Kids eat and stay free in Williamsburg

Vacation on the cheap in historic Colonial Williamsburg this summer, with a special new Kids Stay, Play and Eat FREE summer package.

All kids 12 and under stay and eat free free with parents or grandparents at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites or the Williamsburg Lodge, with rates starting at $79 per adult per night.

The grown-ups get exclusive guest benefits including preferred reservations at the spa and golf course tee times. Plus, the hotel and lodge offer complimentary shuttle service throughout Revolutionary City.

The kids get to play RevQuest: The Old Enemy, a text-message based alternative reality game where players navigate through the Revolutionary City searching for secret meeting spots, hidden messages, and an ally critical to saving the American Revolution. They’ll have fun and won’t even realize they are learning important US history.

Also for fun, the Woodlands has a new splash park with water cannons, waterslides and pirate-themed pool parties.

The entire family can enjoy the interactive programming at the Governor’s Palace and Capitol. At the Palace, where you will be inserted into the dialogue as the household prepares for a ball to be hosted that night by Lord and Lady Dunmore. Against this backdrop of social activity, guests will consider how British royal authority is coming into increasing conflict with colonial American interests.

At the Capitol, guests experience the day that Virginia’s representatives vote to adopt a declaration of rights. The audience becomes actively engaged in a dialogue about issues related to self-governance, freedom of speech, and the need for a separation of powers.

There’s plenty family-friendly activities in Greater Williamsburg, too.

Explore Historic Jamestowne’s new “World of Pocahontas” exhibit, which commemorates the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas’ marriage to John Rolfe.

Break the heat at Water Country USA’s newest thrill ride, Colossal Curl.

Rock out at Busch Gardens’ 25-minute, multimedia rock spectacular, London Rocks And be sure to ride the park’s famous Lock Ness Monster roller coaster. Here’s a front seat view:

Soar through the forest canopy at Go Ape, a family-friendly interactive treetop adventure

Enjoy biking or paddling at the new Eco-Discovery Park, designed to encourage appreciation for and preservation of our natural environment.

Celebrate our nation’s independence this July 4 with exciting events, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence in Colonial Williamsburg, musical performances at Busch Gardens®’ “Illuminights” and fireworks at the Yorktown waterfront.

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation preserves, restores and operates Virginia’s 18th-century capital of Williamsburg, Va., as a 21st-century center for history and citizenship.

The Colonial Williamsburg experience includes more than 400 restored or reconstructed original buildings, renowned Art Museums, extensive educational outreach programs, lodging, culinary options, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, a full-service spa and fitness center, pools, retail stores and gardens. Philanthropic support and revenue from admissions, products and hospitality operations sustain Colonial Williamsburg’s preservation initiatives.