Photo by Wayne Reynolds
The weather has turned in a very nice direction just in time for Spring Break. We’re looking forward to seeing lots of families spending their days off with us here in Williamsburg. So if you’re looking for a few tips for enjoying the 18th century with kids (and without too much stress), here are a dozen suggestions.
Your biggest problem is likely to be how to fit it all in. You won’t, so let that idea go now. But hopefully these will help you plan your time, and have something in the back pocket for that time in the day when someone starts to get a little restless. And with a few exceptions (noted below), these activities are included in the price of your admission ticket.
Before getting to the tips, it’s worth mentioning that there are some changes we covered in a recent post, so be sure to read that, too, because it covers different ground. On to the fun…
#1 Meet a Celebrity
The free Colonial Williamsburg app can be your best friend before and during your visit. It has a wealth of useful features, including tools for navigation, snippets of history, and daily program schedules. But it also has a feature that allows you to find out where certain famous people—and one famous dog—can be found in the Historic Area.
After downloading the app, find “Meet” on the top navigation bar. When you tap it, you’ll find out if one of our Nation Builders, such as Thomas Jefferson, or George Washington’s dog Liberty, are out and about. And if you tap the star to make Liberty or one of the people a favorite, you’ll receive a pop-up notification informing you when they’re out on the street, and help finding them.
#2 Play in the Dirt
Our amazingly popular archaeology program, DIG! Kids, Dirt, and Discovery, returns on weekdays in April (and will be back again this summer). There’s room for 20 kids in each hour-long segment. It’s recommended for ages 5 to 16, but there’s a special spot for younger children to play in the dirt while siblings are busy. Participants are given a trowel and get to do some real excavation of an 18th-century cellar right in the middle of town. Looking for more background? Check out Meredith Poole’s primer from last year.
Monday through Friday, April 3-28, at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, and 2:30 (no program on Friday, April 21)
#3 Hitch a Ride
Ox Wagon Rides around Palace Green are offered Wednesday through Sunday at 10, 10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, and 12:30. Purchase tickets at any onsite ticket location (the closest to the departure point is the Lumber House ticket office). If you’re feeling fancy, of course, by all means book a carriage ride.
#4 Visit the Lambs
Photo by Wayne Reynolds
Every spring brings a bevy of frolicking furballs, and this year is no exception. Guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. (They grow up so fast!) Most days you’ll find them in the pasture at the corner of Nassau and Francis Streets not far from Merchants Square. You can always ask where to find them, or our other rare breed animals, at the ticket office.
#5 A Little Bit of Drama is OK
Every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. dramatic programs are presented at the Charlton Coffeehouse stage and the Governor’s Palace stage. The schedule rotates, so you have to check the calendar to see what’s on tap during your visit, but you’ll always find fascinating characters and compelling stories. Whether it’s a public audience with a Nation Builder, a spy story, or a drama that gives insight into the lives of enslaved Virginians, our interpreters bring the emotions and struggles and debates to life in ways that will give you something to talk about long after your visit.
#6 Make Time for Work
Yes, work. Historic trades are the backbone of our aspirations to authentically present 18th-century Williamsburg, but don’t miss the trees for the forest. As tempting as it may be to try to check off as many trades as possible with quick visits, find something that fascinates the family and settle in to really learn. There’s no requirement to keep up a steady barrage of questions. Much can be gained by quietly watching, picking up tools and other objects, and simply admiring the work of men and women performing top-quality work by hand.
#7 Sneak In Some Learning at the Magazine
When you step off the bus at the main entrance by Market Square, don’t pass too quickly by the Magazine. There you’ll find the Indian delegation, where you can learn about Native American lifeways and talk colonial diplomacy, and nearby, explore a soldier’s life at the military encampment.
But there are a couple of especially great programs to catch at the Magazine Yard. At 11:55 a.m. there’s the Firing of the Noon Gun, marking the end of morning drills for the soldiers. And at 2:30 p.m., find out how fighting fires was everyone’s job in the 18th century in Running of the Engine, where you can join the bucket brigade. Both programs are short, so don’t be late!
