Looking for Playgrounds in Williamsburg and Parks in Williamsburg and surrounding towns?
Looking for the Best Parks & Playgrounds in Williamsburg and the surrounding areas? Need to get the kids outside? Want to wander in nature? Looking to rent a canoe and go on the James River or York River?
Here is a list some parks in the Williamsburg, James City County and Yorktown area. Parks may include playgrounds, bike trails, fishing, kayaking and even Park Ranger guided events. Just need a few minutes outside? Many of these parks are practically in your backyard or if you are visiting…just a hop skip and a jump from your hotels. Scroll down to see all the great options this area has to offer!
1. Kidsburg Playground in Veterans Memorial Park
This park formally known as Mid County Park is located on 3793 Ironbound Rd. near Monticello Ave., this park is one of the best in the area.
It has a huge play area for big kids including a zipline, massive boat and climbing structure that has easy access for adults and special needs.
There is a section for little kids that has swings and themed structures including a cannon to climb on Most importantly it is fenced in so you can keep a close eye on the little ones.
The park has picnic shelters that have 4 picnic tables in each, a walking trail, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and it is lighted so kids can play in the evenings. There are bathrooms and vending machines too. Parking lot is big.
Oh and there is a HUGE green space so bring a frisbee, football or a kite because this area is made to run on.
2. Kiwanis Park
City of Williamsburg, located on 125 Longhill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 – this is a big playground with picnic shelters, swings, basketball courts, tennis courts, green space and lots of options.
3. Warhill Sports Complex
Playgrounds – There are two playgrounds — if you are on Centerville Rd., you can come in off of Opportunity Way / Stadium Road and you will get to one playground, OR you can come from Longhill Rd. and come up Warhill Trail to the other playground near the WISC. Bonus – you can walk/run on the trail there too – here’s a map.
My Place Playground
4. My Place Playground
This playground is located outside James City County Rec Center on Longhill Rd. This one is cool because it is inclusive and accessible to kids with disabilities. Lots of traditional playground equipment plus unique structures all kids will enjoy. Surface is rubber instead of mulch. There is a picnic table and a few shady trees – so bring a lunch!
5. Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Located off of Route 5, this is a fun park which includes a fish-shaped bridge at their playground. We think it’s great for pre-schoolers and up, but toddlers will need extra help here. There is also the County pool with a slide and concessions, a picnic shelter, fishing and beautiful river views. AND BIG NEWS!!! An awesome new splash pad just opened at this park!
Your season pass or simply pay daily admission to cover admittance to both the splash pad and pool. In case of inclement weather, call ahead to see if the splash pad and pool are open, 757-603-1114.
The park offers a 290-foot lighted fishing pier that’s available for use 24 hours a day and a catch-and-release pond. A fresh water license is required for all fishing in the park for anyone over the age of 16. The park also features a boat ramp to launch personal watercraft and it’s also available for use 24 hours a day. Please stop in the Guest Services Office or use the boat ramp honor box outside the store to pay the boat ramp fee. Canoe and kayak rentals are available for rent all year.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park features over 80 campsites, including campsites that accommodate large groups. Some campsites have scenic views of Gordon Creek. Campsites include everything from basic tent sites to full hookup sites for RV’s. There are no cabins available. You can learn more about camping and book your camping adventure online here
- Trail access and parking for the Virginia Capital Trail
- Sand volleyball court
- Basketball half-court
- Open space
- Splash pad
- Swimming pool
- Biking
- Boat Access/Launch
- Campground
- Canoe/Kayak Rental
- Fees
- Fishing
- Interpretive Signage
- Picnic Areas
- Playground
- Pool
- Restrooms
- Store/Concessions
- Walking Trails
- Wildlife Viewing
6. Upper County Park
This park is located at 180 Leisure Road Toano, VA 23168 – This 56-acre park is located in the northern portion of James City County. The park amenities include 2 playgrounds, 3 shelters, outdoor pool, walking and mountain bike trails, basketball courts, sand volleyball court, primitive camping and lots of open space. Visit their Park Fees page for more information about reserving shelter space and purchasing pool passes. There is a lot of open space for the kids to run around and play and a great pool! Upper County Park is a dog-friendly park. Dogs must be under complete and immediate control of owners at all times and must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet.
- 25 meter outdoor pool
- Walking trails
- Mountain bike trails
- Primitive camping
- Basketball courts
- Horseshoe pits
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- Sand volleyball
- Toddler pool
- Restrooms
- Store/Concessions
7. New Quarter Park
In York County just past the Queen’s Lake neighborhood, New Quarter Park is huge and has lots to do! Picnic shelters, hiking trails with scenic overlooks, a mountain bike trail, routes for family biking, an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball, and sand volleyball courts, a softball field, a large playground, horseshoes, cornhole and access to the waterways for canoes, kayaks and fishing. New Quarter Park, located at 1000 Lakeshead Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Here are some of the fun things you can do at this park – plus they have great programming like outdoor movies in the summer at this park!
