There’s No Time to Rest…Show Your Kids Williamsburg’s Best!

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by Rachel Lenahan

In the words of Alice Cooper, “School’s out for summer!”  For most, this means school is out for a ten-week fun-filled period, but the hands-on learning that occurs within the four walls of a school doesn’t have to stop!  We Williamsburg residents are fortunate to have so many places locally that lend themselves to student enrichment.  To keep your kids’ brains active this summer, you may opt to take “field trips”, both big and small, to local spots around town. Here are a few examples of the “small” places to go and things to do to enrich the knowledge that was acquired this year.  During each of these activities, talk to your children about what they know, what they learned, and how the activity helped them.

“SMALL” FIELD TRIPS:
  • Petsmart– Check out the fish, birds, guinea pigs, rats, and snakes for a quick lesson on animal adaptations. (Science)
  • Barnes & Noble– When kids get to choose new books, life is great!  Visit their story time at both the New Town and W&M locations. (Reading)
  • Kidsburg at Mid-County Park– What kid doesn’t like to run around, slide, climb, swing, zip, and jump?  Also in the shape of a ship, Kidsburg is the happening playground! (Physical Education)
  • Williamsburg Indoor Soccer Complex (WISC)- WISC is loaded with fun classes to take and has an indoor bouncy house.  Also, kids can catch an indoor or outdoor soccer game. (Physical Education)
  • Freedom Park– Home to one of the country’s earliest Free Black Settlements, you can tour a recreated cabin.  Also, explore the trails as well as the Williamsburg Botanical Ellipse Garden.  (Physical Education, Science, History/Social Studies)
  • College Creek– Visit this tributary of the James River along the scenic Colonial Parkway for a lesson on watersheds and ecosystems. (Science)
  • Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William & Mary- Take in the clay exhibit and then recreate the art pieces at home. (Art, Math)
  • Great Wolf Lodge- Escape the heat!  Slide down tubes and climb in the giant water fort!  (Physical Education)
  • Chickahominy Riverfront Park- Paddle along the Chickahominy River on your rented kayak or canoe and see the birds and wildlife that live along the river.  (Physical Education, Science)
Below is a quick reference list of the local museums and places of interest in our area.  These would be considered “big” field trips as they would most likely take all day.
“BIG” FIELD TRIPS:
·      Williamsburg
o    Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestown (Virginia History/Social Studies)
·      Yorktown
o    Yorktown Victory Center (Virginia History/Social Studies)
·      Newport News
o    The Virginia Living Museum (Science)
·      Hampton
o    Virginia Air & Space Center (Science, Math)
·      Norfolk
o    Nauticus (History/Social Studies, Science, Math)
·      Portsmouth
o    Children’s Museum of Virginia (Math, Science, Art, Drama, Music)
o    Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (Physical Education)
·      Virginia Beach
o    Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Science)
Before you know it, students will be back in school in September.  Until then, enjoy a summer filled with plenty of activities to keep your children busy and engaged!  Here’s to a safe, enjoyable, and enriching summer!

Rachel Lenahan is a certified K-6 teacher with six years of public school teaching experience.  She is currently a stay-at-home mom to her two-year-old son.

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