Every parent knows this moment: you’re out with the kids, having a great time, then suddenly their attention starts to wander. Maybe their feet start to drag. It’s time for recess. That’s the moment when you need Patriots at Play.
Patriots at Play is a dedicated spot for kids’ fun and games all summer long behind the Peyton Randolph House. It’s included with your admission, and offers a safe place for the kids to blow off some steam-and for the grownups to just sit, watch, and recharge.
The program runs every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting) and is geared for children ages 2 to 11. Throughout the day, a changing menu of hands-on activities, creative play, animal-watching, and more will be offered.
When you enter through the gate on North England Street, you’ll find a chalkboard listing highlights of the day’s activities, and another with the rules, such as “Please ask before touching the animals.” Also, “Big kids help little kids.”
You’ll immediately notice the hay maze sized for youngsters. Don’t miss the great photo op on the blue wagon in the center.
Kids can learn a new game, participate in a relay race, even sail a boat.
Farther in, there’s a fort made by our carpenters to play in (and some smaller logs to practice building your own). The stacks of hay near the fort can be a mountain to climb, seating for storytelling, or a pleasant spot for parents to watch the kids play.
The idea is that you’ll always find something fun for preschoolers and “older kids,” for children who want to play together or those who want to do something creative on their own.
Animals will be there in most weather. Say hello to some sheep, chickens, or even our new calf! There are also a couple of animal-related programs that take place in the same area behind the Randolph house.
A cow milking demonstration will occur daily in the afternoon (usually around 2:30 p.m.) but you can practice on the wooden cow to test your muscle at any time. And on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m., learn all about how we preserve 18th-century livestock in Colonial Williamsburg’s Rare Breeds Program.
So when you’re ready to let the kids take the lead on your vacation adventure for a little while, grab a couple of bottles of water at Chownings Tavern, head on over to the Randolph House, sit back, and let the fun happen.
Getting there: The Randolph House is on the corner of Nicholson St. and North England St. If you’re taking the Colonial Williamsburg shuttle, Patriots at Play is about two blocks south of the Palace stop or two blocks north of the main Market House stop.
Still have questions? Contact us at patriotsatplay@cwf.org.
I would like to give a grand huzzah to one of the interpreters , Rebecca, at the Millinery. When she gives an interpretation she tells about many things children learned as an apprentice. She talked about geometry one day. For example, you had to know how to measure and fit cloth pieces together . Another day she told the children about how sewing was important even for young male folks. Terrific.
I also would like to know where are the sheep hanging out these days. They are not behind the Wetherburn house.
How can I get this app emailed to me? I have an iPad and subscribed.