Jamestown Settlement Museum with Kids
If you are visiting the City of Williamsburg then one of the must-visit places to go is Jamestown Settlement Museum. This hands-on and interactive living history museum is a great place to visit with kids. Check out the fun we had when visiting Jamestown Settlement Museum with kids along with our tips for visiting.
Jamestown Settlement Museum With Kids
When we took our trip to Williamsburg Virginia we made many stops to learn about American Colonial history. All of this was done while having fun by visiting historical attractions.
You will want to visit the Jamestown Settlement Museum with kids as that is the recreation of the early Virginia settlement. Along with other re-creations to help teach about this part of American History and the Story of America. I will be going in-depth in this post about our visit to the Jamestown Settlement Museum.
What is the Jamestown Settlement Museum?
Jamestown Settlement Museum is a historical museum located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. The museum is near the original site of the Jamestown colony, which was established in 1607. It aims to educate visitors about the struggles and achievements of the early English settlers. They also teach about the interactions between the English colonists and the indigenous Powhatan people.
It includes a living history museum that provides a glimpse into the early colonial history of America. There are 3 living history sections. Part of the museum is a recreation of the historical site that gives information. You will experience hands-on history experiences of what life was like in the times of the settlers of the new nation. There is also an indoor museum area to explore.
When you are visiting you will get to see a re-created Colonial fort (from the 1610-14 time period), re-created Paspahegh Town, and re-creations of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607.
Is Jamestown Settlement Museum fun for kids?
Yes. My kids loved being able to walk thru and learn about American history in a fun and interactive way.
When walking thru the re-created areas the kids were able to see, hear and touch things that made them able to learn about this period of American History in a way that was fun and interactive. They were able to talk to the time-period-dressed staff and ask questions to learn more.
If you are visiting with younger kids, the outside activities will probably be where you spend most of your time. There is plenty for young children to do and see in this area.
If you are visiting with older kids then you will want to take them to the outside areas. You will also want to bring them inside the museum.
Our Visit to Jamestown Settlement Museum
We started with the Paspahegh Indian Village. We learned about the world of the Powhatan culture. The costumed historical interpreters told us about the lives of the Powhatan Indians including Pocahontas. While walking thru the area we saw demonstrations of traditional Powhatan activities. This included hunting, fishing, gathering, cultivating and preparing food, tanning animal hides, crafting pottery, and weaving.
The kids loved walking thru the recreated reed-covered houses and talking to the interpreters and also enjoyed learning about the carving of the Dugout Canoe.
Our next stop was the re-created James Fort. Here we learned about the daily lives of citizens who lived during this time period.
The time period dressed staff has historical expertise making it great for kids to ask questions. While you are here you may see interpreters who are making wood and leather products using 17th-century-style tools, sewing, or preparing meals.
While exploring The Fort we walked thru the different buildings. We also saw a rifle being shot and got to talk to different people which gave us information about this time period and being someone who would have lived here during this time.
Following the Fort, we moved on to the re-created ships. There are 3 recreated ships, the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, that you can explore. Depending on the day not all ships are able to be boarded but we were able to board the one and explore.
The interpreters are dressed in period attire guided us and told us about the ships. They explained what life was like during the 17th century and what it was like to be on the 1607 voyage.
We ended our visit by exploring the indoor museum. We explored the interactive experiences that they had. The kids loved seeing the time period artifacts and the interactive displays.
What is there to do at Jamestown Settlement Museum with kids?
This whole museum is kid and family-friendly. It is a great place to take the whole family. There are many things that the whole family, including the kids will enjoy.
English Settlers Fort
A visit to the Jamestown Settlement allows you to transport yourself to the early 1600s. You will be immersed in an authentic experience of that time period and get to take a trip to the replica of America’s first permanent English colony. This colony was established by the Virginia Company of London.
Among the notable highlights is the English Settlers Fort, a prominent attraction constructed between 1610 and 1614. Within its walls, you can delve into the workings of the military outpost established by the Virginia Company of London. From gaining insights into food preparation methods to exploring the intricacies of housing arrangements, the fort offers a comprehensive understanding of life during that era.
Powhatan Indian Village
An essential highlight to explore at Jamestown Settlement is the captivating Powhatan Life Village Tour. This immersive experience presents live reenactments of the daily routines and customs of the Powhatan tribe. Step into a meticulously recreated hut that once housed Native Americans, and gain insight into their fascinating way of life.
Discover the diverse array of foods they consumed, witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in crafting tools and weapons, and observe how these implements were effectively employed. The Powhatan Life Village Tour offers an engaging and educational glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Powhatan people.
Jamestown Settlement Ships Tour
An enchanting attraction not to be missed is the Jamestown Settlement Ships Tour, showcasing faithful replicas of the renowned vessels: the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. These ships played a pivotal role in transporting the settlers from England to Virginia in 1607.
