Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is the world's largest living history museum and one of America's most important educational destinations for families. Spanning over 300 acres in the heart of Williamsburg, Virginia, the Historic Area recreates the colonial capital of Virginia as it existed in the 18th century, with 88 original buildings, hundreds of costumed interpreters, and a commitment to historical authenticity that is unmatched anywhere in the country.

For families, the experience is transformative. Kids who learn about the American Revolution in school suddenly find themselves standing in the actual rooms where revolutionary ideas were debated, walking streets where patriots and loyalists argued, and talking with interpreters who portray George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and everyday colonial citizens. The interpreters are highly trained historians who stay in character and engage visitors in conversations that bring 18th-century life into sharp, personal focus.

The trades are often the highlight for children. The blacksmith shop, where a real forge glows and iron is shaped by hand, is mesmerizing. The print shop, where the Virginia Gazette is printed on an 18th-century press, shows kids how information was shared before the internet.

The wigmaker, the silversmith, the cabinetmaker, and the brickmaker all demonstrate their crafts in working shops that operate exactly as they would have 250 years ago.

Hands-on programming takes the experience beyond observation. Seasonal workshops allow kids to try their hand at colonial crafts, participate in militia drills, learn 18th-century games, and even attend a mock colonial trial. The Revolutionary City outdoor theater program (seasonal) presents dramatic vignettes that portray key moments in the lead-up to American independence — the acting and production values are surprisingly high.

The Historic Area is large enough to require planning. The Visitor Center (located on the edge of the Historic Area with free parking) is the starting point for orientation, ticket purchases, and shuttle service. Most families find that one day is enough for a first visit, but two days allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper engagement with the programming.

Colonial Williamsburg connects seamlessly with Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Battlefield to form Virginia's Historic Triangle, which many families explore over 3-4 days.