Virginia

Family-friendly activities

See the sights of Washington DC from onboard the Spirit of Washington with a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Enjoy a buffet dining experience as you sail, and delight in panoramic views. Board your vessel and receive a personal greeting. Have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory before being seated at your private table. Once there, gorge on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative entrees prepared fresh daily and listen to the onboard music. After your meal, visit any of the three climate-controlled decks as you glide by the sights. LUNCH/DINNER BUFFET SAMPLE MENU SALADS FIELD GREEN SALAD (G*)(VG)Tomatoes | Cucumbers | Carrots | Ranch Dressing | Balsamic Dressing KALE QUINOA SALAD (G*)(VG)(V)Quinoa | Roasted Red Pepper | Spinach | Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette GREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD (V)Sweet Peas | White Beans | Scallions MAIN HONEY SESAME CHICKEN (G*)Scallions | Fresno Chillies OVEN ROASTED WHITEFISH (G*)Spicy Tomato | White Bean Ragu BAKED ZITI PASTA (V)Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | Spinach Cream Sauce ROOT VEGETABLE FRICASSEE (G*)(VG)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Broccoli | Grape Tomatoes | Gremolata | Cauliflower Coconut Cream Sauce COMPLEMENTSROASTED BROCCOLI (G*)(VG)(V)Toasted Garlic | Chili Flakes GARLIC MASHED POTATOES (G*)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Roasted Garlic DESSERTSIGNATURE DESSERT STATION (V)Cakes | Brownies | Seasonal Fruit | *May Contain Nuts *Menus subject to change

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the world’s most beautiful theme park, as voted year after year since 1990. Wander through the classic European themed and artfully landscaped villages, resembling the Parisian streets of France, the hamlets of Scotland and the Oktoberfest celebrations of Germany. Explore all nine villages centered around six countries. Kids can sing with Elmo, feed a lorikeet and ride between mom and dad on a thrilling kid coaster all in the same day! After catching one of the many entertaining shows, head over to award-winning roller coasters inspired by Old World legends like the Apollo, the Griffin, and the Loch Ness monster. From virtual reality to carousels, everyone one in the family will find an activity they love and create cherished memories to think back on for years to come! Animal Exhibits: Spend some time at Highland Stables and take part in a celebration of centuries-old Scottish traditions. Interact with blackface sheep and their border collie guardians. Enjoy demonstrations of traditional herding and hunting methods. Visit Eagle Ridge to meet some gutsy American Bald Eagles, each one a survivor of injuries that left them unable to live on their own in the wild. Hear their inspiring stories and feel the sense of awe that travels with these majestic birds. Stroll through Lorikeet Glen and make a bunch of new friends as colorful birds glide down to greet you from the branches of a fascinating, free-flight aviary. Go beyond the haunting calls and piercing eyes of the mysterious gray wolf in Wolf Valley. Learn what you can do to help these important ancestors of modern-day canines survive and thrive. Theme Park Rides: Take a ride on Alpengeist, one of the tallest, fastest and most insane roller coasters in the world. Before you can say "boo" the floor drops beneath your feet, so get ready for what many coaster enthusiasts still call the ride of a lifetime. Experience the mind-bending climbs and weightless wonder of floating airtime at Apollo's Chariot, one of the mightiest coasters of all time. Hop on the classic Loch Ness monster which hurls its passengers along 3,240 feet of steel track into the air, over water, and through a dark cave. Join the bravest of ride warriors and challenge yourself to the 205-foot, 90-degree, 75 mph free fall of Griffon, a heart-pounding, tour de force roller coaster.

Discover the enduring tribute to the men and women that have dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of the United States of America with a tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Explore more than 600 acres of hallowed ground that once belonged to George Washington's adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis. In 1857, Custis left the property to his daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis, when it became the family home for her and her husband Robert E. Lee. Throughout its history, the grounds have been used for various purposes, including serving as a camp and headquarters for Federal Troops during the Civil War, and as a safe haven for slaves transitioning to freedom after abolition. Arlington National Cemetery held its first military burial on 13 May 1864, and is now the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Honor the men and women who gave their lives in service at 3 stops which include the JFK Gravesite, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and The Arlington House.