Step aboard these magnificent replicas and engage with knowledgeable crew members, who provide captivating insights into the arduous voyage and the realities of life on board. Delve into the tales and experiences of the crew, painting a vivid picture of what life was truly like during this historic journey. The Jamestown Settlement Ships Tour promises an immersive and enlightening experience for all visitors.
Indoor Jamestown Settlement Museum
Be sure to include a visit to the captivating Jamestown Settlement Museum, where you’ll find a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that bring to life the vibrant cultures of the Powhatan Indians, English settlers, and West Central Africans who resided in 17th-century Virginia.
This indoor museum provides a captivating journey through time, with its displays centering around the origins of Jamestown in England and the formative years of the Virginia colony until 1699. Immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse heritage as you explore the exhibits, which offer fascinating insights into the early days of Jamestown and the experiences of those who shaped the region’s history.
There is so much to do and see in the indoor space. Within the expansive 30,000-square-foot exhibition space, Jamestown Settlement showcases an array of immersive exhibits featuring over 500 rare artifacts. While visiting you will enjoy dynamic displays, interactive experiences, and an awesome 4-D theater, the museum brings the historical events of Bacon’s Rebellion to life through state-of-the-art special effects.
Tips for Visiting Jamestown Settlement Museum with Kids
Plan ahead: Take some time to research and familiarize yourself with the museum’s exhibits, activities, and schedule. This will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you don’t miss any kid-friendly attractions.
Interactive exhibits: Jamestown Settlement Museum offers numerous interactive exhibits that are engaging for children. Encourage your kids to participate and explore hands-on activities, such as trying on colonial-era clothing, handling replica artifacts, or participating in interactive demonstrations.
Historical interpreters: Encourage your children to interact with the costumed historical interpreters. These interpreters are knowledgeable and provide valuable insights into the history and daily life of Jamestown. Kids can ask questions, listen to stories, and learn in an engaging way.
Outdoor attractions: Jamestown Settlement Museum has outdoor attractions, including a recreated Powhatan Indian Village and replica ships. Allow your children to explore these areas, as they provide a more immersive experience and an opportunity to imagine what life was like in the past.
Take breaks: Keep in mind that visiting a museum can be tiring for kids. Take breaks as needed, allowing them time to rest, have a snack, or participate in any scheduled play areas or picnic spots available on the museum grounds.
Souvenirs and follow-up activities: Consider letting your children choose a small souvenir from the museum stores to remember their visit. Additionally, after the visit, you can engage them in follow-up activities like drawing, writing, or further researching the topics they found most interesting.
Are there other places in Williamsburg Virginia that we should go see?
When you are exploring Williamsburg Virginia you will want to also visit Historic Jamestowne (which is owned by the national park service), as that is the original settlement of the English settlers who came to America.
To fully grasp the historical narrative, I recommend taking a trip to both locations to explore, as they mutually enhance your understanding of this pivotal period in history. Combining these two experiences ensures a well-rounded exploration and a deeper appreciation of the significant events and individuals that shaped early colonial America.
I also suggest that you visit the museum first and then head to the historical settlement. Having been in the immersive environments at the museum will make it easier to understand what you are seeing when you visit the historic site.
I also suggest visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown which is another museum that has a living history museum where you will see a re-created revolution-era farm, re-created continental army encampment, and more. Everything combined will give insight into the founding of America and the history of the Williamsburg area.
I also suggest making a visit to Colonial Williamsburg.
How long should you plan to spend at The Museum?
To see and explore everything you will want to plan 3 hours of time to be spent at the museum. If your kids are interested in hands-on experiences then you may want to plan for extra time.
Where is Jamestown Settlement Museum located?
The Jamestown Settlement Museum is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. The address is 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185. The museum is located near the original site of the Jamestown colony, making it a historically significant location.
What are the hours they are open?
Hours of Operation: Open year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas and New Year’s Days. Outdoor living-history areas are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Get Tickets here.
How much does it cost to go to Jamestown Settlement?
Admission is $18 for adults and $9 for kids.
You can also buy a combination ticket that will give you one-day admission to both the Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for $30 for adults and $15 for kids. This is a great deal to get if you plan on going to both places.
The best value is the historic triangle pass combo ticket if you plan on visiting all of the historic areas in Williamsburg Virginia. It is $119.00 for adults and $53 for kids. This pass gives you admission for 7 consecutive days to the following attractions in the area:
- Jamestown Settlement
- Historic Jamestowne
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Yorktown Battlefield
- American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
It is important to note that once you buy your America’s Historic Triangle Ticket, you’ll get a printable voucher that needs to be traded for admission tickets at a Colonial Williamsburg ticketing location before you can visit the Yorktown or Jamestown sites.
You can also grab a great deal on Groupon for 7 consecutive days of unlimited admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
