Skip to main content
Sign In
Colonial Ghosts: Williamsburg Ghost Tours tour agency in Jamestown, VA
Photo: Colonial Ghosts
View of Colonial Ghosts: Williamsburg Ghost Tours in Jamestown, VA
Photo: Lana Eilertson
View of Colonial Ghosts: Williamsburg Ghost Tours in Jamestown, VA
Photo: Melanie

Colonial Ghosts: Williamsburg Ghost Tours

4.7(2,034 reviews)$$Adventure
🕑 60-90 minutes👶 Best for ages 10 and up. The spooky content and evening timing work well for tweens and teens who can appreciate the historical context and handle mildly scary stories, while younger children may find the ghost tales frightening or the 60-90 minute walking tour too long.

About

Colonial Ghosts offers family-friendly evening walking tours that blend Williamsburg's rich colonial history with spooky ghost stories, creating an entertaining and educational experience for older children and teens. Led by knowledgeable guides in atmospheric historic settings, these tours bring the past to life through engaging storytelling that captivates young history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.

Highlights

  • Atmospheric evening walks through candlelit colonial streets and historic buildings
  • Engaging storytellers who blend real historical facts with local ghost legends
  • Interactive format where kids can ask questions and participate in discussions
  • Educational component that teaches colonial history in an entertaining way
  • Photo opportunities in beautifully preserved 18th-century settings

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Book the earlier evening tour time if available, as it works better for families with kids who have earlier bedtimes.
  2. 2.Wear comfortable walking shoes as tours cover about a mile through cobblestone streets and uneven colonial-era pathways.
  3. 3.Bring a light jacket even in summer, as evening temperatures can drop and the tour includes shaded areas.
  4. 4.Discuss with your children beforehand that the stories are fun spooky tales, not truly frightening, to help manage expectations.
  5. 5.Consider taking the tour earlier in your Williamsburg visit, as it enhances appreciation for the daytime historic attractions you'll see.

Best Time to Visit

Weeknight tours in spring or fall offer the best experience with smaller crowds and comfortable temperatures for walking. October tours are especially popular for the Halloween atmosphere but book well in advance as they sell out quickly.

What to Know

Tours are moderately priced and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. The walking tours cover about a mile through historic areas, so strollers are not practical.

Seasonal Notes

Tours run year-round with special emphasis during October for Halloween season. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable walking temperatures, while summer tours can be hot and humid, and winter tours require warm clothing.

Nearby Eats

The Cheese Shop on Merchants Square (just blocks away) offers fantastic sandwiches and picnic items perfect for a pre-tour dinner. Aromas World, also nearby, serves kid-friendly international coffees, smoothies, and light bites in a casual atmosphere.

More Activities Near Williamsburg

Adventure

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

4.7$$

Go Ape Williamsburg offers an unforgettable treetop adventure where families can soar through the Virginia forest canopy on ziplines and navigate exciting obstacle courses high among the trees. With dedicated junior courses for younger adventurers and family-friendly options that accommodate various skill levels, this outdoor adventure park lets kids (and parents!) challenge themselves while experiencing nature from a thrilling new perspective.

Park

Freedom Park

4.8Free

Freedom Park is Williamsburg's ultimate family playground, offering an impressive variety of activities that can keep kids entertained for hours. With multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, scenic walking trails around a picturesque lake, and wide-open athletic fields perfect for running off energy, this expansive park has something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Museum

Jamestown Settlement

4.7$$

Jamestown Settlement brings 1607 colonial America to life through immersive, hands-on experiences that captivate young historians. Kids can board replica 17th-century ships, explore a recreated Powhatan Indian village, and step inside a colonial fort where costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life skills like blacksmithing and cooking. With interactive galleries and outdoor living history exhibits spanning 30 acres, this museum transforms textbook history into tangible adventures.

Museum

Virginia Living Museum

4.7$$

The Virginia Living Museum offers a unique four-in-one experience that combines an aquarium, science center, botanical gardens, and zoo featuring exclusively native Virginia species. Kids can get hands-on at touch tanks, walk through outdoor nature trails, and meet local wildlife from river otters to red wolves, making it perfect for families who want an educational yet entertaining day out.