What to expect:
Colonial Williamsburg is the best known and most visited of all American living-history museums, with 1 million ticketed visitors each year. Families have been time traveling here for more than 70 years, transported all the way back to a Colonial American town in 1775, on the eve of the American Revolution. Some 500 original and restored buildings, along with gardens, ponds, streams, and horse pastures, make up the beautifully landscaped, 173-acre park.
Williamsburg, founded in 1699, was the capital of the Virginia Colony until 1780, and thanks to the meticulous restoration and reconstruction the old city looks much the same today as it did then. Thoroughly trained interpreters dressed in period costumes help re-create the era and add to the feeling of authenticity. Their carefully researched roles reflect people from all walks of society, from notables such as Thomas Jefferson, Martha Washington, and Patrick Henry to tradesmen and slaves.
As you wander around town, you might listen in or participate as they debate the issues of the day, such as the burdens of British rule and taxation, the role of slavery, and the appropriate punishments for witches. The interpreters are also glad to answer your questions. While 5- to 8-year-olds may not understand all of the debates, they can still have plenty of fun here as they get some hands-on lessons about life in Colonial America. Kids ages 6 to 14 can rent 18th-century garb, (including tri-cornered hats) for a moderate fee; pose for pictures in the stocks; play Colonial-era games such as hoop rolling, stilt walking, and ninepins;and ride in a horse-drawn carriage. They can join other kids in the town fire brigade, try their hand at baking bread or making crafts, or help tend a garden. They can also enjoy the sounds of a fife-and-drum corps as it marches down the pedestrian-only Duke of Gloucester Street, and maybe check out toys from the period (such as drums and dolls) in the Little Patriot Gift Shop.
For dinner, you can head to one of the local taverns and share a family meal of turkey pie, apple fritters, and spoon bread. In the evening, the children can attend a show featuring Colonial-style music, magic, and trained animals (extra admission required).
Nine restaurants (including four "taverns" featuring 18th century-style fare), hotels, shops, two nearby KOA Kampgrounds (visit the Williamsburg KOA's website or call 800-562-1733 to reserve at either site). Modern Williamsburg also has many restaurants and hotels.