Virginia had a Thanksgiving in 1619, two years before the Pilgrims sat down for their famous feast in 1621. I love that detail, mostly because it hands kids a fun fact to drop at the dinner table.
The history doesn’t stop there. In 1789, George Washington issued a ‘thanks-giving’ proclamation, and his old home still welcomes visitors on the holiday itself.
That got me thinking about the long weekend. Kids get a few days off school, the leftovers pile up, and someone eventually asks what’s next.
I’d rather the answer be camel rides, wild ponies, and glowing light trails than another hour of screens.
So I went looking for outings across the state that feel special without feeling like homework. The list mixes history, animals, and plenty of holiday sparkle.
Which one do you think your crew would pick first?
1. Berkeley Plantation
Long before football and pie became holiday staples, English settlers gave thanks on this spot along the James River in 1619. Your kids can stand on the grounds where America’s first official English Thanksgiving took place.
That’s a pretty big claim for a farm in Charles City. It also makes Berkeley a natural pick for the holiday weekend, when the topic is already on everyone’s mind.
The centerpiece is a landmark plantation house built in 1726. Tours walk you through rooms filled with 18th-century furnishings, and the guides are known for mixing solid knowledge with a good dose of humor.
Younger visitors usually want more than old chairs, though. Luckily, the property also offers gardens, a farm, and kid-friendly extras like a maze, crafts, a magic show, and a petting zoo.
Keep an eye out for a dog named Chief, too. A friendly pup on a history tour is the kind of detail kids remember longer than any date.
The estate keeps hours from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and parking is free. Pack snacks or plan a meal elsewhere, since there’s no restaurant on site, but you can browse the gift shop before heading home.
Out here in the rural Virginia countryside, the slower pace fits a holiday mood. It’s a calm, story-filled way to explain why so many families pause each November to give thanks.
Address: 12602 Harrison Landing Rd, Charles City, VA 23030
2. Jamestown Settlement
Three ships, one fort, and a Powhatan village make for a pretty packed field trip. Jamestown Settlement recreates the 1607 English colony so kids can see early American life up close instead of just reading about it.
The replica ships are the big draw for many families. You can tour them and picture what it took to sail from England to Virginia in the 1600s.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, the museum hosts its annual Foods and Feasts of Colonial Virginia event. It focuses on how 17th-century people preserved and cooked their harvest, which feels fitting while your fridge overflows with leftovers.
Inside, a short film sets the scene before you explore the exhibits. Knowledgeable attendants and live reenactments help the past feel less like a textbook and more like a story about real people.
The re-created fort is a favorite for curious kids. Wandering through its buildings gives them a sense of how small and crowded early colonial life could be.
Practical stuff helps, too. There’s a cafe, a gift shop, changing tables, and free parking, and the museum keeps hours from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Plan for a few hours so nobody feels rushed. Kids who groan about history class might just come home asking for a ship of their own.
Address: 2110 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
3. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
A giant Christmas tree inside a glass conservatory is a strong way to kick off the season. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden lights up for the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights.
The show turns the grounds into a glowing holiday garden after dark. Kids get to stroll through the displays, while parents get to pretend they’re not just as excited.
Daytime visits have plenty to offer, too. The garden spreads across 50 acres of themed areas, including a rose garden and a classical domed conservatory.
The real kid magnet is the children’s garden. It features a tree house and a splash pad, though the splash pad is clearly more of a summer plan than a late-November one.
Climbing up to look out from a tree house still works in any season. It’s a nice way for little legs to burn off the turkey before the lights come on.
Bring a camera for the conservatory tree. That one tends to end up as the holiday card photo.
Regular hours run from 9 AM to 5 PM, and dining options are on site. Check the GardenFest schedule ahead of time, since the light show runs on its own evening timetable.
Richmond families have plenty of holiday choices, but this one blends calm nature with full sparkle. Your kids might leave convinced that plants should wear lights year-round.
Address: 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228
4. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Holiday lights in a park themed after Europe? That’s the combo kids get when Busch Gardens Williamsburg opens its signature Christmas Town celebration over Thanksgiving week.
Each area of the park is themed after a different part of Europe. Add festive decorations, holiday food, and seasonal rides, and you’ve got a full evening of excitement.
Rides after dark feel extra special here. With the decorations glowing, even a familiar ride can seem brand new.
Little ones aren’t left out. Sesame Street attractions and kid-friendly rides give younger visitors their own adventures, while older kids chase the thrill rides.
A steam engine train also rolls through the park. It’s a relaxing way to rest tired feet and still see the sights.
Families with babies will appreciate the nursing room, and a playground helps with extra energy. Arcade games and lockers round out the list, plus plenty of popcorn to keep the snack crew happy.
