Freedom Park
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-3 hours depending on trails chosen
Best Ages
All ages
About
Freedom Park in Williamsburg is a 659-acre James City County park that provides a genuine outdoor escape in the middle of Virginia's most tourist-dense corridor. With 4.8 stars across over 1,000 reviews and a completely free admission, it represents exceptional value for families who've been spending heavily at Williamsburg's paid attractions.
The park contains multiple miles of forested hiking trails ranging from easy stroller-accessible paths to more rugged natural surface trails suitable for older children and adults. The landscape is typical Virginia Tidewater forest — mature hardwoods, seasonal wildflowers, and active wildlife including deer and numerous bird species.
Within the park's boundaries, Civil War earthworks remain visible along certain trails. For families visiting Colonial Williamsburg's interpretation of 18th-century history, these earthworks provide a tangible connection to 19th-century Virginia history. Kids who respond to things they can touch and walk on often find the earthworks more viscerally interesting than museum exhibits.
Freedom Park also encompasses the Williamsburg Botanical Garden, effectively combining two nature attractions in one free location. Parking once and walking between both gives families an extended nature day at no cost — a welcome budget respite.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning or late afternoon; spring and fall for most pleasant temperatures
Wait Times
No waits — open park
Nearby Food
No on-site food. Pack a picnic for the park grounds. Centerville Rd connects to Richmond Rd for dining options within 10-15 minutes.
Why Kids Love It
Freedom Park's forested trails give kids the genuine experience of running through woods, finding deer tracks, and feeling like actual explorers rather than tourists following a script. The Civil War earthworks visible along certain trails add a tangible history component that makes the past feel real — kids who've been at Colonial Williamsburg all day often respond differently to earthworks they can walk on versus history they view behind ropes.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The park encompasses the Williamsburg Botanical Garden — visit both for a complete nature experience at zero cost
- Several miles of trails for varying fitness levels; the shorter loops work well for families with young children
- Civil War earthworks are visible along some trails — add educational context for history-curious kids
- Pack insect repellent in spring and summer months — this is genuine Virginia forest
- The park connects to the botanical garden — park once and explore both
What to Bring
- Insect repellent
- Water bottles
- Picnic supplies
- Comfortable trail shoes
- Trail map from park entrance
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 — free to enter
Tips to Save
- Completely free park.
- Pack a picnic.
- The park encompasses the Williamsburg Botanical Garden — two free attractions in one location.
