Kid-friendly restaurants in Williamsburg?

[Anonymous]

We're planning a 3 day/2 night trip to Colonial Williamsburg, and I'd appreciate suggestions for kid-friendly restaurants in the area. I've eaten in the taverns with adults, but never with kids. Are there any that cater to families with toddlers? I'd appreciate any other tips for fun things to do in the Colonial area (we aren't interested in theme parks or pools).

[Anonymous]

Blue Talon Bistro and Trellis accomodated us fine when we were there. We also ate at the Taverns and had no problem. The whole area seemed very family friendly.

[Anonymous]

Definitely go over to Jamestown. You can go to the National park area where they are dig a new excavation site or the settlement with the tall ships. Both areas are very interesting and great ways to run off energy with kids.

[Anonymous]

I have traveled a lot with my children (now almost 4 and almost 2). I have never been to a LESS kid-friendly place than Williamsburg. The taverns were downright rude, not to mention that the period high chairs were unsafe and uncomfortable. Other challenges with young children include: a) you are not allowed to bring strollers into most of the buildings (fire code AND hallways too narrow), b) you are expected to be quiet at all times (even at times outside if you happen to be near one of the period revivals), and c) even walking around the Colonial area there are areas where you have multiple and uneven stairs -- impossible for strollers, tough for new or very eager walkers. Even the "kids" activities are not welcoming of younger children ("they can play until older kids come.").

I imagine it will be a great place to go with older children, age 7 or above.

[Anonymous]

We have been to Williamsburg twice with our kids, 4 and 6, and had a great time. For kid-friendly dining I highly recommend Seasons in the Merchants Square area. The staff are very friendly and understand the importance of getting the kids' food out fast.

[Anonymous]

OP here: we went for a weekend and had a blast. We ate in 2 taverns --- once for lunch and once for dinner. Both had kids menus and the staff ooohed and aaahed over our kids. I highly recommend Chownings Tavern for dinner with kids (served between 5 and 8). Get there early b/c there will be a line. We lingered for nearly 2 hours even with the kids --- the entertainment was fabulous and kid friendly. Our waitress was lovely --- taught us a game to play with dice and peanuts, took a family photo, etc. It's true about not being able to bring strollers inside, but so what? Staff showed us safe places to leave it outside (and covered). We felt the guides did a great job of tailoring their comments to our kids. The kids loved the trip and can't wait to go back. We stayed at the Woodlands Resort at the Visitor Center which was super convenient.