#8 Stop By the Playbooth
Family entertainment, ranging from music to plays to puppet shows, is staged every Wednesday through Saturday at 1:30 & 3 p.m. at the Playbooth Theater on Palace Green. An excellent half-hour diversion for the young, and the young at heart. Check the marquee out front to find out what’s playing today.
#9 Explore the Capitol and Governor’s Palace on Your Own
I remember trying to take a guided tour of the Palace with my 2-year old son in tow. Let’s just say my wife enjoyed it while I entertained Liam outside. Now, if you’d like to see the Palace or the Capitol but you worry about attention spans and restlessness, just come by at the end of the day. From 4-5 p.m. daily, the two landmarks offer a free-flowing experience. Wander through at your own pace, ask our interpreters questions, and breathe easy knowing you don’t have to pre-plan an escape route.
#10 March with the Fifes and Drums
At 5 p.m. the Fifes and Drums perform at Courthouse Green in the Marching into Evening program. But if you’d like to make a little more of the experience, why not head down to the Capitol a little early so you can follow the march to the Courthouse? It’s a fine walk punctuated by the corps’ military music, and maybe the kids will even be inspired to practice a little more when they get home after seeing how well their peers are playing.
#11 Find Time for Art
Don’t wait for a rainy day to visit the art museums. The folk art and decorative arts collections are filled with some amazing historical objects and beautiful works of art. But they can also be fun.
Check the schedule for all the listings of tours and exhibits, but here are a couple of ideas for April. On Thursday mornings at 10:30, people with pets will enjoy A Dog’s Life, with a look at pieces in the collections related to man’s best friend. Or maybe you’d like to know more about what the world used to sound like. Listen to period instruments in Music in the Museums, Thursdays 2:30-4.
There are also drop-in programs where you can make your own craft based on an object in the museum. Fridays from 2-3:15 it’s Create!; Saturdays it’s Toys! from 10:30-11:45 a.m.
#12 Make the Most of Your Whole Day
Consider dining in one of our historic taverns, which are a great way to stay in the 18th-century a little linger. And afterward, take a walk in the city by night, and enjoy one of our evening programs. Following are some especially family-friendly options.
Escape the King is our revolutionary take on popular “escape the room” games. It offers kids 10 and up—and adults, too—the chance to test their wits as they try to solve puzzles that will enable them to escape the Raleigh Tavern. Various dates. More info and tickets.
The Raleigh Tavern is the setting for The Magic Parlour, in which a mysterious visitor to the capital city seems to possess some truly mysterious abilities. More info and tickets.
The Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk offers spooky hour-long walks nightly at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Don’t confuse this with Ghosts Amongst Us, a different nightly ghost walk that is unsuitable for youngsters. More info and tickets.
Papa Said, Mama Said runs on the first three Mondays in April (check the calendar for other dates). It’s a long-time family favorite that shows how African Americans used storytelling to pass along cherished values through the generations. More info and tickets.
African American Music is a delightful evening of song and dance at Great Hopes Plantation. Presented Friday, April 7, 14, and 21 at 7 and 8:30 p.m. More info and tickets.
Interested in colonial dancing? Step into the Governor’s Palace for Come Let’s Dance, a Saturday evening program. April 8, 15, and 22 at 7 and 8:30 p.m. More info and tickets.
Krig says
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My wife and I were just there from March 24th through the 29th. We enjoyed our visit and always have. We typically spend two vacations there each year.
There have been changes. Most have been revealed in the Making History Now blog over the winter.
We found the farmer in a small building, I think the old Coopers or one in that proximity. He looked kind of forlorn to me. The Great Hopes WAS a great location to go to and see something closer to farm reality. Now its a bit sad to see it confined that way.
We always partook of the “Pleasures of the Dance” at the Raleigh. That was never offered while we were there. I am guessing its been done away with.
