Historic Jamestowne

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: This is not the best attraction for the youngest children, as much of the experience is gained from reading placards and listening to tour guides. Preschool-age kids will particularly enjoy the pinch pot program, however, where they learn to fashion small pots out of a ball of clay just like the early settlers and the Native Americans did.

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.

Planning Notes

• One fee, several attractions. A $10 combination entrance fee gives access to both Historic Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battlefield National Park Service sites; the Yorktown Victory Center and Jamestown Settlement require separate admission fees.
• Interactive hunt. The NPS Junior Ranger program is a fun mix of seek-and-find questions, puzzles, and activities with a Jamestowne badge for the prize; kids up to about age 8 will need some adult help.
• Colonial arts. The Glass House is a can't-miss experience. Glass blowers demonstrate seventeenth-century glassmaking techniques with ultra-hot gathers of glass; the remains of the original 1608 furnaces are nearby.

Just the Facts

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fees: Under $10

Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours

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