We spent $594 on our Williamsburg, Virginia family getaway, including four Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream tickets, four ghost tour tickets, and one night in a two-room Family Suite at Rochambeau Roadside Inn.
And we didn’t spend money at every stop! We also visited Pumpkinville and rode the Jamestown–Scotland Ferry, both completely FREE.
Here’s our itinerary, what we paid, and a few things worth knowing before planning your own Williamsburg trip.
1. Busch Gardens Williamsburg Howl-O-Scream
Cost: $120 for 4 tickets
We visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Howl-O-Scream, the park’s seasonal Halloween event.
But here’s where we saved some coins!
Instead of purchasing our tickets directly, we used Groupon and paid just $120 for four tickets.
Money-saving tip: Use our Groupon link to shop for discounted Busch Gardens tickets and apply code KIDS for up to 30% off eligible deals.
The actual discount depends on the available offer and the date you plan to visit. You may save less than 30%, so always compare your options before purchasing.
2. Rochambeau Roadside Inn: Our Williamsburg Family Hotel
Cost: $359 for 1 night in a Family Suite
Now THIS place deserves its own conversation!
Rochambeau Roadside Inn is a new motel in Williamsburg, Virginia, and I can confidently say it’s one of the BEST motel experiences I’ve ever had.
Because WHAT KIND OF MOTEL IS THIS?! The rest better take notes!
We booked their Family Suite, which combines TWO rooms: a bunk room and a standard king room connected by an interior door.
For families traveling with multiple kids, having separate sleeping spaces is a huge plus.
What amenities does Rochambeau Roadside Inn offer?
- Family Suites with connecting rooms.
- King and bunk bed accommodations.
- Complimentary bike rentals.
- Breakfast options.
- Electric vehicle charging on-site.
- Convenient access to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
We only stayed one night, but this property definitely exceeded my expectations.
And if you drive an electric vehicle, having somewhere to charge during your stay is another convenient bonus!
3. Williamsburg Ghost Tour
Cost: $115 for 4 tickets
We also booked a Williamsburg ghost tour directly through Viator.
Our total was $115 for four tickets.
Williamsburg is known for its colonial history, so adding a ghost tour was a fun way to experience a different side of the area.
If you’re planning a fall trip or enjoy spooky experiences, this is another activity to consider.
4. Pumpkinville Williamsburg
Cost: FREE admission
We stopped at Pumpkinville during our trip, and it was completely free to enter!
This was one of our seasonal stops that didn’t require purchasing admission tickets.
5. Jamestown–Scotland Ferry
Cost: FREE
Did you know there’s a FREE ferry ride near Williamsburg, Virginia?
We took the Jamestown–Scotland Ferry across the James River, and yes, it’s completely free for passengers and vehicles.
The ferry connects the Jamestown area with Scotland Wharf in Surry County.
It’s a unique experience to add to your itinerary, especially if you’re exploring the Historic Triangle.
Planning tip: Check the Virginia Department of Transportation ferry information for schedules and service updates before heading out.
How Much Did Our Williamsburg, VA Trip Cost?
Here’s the breakdown of our confirmed expenses:
| Experience | Cost |
| Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream (4 tickets) | $120 |
| Rochambeau Roadside Inn (1 night) | $359 |
| Williamsburg Ghost Tour (4 tickets) | $115 |
| Pumpkinville | FREE |
| Jamestown–Scotland Ferry | FREE |
| Total | $594 |
Our $594 total includes the listed attractions and accommodations. Breakfast, transportation, and other personal expenses are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Williamsburg, Virginia
What are some free things to do near Williamsburg, VA?
Two free experiences we enjoyed were Pumpkinville, which offered free admission during our visit, and the Jamestown–Scotland Ferry, which is free for both passengers and vehicles.
How much did Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream tickets cost?
We paid $120 for four tickets purchased through Groupon. Prices vary by date, availability, and promotions.
Where can families stay near Busch Gardens Williamsburg?
We stayed at Rochambeau Roadside Inn in a two-room Family Suite with a king room and a separate bunk room. Our one-night stay cost $359.
Is the Jamestown–Scotland Ferry really free?
Yes! The Jamestown–Scotland Ferry is operated by the Virginia Department of Transportation and is free to ride. You can bring your vehicle aboard, too.
Is Williamsburg, Virginia worth visiting with kids?
Williamsburg offers a mix of theme parks, historical experiences, seasonal attractions, and free activities. You can build an itinerary around your family’s interests and budget without paying admission at every stop.
Related Blog: Free Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia
Final Thoughts
Between Busch Gardens, our ghost tour, the free ferry, and a motel that genuinely surprised me, we managed to experience quite a bit during our Williamsburg getaway.
My biggest recommendation? Mix paid attractions with free stops, compare ticket prices before booking, and don’t overlook smaller accommodations like Rochambeau Roadside Inn.
And don’t forget to use our Groupon link and code KIDS to check for savings on eligible experiences!
