Williamsburg - cheap indoor activities?

[Andrea from PA]

We are planning a cheap trip to Williamsburg over Easter break. We've been before, but it has been a few years & my 8 yr old doesn't remember much. We cant afford everything, so for now we're leaning toward Busch Gardens 7 day passes ($62 each) and forgoing Colonial Williamsburg passes. My only issue is what to do if it rains

Any cheap indoor activities?

We've done the VA living Museum & the VA Air & Space many times in the past -- I'd like to find a "closer" and cheaper rainy day plan.

Any ideas?

 

[Belle5]

While it may not be a super hot spot for an eight year old, you could kill a couple of hours at the Yankee Candle store. It was a surprise highlight for us during our trip to Williamsburg last summer.

Also, Jamestown Settlement has some great indoor sections to it's museum.

 

[HeatherC]

We will be there right after you for my kids spring break! Hopefully, we'll all have great weather.

Wanted to mention that you may want to check the hours of Busch Gardens for the week you are there. When we are going, it is only open on the weekend (Fri-Sun.). Wouldn't want you to get there expecting it to be open all week and then have it closed. Since it is Easter, the hours may be different.

Does your hotel/condo have an indoor pool? That's always great for kids.

I second Jamestown Settlement. Even though a large portion of it is outdoors, they do have an indoor museum there that is quite large.

Also check out the Williamsburg Forum on tripadvisor. I've found some really helpful advice there and you may get some other indoor ideas.

Have a great time!

 

[kacaju]

do not go to the Ripley's believe it or not museum if you want cheap!! we went there and while the kids had a great time we dropped a ton of money there!!

 

[gillenkl]

personally I'd forget Busch Gardens - you're children are the perfect age for taking in all the living history sites. Jamestown settlement and Williamsburg.

 

[RooRach0906]

There are some of those bouncy places and normally you can get good coupons in the travel broucher books when you get there. You could go to the Outlets but I dont know how much fun that would be for a kid, my niece never mind going but they are used to being taken shopping a lot. I agree with PP about the Yankee Candle store as well.
I know you said outside but the Presidents Park looks like fun and would be educational. Tickets are $12.75 adult and $8 kids.There is a website if you wanna check it out.

 

[RALuck]

The Yankee Candle factory is a great place on a rainy day. We were there last Easter and they had a bunch of activities to entertain the kids (scavenger hunt, cupcake decorating, etc.). My 3 kids were all happy to be there and it was a godsend on a wet, yucky day.

 

[jcc0621]

We are planning a trip for August so I have been doing lots of research.

One thing I found was this...

AMF Williamsburg Lanes
AMF Williamsburg Lanes is home of the Colonial Virginia Tournament. Featuring birthday parties, company celebrations, and ladies', men's, youth and mixed leagues. Bumper bowling, rent-a-lane, extreme bowling and snack bar.

If you check out this site, its got lots of good information...
http://visitwilliamsburg.com/williamsburg-attractions/index.aspx

 

[Priorityonecb]

Yankee Candle is great! They can do various candle making activities, tons to see, places to get fun snacks. If it's just drizzling you could do all the shops at Merchants Square at Colonial Williamsburg and just wander in and out of the shops.

 

[Andrea from PA]

Thanks all!

Sounds like we'll have some good back-up plans.

 

[dblr]

Years ago there was a place near BG that had a large model railroad display, it was in a strip mall, might not be there anymore but he did offer a family plan admission price was a nice place if it rained. I would also say you could kill some time @ the Yankee Candle store but if you are with my wife cheap would not be the word when you check out.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Not sure if BG is quite as good in the rain as WDW, but we have had some of our best days in the rain there. We did a cool rainy day in the Mk once and there was no one there. everything was open and we walked on everthing! We layered clothes to stay warm, added a ponch and cap and wore crocks. We took socks for warmth in case it stopped raining (it did, but crowds still stayed VERY low). Mid afternoon we headed back to the room for a hot shower and clean up. SOO,,,, consider going in the rain!!

BTW-We really like this Bush Garden