In short
- Youth tickets are $11; kids 5 and under enter free.
- Plan for 2 to 4 hours of exploring outdoors and indoors.
- Highlights include 1607 ships, a Powhatan village, and a 4D theater.
In this article
Visiting Jamestown Settlement with kids provides a hands-on way to understand 17th-century Virginia. You will explore a 1610-1614 English fort, walk through a Powhatan Indian village, and board life-size ship replicas. The mix of outdoor living-history areas and engaging indoor exhibits keeps younger visitors active and interested.
How much do tickets cost for families?
Adults pay $21.00, youth ages 6 to 12 cost $11.00, and children 5 and under enter for free.
Parking is free on-site. If you plan to visit multiple museums, you can buy combination tickets that include access to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. You must complete ticket purchases at the site by 4:30 PM.
What age is appropriate for Jamestown Settlement?
The attraction appeals to all ages, but children between 6 and 12 get the most out of the interactive exhibits.
Toddlers and younger children will enjoy the wide open dirt paths in the fort and village. Older kids can engage with the 4D Bacon's Rebellion theater and historical interpreters demonstrating 17th-century skills. You should allow 2 to 4 hours for a family visit.
What outdoor areas will kids enjoy most?
Kids can explore the full-scale re-creations of the Paspahegh Town and the 1610-1614 English fort.
In the Powhatan village, interpreters demonstrate traditional skills like pottery and tool-making. Inside the English fort, children can try on replica armor helmets and breastplates. They can also watch musket firing demonstrations.
Can you go inside the ships at Jamestown?
Yes, visitors can board replicas of the Godspeed and Discovery.
Children can walk the wooden decks, steer with the ship's tiller, and see the cramped quarters below deck. The third ship, the Susan Constant, is the largest but may be away for multi-year restoration. Virtual tours of the Susan Constant are available if it is absent.
Are the indoor galleries fun for kids?
The 30,000-square-foot indoor space includes interactive digital markers and a 4D theater.
You can download the Jamestown Settlement Mobile App to unlock extra content by scanning markers in the exhibition galleries. Families should also watch the Bacon's Rebellion 4D theater experience. It lasts 15 minutes and uses special effects to keep kids engaged.
What should families pack for Jamestown Settlement?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a water bottle.
- Clothing: Wear layers, as temperatures vary between the air-conditioned galleries and the outdoor areas.
- Gear: Bring an umbrella or rain jacket since large portions are outdoors. Bug spray is useful in the summer months.
- Food: Food and drinks are not allowed in the gallery exhibits, but on-site cafes are available.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a lot of walking at Jamestown Settlement?
Yes. The museum features expansive outdoor re-creations with dirt paths. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended to explore the village, fort, and ships.
Can you buy food at Jamestown Settlement?
Yes. While food and drinks are not permitted inside the gallery exhibits, the museum has on-site cafes where you can purchase meals.
Are dogs allowed at Jamestown Settlement?
No pets are allowed on the museum grounds or in the galleries. Only trained service animals are permitted on the property.
