Even though Fredericksburg is known for its historical attractions, it is a surprisingly great destination for kids! If you are looking for a destination where the kids will stay entertained while also learning about U.S. history, this city is for you!
As a mom who lives in Fredericksburg, this is my personal list of kid-friendly destinations that we love!
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
There’s enough gross and creepy learning opportunities at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop to keep kids entertained.
Walking into this 18th-century medical shop feels like stepping into a Harry Potter movie set, except everything is real and historically accurate. The live leeches swimming in glass jars immediately grab every kid’s attention.
Tour guides dressed in period clothing explain bloodletting, herbal remedies, and surgical techniques that sound more like torture methods.
Children get to smell actual medicinal herbs, see authentic surgical tools, and learn that medicine 250 years ago involved more bravery than science.
If the kids love the leeches, be sure to check out the gift shop corner with lots of leech merchandise geared towards the kiddos.
There is an admission to the Apothecary. We suggest buying the ticket bundle from Fredericksburg Area Museums or get the FXBG pass.
HELPFUL TIP: The subject matter can be a little graphic, so if you are squeamish you might not want to listen to the descriptions.
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
President George Washington spent his childhood at Ferry Farm and its a great place for kids to explore today too.
George Washington’s Ferry Farm is a sprawling estate where kids can run and explore. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the woods, or walk down the stairs to the Rappahannock River.
During the summer, it is interesting to watch the archaeological digs near the home. (Be sure to go during the week to see them working.)
During the week, you can even watch archaeologists in the lab while they process and clean the fossils.
Inside the Visitor Center, there is a kid’s nook with lots of books and learning activities.
The farm has been reconstructed to look like it did when young George lived there with his family, so it is the original property but not the original structure. Nevertheless, it is one of the many Presidential homesites in Virginia that you need to see!
Otter Scavenger Hunt
Fredericksburg has several otter statues throughout downtown, along with an Otterly-Amazing scavenger hunt activity for kids. When you have found them all, kids can get a prize!
These otters are located at some of the most historic or popular destinations.
Why otters? Well, that statues are a celebration of the return of wild otters to the Rappahannock River as the watershed becomes healthier for animals and water life.
Downtown Trolley Tour
Both kids and adults like riding a trolley, and even locals learn something new on the Fredericksburg Trolley Tour.
The tour is about an hour long and takes you all over the downtown city of Fredericksburg, introducing you to the most historic and popular sites in the city.
There are no stops on this tour, just a driving tour, which makes it an excellent way to relax, get off your feet, and escape the Virginia heat.
Free Trolley
While the Downtown Trolley Tour is for learning about the city, the FREE summer trolley is all about easy transportation downtown on Friday and Saturday nights.
The First Fridays trolley has additional stops at art galleries and runs year round.
Even if you don’t receive a narrated tour, kids will love climbing onboard and getting a free ride to your next destination!
James Madison Museum
Honoring the 4th President of the United States, the James Madison Museum has interesting artifacts from his presidency, as well as his time as an ambassador in France and fighting in the Revolutionary War.
Kids are not forgotten, though, as this museum has one of the best kid-friendly activities we’ve found!
There’s is a little nook for kids to sit and relax while reading historical books.
When it’s time to wander through the museum, older kids will love the “Secret Mission” activity where they can become a spy looking for clues in the exhibits.
Helpful Tip: This is one of the Otter Scavenger Hunt locations!
Art Time for Kids
There are so many classes and pop-up programs at this locally owned small business just off of the historic district. There are music and art programs geared towards kids of all ages, from 0-18.
Even if you don’t take a class, be sure to go by Art Time for Kids to see the brightly painted fence, look for the bacon and egg fence post, and browse the free Little Library.
Fredericksburg Visitor Center
Step inside the Fredericksburg Visitor Center on Caroline Street (one of the main streets downtown) to get some ideas for kid-friendly activities.
This is where you can get an Otter Scavenger Hunt activity set, and come back to get a prize!
There are often other types of scavenger hunts, too, so be sure to ask what they currently have for kids.
Kids will also enjoy picking out free postcards, too!
Helpful Tip: This is one of the Otter Scavenger Hunt locations!
Riverfront Park Playground
Just one block away from Caroline Street, this expansive playground is perfect for kids to run around and play, while also meeting other children their age.
The new facilities have lots of interactive play spaces, as well as some expansive lawns for picnics, frisbee throwing and cartwheels.
Located on the banks of the Rappahannock River, you can walk down the hill to be at the waterside if you’d like.
Helpful Tip: This is one of the Otter Scavenger Hunt locations!
Enjoy a Carriage Tour
The whole family will love getting a photo with the horse that pulls their Olde Towne Carriage, and kids can pet the horse, too.