There were no concerts at the Raleigh.. We knew “Peter Pellham” had retired but used to enjoy listening to period music there. We also used to find one or more musicians when we went through the Wythe House and sometimes other locations. But never came across any. We especially appreciated an older bearded gentleman who played flute and recorder. We never saw him.
We were there for six full days in the historic area. We did see two of the “Differences of Opinion” programs. One was a discussion between Madison, young ThomasJefferson and George Mason. The other a debate between Wythe and Henry. It was by chance we discovered that there were multiple “Difference of Opinion” programs, because each is described in the calendars exactly the same way without a mention of the persons who will be seen.
So, we did see the aforementioned “Founders”. Many others we really did not. Late one day we caught a glimpse of George Washington riding his horse into the stables where horses are kept. We caught a shorter glimpse of the elder Thomas Jefferson just as he walked between two building off the street near the Charlton Coffee House. I saw the woman who plays various people including the older Mrs. Washington walking down the street. We saw no mention of either of the Washingtons, the older Mr. Jefferson, or other old favorites such as Gowan Pamphlet. Obviously some of these characters were around but not in any published programed events.
We also learned that the Founders are no longer appearing at the Hennage Auditorium. How sad. Apparently it is somehow understood the Kimble Theatre is a better place and more a part of the historic area in keeping with centralizing things. I don’t feel very historic walking through a modern shopping district myself. The museum and Hennage that joins the 18th century Public Hospital and is a pleasant stroll from DOG street is a wonderful place. When we walk there we don’t feel like we have left the historic area. When we walk to the Kimble I definitely know I am no longer in the historic area. It was always so nice to see the Founders at the Hennage and set aside time before and or after their programs to stroll through the museum.
We were there six days and there were no music programs at the Hennage. I believe they still do those but I have never been in CW without being able to catch at least one. But none were scheduled for any of the six days we were there.
We were thrilled to see the Playbooth back in action. I don’t like that we have to walk up and read the Marquee to find out what is playing that day. The calendars only say that there will be shows at specific times, but not what shows. That makes planning the day a little more difficult as we don’t know if they are doing something we have already seen, or something we want to see.
There were a few programs that explore the experiences of African-Americans in Virginia in the 18th century. They were all ones we saw, and loved, last year. I saw nothing new. Those are so important and needed, and there needs to be new ones and an expansion in the number of programs and performances.
We heard there is a consideration of building some kind of wall around the historic area. Wandering into the historic area while on a business trip about 12 years ago was how we “discovered” CW. We could only get away from my work tasks for a quick stroll the end of each day so we did not buy tickets. But we liked what we saw and came back and have spent many, many, days there since as annual pass holders. What a shame it would be to prevent that in the future.
The Nation Builders need to be allowed to do many programs. It seems like there is a move to more casual appearances around town. Thing is, most people don’t have a clue what to even ask them, so they do not learn that much. What works is the scripted programs with Q&A afterwards. I hope my impression that they are getting a bit away from that is wrong. I don’t need to look at an APP and hope to track down Jefferson on the street somewhere.
Which reminds me of another favorite kind of event that was not scheduled at any time during our six day visit the end of March. The walking tours through Williamsburg. We have done those with the older Thomas Jefferson, the young Mrs. Washington, Mr. Madison, Mr. Wythe, and lesser known citizens of Williamsburg. Those were all great. But none were on the schedule and I am guessing another good thing done away with.
We did still have a good time. We just missed some of the “best of CW” that seems to have somehow been deemed unnecessary or in need of a dramatic change where none was needed.
Thanks for such a detailed description of your visit and the changes.
How were the gardens compared to past years?
I am concerned there have been cut backs to gardeners as well and specifically to the amount of glorious tulips.
I think the gardens looked okay. I have to admit I am more of a building person and most of all go for interactions with various interpreters.
Meghan McNicholas says
There are thousands of tulips in the historic area! Last week many were in bloom but there were more coming in that should be beautiful now and over the next week. Here is a picture I took a few days ago.
