Jamestown Settlement

Sandy Bay

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2218 Jamestown Road, Route 31
South Williamsburg, 23185
888-593-4682
757- 253-4838

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Jamestown Settlement Description

On the banks of the James River not far from the archeological site where the first English colony in America was settled, Jamestown is recreated as a huge hands-on living history exhibit. Kids can explore the huts in the Powhatan Village, try on the heavy armor the English wore, or imagine themselves crossing the ocean in the very tight quarters of the three ships in which the settlers sailed to the New World. An excellent museum tells the story of the expedition in an entertaining, easily comprehended way.

Kid Tips

Babies: The museum is stroller-friendly, as are the fort and village; leave strollers dockside for exploring the ships. Be mindful of some low entrances to the huts and buildings if carrying baby in a backpack carrier.

Toddlers & Pre-K: The Powhatan Village and fort, where toddlers can scrape animal skins with oyster shells, play Native American games, and explore the ships, will entrance young kids. In the museum, engage young visitors with a listening game, challenging them to identify uses of the Powhatan language, the sounds of the screeching cat, and other scene-setting background noises.

School-Age Kids: Costumed interpreters in the outside exhibits will mesmerize kids this age, especially the Native Americans and sailors, so allow extra time for all the "whys" and "hows"; they, too, will want to do the Native American crafts and other hands-on activities.

Pre-Teens & Teens: History takes a modern twist with the podcasts produced by Jamestown Elementary School for the 400th anniversary in 2007; have older kids download one from the school website to use as their own guide.

Planning Notes

Combination pack. A combination entrance fee gives access to both the Yorktown Victory Center and Jamestown Settlement; the historic sites of Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battlefield require separate admission fees.

Eat up. A small on-site café offers drinks and casual dining year-round.

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