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Virginia Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Virginia Family-friendly activities

Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit

1. Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit

See the sights of Washington DC from onboard the Spirit of Washington with a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Enjoy a buffet dining experience as you sail, and delight in panoramic views. Board your vessel and receive a personal greeting. Have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory before being seated at your private table. Once there, gorge on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative entrees prepared fresh daily and listen to the onboard music. After your meal, visit any of the three climate-controlled decks as you glide by the sights. LUNCH/DINNER BUFFET SAMPLE MENU SALADS FIELD GREEN SALAD (G*)(VG)Tomatoes | Cucumbers | Carrots | Ranch Dressing | Balsamic Dressing KALE QUINOA SALAD (G*)(VG)(V)Quinoa | Roasted Red Pepper | Spinach | Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette GREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD (V)Sweet Peas | White Beans | Scallions MAIN HONEY SESAME CHICKEN (G*)Scallions | Fresno Chillies OVEN ROASTED WHITEFISH (G*)Spicy Tomato | White Bean Ragu BAKED ZITI PASTA (V)Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | Spinach Cream Sauce ROOT VEGETABLE FRICASSEE (G*)(VG)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Broccoli | Grape Tomatoes | Gremolata | Cauliflower Coconut Cream Sauce COMPLEMENTSROASTED BROCCOLI (G*)(VG)(V)Toasted Garlic | Chili Flakes GARLIC MASHED POTATOES (G*)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Roasted Garlic DESSERTSIGNATURE DESSERT STATION (V)Cakes | Brownies | Seasonal Fruit | *May Contain Nuts *Menus subject to change

Williamsburg: Busch Gardens Ticket & Water Country Option

2. Williamsburg: Busch Gardens Ticket & Water Country Option

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the world’s most beautiful theme park, as voted year after year since 1990. Wander through the classic European themed and artfully landscaped villages, resembling the Parisian streets of France, the hamlets of Scotland and the Oktoberfest celebrations of Germany. Explore all nine villages centered around six countries. Kids can sing with Elmo, feed a lorikeet and ride between mom and dad on a thrilling kid coaster all in the same day! After catching one of the many entertaining shows, head over to award-winning roller coasters inspired by Old World legends like the Apollo, the Griffin, and the Loch Ness monster. From virtual reality to carousels, everyone one in the family will find an activity they love and create cherished memories to think back on for years to come! Animal Exhibits: Spend some time at Highland Stables and take part in a celebration of centuries-old Scottish traditions. Interact with blackface sheep and their border collie guardians. Enjoy demonstrations of traditional herding and hunting methods. Visit Eagle Ridge to meet some gutsy American Bald Eagles, each one a survivor of injuries that left them unable to live on their own in the wild. Hear their inspiring stories and feel the sense of awe that travels with these majestic birds. Stroll through Lorikeet Glen and make a bunch of new friends as colorful birds glide down to greet you from the branches of a fascinating, free-flight aviary. Go beyond the haunting calls and piercing eyes of the mysterious gray wolf in Wolf Valley. Learn what you can do to help these important ancestors of modern-day canines survive and thrive. Theme Park Rides: Take a ride on Alpengeist, one of the tallest, fastest and most insane roller coasters in the world. Before you can say "boo" the floor drops beneath your feet, so get ready for what many coaster enthusiasts still call the ride of a lifetime. Experience the mind-bending climbs and weightless wonder of floating airtime at Apollo's Chariot, one of the mightiest coasters of all time. Hop on the classic Loch Ness monster which hurls its passengers along 3,240 feet of steel track into the air, over water, and through a dark cave. Join the bravest of ride warriors and challenge yourself to the 205-foot, 90-degree, 75 mph free fall of Griffon, a heart-pounding, tour de force roller coaster.

