Looking for the Best Parks & Playgrounds in Williamsburg and the surrounding areas? Need to get the kids outside?
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!
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1. Kidsburg – 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, tennis 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 Longhill Rd. near James Blair, 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. There are soccer and baseball fields. More info here
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
Due to COVID: Pool / Splash Pad are not open (6/26/20)
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. View fees on page 56 of our activity brochure, In case of inclement weather, call ahead to see if the splash pad and pool are open, 757-603-1114. DUE
6. Upper County Park
This park is located at 180 Leisure Road Toano, VA 23168 – This park has lots of amenities including 2 playgrounds, 3 shelters, outdoor pool, walking trail, basketball courts, sand volleyball court and 53 acres so there is a lot of open space for the kids to run around and play!
Due to COVID: Swimming pool open daily from noon to 6 p.m. for lap swimming and water fitness walking only.
7. New Quarter Park
COVID update here
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 and access to the waterways for canoes, kayaks and fishing.
8. Waller Mill Park
COVID Update for this 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!
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.
10. Skate Park
Due to COVID: Open: Occupancy limited to 50. Ten feet of physical distance must be maintained by all participants and spectators. (updated 6/26/20)
This park is located at 5301 Longhill Road Williamsburg, VA 23188 next to JCC Rec Center. Did you know Williamsburg has a skate park? For skateboards, bikes, and inline skates. It’s free for residents but you need to get a pass. This park hosts BMX and Skateboarding Competitions and events for kids.
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!
12. York River State Park
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.
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. 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!
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. 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 flu
shing toilets, outdoor rinse stations, and an observation pier. Residents of JCC can pick up a parking pass at several locations in town including the JCC Rec Center on Longhill Rd – which will allow free parking. The park and restrooms are open 8 a.m.-sunset. Concessions and paddle craft rentals are not available until noon.
AND don’t miss the FREE family friendly concerts at this park during the Jamestown Jams Concert Series. Food trucks, wine and beer for purchase make this a perfect summer night in the ‘Burg! Bring the kids – plenty of room to run and play (and dance) Due to COVID concert series has not been announced for 2020. To learn more visit here: Jamestown Beach Event Park
15. James City County Marina
Formerly named Eco Discovery Park this marina has a lot to offer. You can rent a bicycle, canoe, or kayak. Spend the day fishing or take a pontoon boat tour. Have a boat? Then use the double-wide boat ramp, and boat slips. Stop in and check out the marina store too. The marina is located at 2054 Jamestown Rd., across the street from the Jamestown Settlement.
Billsburg Brewery
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.
16. 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
17. Sunken Gardens
Located on the campus of the College of William & Mary is 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 WM
If you are looking for the best places to fish, rent a canoe, kayak or launch a boat check out this post!