Discover the historic Old Town Alexandria on a guided day trip from Washington. Ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate, the former residence of George Washington. Enjoy pickup in a luxurious, climate-controlled vehicle while your guide explains the significance of some of the city’s most recognizable monuments. A short drive brings you to the candy-colored architecture of Alexandria, where you can take a tour of some monuments notable to the former president – including the Masonic Temple and Christ Church. Arguably the birthplace of the city itself, George Washington’s former estate is located just 13 miles from the capital’s center. Then, go for an in-depth foray through the mansion, with entrance tickets to the grounds and gardens included. Interactive, historic reenactments bring the founding father’s story to life, while a guided tour of the building helps shine a light on his fascinating story. Next, you'll ride along the Potomac River and visit the Mount Vernon Estate - one of the Washington, DC, area’s premier sightseeing attractions. Explore historic Mount Vernon – from the mansion’s interior where President Washington resided to his beloved gardens, and final resting place.  Take some time for lunch at the Mt Vernon Food Court if you like, then learn more about George Washington’s life and legacy in both the Museum and Education Center – home to more than 700 original objects (including his false teeth) and 25 theaters and galleries. There is even a multi-media theater where it actually snows. After shopping for unique gifts at the Mt Vernon Shops, you will be entertained by your guide as you return back to Washington DC.

Enjoy a cruise down the Elizabeth River over drinks and dinner. Make your selections from the buffet and eat at a candlelit table while enjoying relaxing background music and marveling at views of Navy vessels. Board the vessel and begin your special evening being escorted to your candlelit table. Order drinks, then feel free to explore the ship while the crew casts off on the Elizabeth River. Be invited by your waiter to the attended Grande Dinner Buffet, with all food freshly prepared. Take as little or as much as you like. Savor your culinary selections over perfectly-paced dinner music and a never-ending view of Norfolk’s breathtaking skyline. See the cruises route and relax over coffee and dessert. Listen to relaxing background music, providing the backdrop for your dinner experience. Stroll under the stars as you take your drinks topside and relax on the largest outdoor patio deck in the city. At the end of your fabulous cruise return to dock. Sample Dinner Menu: Salads Caesar Salad Romain Lettuce | Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Herb Croutons Bow Tie Pasta Salad Scallions | English Cucumbers | Roma Tomatoes | Dill & Mustard Vinaigrette Vegetables, Potatoes & Pasta Roasted Broccoli Florets Toasted Garlic | Chili Flakes Creamed Corn & Cheddar Cheese Casserole Green Chilies | Scallions | Fresh Cilantro Baked Ziti Pasta Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Mozzarella | Cheese Spinach Sauce Mashed Potatoes Idaho Potatoes | Roasted Garlic Entrées Oven Baked Flounder Filet Tomato, Shallot & Caper Sauce Honey & Sesame Chicken Scallions | Fresno Chilies Italian Beef Meatballs Creamy Mushroom Sauce | Italian Parsley Braised Beef Short Ribs Baby Carrots | Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce Spirit Seasonal Dessert Display

You are in for a special day on a Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise. Dine and delight in breathtaking views of the Norfolk skyline bathed in sunshine and the United States Navy’s Atlantic Fleet of Ships. Your 2-hour cruise begins as a Shipmate escorts you to your candlelit table. Order drinks, then feel free to explore the ship as the crew cast off on the Elizabeth River. The Shipmates invite you to an attended grand lunch buffet, freshly prepared on-board. Take as much or as little as you like and savor your selections as the sights of Norfolk glide by. After lunch, take your drinks topside and relax on the best outdoor patio deck in the city.  After you have relaxed over coffee and dessert, take a refreshing stroll around the ship's decks and listen to relaxing background music as you take in everything Norfolk has to offer.  Create unforgettable memories on a Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise. SAMPLE MENU Salads Caesar Salad Romain Lettuce | Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Herb Croutons Bow Tie Pasta Salad Scallions | English Cucumbers | Roma Tomatoes | Dill & Mustard Vinaigrette Vegetables, Potatoes & Pasta Roasted Broccoli Florets Toasted Garlic | Chili Flakes Creamed Corn & Cheddar Cheese Casserole Green Chilies | Scallions | Fresh Cilantro Baked Ziti Pasta Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Mozzarella | Cheese Spinach Sauce Mashed Potatoes Idaho Potatoes | Roasted Garlic Entrées Oven Baked Flounder Filet Tomato, Shallot & Caper Sauce Honey & Sesame Chicken Scallions | Fresno Chilies Italian Beef Meatballs Creamy Mushroom Sauce | Italian Parsley Spirit Seasonal Dessert Display *Menu subject to change. Please inform your server if anyone in your party has a food allergy.

