Colonial Williamsburg: Family Vacation Planning

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

If you’re traveling with teenagers—or thrill-seekers of any age—you won’t want to miss Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a beautifully landscaped, European-themed amusement park just a few minutes’ drive from the historic area. Roller-coaster lovers will flip over the Griffon, claimed to be the tallest dive coaster in the world; this floorless ride drops 205 feet at speeds of 75 mph, with two inversion loops and plenty of twists and turns along the way. For those of us who prefer tamer thrills, the slightly less frightening Loch Ness Monster coaster is a park favorite, too, propelling its riders across 3,240 feet of double-looping track. There are also kiddie rides for younger children and live music throughout the park. Open March through October. Ticket prices: adults, $56.95; children, $49.95. Tel. 800-343-7946. www.buschgardens.com/BGW

Water Country USA

Water Country USA is a 1960s surf-themed water park featuring hair-raising, plunging water slides and expansive wave pools. Families with young children can enjoy the Rambling River, a slow-moving lazy-river ride, as well as a dedicated children’s area that offers pint-sized water slides and spray jets. Thanks to Virginia’s ubiquitous summer heat and humidity, this park is packed, and it can be hard to grab a lounge chair. Plan ahead and reserve a cabana, the rental of which includes lounge and beach chairs and a picnic table. Open May through September. Tickets: Adults, $39.95; children, $32.95. Tel. 800-343-7946. www.watercountryusa.com

(Read our Travel Deals column for a discount offer on joint admission to both parks.) 

Five Tips for Visiting Colonial Williamsburg with Children

1. Begin your visit with a stop at the Visitor Center to watch The Story of a Patriot, a good introduction (for children and adults) to the historical relevance of the city.
2. Rent historical costumes for boys and girls at the Visitor Center and at booths on Market Square. Rentals are $20 per day, with a $50 refundable deposit.
3. Encourage children to participate with historical re-enactors in such activities as harvesting vegetables, doing simple chores like grating lemon peels or grinding ginger in a historical kitchen, and learning dance steps from the 18th century.
4. Take a carriage or wagon ride through the historic part of town. Purchase your tickets early in the day (they sell out quickly) at the Visitor Center, the Merchant’s Square Information Station, or the Lumber House Ticket Office.
5. Exchange some 21st century currency for replicas of colonial money, which can then be used for purchases in the historic area.

• Guests twist and turn through strobe lighting effects, spray jets and waterfalls on the Malibu Pipeline at Water Country USA.
• Courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Planning Tips

The first time I visited Colonial Williamsburg, I just showed up, ready to be entertained—with little forethought and no advanced planning. I wasted too much time in lines, and missed out on several activities altogether because I didn’t have reservations. Take these tips and learn from my mistakes:

• Pre-purchase attraction passes online, to avoid what can be long lines at the Visitor Center. This will also save you 10 percent. Day passes start at $33 for adults, $16 for children; considerable discounts apply when buying multiple-day passes.

• Call at least two weeks in advance for dinner reservations at Colonial taverns; likewise, purchase tickets for evening entertainment at least a week ahead.

• Families can enjoy a tour of the Historic Area in one of Colonial Williamsburg’s carriages, such as the Lord Dunmore Town Coach.
• Courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

• Check the daily printed guide available in Colonial Williamsburg for event schedules or call 1-800-HISTORY (447-8679) for exact times and locations of special performances.

• Prepare for extreme weather. Williamsburg is hot and sticky in the summer and can be damp and bitterly cold in the late fall and winter. Bring sunscreen, hats and breathable clothing in the warm months and waterproof outerwear, gloves and hats in the cold months.

• Carry an umbrella all year long, just in case.

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking all day, and there are frustratingly few places to sit in the historic area, especially when the city is crowded.