Best for Kids in Williamsburg

Established in 2000, The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is a gorgeous botanical garden that is home to over 2000 trees and other flora. The property consists of more than 15 species of daffodils in the bulb garden, lilac and wildflowers like rattlesnake master and blanket flower. However, the most popular area in this green cover is the butterfly garden where visitors can marvel at hundreds of butterflies. Besides the scenic beauty of the landscape, Williamsburg Botanical Garden is also known for its sustainable gardening practices like its green roof pavilion. Visitors can not only enjoy the natural scenery, but they can also participate in educational tours.

Explore sunken ships, wander past waterfalls, and look for gold - all with a golf club in hand. Pirate's Cove offers 18-holes of pirate-themed mini-golf that is sure to delight players of all ages. The course winds its way through perfectly curated pirate scenes, including a giant pirate ship that 'launches' canons overhead.

The 3.5 mile (5.6 kilometers) Greensprings Greenway Interpretive Trail winds its way through lush forests, bird-filled wetlands, and industrious beaver dams. Along the way, walkers can read signs that discuss the native flora and fauna of Williamsburg, as well as the events in history that took place in the area. Furry friends are also welcome on the interpretive trail so the whole family can enjoy an afternoon in nature.

Slide, splash and swim to your heart's content at this great water park with acres of rides for children and families. Shoot down the Jet Scream, four twisting and turning flumes that send you 415 feet at 25 mph into the pool. Take a break at the Aqua X-treme, the park's high-dive and gymnastics show. Or, perhaps, float down the Aquazoid, the world's largest special effects raft ride that travels through dark tunnels and water curtains with laser images and eerie sound effects. Opening hours vary seasonally - check the website for more details.

A short distance from Williamsburg's town life lies the tranquil natural beauty of York River State Park. The congregation of saltwater and freshwater is responsible for the unique ecosystem and biodiversity found around the park; it's a popular destination for nature lovers. Excellent fishing, boating and hiking opportunities make this park a favorite among locals and visitors. The park is for day use only and has no overnight camping facilities. Parking and boat launch fees are applicable.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is an award-winning and eco-friendly adventure park started in 1975. Its many awards include the accolade of “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park,“ “Golden Ticket Award” and “Applause Award.” This theme park recreates European villages, trains, tulip gardens and rides that make it a thrill-seeking mecca. If you're brave enough, hop onto Alpengeist, one of the tallest inverted coasters with a complete circuit in the whole world. Built to simulate an Alpine ski lift, albeit a slightly scarier version, it reaches heights of 195 feet (60 meters) and hair-raising speeds of 67 miles (108 kilometers) per hour. You can also embark on animal tours, adopt a dog for a day or two, visit the haunted house Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town for festive fun. Shop for German cuckoo clocks, Italian candles, wood carvings and Caribou pottery; then learn to make your own craft items at the workshops. Busch Gardens also features restaurants serving authentic British, Irish, German, French, Italian and Scottish cuisines. The park timings vary every week; the complete calendar can be found on the park website.

Visitors come here to check out the most bizarre artifacts that humankind has to offer. From shrunken heads to detailed replicas of odd-looking people, there's something to fascinate and freak out every museum-goer. Many of the displays are interactive, while others facilitate sound and video to keep things interesting. The 4-D Theater is a thrill ride that you won't soon forget. Check the website for more details.

A recreation of one of the earliest European settlements in the Americas, the Jamestown Settlement consists of replicas of boats, buildings, and villages. This museum features galleries and videos about life as it was then and it manages to make history engaging for both adults and kids. Climb aboard the three boats which are replicas of those used to sail from England. Explore the Powhatan village to learn about the Native Americans of the area, and see the colonists' fort. Best of all, actors replicate the every day lives of the colonists wearing period costumes, doing chores, and acting just like the colonists of the day. A truly fun way to learn about history!

As the name suggests, Go-Karts Plus offers more than just racing and bumper cars; burn some rubber on the Figure Eight Track, Euro Track or Rookie Track. For those less inclined to drive, try splashing around on the Blaster Boats, go on the Kiddie Roller Coaster, play games at the Video Arcade or get your golf on at the Waterfall Miniature Golf course. Tickets are reasonably priced, but be sure to watch for coupons that are frequently in local fliers and publications. Be aware that hours change seasonally.