- Basketball
- Electric Car Charging Space
- Fire Circle
- Fishing (from the floating pier)
- Hiking Trails with Scenic Overlooks (9)
- Horseshoe Pits
- Kayak Rentals
- Mountain Biking Trails
- Multi-Purpose Field
- Multi-Purpose Path
- Picnic Shelters w/Grills for Group Rental (4)
- Playgrounds
- Restrooms
- Scenic Launch Site
- Volleyball
8. Waller Mill Park
This park is located at 901 Airport Road Williamsburg, VA 23185 . Waller Mill Park has a playground, but also lots more – fishing, paddle boating, canoe/kayaking, hiking trails, 18-hole disc golf course and picnic shelters. They also have a dog park.
No boat? No worries, you can rent kayak, canoe, pedal boats, jon boats and even motors. They have a Boat House Store (rod rentals, tackle, bait, snacks & drinks) – yes they even have ice cream. There are restrooms and picnic shelters (4 to rent for events). They have ball fields, disc golf, fishing pier, and playground equipment. This park also runs great events like the Kids Fishing Derby and the Canine Carnival. Head over to this park ASAP!
- Boat Rentals (kayak, canoe, pedal boats, jon boats)
- Hiking Trails (wooded & asphalt)
- Disc Golf Course
- Picnic Shelters (4 to rent for events)
- Dog Park
- Playground Equipment
- Boat Ramp
- Kayak Ramp
- Fishing Pier
- Ball fields
- Restrooms
- Boat House Store (rod rentals, tackle, bait, snacks & drinks)
Vehicle Entrance Fee: $2.00
9. Freedom Park
This park is located at 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Freedom Park has a rich historical background dating back to the 1650s. This park is the site of an 18th Century cemetery, the Revolutionary War Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary (1781) and a 17th Century domicile which is revealing much archaeological research of the early colonial period (1680-1730). Freedom Park was also home to one of the nation’s earliest Free Black Settlements in America from 1803-1850. Three historically accurate recreated cabins are located in the park, and are furnished with items authentic to the period
There is also the Go Ape ropes courses (including Jr. version) that will delight adventurers both young and old. The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is also located in this park and offers year round programming on gardening for adults and children. They also host an annual Butterfly Festival that is really worth attending.
Freedom Park playground
Freedom Park also has a new forest-themed playground, for children ages 2-12, including swings, slides and a small climbing wall. The park also includes lots of trails for walking and mountain biking.
The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is also located at Freedom Park. Members of the Garden developed and maintain the area which features more than 800 species of native vegetation
Bikes are available for hourly rentals between 10 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Riders age 17 and younger must have an adult or guardian age 18 or older sign on their behalf. Participants 14 and younger must have a parent or guardian 18 or older with them on the ride. Bikes are adult sized and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All riders must wear a helmet (included in rental fee).
This 600-acre forested retreat also features approximately 2 miles of multiuse trails, including a 1-mile ADA accessible paved trail, and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails winding through historical sites, forests and along creeks and open meadows. The bike trails are designed, built, and maintained by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association.
Freedom Park is a dog-friendly park. Dogs must be under complete and immediate control of owners at all times and must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Owners are responsible for removing dog waste.
More Amenities at Freedom Park
- Biking
- Interpretive Signage
- Mountain Bike Trails
- Natural Area
- Picnic Areas
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Wildlife Viewing
10. Skate Park
This park is located at 5301 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 next to the James City County Recreation Center, this bowl-style skate park offers 10,000 square feet of concrete jumps and ramps. Additionally, there is a paved half-mile multi-use trail that encircles the skate park and the Recreation Center.
The Skate Park is used by experienced and inexperienced skateboarders, bikers and inline skaters. Serious injury could result from colliding with other users, falling on the concrete surface and flying objects. James City County does not assume responsibility for injuries. Use of the facility is at your own risk.
- Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
- James City County is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Only skateboards, bikes and inline skates are permitted.
- Other rules and ordinances may apply, see Public Facilities Rules and Regulations sheet.
Other amenities at and around the park
- Biking
- Skateboarding/In-Line
- Walking Trails
- 2 movable ramps
- Rail
- Hand rail
- Multiple grinding edges
11. Little Creek Reservoir Park
This park is located at 180 Lakeview Drive, Toano, VA 23168, just off of Forge Road – lots of fishing, plus a playground, scenic views, boating and trails.
