Williamsburg is one of the best places in Virginia to raise little explorers, and it is just as good for a weekend visit. There is history around every corner, parks with real room to run, and plenty of indoor options for the days when Hampton Roads weather has other plans. Here is our local list of things to do in Williamsburg, VA with kids, sorted so you can find the right fit for your crew.
Quick picks by age
- Babies and toddlers: library storytimes, a morning at an indoor play café, and the fenced little-kid area at Kidsburg.
- Preschoolers: Kidsburg, the outdoor areas at Jamestown Settlement, and an indoor play morning when it rains.
- Big kids up to 10: the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a hike at York River State Park, and a day at Busch Gardens.
History kids actually enjoy
Colonial Williamsburg. The streets of the Historic Area are free to walk, and that alone makes a great morning: horses and carriages, costumed interpreters, and lots of room to wander. Tickets are needed to go inside the buildings and join most programs, so plenty of local families start with a free stroll and buy tickets once the kids are old enough to enjoy a tour.
Jamestown Settlement. Kids can board re-created ships from 1607 and explore a re-created fort and Powhatan town, which beats any textbook.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Outdoors there is a Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm, and the indoor galleries make it a solid pick in any weather.
Both museums are free for kids 5 and under, and residents of Williamsburg, James City County and York County can get complimentary admission with proof of residency. Check the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation website for current details before you go.
Playgrounds and parks
Kidsburg at Mid County Park. This big community playground on Ironbound Road is a local favorite, with a ship to climb, plenty of swings, and a separate fenced area for kids ages 2 to 5. It was rebuilt to be accessible, and the park also has picnic shelters and a walking trail.
Waller Mill Park. Wooded trails around a quiet reservoir, with easy loops for little legs.
York River State Park. More trails, river views, and a change of scenery when the kids need to burn off energy outdoors.
Yorktown Beach and Riverwalk Landing. A small sandy beach on the York River and a waterfront walk. A summer evening classic.
Theme parks and water parks
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has rides for every size, including Sesame Street Forest of Fun for the youngest riders, plus seasonal events in the fall and around the holidays. Water Country USA is the summer pick for slides and splash areas. If you want water fun in any season, Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park. Each runs on its own seasonal calendar, so check hours before you plan the day.
Free and low-cost ideas
- Library storytimes. Williamsburg Regional Library runs baby, toddler and preschool storytimes at its Williamsburg and James City County branches. Free tickets are handed out at the Youth Services desk shortly before each session.
- A walk through the Historic Area. Free, outdoors, and full of things to point at.
- Kidsburg and the county parks. Free, open-air, and close to everything.
Things to do with kids in Williamsburg when it rains
Rain is the one thing that can sink a Williamsburg day plan. Most of the big attractions are outdoors, and the playgrounds turn into puddles. That is exactly why Catalillies Play Café exists. We are an indoor playground in James York Plaza, built for crawlers through age 10, with room to climb, slide and pretend, and a café with real seating for grown-ups.
- Open play is all-day admission: $18 for one child, $30 for two, and $42 for three. Grown-ups are always free.
- Leave for lunch or a nap and come back later on the same admission.
- Reservations are strongly suggested on rainy days, because we cap each session so the floor never gets too crowded.
Our rainy day guide for toddlers has more ideas, and this week's hours are on our plan your visit page.
Things to do with kids in Williamsburg by season
- Spring: the gardens of the Historic Area, and long park days before the summer heat.
- Summer: Water Country USA, Yorktown Beach, and indoor play for the hottest afternoons.
- Fall: Busch Gardens' fall events, pumpkin patches around the area, and our own kids events like Kids Night Out.
- Winter: the holiday season in the Historic Area, Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, and plenty of indoor play when it is cold out.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Williamsburg with toddlers?
Library storytimes, the toddler area at Kidsburg, a free stroll through the Historic Area, and indoor play at Catalillies Play Café, where the play floor is built for crawlers and new walkers as well as bigger kids.
Is there an indoor playground in Williamsburg, VA?
Yes. Catalillies Play Café at 551-A Merrimac Trail in James York Plaza is an indoor playground and café for kids from crawlers through age 10. Open play is all-day admission, and you can book online.
What are free things to do in Williamsburg with kids?
Walking the streets of the Historic Area, the playgrounds and trails in the local parks, and library storytimes are all free. Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are free for kids 5 and under, and for residents of Williamsburg, James City County and York County with proof of residency.
What can we do with kids in Williamsburg on a rainy day?
Head indoors. Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park, the Yorktown and Jamestown museums have indoor galleries, and Catalillies Play Café has a full indoor play floor plus coffee for the grown-ups.
Have a favorite we missed? Tell us at the counter next time you visit. We are always adding to the list.