Recently Fun Things traveled to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg is a great way to teach the kids about our history through a very hands on experience. Colonial Williamsburg makes you feel as if you have taken a time machine back to the 1800's.
Before You Go
I recommend going online before you go and doing a little research to plan out what you want to do and see. The Colonial Williamsburg website also has a kids section on their site with helpful information and games for the kids. I would also recommend spending at least 2 days seeing all the events and programs available. There is so much to do and you want to make sure you catch everything.
Activities
When You Arrive
Start your visit at the Visitor Center where you can purchase Colonial Williamsburg tickets, make dining reservations and rent children's costumes at Costume Rental Center. The visitor center also has free parking and shuttle buses that take you to the different areas of Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg is a public place, so anyone can walk its streets and enter the stores and restaurants. Admission tickets are required to enter the "private" buildings like the capitol, the governor's palace, and any building where demonstrations take place.
Gardens
Babies: Please keep in mind the the streets are brick or crushed shell, so bring a stroller that can handle the rough terrain. Also, many buildings can not accommodate strollers so
you will need to carry your little one into the buildings.
Toddlers: Take advantage of the beautiful gardens to let you toddler run off some steam. The gardens are beautiful to look at and little ones love exploring. Also the Market Square Stands is a great place for them to look at items and walk around in a less crowded area than the shops.
School-Age Kids: Make kids feel part of the action by renting a costume or buying a hat. Take a break from touring the buildings by visiting the Kids Corner to play games. Have them talk to the locals to learn more about living in the area and how different it is from today. When you're at the visitors center make sure you find out about the family programs going on during the day. They have demonstrations, kids games and talks about what it was like living in the 18th century. Don't forget to make reservations for the family friendly ghost tour of the local taverns.
Where to Eat and Shop
I would recommend making reservations for dining with Colonists. Kids love interacting with the Colonists and experiencing what it was like dinning in the 18th century. Colonial Williamsburg has four choices Christiana Campbell's Tavern, Chowning's Tavern, King's Arms Tavern and Shields Tavern. And yes children's menus are available.
There is also plenty of shopping and dinning in Merchant's Square. I would recommend the Cheese Shop if your looking for a quick meal like sandwiches. If you want a sit down meal try Seasons.
Plan your getaway to Colonial Williamsburg today!
Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary tickets to visit Colonial Williamsburg.