It’s a great way to enjoy the city without walking the hills and cobblestone streets!
U-Pick Farms
Braehead Farm is one of the best U-Pick berry farms in Fredericksburg, with a rotating selection of berries, as well as other fruits and produce.
While you are there, be sure to pet the rescued farm animals and explore the barn.
There are so many family playground activities here, from rope swings to sand piles to tricycles, that there literally is something for everyone in the family at Braehead!
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center
Most Civil War battlefields lose children within 10 minutes. Fredericksburg’s visitor center uses a different approach built around a massive fiber-optic battle map that lights up troop movements while dramatic narration explains what happened.
The 22-minute show holds attention because it combines technology with storytelling instead of asking kids to imagine what empty fields used to look like.
Junior Ranger programs give children structured activities and a badge at the end.
Focus on Sunken Road and the Stone Wall where the main action happened.
Farmer’s Market
With so many delicious foods and drinks at the Farmer’s Market at Hurkamp Park, kids will love trying new foods. There’s even live music, vendors and lots of kids running around at the colorful weekly market.
Be sure to get a picture with the LOVE sign in Hurkamp Park!
Meet a Possum
At Possum-bilities, kids will learn about all kinds of wildlife, including possums!
Every Thursday through Monday, a possum ambassador will be in the store to meet. On the second Sunday of each month, a possum ambassador joins kids to read books and do crafts.
There are non-possum ambassadors, too, from huge spiders to snakes to frogs and a gecko!
If your kids love possums (or fall in love with them), there are plenty of gift items to shop for and bring home!
Chatham Manor
A very short drive from downtown Fredericksburg (also walkable via the new pedestrian bridge), Chatham Manor has some of the area’s most beautiful grounds and gardens.
At this National Park Service site there is a house with plenty of antiques and artwork for the adults to enjoy, but most kids will enjoy the grounds. There are formal gardens, a greenhouse, and beautiful walking trails.
Meditation Rock / Memorial Park
Just down the street from Historic Kenmore you will find Meditation Rock at the Mary Washington Monument.
Meditation Rock is said to be the place that Mary Washington (mother of George Washington) read her Bible and prayed for the safety of her son in the Revolutionary War.
Today the rock is a fun place for kids to climb and explore, with additional playground activities in Memorial Park.
Old Mill Park
Located on the Rappahannock River, this beautiful park is an excellent place for family-friendly activities. The large fields and picnic shelters make it possible to host birthday parties or get together with friends outside under one of these sturdy trees.
The most enjoyable part of the park is the view of the river. Kids will love feeding ducks and watching for the occasional kayaker.
Restrooms are available.
Caroline Street Shopping and Eating
Kids don’t normally enjoy shopping, but they will like strolling along Caroline Street!
Be sure to visit Jabberwocky’s Children’s Books and Toys. This is THE place to go with kids in Fredericksburg and has been a part of the community since 1985.
Of course, kids always like ice cream shops, too! You’ll find Abner B’s, Kilwin’s and Goolrick’s Pharmacy on Caroline Street, just a few of our favorite ice cream shops in Fredericksburg!
And don’t forget about the BIG slice of pizza at Benny’s! Kids will love comparing this HUGE slice of pizza to see if it’s larger than their head!
Historic Kenmore Plantation
This 18th century home was the home of George Washington’s sister and her wealthy husband. The gorgeous home with beautiful plaster ceilings is better appreciated by adults, but the Visitor’s Center here is what kids will love the most!
Inside the Visitor’s Center kids will like hands-on activities, such as building their own ornate plaster ceilings or coloring pages.
There are also several kid-friendly events throughout the year, such as Betty’s Birthday celebration in June, when a birthday party is thrown for George Washington’s sister, complete with cake, cookies and craft activities for kids.
At Christmas, the kids can enjoy candlelight tours, a “fox hunt” (looking for hidden fox statues in the gardens), and a display of miniature Christmas houses.
More Kid-Friendly Activities in Fredericksburg, VA
Here are more fun things to do in Fredericksburg with kids:
- Play pinball at Reclaim Arcade
- See a FredNats minor league baseball game
- Build a sensory play box at FORT
- Chuck E. Cheese
- An EXTENSIVE list of classes and activities for kids through Fredericksburg Parks and Rec
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- Ride Go-Karts at Fun Land
- Rent a boat or visit the Nature Center at Motts Run Reservoir
- Enjoy the StoryWalk Along the Heritage Trail
- Enjoy the Pool during summer
- Skate at the outdoor Roller Hockey Rink
- Meet a robot, learn to sew or get creative on drawing tablets at IdeaSpace at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library
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