Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia

The “Colonial Capital” of Virginia, Williamsburg is a city that attracts visitors from all over the United States because of its variety of activities, historical background and unique offerings.

Fortunately, for Richmonders the drive to Williamsburg is just over one hour; thus making the city of Williamsburg an attractive day trip for many RVA families.

While Williamsburg is known for its experiential learning, living museum, between tickets, passes and restaurants it can become a pricey trip.

As a writer for RVA on the Cheap, I created a challenge for my family to have a memorable experience in Williamsburg; but, to keep spending at a minimum. Here is how we were able to enjoy the city of Williamsburg in an affordable fashion.

Love sign at Waller Miller Park. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

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⭐️ Related post: 12+ FREE Things to do in Colonial Williamsburg

Our first destination was Waller Mill Park.

This is a city park; but, the upkeep, size and beauty of it make it seem like a state park. Waller Mill Park offers trails, paddle boats for rent, a large playground and fishing.

At $2 for park entry, Waller Mill Park provides many options for a remarkably low rate. Williamsburg Recreation Association offers a multitude of activities throughout the year.

As it happened, my kids were able to earn popsicles by walking through a story trail and finding a gold coin. Popsicles, park playground…pretty perfect!

Gus Garrison strengthens his climbing skills at Kiwanis Park. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

After Waller Mill Park our family headed to a second park, Kiwanis Park. Kiwanis Park is another city park with a new playground. There were tons of options to keep my ever-moving three year old busy and happy.

While my son and husband played here at Kiwanis Park, my 7 year old pianist daughter, and I headed to the Virginia Musical Museum.

There is an extensive collection of instruments at the Virginia Musical Museum. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

The Virginia Musical Museum is $12 for adults and $5 for children and students. The admission price is well worth it. This unique museum takes patrons through the history of music.

We saw music boxes, nickelodeons, phonographs, organs, circus and amusement park music and more. The owner is generous and knowledgeable as he shares information about every instrument in the facility.

In addition to the instruments, Virginia Musical Museum includes a Virginia Musician Hall of Fame, featuring such musicians as Bruce Hornsby, Ella Fitzgerald, Pharrell and Patsy Cline.

This museum is one of a kind and I cannot recommend it enough.

Eloise, 7, loved the instruments and history, but also loved learning about the technology involved in creating record players, microphones and actual instruments. Virginia Musical Museum is a great place for music and STEM loving children.

Before heading to Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg, we stopped for a quick lunch at Retro’s Good Eats. Hotdog, fries and a drink for $7 is quite a deal, especially when I know it’s something kids will actually eat.

You don’t have to pay admission to roam down the main street at Colonial Williamsburg and see the historical buildings like the Bruton Parish Church. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Our last stop of the day was the official Colonial Williamsburg. This iconic, living museum provides architecture and reenactors to transport visitors to the 18th century when Williamsburg was the capital of Colonial Virginia. We walked Duke of Gloucester Street, admiring the architecture and gardens.

Our children loved stopping to play in the fields, checking on the recently born lambs and taking in the history. Colonial Williamsburg is a magical place that we are so lucky to live near.

Lambs born in the spring are fun to watch at Colonial Williamsburg. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

As families formulate plans for Spring Break and summer, Williamsburg is an excellent choice. From parks to museums and Colonial Williamsburg, the city provides a plethora of activities for families, all at an affordable rate.

⭐️ Related post: 12+ FREE Things to do in Colonial Williamsburg

Richmond on the Cheap contributor Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate of Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! You can follow her adventures at: @rva.familyfun

Need to get out of town or entertain the kids? Check out more posts that focus on travel in our region or fun with kids around Richmond.

Be sure to subscribe to email updates, follow @rvacheap on Twitter or like RVA (Richmond) on the Cheap on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest freebies & deals.