Rain showers, hot summer temperatures, or chilly winter days don’t need to put a pause on your vacation. If you’re in need of last-minute indoor activities near you or are simply looking for weatherproof ways to spend time in Williamsburg, these top indoor things to do make it easy to enjoy your getaway no matter what the forecast has in store.
Go Museum Hopping
Get immersed in America’s origin story inside Williamsburg’s celebrated history museums. Discover the top things to do at Jamestown Settlement, where the indoor galleries feature a 4D film, an interactive exhibit exploring the life of Pocahontas, and 500+ fascinating artifacts.
At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, see an early broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence, hear real stories from America’s earliest patriots, and watch award-winning short films that transport you back to the revolutionary era.
In Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll find two notable art museums under one roof. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum has the world's largest collection of Southern furniture and one of the largest collections of British ceramics outside of England. The 🔺Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum showcases bold and whimsical American folk art, with pieces spanning colonial to contemporary times.
Nearby on the William & Mary campus, the Muscarelle Museum of Art features world-class special exhibits plus an impressive permanent collection spanning cultures, eras, and artistic movements. A short drive away, the Virginia Musical Museum celebrates the state’s musical roots with rare instruments, iconic memorabilia, and stories spotlighting Virginia artists.
Don’t miss relaxing in the museum cafés and shopping the well-curated gift shops!
Get Crafty with Art Experiences
Sometimes the best souvenirs are the ones you create by hand. At Paint On Pottery, choose from coffee mugs, candle holders, piggy banks, and figurines and let your inspiration flow. Paint your own art piece to be glazed and fired in the kiln.
No crafting experience? That’s not a problem at DIY Workshop – J&G Design, where you can create pieces like custom wall décor and cornhole boards. Follow easy step-by-step instructions and tackle projects you might not attempt on your own.
Visit Tabitha Sewer Studio for a creative foray into the world of fabrics, fashion, and sewing. At her colorful sewing and craft studio, the multi-talented creator and entrepreneur hosts engaging DIY experiences, workshops, and events for kids and adults.
Be Entertained: Movies & Theater
Seeing a movie is a classic rainy day activity. Watch the latest blockbuster and elevate movie night at Movie Tavern by ordering gourmet bites and cocktails straight to your seat.
If live entertainment is more your style, take a seat at the historic Kimball Theatre, which opened in the 1930s. Catch musicals, stage productions, and even film special screenings and speaker events.
Play Modern Games: Golf to VR Arcades
You don’t need to travel far to tee off at some of the most sought-after golf courses in the world. Just go to 🔺Revolution Golf & Grille, where six indoor golf bays feature interactive simulators that make it easy to play around the globe. Between swings, relax in one of the many dining spaces and catch a game on one of the 45 TVs.
Conquer the uniquely themed escape rooms at Room Escape Williamsburg. An experience called “Time Siege: The Battle of Yorktown” takes place in Yorktown during the peak of the American Revolution. Travel through time to solve the mystery and save the country!
Find virtual reality fun at VR64 Arcade, just a few miles north of Colonial Williamsburg. Jump into the multiplayer arena, race in the cockpit, use the flight simulator, and choose standing or seated play. If that’s not enough to satisfy your inner gamer, there’s also PS4, eSports, and drones.
Enjoy Classic Family Fun
Bowling is a timeless favorite, and Bowlero adds a colorful spin with cosmic bowling, a mix of arcade games, and an elevated snack bar. There’s bumper bowling for the kids in your crew.
Channel your best lumberjack and test your skills with a non-high-tech and totally thrilling axe-throwing experience. Claim the title of an “axepert” when you stick the bullseye at Axe Republic.
Mix shopping and competition at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, where you’ll find year-round excitement at the NES Cornhole Lounge. Play America’s favorite backyard game indoors alongside food and drinks.
Let the kids burn off some energy with the ultimate day of play featuring inflatables, laser tag, and other arcade games at Bounce House Family Entertainment Center. Recharge at the café and indoor picnic area. For a more intimate, relaxed vibe, Catalillies Play Cafe offers active fun and creative activities to keep young kids entertained, plus a cafe area for adults. While they offer walk-in play, reservations are suggested.
Seek Out an Indoor Water Park
Make a splash at 🔺Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg's indoor water park, where 84-degree fun awaits year-round. Zip down thrilling waterslides, float the lazy river, conquer the wave pool, and let little ones enjoy interactive splash zones designed just for them. There’s also indoor mini golf, interactive laser tag, VR adventures, an arcade, and other attractions.
You don’t need to be an overnight guest – purchase a day pass to access the water park and certain attractions. Ask about special discounts for first responders! (Passes are subject to availability.)
Sip Something Delicious: Coffee, Craft Beer & Whiskey
Get your caffeine fix at Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Café near Colonial Williamsburg. Order a specialty coffee and sweet treat, and you’ll be curled up with a good book in one of the comfy seating areas in no time. Or pair your coffee with history at Mobjack Coffee Roasters, located in a historic house in Yorktown. Sip on everything from hot and cold brews to drinking chocolate and even wine or beer.
Choose between coffee and craft beer at Frothy Moon Brewhouse, which offers a tasting room and coffee bar. Keep the good times going where everyone wins at 🔺Precarious Beer Project, a one-stop-shop for craft beer, food, and vintage arcade games.
Sample whiskey flights and sip handcrafted seasonal cocktails at Copper Fox Distillery in the renovated Lord Paget Hotel. Settle into the speakeasy lounge for a relaxing evening.
Shop for Antique Treasures
Go treasure hunting at the 🔺Williamsburg Antique Mall – with over 300 dealers under one roof, every aisle holds something new. This massive spot is fully climate controlled and wheelchair-accessible, making it the perfect way to spend time indoors.
Indulge in Spa Time
Of all the things to do inside, spa time might be the most rewarding. Unwind at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Spa. Take a dip in the pool, join one of the daily fitness classes, or choose from a full menu of treatments like massages, facials, and body scrubs and wraps.
Or, relax your body and soul with a unique wellness experience at the Williamsburg Salt Spa. Be surrounded by over 15 tons of therapeutic salt from Poland and the Himalayas. Feel refreshed after booking a float tank session, an infrared sauna session, or a heavenly massage.
More Ideas for Indoor Fun
Rain or shine, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Williamsburg’s rainy day attractions.