My Childhood in Williamsburg—Now Shared with My Kids

A Nostalgic Return to Williamsburg with Kids

Returning to Williamsburg, Virginia with my two young kids felt like opening an old photo album—where the images were hazy at first but sharpened with each step down Duke of Gloucester Street. The first time I visited Colonial Williamsburg was on a summer family trip when I was 15. I remember vividly the clack of horseshoes on cobblestones, the way the air smelled like gingerbread and the sounds of summer in the South. I remember standing at the blacksmith’s in awe of the craftsmanship during the early years of America’s founding, set here in the historical triangle of Virginia.

Now, returning to Williamsburg with my two children of various ages, it’s clear that the town has evolved while still holding onto its charm. There is no shortage of things to do in Williamsburg with kids—and the best part is it truly caters to a wide age range. Here are a few of our family favorites we experienced:

Colonial Williamsburg: A Living History Experience

Colonial Williamsburg may be a historical site, but it’s anything but dull. This isn’t some hushed museum where you tiptoe past velvet ropes—it’s a living, breathing slice of American history with reenactors who talk to you like you’re part of the historic period. My kids were able to watch a musket firing demonstration (thankfully with toddler-sized ear protection!) and shout “HUZZAH!” as they learned about silversmithing, engraving and so much more.

Merchants Square: A Shopper's Paradise

The perfect afternoon of popping (and sometimes air conditioning hopping) into quaint shops that sell sweets, specialty foods, ice cream, toys, consignment shops and a fleet of restaurants to choose from. Meandering through Merchants Square is a great way to spend the afternoon before dining at one of the restaurants.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: A Full-Circle Moment

Visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg with my kids was a very “full circle” moment for me. I went when I was 15, again as an adult and then bringing my own children was a very surreal experience for me. My daughter loved riding the “loop-ed-loop” roller coasters (after some pep talk convincing), stopping at the different countries’ restaurants for snacks to fuel up for our long day playing in the park. If you are traveling with small kids, don’t worry about them becoming bored; there are still plenty of activities for them at Busch Gardens!

Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg and More

Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg offer a unique blend of art and history, making it a great stop for families interested in culture. For outdoor fun, Go Ape Treetop Adventure Park is a must for older kids who enjoy climbing. This ropes and zip-line course is a fun way to burn energy off outdoors. There are several package options if you want to visit for a few hours or just an hour to explore the Virginia woods.

If your kids need a break from the outdoors, the Bounce House Family Entertainment Center is a great option. Whether you’re visiting and need a place to avoid heat or bad weather or you live in Williamsburg and want to visit a place where your kids can run off a ton of energy, the Bounce House is a wonderful location to do just that for both my kids and it even has separate sections that are designed for different ages.

Creative Activities for All Ages

For a more relaxed activity, Paint on Pottery Too offers a delightful way to enjoy a calm afternoon. They will even ship your items to you nationwide, which is perfect since we ran out of room in our suitcase. This is a great way to create a lasting memory from your trip.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Williamsburg

Let’s talk about food —because little adventurers need frequent refueling. And let’s be honest, so do grown-up adventurers. Plus, it is one of my favorite things to do when traveling. Here are a few tried-and-true family-friendly spots in Williamsburg:

Breakfast Options

• Emily’s Donuts: A family-owned and operated donut shop and café, this is a great little local shop to pick up a cup of coffee and a whimsical donut to kick start your adventure-filled day.
• Capital Pancake House: A popular spot for breakfast with a variety of options.
• 1607 Coffee Company: A fun and chic coffee shop with a wide variety of food and drink options for those who want a strong coffee and want to try some fun twists on classic foods.

Lunch Options

• Food for Thought: A family-friendly spot with interactive table games and an extensive kids’ menu.
• The Cheese Shop: Grab a few picnic supplies and eat on the lawn of the Governor’s Palace.
• Precarious Beer Hall: A play hall for adults and kids with arcade games and food options for both.

Dinner Options

• Gabriel Archer Tavern and Christiana Campbell’s Tavern: These historic taverns offer a unique dining experience with historical reenactments and authentic cuisine.

How Many Days Do You Need in Williamsburg with Kids?

We spent 4 days, and it felt just right. I’d recommend between 3–5 days to explore around Williamsburg, depending on your pace. Here’s a suggested breakdown:

• Day 1: Colonial Williamsburg (Historic Area + Art Museum + orientation walk)
• Day 2: Busch Gardens (full day)
• Day 3: Go Ape! Zipline, Paint on Pottery, Bounce House
• Day 4: Free day for pool time, shopping at Merchant’s Square or repeating favorites

When it was time to finally board the plane again, Williamsburg had left a magical impression on me and my children. Not because everything stayed the same (other than the historical center of Colonial Williamsburg itself) but because it grew up with me—and now welcomes my kids with open arms. And one day, maybe they’ll walk these same streets with little hands tugging at their sleeves, remembering how their mom once took them back in time, just like how she went when she was younger.