Meghan
I am afraid the present administration is drifting toward change for change’s sake. Change should be for the better. If it makes things worse - don’t do it!
Don’t get me wrong I am not one of those folks who disapprove of everything the new administration does simply because it is different. , I am in favor of many of the changes instituted by the new administration such as: the musket range, baking cookies again at the Raleigh, opening the Raleigh for tours, free flow visits to the capitol and palace at the end of the day, bringing back candle making, the after hours pokie man (sic?) go event (just keep occasional programs like this after hours), the Halloween event (but remove the Halloween stuff as soon as possible after Halloween) and the menu change at Shields.
It’s a shame basket weaving was eliminated. De-emphasizing Great Hopes, bringing rural farming - as opposed to garden farming - in town, and ignoring rural slavery are big mistakes. 18th Century VA was rural folks. Don’t ignore the story of where most Virginians - black and white - lived!
I hope the city does not approve the wall around the historic area. Part of the historic area’s charm for bike riders, walkers and runners is being able to exercise there before and after hours. I don’t believe there was a wall around Williamsburg in the 18th century. Please don’t be so quick to surrender authenticity for wished for commercial benefits that are not likely to be realized. A wall around the town will drive people away. Hopefully city government will not approve such a half baked idea
I didn’t know basket weaving was eliminated. I knew I didn’t see them and assumed as always they were not going every day and I just happened to miss them. We loved watching and talking with the basket weavers. How sad.
Bill Sullivan: the listing on the web this morning still says “may be fired by a lucky guest” does not mention going to the lumber house in the morning and filling out a registration form.
Firing of the Noon Gun
Thursday, April 6, 2017
11:55 am - 12:05 pm
View More Dates
Admission
Open to the Public
Ticketing
No Event Ticket Required
Location
Magazine Yard
In the life of Continental soldiers, the noon gun signaled a cessation of morning drills and work parties and a start to preparing the midday meal. On this daily occurrence, the gun may be fired by one lucky guest.
Marsha,
It should be corrected soon. Thanks for getting in touch.
Bill
Well, then it needs to be explained that way in the events listing…the events listing leads people to think they can volunteer at the time of the activity.
Marsha,
You are correct. I just heard back from the head of military programs after seeing your earlier comment, and apparently the information is outdated. We are going to correct it as quickly as possible, and thank you for calling it to our attention.
Bill
RE: the Firing of the Noon Gun where it said “You may be asked to help” When I was there, I waited and waited for someone to say, who would like to help? But no one ever did, I was so disappointed. Someone should tell the people doing the activity that the ad says “you may be asked to help” and people read that and show up wanting to get in on the action. They are very disappointed when no help is asked for.
There used to be a program where a child is picked when their parents buy a ticket in the morning to come early, fill out disclaimers, practice and then fire the cannon. It’s never been picked from the crowd…
Great list of things to do. And a few new things to see.
Great Post!! I loved the photo of the sweet new baby lambs. Lots of new activities and I so look forward to another visit to CW. I haven’t visited since 2011; therefore, I will be planning another visit this autumn. Thank you for all this programming!
My #1 reason for visiting CW is the gardens particularly in spring to see the beautiful tulips in many gardens all over the restored area and W&M campus.
We are out of town and always appreciate locals letting us know when the tulips are in bloom so we know when to come visit. This should be happening in a week or so.
If possible, could local blog readers post a comment saying when the 2017 tulips are in full bloom? Thanks very much.
Given all the recent jettisoning of irreplaceable talent like the balladeers, a Nation Builder and the basketmakers I can think of more than 12 reasons CW is not on my list of places I’d like to go on vacation to this year. It’s really sad to see how this management team is throwing away everything that made CW special.
Oh no!! Which Nation Builder is gone?
I would like to know which nation builder is gone, too.
Also stop by the Magazine to… see the Magazine! It’s an original structure dating back to 1715 and has one of the finest collection of both original and reproduction firearms around.