Williamsburg

A cinematic indoor museum and outdoor Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm turn the road to independence into a highly visual family experience.

• Ages 6-17
• $$
• 3-5 hours
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: Pair the indoor galleries with at least one outdoor interpretation block; cannon demonstrations and special programs are schedule-dependent.

Two connected museums pair decorative arts and folk art with family galleries, changing exhibitions, and an indoor break steps from the historic streets.

• Ages 5-17
• $$
• 1.5-3 hours
• Indoor

Parent tip: Use the South Nassau Street entrance and ask about current family guides or hands-on spaces; admission arrangements can change.

A landscaped Europe-themed park mixes major coasters, Sesame Street Forest of Fun, family rides, animals, seasonal festivals, and live shows.

• Ages 3-17
• $$$$
• Full day
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Check the operating calendar, ride-height guide, showtimes, weather policy, and parking before buying; the park is not open daily year-round.

More than 300 acres of restored streets, working trades, gardens, government buildings, and costumed interpretation make the nation's largest living-history museum the essential Williamsburg anchor.

• Ages 5-17
• $$$
• Full day
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: Start at the Visitor Center, check the day's program before walking in, and choose two or three must-see trades rather than trying to cover every building.

A large indoor water park offers slides, a wave pool, play structures, and shallow zones, with a limited number of day passes available beyond overnight stays.

• Ages 2-17
• $$$$
• Half or full day
• Indoor

Parent tip: Day-pass inventory, included hours, wristbands, lockers, food, and attraction add-ons vary; reserve before driving over.

The original 1607 site combines an active archaeological dig, landscape trails, river views, museum collections, and ranger interpretation on the actual settlement ground.

• Ages 6-17
• $$
• 2-4 hours
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: This is the archaeological site, not Jamestown Settlement; check separate admission, ranger times, heat, and walking conditions.

Immersive galleries, a recreated Paspahegh town, three re-created ships, and a fort bring together Indigenous, English, and African stories with substantial hands-on interpretation.

• Ages 5-17
• $$
• 3-5 hours
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: Do the indoor galleries before the outdoor re-creations in hot or stormy weather, and leave enough time for the ships.

Living Virginia habitats combine native animals, an aquarium, dinosaur and nature exhibits, a boardwalk, planetarium shows, and a hands-on discovery center.

• Ages 3-17
• $$
• 3-5 hours
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: Planetarium shows may cost extra and outdoor trails close separately; check animal, show, and accessibility schedules.

Virginia's largest water park offers wave pools, family rafting rides, splash areas, slides, and young-child water play in a dedicated full-day park.

• Ages 3-17
• $$$$
• Full day
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Confirm seasonal dates, height rules, life-jacket availability, weather, locker costs, and whether your ticket includes this separate park.

The visitor center, earthworks, Moore House, Surrender Field, and driving routes make the decisive 1781 campaign legible across its real landscape.

• Ages 7-17
• $
• 2-4 hours
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: Begin at the visitor center for the current map, film, and Junior Ranger materials before driving any battlefield loop.

A working farm landscape across the James offers a farm and forestry museum, historic structures, trails, fossil beach access, camping, and a seasonal pool.

• Ages 4-17
• $
• 3-6 hours
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: Treat the ferry crossing and park as a separate day: check museum, pool, ferry, trail, and shoreline conditions and never remove fossils where prohibited.

A free visitor center and museum inside the stone fort connect Indigenous history, the 1619 landing, the Contraband Decision, coastal defense, and Edgar Allan Poe.

• Ages 7-17
• Free
• 2-4 hours
• Indoor and outdoor

Parent tip: Begin at the visitor center, confirm Casemate Museum hours, and build in outdoor walking only if wind and heat are manageable.