendly spots in Williamsburg. These are some of the best places to bring a baby or young child along this spring, keeping in mind respect for others and for the smoothest experience possible.
Jamestown Settlement for Nature & History
The drive to 🔻Jamestown Settlement, even on a rainy day, is nothing short of breathtaking. While exploring the outdoor re-creations from the comfort of our car, we stopped and snapped a few photos with the expansive James River in the background.
Since the day was a bit chilly and rainy, we focused on the indoor exhibits. I was taken aback by how grand and aesthetically pleasing the gallery exhibits were. With interactive learning experiences and films telling the story of the Powhatan Indians, the English, and the West Central Africans who crossed paths in 17th century Virginia, there was more than enough for an entertaining, educational afternoon.
Don’t miss the two gift shops🔺 located at either end of the museum. The honeybee shop is filled with local honey, mead, and a good selection of cute, bee-inspired trinkets. The main gift shop is a treasure chest for kids of all ages; they have everything from wooden swords to stuffed animals, t-shirts, and more.
After working up an appetite while brushing up on American history, we made our way to one of our favorite restaurants in the area, Craft 31.
Craft 31 for Feel-Good Food & Drinks
We’ve been to 🔻Craft 31 countless times and it never disappoints. Although they’re known for the Bottoms Up Pizza complete with signature white and marinara sauce, as well as their gourmet burgers, you won’t want to pass up their out-of-this-world truffle fries.
This time we started with their regional oysters, which tasted light and pristine; they were the best we’ve had in the area thus far. We then went on to share their tuna poke, truffle fries, and Virginia burger, all of which we polished off immediately. We ended the meal with their most popular dessert, the deep-fried Oreos with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, which were quite literally finger-licking good.
Craft 31’s interior design is stunning, and their outdoor patio (enclosed with see-through garage doors and a cozy fireplace) makes it an ideal spot for bringing along little ones. Once we finished our meal, London and I practiced his walking skills around all the tables outside.
ORDER THIS: Virginia Oysters, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Deep Fried Oreos
After lunch, I was excited to check out some local consignment shops. With London growing out of his clothes so quickly, consignment shops are the perfect solution.
Consignment Shops for Boutique Treasures
🔻Two Trolls Consignment Boutique in Williamsburg Crossing has tons of options for everyone from newborns to pregnant moms, toddlers, adults, and every age in between. With eccentric decor and pops of bright color everywhere, your kids are sure to enjoy their visit. I picked up two sets of pajamas, stylish jeans, and a pair of rain boots for London.
About 10 minutes down the road, Sugar & Spice Consignment Boutique has been serving the community for over 28 years. Shop a wide range of affordable items from baby gifts to toys, books, and dance attire. I picked up a sweater vest, three pairs of pants, and a romper for London, in addition to a summer visor for myself.
Outlets & Merchants Square for More Shopping Finds
Since we were on a winning streak with shopping, we headed to the 🔻Williamsburg Premium Outlets to check out their kid-friendly shops. This time around we were focused on scoring some cute spring clothes for London. The stores I recommend for babies and kids (whether for your own or for birthday/shower gifts) include: Janie and Jack, Carter’s, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Gap, and The Children’s Place.
I found the most adorable nautical collar cardigan at Janie and Jack – it will be excellent for breezy days on the water this spring. If you’re looking to do some shopping for yourself, check out top shopping finds at Williamsburg Premium Outlets.
We continued our spring shopping spree in Merchants Square in the heart of Williamsburg. The Carousel Children’s Boutique carries a mix of boys and girls clothes, shoes, and accessories from newborn to tween. Every item is handpicked from over 300 different product lines and embodies the quintessential East Coast aesthetic. If you’re looking for special occasion pieces (think: photo-worthy Easter outfit), this is your best bet.
Carrot Tree Kitchens for a Tasty Lunch
We powered our Sunday adventures with lunch at 🔺Carrot Tree Kitchens in Yorktown. This charming spot is positioned in the heart of Riverwalk Landing and has a more casual ambiance than Carrot Tree’s Williamsburg location (near Jamestown), making it ideal for bringing kids along. Rest assured that their famous carrot cake and gourmet sandwiches are just as delectable. Try any sandwich made with Smithfield ham, a flavorful Virginia ham that’s smoked and aged for at least six months.
ORDER THIS: Smithfield’s Best ham salad croissant sandwich, Carrot Cake
After satisfying our appetites, we took a romantic stroll along the York River. A couple of chai lattes from Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters later and we were on to the next stop.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for Immersive Films
Stepping foot inside the 🔻American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, I was impressed by the sheer beauty of the interior. Since the weather was still chilly on Sunday, we explored the indoor exhibits and learned about America’s struggle for independence.
We watched several of the films, which had high-quality pictures, sounds, and acting along with multisensory effects. It felt like we were experiencing mini movies in between the gallery exhibits. There is so much to see and learn about at the American Revolution Museum that we could have easily spent the entire day there with London.
Route 60 BBQ Market for a Family-Friendly Feast
With award-winning St. Louis-cut hickory smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, beef brisket that melts in your mouth, and a nostalgic, old-school aesthetic for a unique dining experience, 🔻Route 60 BBQ Market is a spot to remember.
The staff sat us right away and had high chairs and booster seats readily available for our little one. I’m not sure if it was the fun decor, crayons at the table, the creamy macaroni and cheese, or the sweet staff, but it was the best dining experience we’ve had with London. It was the perfect way to close out a fun weekend of exploration.
ORDER THIS: Rack of Ribs (Wet), Beef Brisket Smoked Tacos, Seasonal Fruit Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
More Kid-Friendly Trip Ideas
Whether you’re a Virginia local or booking your next getaway from out of state or beyond, hopefully this post can be a first-hand guide to kid-friendly places to check out this spring.
Find more ideas for a family-friendly spring break in Williamsburg, or explore all the kid-friendly experiences you can enjoy here, any time of year.