Hear the stories of the ghosts who inhabit the town of Williamsburg. Follow your ghostly guide down eerie streets and experience 13 haunted locations on this tour of the most haunted places in town. Discover the 17 spirits of the Peyton Randolph House, known as the most haunted place in Virginia. Learn what happened in the oak panel bedroom and hear what is waiting for you in your jail cell. Learn about the Wagon of Death, the gallows, and what happened to Lucy Ludwell, George Wythe, Ida Jones, and many more. Learn the outcome of the witch trials here and what happened to Williamsburg's most famous witch. Guests often see and hear strange, unexplainable sights and sounds, so you will not want to attend without a camera in hand.

Enjoy memorable family experiences at the new LEGO® Discovery Center in Washington DC. Create your own adventures with over 2 million bricks and explore 12 awesome zones with incredible opportunities to use your imagination. Step right in with your pre-booked admission and get ready for a day of family fun. Climb aboard the Imagination Express for a journey through an oversized LEGO® world or prepare to be blown away by an amazing 4D sensory cinema experience. Immerse yourself in a reimagined world of fascinating LEGO® builds in Mini World, discover fun workshops, and practice your building skills in the Build Adventures area, dedicated to LEGO® play and creation.

Discover Assateague Island on a pontoon cruise leaving from Chincoteague Island. Learn about the many animals native to the island, see the Assateague Lighthouse, and discover the island's fascinating history. Jump aboard Misty, a pontoon boat, on Chincoteague Island, and head over to Assateague Island. As you sail, hear about the history of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands from your local guide. Keep an eye on the shore to see the famous wild horses cantering and an eye on the water for dolphin and bird sightings. Sail past the Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge as you relax and learn about the legendary wild horses. Continue past the Assateague Lighthouse before returning to Chincoteague Island.

Arrive at the wharf where you’ll meet your expert guide, ready to take you on the ferry. You’ll be the first to board, giving you access to the best seats in the house before your guide introduces you to the area and the sights you’re about to see. After a relaxing hour and a half spent soaking up these iconic sights from the water—and enjoying a light breakfast—you’ll arrive at the Mount Vernon ready to continue your exploration. For the most comprehensive tour of the estate and grounds possible, you'll be in the capable hands of your expert Walks guide. According to George Washington himself, “no estate is more pleasantly seated than Mount Vernon” and you'll soon see just what he meant! Your first stop will be the estate’s farm, where Mount Vernon produced food, textiles and more. This was only possible because Mount Vernon, like most of the country’s estates during the time, was run by enslaved persons. You’ll gain an insight into their life on the farm, seeing where they lived, slept, ate, and the forms of resistance they took against the estate owners. Next, you’ll get your first view of Mount Vernon's stately mansion. Get an up-close view of areas like the blacksmith’s shop, the overseer's quarters and the greenhouse (which Washington built himself!). Admire the family portraits adorning the walls, explore George Washington’s private study, and lay your eyes on the bed where he died. Continuing your tour outside, discover the story behind the "haha wall" and the fruit garden where Washington experimented with various produce. Despite reserving a crypt for him in Washington DC, George Washington told Congress he wished instead to be laid to rest at Mount Vernon. See the Old Tomb where he and Martha were buried until 1831 when the new tomb was built. Their final resting place makes for a thoughtful conclusion to your visit. By the end of your tour, you’ll make your way back to the ferry to enjoy the scenic cruise back to the nation's capital. A picnic lunch will be available on the boat for purchase or your guide can provide recommendations on where to eat back in DC. By the end of the tour, you'll have incredible insight into America’s most prolific founding father and be better able to reflect on the man behind the legend.