Uttering the words “exciting” and “history” in the same sentence might earn a dismissive snort from your kids. Maybe that’s because they haven’t been to Colonial Williamsburg. Amid restored pre-revolutionary buildings, costumed performers in powdered wigs fire off their muskets and have been known to lock willful children in the stocks. When combined with nearby Yorktown and Jamestown, this slice of Virginia earns its “Historic Triangle” nickname. Had enough of the 18th century? Modern thrills like the world’s tallest floorless roller coaster await. Here’s history and excitement wrapped into one.
Back in the Day
Colonial Williamsburg could be the perfect American-history classroom, and not just because there’s no final exam. Rather than reading about the past, kids step right into it just as it was in November 1775. The British flag still flies, horse and buggies clip-clop along cobblestone streets and militias drill on the square. It was here that Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and others helped launch the American Revolution. Go to the visitor center to plot your tour of this living history museum. 800-447-8679; colonialwilliamsburg.com; $18–$37
Boo!
Be ready for goosebumps on this candlelight walking tour of the dark streets of Williamsburg. The guided forays focus on the region’s spooky past and run at least an hour (877-624-4678; theghosttour.com; $10; 6 and under free). For a bigger scare (accompanied by steamed mussels), try the Haunted Dinner Theater. Shows run June through October and combine a buffet spread with a whodunit performance. Captain George’s Restaurant, 5363 Richmond Rd.; 757-258-2500; wmbgdinnertheater.com; $29–$45
Splash and Play
Looking to cool off? Check out Water Country USA, a mammoth outdoor water park at Busch Gardens, with a 1960s surf theme. The multi-person raft rides, double flumes and splash fountains are great for kids and adults. Kid favorites include the three-person surf-boggan raft ride and the whitewater raft trip down Big Daddy Falls. 800-343-7946; watercountryusa.com; $33–$40
History Channel
No doubt your kids know all about the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. But at the 29-acre Jamestown Settlement they can mimic our nation’s early settlers by climbing aboard the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, replicas of the ships that brought English colonists to Virginia in 1607. Later, stop by Powhatan Indian Village, a recreated Native American village, where kids can grind corn, peek inside a reed-covered house, play a game of corncob darts and learn how Pocahontas lived. Rte. 31 South, Jamestown; 757-253-4838; historyisfun.org; $6–$14
Make Like a Pirate
For a lighter take on history, head to Pirate’s Cove, a mini golf course with sunken ships, mountain caves, footbridges and cascading waterfalls. Look out for the stray cannon fire coming from that renegade pirate on the raft! 2001 Mooretown Rd.; 757-259-4600;
piratescove.net; from $7
Get In on the Action
Theme-park fun is just around the corner at Busch Gardens Europe. In the morning, try to catch a glimpse of one of the six bald eagles in the park’s Eagle Ridge sanctuary. A seventh, named Liberty, makes herself available for photos ops in the park most days. Test your mettle on the Alpengeist, billed as the world’s tallest inverted roller coaster—it reaches nerve-shredding speeds of almost 70 mph. 800-343-7946; buschgardens.com; $50–$57
STAY
RCI-affiliated resorts in Williamsburg include:
WYNDHAM PATRIOTS PLACE - KING'S CREEK PLANTATION
For more information, visit RCI.com or call
Weeks: 800-338-7777
Points: 877-968-7476
NON-RCI-AFFILIATED HOTELS:
CROWNE PLAZA WILIAMSBURG
6945 Pocahontas Trail; 757-
220-2250; www.cpwilliamsburghotel.com; doubles from $88
KINGSMILL RESORT & SPA
1010 Kingsmill Rd.; 877-
557-3529; www.kingsmill.com;
doubles from $219
GREAT WOLF LODGE
549 E. Rochambeau Dr.; 757-
229-9700; www.greatwolflodge.com; doubles from $199
COLONIAL HOUSES
Williamsburg; 800-447-8679;
www.colonialwilliamsburg.com;
doubles from $180