Little Creek Reservoir offers year-round fishing, they have restrooms, a store/concessions, canoe, kayak and boat rental, a playground, soft mulch trail and a shelter with grills. Grab the kids and head out for a day of fishing! This 996-acre scenic park is a fisherman’s paradise! The fishing is great! The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recognized one Little Creek Reservoir Park patron as the 2015 Angler of the Year. The striped bass, 32 pounds and 42 inches, caught in the reservoir was the largest officially registered striped bass with the Virginia Angler Recognition Program for 2015.
Electric trolling motors are the only motors permitted on the reservoir. Electric motors are available to rent at their Guest Services Office.
Looking for space to host a special celebration, family picnic or birthday party? Shelter includes picnic tables and grills located next to a playground.
Little Creek Reservoir Park is a dog-friendly park. Dogs must be under complete and immediate control of owners at all times and must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Animals are not allowed in the reservoir. Owners are responsible for removing dog waste.
- Boat Access/Launch
- Fees
- Fishing
- Natural Area
- Picnic Areas
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Store/Concessions
- Wildlife Viewing
Enjoy a 1-mile hike along the multi-use trail to take in nature and local wildlife.
12. York River State Park
York River State Park is located at 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. This is an amazing park with lots of water activities, plus hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and boat rentals. They run free and low cost events year round.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. The park visitor center, office, and gift shop are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and seasonal boat and recreational equipment rentals are available.
One of two playgrounds at York River State Park
Kids will love their two playgrounds, daytime activities like Fossil Frenzy, Tyke Hike, and their summer camps. There are just as many day and evening activities for older kids and adults. They have a river front beach called “fossil beach” where you can look for shells and sharks teeth. For a list of their upcoming events visit our post on York River Events
13. Quarterpath Park
This park is located at 202 Quarterpath Road, off of Rt. 60 East near Colonial Williamsburg, next to Quarterpath Rec Center. They have a playground, three lighted softball fields, three tennis courts, 2 sand volleyball courts, a playground and picnic shelter! Three all-weather tennis courts are open to the public during daytime hours as they are not lighted courts.
Quarterpath Park is a 23-acre park and provides a wide variety of both active and passive recreation. The picnic shelter is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can hold approximately 75 people.
- Parking
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Sand Volleyball
- Softball Fields
- Tennis Court
14. Jamestown Beach and Event Park
Want to go to the beach this weekend without the hassle of summer traffic on the interstate? Stay local – visit Jamestown Beach Event Park, located at 2205 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, 23185. Shallow water and a sandy beach make for the perfect day to spend in the sun with the family. The park features picnic tables, charcoal grills, an ADA-accessible walkway, restrooms with flushing toilets
- Children under age 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 16 or older.
- Swimming is at your own risk. No lifeguards on duty.
- Glass containers and picnic tables are not permitted on the beach.
- Please do not handle the water buoys, jump off the observation pier, climb on rocks or enter environmentally-sensitive areas.
Jamestown Beach Event Park is a family and dog-friendly beach that’s open daily 8 a.m. – sunset. The beachfront park features picnic areas (some shaded) with charcoal grills; a designated fishing area (freshwater license is required); an observation pier (for viewing only); outdoor rinse stations; paddle craft launch/loading/storage area; and a concession facility where ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and snacks are sold. Kayaks are available for rent Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. This fully accessible park features an ADA-accessible walkway, parking, restrooms, outdoor rinse stations, picnic area and grill, and a beach mat that provides direct access to the river. A floating beach chair is available for guests who request water access accommodation Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Yes, Jamestown Beach Event Park is a dog-friendly park. Dogs must be under the complete and immediate control of owners at all times and must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Owners are responsible for removing dog waste. Litter bags are available and owners should use only what they need while visiting the park. Nuisance barking is not permitted and dogs may not be left alone or tied to picnic tables, fence or park signs. Dogs may be off-leash in the water as long as the dog is obedient and not wandering along the beach. Dogs may also be off leash in the Off-Leash Dog Area near the park entrance provided dog owners abide by the Off-Leash Area Rules & Regulations.
Parking fees are charged 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekends and holidays Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. There is no parking fee for residents of James City County or the City of Williamsburg. Residency is defined as anyone who physically resides in James City County or the City of Williamsburg. Learn more
Park amenities:
- Fishing
- Interpretive Signage
- Picnic Areas
- Restrooms
- Store/Concessions
- Wildlife Viewing
Visit here form all the information on this park
15. James City County Marina
Recently reopened the Marina has a lot to offer! View Marina User Fees for details about their boat ramp, bike and paddle craft rentals and boat storage. The Marina Store, located on the ground floor, sells bait, tackle, marine batteries and supplies, ice cream, snacks, cold drinks and more. The marina is located at 2054 Jamestown Rd., across the street from the Jamestown Settlement.
Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent at the James City County Marina daily from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes before the Marina Store closes unless otherwise posted. Paddles and life vests are provided as part of the rental. For more information, please call 757-565-3699 or visit 
http://jamescitycountyva.gov/…/James-City-County-Marina-58
Boat ramp
The Marina boat ramp is open 24 hours/day and customers will use the honor system to pay for boat ramp use after noon. Have a boat? Then use the double-wide boat ramp, and boat slips.
Billsburg Brewery is at the Marina- The Capital Trail is just a few steps away so while riding on the Capital Trail stop by the Marina and check out Billsburg Brewery on the waterfront where live music and food trucks create great night outs.
Marina Amenities:
- Biking
- Boat Access/Launch
- Boat Repair Facility
- Canoe/Kayak Rental
- Fees
- Restrooms
- Store
- Wildlife Viewing
- Dry storage *
- 89 Octane ValvTect marine gasoline (10% Ethanol) **
- Bath house with showers (Available April – October)
- Bikes, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards available for rent
- Double-wide boat ramp
- Head pump-out **
- * Please call the James City County Marina at 757-565-3699 to inquire about boat slips and dry storage.
- ** Work continues on the refueling station and the pump-out system. Marine fuel is available at Surry Seafood Company Marina in Surry, VA. For more information about refueling, call 757-294-3700.
16. Yorktown Beach
This two-acre beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, gathering shells, and watching the boats cruise by and it is located off Water Street in the heart of Historic Yorktown. If you head down on a Saturday morning during April through mid December you can catch their Yorktown Market Days farmers markets before relaxing on the beach. There are public bathrooms. Restaurants to grab a meal and shops to visit. You are also a free Yorktown Trolley ride away from the American Revolution Museum (which has free admission for local residents depending on your zip code). Got a boat? Dock your boat at their public pier to take advantage of this beautiful beach and great restaurants restaurants.
Between Watermen’s Museum and American Revolution Museum – across from Mathews Street
- Dogs are permitted on a leash
- Tents are permitted (but not overnight)
- No alcohol
- No metal detecting
- No fishing from rocks
- No charcoal grills or open fires (gas grills permitted)
- No wedding ceremonies permitted
17. Basset Trace Nature Trail
Bassett Trace Nature Trail history goes back to the Rockefeller days but it was just reopened in the fall of 2019. The nature walk portion of the trail is a pretty easy walk about ½ mile, round trip. However you may want to walk the entire 1.4 mile trail (2.8 miles round trip). The trail head is located in the parking lot for the Griffin Hotel’s Gold Wing off Bucktrout Lane and the trail stops at the Clubhouse for the Golden Horseshoe’s Green Course. Learn more
18. Matthew Whaley Elementary
If you are looking for a park close to the Colonial area, try Matthew Whaley, located at 301 Scotland St., just a block off of N. Henry, or if you are on Prince George, turn down N. Nassau and you’ll see the school. Lots of room to run here! A good choice for summer when school is out of session, and weekends. Also not a bad place to sit and watch Colonial Williamsburg 4th of July Fireworks.
Sunken Gardens on campus at the College of William & Mary
19. Sunken Gardens
Located on the campus of William & Mary, a great, huge green space where kids can run and have fun – especially in the summer when there are not many students on campus and the Gardens are pretty empty most days. It is also a great spot to have your family photos taken! The Sunken Gardens are located directly behind the Wren Building. Get directions to the Sunken Gardens.
Read our article on fun “secret” spots on the Campus of W&M
20. Pine Fork Park
New Kent / Quinton area Pine Fork Park is located at 6410 Pine Fork Rd, Quinton, VA 23141
They have a zip line, (2) dog parks, book nook, walking tails, ball fields, mommy & me swings, assisted swings, balance beam, monkey bars, plenty of benches and picnic tables, bathhouse close by and it sits on 55 acres. (Thank you to Tara Visser for letting us know about this park and the images!)
21. Chippokes State Park
Ok, technically not in Williamsburg, JCC or York County – what makes this State Park even more fun is that you get to take the kids (or just yourself) on the FREE Ferry over the James to get to Surry where this gem of a park is located. Street location is: 695 Chippokes Park Rd. Chippokes is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. They have events most weekends throughout the year and it is renowned as one of the best places to find sharks teeth (and megalondon teeth). Their beaches are nice sandy river beaches and the water is shallow. It is a great place to go look for sharks teeth and shells or just wade in the water especially at low tide. There are also trails and an historic home to tour.
The park grounds are open dawn to dusk daily. All restrooms are open. The Park Office, Visitor Center and Gift Shop are open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cabins and Walnut Valley house are available for rent. Camping is open for reservations. A campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic. Chippokes also offers wedding packages and meeting facilities.
If you are looking for the best places to fish, rent a canoe, kayak or launch a boat check out this post!
