Free Family Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia is an extremely popular vacation destination for a weekend, a week or even longer, but the costs for a family of four can be substantial. Water Country, Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown are extremely popular and rightly so as a family can combine the educational value of a visit to these historic sites, as well as experience the thrill of the many rides, shows and attractions at Busch Gardens and enjoy the numerous water activities offered at the adjacent Water Country. These attractions in the area known as the "historic triangle" are all within 10 miles of virtually every Williamsburg lodging site.

However, many of the experiences can be duplicated or suitable substitute activities enjoyed at minimal or no cost. Here is a list of a few activities for the frugal family that wants to enjoy a weekend getaway or even a longer vacation to the area.

Bring you bicycles. There is a wonderful paved bike trail where one can begin at Jamestown and enjoy a ride through the woods that culminates at a public park on the shores of the Chickahominy River where it joins the James River. Bring your cameras because along the way you will certainly have an opportunity to view the wildlife. A variety of birds, such as ducks, herons and geese as well as deer and turkey are known to frequent the woods, marshes and fields along the way. You can even view the llamas grazing in their paddocks on the farm as you approach the Chickahominy River park. An early morning or late evening ride is best for viewing wildlife, but the flower and fauna can be enjoyed at any time. Bring your lunch in a backpack and there are picnic tables available at the park as well as a very limited snack bar that has drinks and chips available. There also is a playground available for the children and a large swimming pool which is open during the summer months. A small fee is charged for swimming. The other bonus about the park is that it is very lightly used, so the crowds that are generally experienced at the more popular vacation venues are absent. It is an approximately 7 mile bike excursion from Jamestown to the Chickahominy River on the flat paved bike path.

Ride the parkway. A visitor can enjoy the Colonial Parkway either in their vehicle or on a bicycle. The Colonial Parkway is approximately 25 miles long and connects Williamsburg in the center with Yorktown to the east and Jamestown to the west. There are numerous rest stops along the way where a panoramic view of either the York or James Rivers can be enjoyed. There are also ample open areas for kites, flying balsa airplanes or just for children to run. Several sandy beaches are easily accessible on the parkway where fishing and sun bathing are popular. Forays into the water should be limited to wading as the river currents can be treacherous. At the termination of the Colonial Parkway in Yorktown there is a public beach that is not crowded on weekdays. There also is a fishing pier where children under 16 can fish without a license.

Stroll through the Yorktown River waterfront. The colonial atmosphere can be enjoyed along the brick walkways that connect the small shops and restaurants. One can also stroll along the tree lined streets adjacent to the waterfront and note the quaint homes and gardens many of which date to the Revolutionary War era. There also is a beautiful 95 foot high monument that commemorates the American and French victory over the British in 1781. The monument overlooks the York River and was designed by Richards Morris Hunt, the architect of the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Finally, in Yorktown on Fridays during the month of June from 6:30-9:30 pm a family can enjoy a free concert The music is for all ages and features talented local groups that have an established reputation. Bring your own lawn chairs or a blanket.