Nowadays, we’ve become inundated with flashy commercials, emails, and brochures from places touting to be THE top family vacation destination. One might even argue there are too many choices out there. Our advice? Make your trip educational and entertaining. Take a week to unplug, spend time with your kids, learn, and most importantly—have fun!
From meeting our 18th-century rare breeds to exploring our historic trades to becoming an undercover spy—adventure is literally waiting around every corner. To help navigate you through your trip, we’ve put together a list of what we consider fun for the whole family.
Work Hard but Play Harder
Stop by one of our original buildings, the Powell House, for a true snapshot of how family life was in the 18th century. Kids of all ages will have an opportunity to try out various chores, lessons, toys, and games! If you really want to get into character, look into renting a costume. You may even want to consider our Revolutionary City Hotel Package which includes a one-day child’s costume rental and a complimentary colonial book as part of the deal!
BECOME AN UNDERCOVER SPY & HELP SAVE THE REVOLUTION!
If you’re staying in one of our hotels, you’ll have a RevQuest: Save the Revolution! introductory DVD waiting in your room. And as part of your Colonial Williamsburg admission, you’ll get your instructions from Governor Jefferson at the Visitor Center. Using those top-secret orders and your cell phone, you’ll move through the city to find and solve clues. Side streets will become secret meeting spots, shop signs will reveal hidden messages, and you’ll quickly learn people aren’t always who they seem. You’ll each get a special bandana to wear during your quest and a secret prize once you complete your mission!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A “RARE” LEARNING OPPORTUNITY!
Spring is a wonderful time of year for our Rare Breeds Program. That’s because our lambs are full of energy and can be seen busy frolicking in the pastures. But these aren’t just any lambs. They’re Leicester Longwool Sheep and just like all of the animals you’ll see in and around the Revolutionary City, they have been around since the 18th century. Our program is designed to preserve their lineage and help to saving these dying breeds. I would recommend you read up on some of these animals ahead of your visit.
LEARN HOW THEY GOT THE JOB DONE IN THE 18TH CENTURY
Our historic trades give an inside glimpse into life in Colonial Virginia. Each artisan played a vital role in the capital and you’ll discover every single one still uses 18th-century methods and tools to get the job done. Stop in the Apothecary to find out how they would have treated a cold in the 1700s. (I think you’ll like at least one of their suggestions!). Then, talk to the blacksmith about the process that goes into transforming steel and iron into products we use every day. With so many different trades, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of a Multi-day Pass so you’ll have time to visit them all!
DEVELOP A GROWING INTEREST IN HISTORY!
Our friendly historic gardeners and apprentices are waiting to answer your questions about what colonists grew and ate in Colonial Virginia. Not only will you get to see some of the produce for yourself, you may even be asked to get your hands dirty! Learn how all those herbs, fruits, and vegetables were used differently in the 1700s. I mean, can you believe they didn’t eat raw tomatoes? And that they were more likely to feed a pumpkin to their cattle than eat it themselves?
MARVEL AT LARGER-THAN-LIFE TOY SETS
Find out how children in the 18th and 19th centuries spent their playtime. The Art Museum’s amazing collection of dollhouses and toy forts will amaze your kids. Challenge your family members to find different details as you peek through the windows and doors. This exhibit is called “The World Made Small” and it will stay up through the summer.
FIRE A CANNON—A WATER CANNON, THAT IS!
After a busy day of fun, change out of your costumes and into your swim trunks. Guests who stay at the Woodlands Hotel have access to our Splash Park and pool (which is heated in the spring). Shoot the water cannon and then show off your best cannon ball as you unwind togetherl!
INDULGE IN SWEET MEMORIES
Before you leave, you have to try a ginger cake! Our signature treats have become synonymous with Colonial Williamsburg. You can pick up one (or a dozen) at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery and other historic buildings, depending on the season. This is a tradition your children will likely share with their children one day. And when you get back home, you can even use this recipe to bake them together.
Of course my list could go on and on. For more ideas (especially if you’re heading our way for Spring Break), click on our special family page!
Help us out! What do you think is most fun for kids and a must-see or must-do part of a Revolutionary Experience?
I will be visiting Colonial Williamsburg in mid July with my two grandchildren.. Is it possible to hire a docent to provide a tour tailored to the interests of a 12 and 14 year old. They like hands-on exhibits as well as watching artisans. A before picture from 1928 or so would be of interest along with a story of John D Rockefeller Jr.
Thanks
John