Williamsburg: Secrets of Williamsburg Walking Tour

3. Williamsburg: Secrets of Williamsburg Walking Tour

Journey through the early days of America on this 90-120 minute walking tour of historic Williamsburg, Virginia. Equipped with hours of research, your guide will transport you to the 18th century and regale you with tales of love, war, brotherhood, and the costly fight for freedom. While Colonial Williamsburg is a true museum of living history, many storytellers shy away from the details that made it real and avoid unpopular stories of the great, and terrible, men and women who lived, loved, laughed, killed, and died here. On this tour experience, instead of stepping carefully around those stories, expert tour guides will dive headfirst into unflinching accounts and gripping backstories of the famous and infamous figures who called Williamsburg home. Dive in with them as they reveal and showcase America's first conspiracy ring, hidden vaults and crypts throughout the city filled with surprising artifacts and people, events and secret meetings held in seedy taverns filled with less savory characters, and more. They will attempt to paint portraits of historical figures so vivid and true that you'll believe you met them and know them as well as yourself. On this tour, you will visit up to 12-15 locations all tied to famous figures in American History and you will learn the true history of the most iconic places of Colonial Williamsburg as your expert guide takes you through the different pieces of the city and why Colonial Williamsburg was the city that history made and more. Experience the religious, political, and educational epicenters of the city and see where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and other famous figures walked, talked, ate, drank, and had some of the most important discussions and laid the most unforgettable battle plans that would change the nation forever. See the Bruton Parish church, one of Virginia's oldest religious buildings and stand at the gates of the Governor's Palace that housed the Governor of Virginia responsible for the capture of Blackbeard the Pirate. Explore the Gaol (Jail) where Blackbeard's Boys were housed before meeting an untimely fate and the house the George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, and Thomas Jefferson's mentor--George Wythe--planned the final integral battle of the Revolutionary War. It’s one thing to read about history; it’s another to see, hear, smell, and touch it. As you journey through the nation’s largest living history exhibit, you’ll experience a deep connection to America’s earliest settlers. Stand in the shadow of iconic homes like the Peyton-Randolph House and the Governor’s Palace. Hear sobering tales of the black colonial experience - stories that have been glossed over for decades. By the end of the journey, you’ll have new insight into what life was really like 300 years ago, and how America developed into the country it is today. Bring the family along and take a relaxing stroll through this beautiful, historic town.

Norfolk: Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket

4. Norfolk: Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket

Experience the best of Norfolk, Virginia with the Passport to Fun. With these specially-issued passes, you can explore Norfolk's Battleship Wisconsin, known as the world’s largest and last battleship. Uncover the power of the sea and marvel at maritime science and history at the Nauticus Museum. Step inside the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and discover the history of the United States Navy in Coastal Virginia.  Go wild at the Virginia Zoo and see tigers, lions, and bears. Explore and learn about different habitats and the way that animals live in the wild. Enjoy discounts on a dozen museums, tours, area attractions, and shops with a discount booklet.

Richmond: Hollywood Cemetery Lore and Civil War Walking Tour

5. Richmond: Hollywood Cemetery Lore and Civil War Walking Tour

Explore Hollywood Cemetary with a local guide on a walking tour. Travel back in time to the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic, hear Jefferson Davis’s most embarrassing moment, and come face-to-face with the Richmond vampire, William Wortham Pool. Meet your guide at the entrance to the Hollywood Cemetary, nestled beside the scenic James River. As you stroll past intricate landscaping and ornate gravesites, hear fascinating, fun, and tragic stories about the inhabitants of this graveyard. Visit 14 memorial sites with your guide, including the final resting places of William Wortham Pool, Jefferson Davis, and a famous guitarist. At each one, hear poignant, funny, and saucy tales. Bring the kids along for a little history lesson, or take some time to enjoy a lovely afternoon walk with new friends as you learn fun facts about Richmond's rich history.

