It’s been a busy few months for Colonial Williamsburg as we start to roll out our summer programs. Last week, we kicked off our archaeological dig for kids. And yesterday, we began setting up our outdoor animal exhibit behind Market Square. But that’s just the beginning! We have several brand new and returning activities for kids of all ages.
There are entirely too many events to list them all but we’ve gone through and picked our Top 10 favorites. Please feel free to add your suggestions and feedback in the comments below this post!
# 1 GET FIRED UP TO FIRE A CANNON!
Every day, we select one lucky child at the Visitor Center to help our militia fire the cannon and send our troops On to Yorktown and Victory! That chosen soldier must be between the ages of 8 and 13 and able to lift ten pounds. He or she must also have an active Annual or Multiday Pass and a signed Colonial Williamsburg waiver from a legal guardian. This program takes place at 5 p.m. and you and your family will have to arrive 15 minutes early for special instructions. Parents and siblings can watch from our roped off VIP section.
A special note if you’re planning to join us the weekend of July 4! We’re looking for a lucky Making History reader to fire the cannon and kick off our patriotic programming. We’ll reveal the exact details of the contest in next Monday’s blog so don’t forget to subscribe for more info.
#2 DIG FOR COLONIAL CLUES!
Move over Indiana Jones! There are new archaeologists seeking adventure in the Revolutionary City. All summer long, kids are invited to team up with our Colonial Williamsburg experts to search for ancient artifacts. The program, DIG! Kids, Dirt & Discovery, is part of your CW admission. However, you will need to reserve your free ticket unless you’re attending the first 9:30 a.m. session (first come-first served) or you stop by in the afternoon during our Open House. We outline much more in our blog (including how you can win a prize package for the entire family just by participating in the dig!).
#3 GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR RARE BREEDS!
Every animal you see in the colonial capital has been around since the 18th century. And our staff has made it its mission to preserve these rare breeds. You can learn all about our sheep, chickens, cattle, and horses when you stop by the corral set up at Market Square. Look for the shady area under the trees. And if you get lost, follow the sound of our roosters! Once the exhibit is completely up and running, you’ll also be able to participate in a number of hands-on activities. Click here for more of what to expect.
#4 GET YOUR HANDS (AND FEET) DIRTY IN OUR BRICKYARD!
For years, our brickmakers have been walking us through the process of making (then baking) bricks. The story comes full circle with our brand new program, Level and Plumb! Kids of all ages will discover exactly how those finished bricks are used to construct buildings throughout the Revolutionary City. Then, they’ll get to use mud mortar and period-specific tools to help us build a brick wall. This activity will run from June 15-August 15 and takes place from 2:30-4 p.m. All you need to get into the brickyard is a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket.
Eager volunteers are also invited to help our team tread clay through September. There is an area beside the pit to wash off afterward but I’ll admit, this activity does get a little messy!
#5 JOIN OUR RING OF UNDERCOVER SPIES
Our most recent spy mission is included with your admission and makes learning history fun! In this year’s episode RevQuest: The King’s Advance, your orders come straight from Governor Thomas Jefferson. You’ll pick up your registration packet and bandanna from the Visitor Center and from there will search for clues throughout the capital to decipher codes and learn the secrets of the Crown to help save the Revolution! And just to prove the mission is fun for “kids” of all ages, our Making History team recently accepted the challenge!
#6 DON’T MISS THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMEDY!
You’re guaranteed to share some deep belly laughs when you attend this 18th-century comedy. Sword Play kicks off June 19 when Mr. Hallam’s Traveling Players once again take to the stage to “present a daring spectacle of blades, fisticuffs, and silliness.” The show runs from 7-8 p.m. and will alternate between outdoor performances at the Charlton Stage and indoor performances at the Kimball Theatre. Click here for a list of showtimes and ticket prices.
#7 HAVE FUN! THAT’S AN ORDER!
Explore one of the quarter guard camps of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment. Visit our military encampment to witness what daily life was like for soldiers—including cooking, playing field music, and preparing tents for shelter. You’ll also be encouraged to enlist as a new recruit and will be handed your first instruction in the manual of arms by your drill sergeant.
#8 SEARCH FOR 18TH-CENTURY GHOSTS!
Our Tavern Ghost Walk is geared toward kids and promises to be fun for the entire family! Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll join one of our tour guides outside Shield’s Tavern for an evening quest of 18th-century spirits that continue to haunt our historic streets and buildings. This evening program lasts about an hour and is designed to accommodate both strollers and wheelchairs.
#9 SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH
This recommendation is for the kid in all of us! Take a break from the summer heat and cool off with a bowl of hand-scooped ice cream from Dubois Grocer. We aren’t talking about just any old ice cream. This sweet treat is made right here in Virginia by Homestead Creamery. You can also take a bite out of history when you visit the Raleigh Tavern Bakery. After a 30 year hiatus, we recently fired up our brick ovens to once again start baking fresh gingerbread cookies. Get a baker’s dozen and take some back to your hotel to enjoy throughout your stay!
#10 MEET PRINCE, OUR ART MUSEUM DOG!
Did you know admission to our Art Museums is included in your Colonial Williamsburg admission? Step into the air conditioning to enjoy our special exhibits dedicated to children, including Down on the Farm. Follow the adventures of our dog Prince while learning about history along the way. At the end, enjoy a hands-on activity that you can either take with your or add to our growing collection of young talent.
KIDS STAY, PLAY & EAT FREE!
Now that we’ve mapped out all the fun, consider this deal! If you book your stay at the Williamsburg Lodge or Williamsburg Woodlands, Kids Stay, Play, and Eat Free! Not only do your kids get access to all the adventures in the Historic Area—they also get to enjoy our outdoor pool and Splash park–complete with a water cannon and a pirate ship. Your kids will enjoy FREE breakfast at your hotel and FREE dinner at one of our historic taverns, Traditions Restaurant, or Huzzah! BBQ Grille!
What are your favorite kids activities? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
A couple of my photography friends and I visited the outside exhibit behind Market Square with Emily Hilburger and Pete,and 2 roosters in the rare breed program. As adults and photographers, we loved the exhibit. I can see that these programs will be added attractions to Colonial Williamsburg and the kids will get more hands on education and experience. I am going to upload my favorite photo from the exhibit.
Brenda - I absolutely love this picture! Thank you so much for sharing.