Colonial Williamsburg offers different places to stay while seeing the many historical attractions. My family and I recently stayed at the Woodlands Hotels and Suites, a family-friendly hotel that offers different outdoor activities for kids of all ages. The Fun Zone in the lobby has games and puzzles.
During the week, there are other evening events listed. We were able to listen to Colonial stories right before bedtime. My girls definitely enjoyed them because my six year old still shares some of the stories learned. The Woodlands offers the typical outdoor pool but there is also a wooden playground, ping-pong, miniature golf or putt-putt, depending where you are from. After driving and being in the car for awhile, we enjoyed a game of putt-putt in the shaded course right behind the hotel.
Here are our favorite stops from our visit to Colonial Williamsburg:
- Visit the Kid’s Corner: Colonial games and activities are available for kids of all ages. In the pictures above, the girls are playing 18th century puzzles and math games. To tell you the truth, the game was an excellent way to practice math facts and I should have picked one up at the Visitor Center. The Colonial women showed the girls how to play and then talked to them about the different kinds of chores that were expected of children.
- Govenor’s Palace Gardens and Mazes: I enjoyed the beauty of the garden while my girls enjoyed running around each nook and cranny of the maze. Great outdoor fun searching for different ways to get out.
- Milliner, Tailor and Shoe Shops: The girls liked seeing 18th century style dresses. When we go back, I will take the opportunity to rent costumes for them. I think they might enjoy that.
- The Art Museums: At first, the museum was respite from the heat. But as we explored in the very air-conditioned museum, we were able to see 18th century fashion, folk art and the girls were able to use tiles to make make a quilt. They also had 18th century furniture that was exquisite.
- Pick up a game pack for RevQuest: The Lion & The Unicorn. The interactive text-message based game is crafted for kids 8+, but it’s an awesome activity for families that we’d recommend you check out for your story.
- Benjamin Powell House: Your kids can meet some of CW’s Junior Interpreters (kids who sign up to work in the Revolutionary City for the summer). It’s a fun way for them to learn and engage without feeling like they’re in school. At the Powell House, your kids can play 18th century games, try 18th century chores, take dance lessons, learn about setting the table, and more.
- Great Hopes Plantation: Walk around at this middle-income plantation and try your hand at the Historic Trades (schedule varies by day)
- Tour R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse: taste hot chocolate inspired by a recipe of the past. Don’t worry ‘ the building is air conditioned!
Kerri G. is a not only a teacher, wife and writer but a full time working mom of three savvy ladies. You can read about her adventures in traveling, fashion and money sense at Raising Three Savvy Ladies. Find her on twitter as@SavvyMomNYC.
Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were provided with accomodations and passes to Colonial Williamsburg.