Plan ahead before you go. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, parking is paid, and waits are common, so arriving early helps.
Hours shift with the season, so check the schedule for Christmas Town dates. Your kids may spend the drive home ranking their favorite rides, out loud, for a very long time.
Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
5. George Washington’s Mount Vernon
George Washington’s old home doesn’t take Thanksgiving off. The estate is open 365 days a year, including the holiday itself, which feels right for the president who issued a thanks-giving proclamation in 1789.
The Mansion is filled with period pieces and some of Washington’s own belongings. Kids can see where the first president actually lived, not just where his face ended up on money.
There’s a lot more beyond the house. The estate includes museums, four distinct gardens, and the tomb where Washington is buried.
Hands-on fans should head for the farm areas. Families can learn about 18th-century farming, cooking, fishing, and even sheep shearing.
Then there’s Aladdin the Camel. Yes, a camel lives at Mount Vernon, and yes, your kids will mention it to relatives.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, Mount Vernon by Candlelight tours add evening magic. These tours bring festive lights and a winter encampment experience to the estate.
The property sits along the Potomac River, and parking is free. Tickets in advance are recommended, especially for busy Saturdays.
Wear comfy shoes, since the grounds cover a lot of space. Little walkers may need a few snack breaks along the way.
Regular hours run from 9 AM to 4 PM. Spend the morning in the gardens, then let the kids decide whether the camel or the Mansion wins.
Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
6. Bull Run Festival of Lights
A camel ride after a light show is not a normal Thursday night, which is exactly the point. Bull Run Festival of Lights stays open on Thanksgiving evening, so you can trade the couch for a glowing 2.5-mile drive.
The route winds through illuminated holiday scenes inside Bull Run Regional Park. Kids can press their noses to the windows while you cruise slowly past the displays.
A 3D option adds another layer of fun. It’s a small upgrade that can make the scenes look like they’re popping right off the route.
After the drive, the Holiday Village opens Friday through Sunday nights, including Thanksgiving evening. Expect bonfires, s’mores, holiday shopping, a petting zoo, and those much-loved camel rides.
The carnival closes on Thanksgiving Day itself, so plan around that. The drive, village, holiday stable, and camels are still ready to go.
Hours run from 5:30 PM to 10 PM on weekends and holidays. Weeknights wrap up a bit earlier, at 9:30 PM.
The 2026 season runs from November 14 through January 3. That gives your family plenty of chances if Thanksgiving night gets too hectic.
This Virginia tradition has been around for over three decades. Your kids might start asking to make it theirs, too.
Address: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
7. Maymont
A Gilded Age mansion, a nature center, and a petting farm all share one address in Richmond. Maymont is a 19th-century estate where kids can bounce between history and animals without leaving the grounds.
The mansion offers tours that show off life in a fancier era. It’s a fun peek inside a house that looks like it belongs in a storybook.
Outside, walking paths loop through gardens with labeled trees. That’s handy when a curious kid asks, for the fifth time, what kind of tree that is.
Animal lovers have plenty to see. The estate includes a wildlife center, animal enclosures, and a petting farm.
The estate is known for kid-friendly hikes, and there’s a playground too. Over Thanksgiving weekend, the autumn scenery makes those walks extra pretty.
Bring a picnic if the weather cooperates. Parking is free, and public restrooms are available.
Hours vary by day, running 10 AM to 7 PM on Monday and Tuesday. From Wednesday through Sunday, the gates close at 4 PM, so the holiday weekend calls for an earlier start.
Weekend afternoons tend to be the busiest. Arriving in the morning gives you more room to explore at your own pace.
Maymont works well for families who need fresh air after a big meal. It’s history, nature, and furry friends wrapped into one easy outing.
Address: 1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220
8. Wintergreen Resort
Snow might show up on this mountain before your leftovers run out. Wintergreen Resort sits high in the Blue Ridge Mountains and kicks off the holidays with an annual Thanksgiving weekend celebration.
The kickoff includes festive tree lightings and craft workshops. When conditions allow, early seasonal snow operations add even more excitement for kids hoping to see the white stuff.
Families can stay in studios, condos, or houses. Some studios include kitchenettes, which is handy for reheating leftover turkey.
The resort is known for a wide variety of activities. Skiing, golf, a spa, and live performances are part of the mix, depending on the season.
Mountain dining is another holiday perk. Restaurants on site mean nobody has to cook a second Thanksgiving dinner.
Parents will appreciate the small stuff, too. Restrooms have diaper-changing facilities, and the resort store sells souvenirs and Wintergreen clothing.
The views are a big part of the appeal. Looking out over the Virginia mountains feels like a reward after the drive up.
Free Wi-Fi helps when someone needs to share photos with the cousins. Just try to keep the screens off long enough to enjoy the scenery.
