Photo: Erik Bakken
Photo: SweetPea Schmitt
Photo: Aleecia Foo
Weston Manor
★4.5(40 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 8 and up. Older elementary and middle school students studying American history will appreciate the colonial architecture and stories, while the outdoor grounds exploration appeals to active kids. Younger children may find the house tour challenging but can enjoy walking the historic property.🧡 Saved by 80+ families
About
Step back in time at Weston Manor, one of America's oldest continuously occupied homes dating back to colonial Virginia. This historic treasure offers guided tours that bring 400 years of American history to life, plus beautiful grounds for children to explore and imagine life in colonial times.
Highlights
- ✓Exploring one of America's oldest continuously occupied homes with centuries of history
- ✓Learning about colonial Virginia life through guided tours with fascinating historical details
- ✓Walking the historic grounds and imagining what plantation life was like
- ✓Seeing authentic colonial architecture and period features throughout the manor
- ✓Connecting classroom history lessons to a real place kids can touch and explore
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to confirm tour availability since they're only open Saturdays - tours may require advance reservations
- 2.Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds after your tour, as there's limited nearby dining
- 3.Prepare kids beforehand by discussing colonial history and what daily life was like in the 1600s-1700s
- 4.Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be touring both the historic home and exploring the outdoor grounds
- 5.Bring a camera - the historic architecture and grounds make for great educational photo opportunities
Best Time to Visit
Visit on Saturday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM arrival) when the venue first opens to ensure you have time for both the house tour and grounds exploration before closing at 4:30 PM. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for walking the property.
What to Know
Open Saturdays only from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, so plan accordingly. Check their website or call ahead for current admission prices and tour availability, as this is an active historic site with limited visiting hours.
Seasonal Notes
Only open on Saturdays year-round, so weekend trip planning is essential. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the grounds. Summer visits can be hot and humid, so bring water and sun protection.
Nearby Eats
Head to River City Diner (about 10 minutes away) for classic American comfort food that kids love, or try Martin's Bar-B-Que for family-friendly Southern fare with a casual atmosphere perfect for post-tour appetites.
More Activities Near Hopewell
Activity
City Point Historic District
Free
City Point Historic District offers families a peaceful riverside setting where history comes alive through walking trails, monuments, and educational displays about the Civil War. Kids can explore the scenic point where the James and Appomattox Rivers meet while learning about Hopewell's pivotal role as a Union supply base and General Grant's headquarters during the Petersburg Campaign.
Playground
Winston Churchill Drive
Free
Winston Churchill Drive in Hopewell offers families a well-rounded outdoor destination with something for everyone. The modern playground equipment keeps kids entertained while the walking paths are perfect for stroller-pushing parents or energetic kids on bikes, and the sports fields provide ample space for family games and running around.
Library
Hopewell Public Library
★4.8Free❤️72
Hopewell Public Library is a vibrant community hub that goes far beyond books, offering exceptional programming specifically designed for young families. With highly-rated story times, hands-on educational activities, and engaging summer reading challenges, this welcoming library creates memorable learning experiences that help foster a lifelong love of reading in children.
Theater
Beacon Theatre
★4.7$❤️325
The Beacon Theatre brings nostalgic charm to family entertainment in downtown Hopewell. This beautifully restored vintage theater offers an inviting alternative to modern multiplexes, with family-friendly movies, live performances, and special community events that create memorable experiences for kids and parents alike in an intimate, classic setting.