Whether you’ve got littles, tweens, or teens, there are fun things to do for every size kid, budget, and interest in Williamsburg, VA. Families can soar high above the treetops, travel back in time at the world’s largest living history museum, or into a different dimension at a captivating magic show. Here are the top 10 ways to plan an unforgettable family trip in Williamsburg this spring:
1. Thrill seekers unite at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg, with over 50 rides, including roller coasters like Apollo’s Chariot, which reach speeds of 73 mph and free fall from the clouds 210 feet in the sky. There are also plenty of easy-going rides and a petting zoo for smaller children, and Sesame Street Kids' Weekends featuring Elmo and Cookie Monster begin just in time for spring.
2. Get your Tarzan on at Go Ape, where ziplining and treetop obstacle courses await. Fly high at fast speeds on the Adventure course for more experienced daredevils, or check out the suspended bridges on the Journey course for those with smaller kids. Teens may enjoy the outdoor escape room.
3. Thrills meet chills on a Colonial Ghost Tour, where historian-guides take guests back in time with Williamsburg folklore. If you think the lost colony of Roanoke is spooky, there are more stories to learn on a spirited trek that covers the lingering souls of early settlement and the Civil War all the way through today.
4. Kids may be out of the classroom during spring break – but that’s just an opportunity to discover history in real life at Colonial Williamsburg. From horse-drawn carriages to the cadence of fife and drums, there are endless ways to keep families active and engaged.
5. Discover what life looked like in the 17th century for the Powhatan Indians, English colonists, and West Central Africans at Jamestown Settlement. How did the colonists reach North America, and what did their new homes look like? Step onto a re-creation of one of the ships that sailed from England in 1607 and check out what their fort would have looked like, or experience how one local Algonquin tribe made their dugout canoes and wove feathers for warm clothing at Paspahegh Town.
6. Stepping through the centuries is easy in Williamsburg. The beginnings of the United States as we know it come to life at the American Revolution Museum, where some of the most pivotal battles become strikingly impactful – especially during “The Siege of Yorktown” film, shown on a 180-degree surround screen with immersive lighting and music. It’s the perfect way for kids to get some context quickly before stepping out to interact with costumed soldiers at the Continental Army encampment or get hands-on at a Revolution-era farm.
7. Fun is no illusion at Wagsters Magic Show, an action-packed 75-minute show filled with gravity-defying theater, disappearing acts, and card tricks orchestrated with lights, video, and instrumentation.
8. A pirate ship, carousel, and slides all beckon – and indoors, at that – at Bounce House Family Entertainment. No matter whether it’s rain or shine, younger kids can work off extra energy at their bouncy house of choice, while teens can hit up laser tag or the arcade.
9. Vacation is all about trying new things. Try a guided excursion on a Segway with Patriot Tours. The family-owned operator also offers electric bikes, beach cruisers, paddle boards, and kayak rentals.
10. Sweet treats and delicious eats await at Williamsburg’s plentiful, family-friendly restaurants. Do your kids love to watch planes take off and land? Charly's Airport Restaurant is your spot, featuring homemade soups and pies. Trivia with a side of fries more your speed? Check out Food for Thought. And breakfast always goes like hotcakes at Capitol Pancake House.