More Free Family Summer 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. I suggested a few activities in the first article that can be healthy family fun and take some pressure off the expenses associated with a visit to the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown or Jamestown. The following additional suggestions are provided for those that want to enjoy the visit while minimizing cost.

If you have visited the sites and attractions that you're interested in and want to take the children or yourself on another adventure, try a ferry boat ride. Posted is a picture of one of the ferry boats. As you view down the road, Jamestown Settlement is about a quarter mile away. You can park in the Jamestown Settlement area, walk down the road and ride the ferry across the James River to the town of Surry. It's about a 20 minute ride one way and you will be crossing the James River and pass by the original Jamestown settlement. You can see the location of the original site and the architectural dig that is taking place in addition to seeing Jamestown Island the way the first settlers must have viewed it when they first arrived in 1607. During a weekday there will normally be few automobiles on board, but even if it is full, there is plenty of room for all and it is a pleasant trip. There are only a few homes on the Surry side of the river, so it is not advised that one leave the ferry unless you want to wait about 20-30 minutes for the next boat. Bring some bread crumbs to feed the seagulls and enjoy the fresh breeze and pleasure boats that frequent the river. You may even see one of the large container ships that move along the river. It's free!

If you want to enjoy the atmosphere of Colonial Williamsburg, you can walk along tree lined Duke of Gloucester Street (DOG street to the locals). There are numerous shops and restaurants located there and you will actually be in Colonial Williamsburg where you can enjoy a close up view of the homes, architecture and numerous costumed interpreters. You can view the famous Governors Palace constructed in 1711, where Virginia's early leaders including Thomas Jefferson lived and the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church built in 1683. The church holds three Sunday Services at 7:30 am, 9:00am and 11:15 am. You must pay an admission charge to actually enter some of the buildings, but you can enter anyone of the shops such as the silversmith, apothecary, cooper (barrel maker), blacksmith, tailor and several others and hear them speak about the work of these craftsmen during that period, as well as dine at one of the many restaurants with no Colonial Williamsburg admission charge. I walk DOG street several times a week and often enjoy lunch in one of the colonial themed restaurants.

Children can enjoy numerous activities at Kidsburg located at Mid-County Park about 4 miles from the center of Williamsburg. The park consists of 19 acres of which swings, slides, ladders and other attractions built just for kids are featured. There are shelters and picnic tables available and there are several fast food franchises adjacent to the park where a visitor can purchase a picnic meal and enjoy it in the pleasant surroundings of the park.

Walk in the forests where the colonists and Indians hunted and fished. There is a 3 mile long soft surface circular walking trail that meanders through the forests and marshes. It is adjacent to Jamestown High School and signs along the clearly marked path provide information about historical events and natural features. In the early morning or at dusk the hiker is likely to see native white-tail deer or perhaps even an elusive wild turkey if one proceeds quietly. Wild ducks and Canadian geese are in abundance and the visitor can observe these wild fowl in their natural habitant. Parking is available at the trail head and at the Jamestown High School tennis courts.