This pick suits families who want the holiday to feel like a mini vacation. Kids may come home ready to trade their backyard for a mountain.
Address: 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Wintergreen Resort, VA 22967
9. The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa
Founded in 1766, The Omni Homestead Resort and Spa is older than the United States itself. That makes it a fun place for kids to learn that some holiday traditions run very, very deep.
The resort sits in the Allegheny Mountain region of Bath County. Its Thanksgiving family traditions have been around a long time, and they come packed with activities.
A turkey trot fun walk gets the day started on the right foot. It’s a clever way to earn a second slice of pie before anyone even sits down.
Holiday crafts keep little hands busy indoors. Parents can relax a bit while kids create something to bring home.
Open-air ice skating is a big highlight. Gliding around a mountain rink feels like stepping into a holiday movie, wobbles included.
Water fans have options, too. The resort has a water park and indoor pools, which gives kids a splashy break from the chilly air.
Lawn games, tennis, and golf add even more variety. A spa is also on site, in case a grown-up needs some quiet time.
Seasonal feasts round out the holiday experience. Dining here means the family can enjoy the meal without anyone stuck doing dishes.
Plan ahead, since holiday programs are popular. Your kids may start calling Thanksgiving the skating holiday from now on.
Address: 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445
10. Massanutten Resort
Swimsuits and ice skates in the same weekend bag? At Massanutten Resort, that packing list actually makes sense.
The all-season resort sits in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. It mixes a water park, skiing, golf, and restaurants, plus special Thanksgiving activities for families.
The indoor water park is a huge draw when temperatures drop. Kids can splash around while the mountain air outside stays crisp.
Ice skating gets its big start right on the holiday. The outdoor rink opens on Thanksgiving Day each year and stays open through the first weekend in March.
The rink covers 4,250 square feet, and sessions last 60 minutes. Skate rentals are available, so nobody has to dig old skates out of the garage.
New skaters can sign up for lessons, too. A short class can turn a nervous beginner into a proud kid who just made it around without grabbing the wall.
Family arcades add more fun on a lazy afternoon. They’re a solid backup plan when little legs need a break from skating.
Free Wi-Fi keeps everyone connected for planning and photos. Just remind the crew that the best views here aren’t on a phone.
With so many activities in one place, it’s easy to stay busy for days. Your kids may ask to make this their new holiday tradition before you even pack the car.
Address: 1822 Resort Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840
11. Virginia Living Museum
Wild turkeys are the star of Thanksgiving, so why not meet some that aren’t on a platter? The Virginia Living Museum lets families explore native Virginia wild turkeys and other wildlife over the holiday weekend.
The museum mixes hands-on exhibits with live animals. Its nature trail features around 250 species of plants and animals, giving kids plenty to spot.
Dinosaur fans won’t be disappointed. Big skeletons fill the exhibits, and kids can dig up dinosaur bones in a hands-on area.
A planetarium adds even more wonder. Holiday planetarium shows make a great break when tired feet need a seat.
Friendly volunteers help keep the exhibits interesting. They know their stuff and are happy to share it with curious young visitors.
Hungry explorers can grab a bite in the cafeteria. Homemade brownies and fresh sandwiches are on the menu, which feels like a fair reward after a long trail walk.
Families with little ones will find changing tables, and parking is free. The gift shop is a fun final stop for a dinosaur souvenir.
Hours run from 9 AM to 5 PM. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, so plan an early visit if crowds aren’t your thing.
It’s a smart pick for families who love science and animals in equal measure. Kids may leave with a new respect for the bird on the dinner table.
Address: 524 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
12. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Wild ponies, bald eagles, and maybe even dolphins make for one memorable holiday road trip. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge sits on the barrier island coastline of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Thanksgiving week brings the annual Waterfowl Week. During this event, service roads open to vehicles, giving families a rare look deeper into the refuge.
The famous Chincoteague ponies are the headliners. Spotting them in the marsh is the kind of moment kids brag about at school.
Birds are everywhere, which makes the refuge a dream for young bird watchers. Migratory flocks and water birds fill the marshes, and bald eagles sometimes make an appearance.
Keep your eyes open for other animals, too. Delmarva squirrels, sika deer, and the occasional raccoon have been spotted here.
The refuge covers protected beaches, marshes, and forests. A historic lighthouse adds a classic photo spot to the trip.
Active families can try crabbing, fishing, hiking, or biking. Cycling lanes and kid-friendly hikes make it easy to get moving after a big meal.
Pack a picnic, since picnic tables and public restrooms are available. Hours run from 5 AM to 10 PM, so early risers can catch the birds at their busiest.
Weekend afternoons tend to be the most crowded. Head out in the morning, and your kids may come home with more pony stories than turkey memories.
Address: 8231 Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336