Colonial Williamsburg: Self-Guided Walking Tour

6. Colonial Williamsburg: Self-Guided Walking Tour

On this self-guided walking tour where an app is your guide, narrator, and map all in one, explore Colonial Williamsburg, a beautifully restored colonial town full of actors living out the lives of 18th-century Americans. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Your tour begins at Colonial Williamsburg’s visitor center just north of the town center. As you walk south, you’ll learn about the earliest residents of Williamsburg and the Native Americans who called this place home when the first European settlers arrived. The first major landmark you’ll arrive at is the Peyton Randolph House, a gorgeous home dating back to 1715. Its former owner was a key revolutionary figure, though you might not have heard about him in school. Next, arrive at the Fife and Drum Building, where you’ll learn about the importance these simple instruments had during battles. If you’re lucky, you may also catch a performance of Colonial Williamsburg’s very own fife and drum band as they march through town. Continuing onward, hear about the origins of the Colonial Williamsburg museum project, including how America’s first billionaire, John D. Rockefeller, bankrolled the whole thing. Afterward, you’ll see the Public Gaol, a grim prison that once held prisoners incarcerated for everything from petty theft to murder. It even held But would you Blackbeard’s pirate crew while they waited to be executed. Up next is Bassett Hall, the lavish estate where Rockefeller lived while overseeing the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Then, it’s on to the old Capitol Building, where Virginia once declared independence from Britain, just 4 days before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The next stop is Raleigh Tavern. During the 1700s, this tavern’s unassuming facade hid secret revolutionary meetings within. Next, come to the Williamsburg Magazine, an old munitions storehouse. Learn the dramatic tale of a standoff between British troops and Williamsburg residents on the eve of the revolution. As you make your way to the Play House Stage, a recreation of one of the country’s oldest theaters, you’ll hear a few spooky stories about ghost sightings that have taken place throughout Williamsburg. After that, you’ll reach the Governor’s Palace, where Virginia’s Royal Governor ruled over the people of this state, that is until he was forced to flee in the dead of night. Then, see two of the town’s most historic structures: the George Wythe House and the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. The George Wythe House was home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence who was also a staunch abolitionist. Bruton Parish Episcopal Church predates the town itself and is the whole reason for the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Finally, make your way to the historic campus of the College of William & Mary, the nation’s second-oldest university. Finish your tour by seeing one of Williamsburg’s oldest and most impressive buildings and learning a little about the college’s controversial history.

Williamsburg: Pirate Tour

7. Williamsburg: Pirate Tour

Take a journey through the golden age of piracy on a guided tour of historic Williamsburg. Find out the pivotal role pirates played in the city's and greater Virginia's past as you visit taverns, stores, and more. Meet your 18th-century tour guide at the Williamsburg's Capitol Building and follow them through the city to historic sites such as the Raleigh Tavern, Wetherburn Tavern, Tarpley and Thompson store, and the city jail. Hear about how pirates were way beyond just a local menace. Understand how they had significant influence on the developing colonies of Virginia and other settlements in this country. Learn about their life and customs in the era and how they built up a full-scale smuggling empire. Listen to fascinating details of famous battles and captured pirates. During your tour uncover Blackbeard's infamous past and his demise.

Colonial Williamsburg: Scavenger Hunt Audio Guide Tour

8. Colonial Williamsburg: Scavenger Hunt Audio Guide Tour

Embark on an educational and fun-filled audio tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Visit a series of important locations including Peyton Randolph House, Basset Hall, and more, and hear about their significance. Look out for clues to answer trivia questions in the included tour app. Your scavenger hunt-audio guide adventure through Colonial Williamsburg begins at the visitor center. From the visitor center, head to the Peyton Randolph House and check it out. Hear then about the connection that John. D. Rockefeller has with this town and how he helped in restoring it. From there if you prefer you can visit the public jail, or move towards Basset Hall and then come back to the jail later. On this part of the tour, hear about several buildings where revolutionaries met and discussed the idea of independence. Learn then about the Magazine. Some trivia questions will pop up while you are taking the tour. You can either answer the questions and advance ahead on the tour or you can skip the questions if you like. Pay attention to your surroundings for clues to answer the questions. Some other attractions on the route are the Governor’s House, George Wythe House, and Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. The tour will end on the William and Mary School campus.

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What people are saying about Virginia

I enjoyed this lunch cruise. DJ was great! He played a diverse playlist that kept everyone entertained. The food was good-not 5 star or gourmet but not bad at all. What made it even better was the that all of staff were so nice! You can tell they thoroughly enjoy the work they do and they like people because they were definitely spreading joy! Keep up the great work! You’re appreciated!

We had a blast! I took my fiancé on board the dinner cruise for his birthday. They thought it was our anniversary haha but no matter! The food was delicious, the staff were incredibly accommodating and we enjoyed dancing with them all! Super worthwhile!

staff members were extremely nice and went way overboard to make sure I had a wonderful time for my birthday cruise. I can only say that my sister and I were treated royally, and I appreciate all that was done!

We really loved it we were there last May 15 for mother’s s day celebration and we enjoy it the food and the dj was cool now I suggest more African music because we are coming on May14th again thank u

I rather wanted to have real soul food than broccoli or green pasta you need to fix the menus