Take the family back and forth between the 18th and 21st centuries for a week for just under $1500.  Williamsburg, VA, about a three-hour drive from DC, has something for everyone–and offers a great combination of the purely fun and the enjoyably educational.

Busch Gardens is one of the more sedate and family-friendly amusement parks on the East Coast.  And, any time prior to prime season, the lines tend to be mercifully short.  Around spring break time, the weather may be a little cool (Between 40 and 50 degrees is normal)–but you should find Williamsburg (part of the Tidewater region of Virginia) to be at least a few degrees warmer than DC.  Not far from Busch Gardens is Colonial Williamsburg, where you can stroll the streets, observe artisans at work (in their colonial garb, of course), and watch movies and cultural demonstrations.

Assuming you are a family of four–two adults and two school-age children–you can make the most of Williamsburg this spring break (complete with unlimited passes to Bush Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg) for about $1500.   Here’s my research–along with the budget breakdown:

“Bounce around Williamsburg” passes (normally between $103 and $124) can be purchased through the Busch Gardens website right now for a 20% discount.  The park opens March 26, and the passes give you full 7-day access to both Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg.  And Hotwire is offering a nice deal on a condo in close proximity to both the park and the historic area.  (Nothing like having a fully operational kitchen when you’re traveling with kids and trying to avoid a week of $8 burgers!).  So, let’s look at the whole week and see if we can realistically keep all the fun, accommodations, and food under $1500.

“Bounce around Williamsburg” passes (2 adults and 2 school-age children):  $361.60

One-bedroom condo through Hotwire (sleeps 4):  6 nights at $92/night = $552.00

Gas/Parking:  $100

Food:  Groceries for breakfast at condo ($12), brown-bag lunches ($20), and 1 restaurant dinner ($32) each day:  $64/day = $448

Total:  $1461.60

Not a bad deal, eh?

Oh, and while you’re there, make sure you reserve a day to get a tour around the William and Mary campus, just a stone’s throw from Colonial Williamsburg.  See the chapel designed by Christopher Wren, see where Thomas Jefferson would have sat for classes, and hear about 300-year-old campus traditions.  If you all have iron stomachs, you might even want to get in line with the students for chili dogs at the corner Wawa market.

And, while you’re soaking up history and riding rollercoasters, Presto Pink could be sprucing up and organizing your home.  And walking your dog.  And bringing in your newspapers and mail.  And cleaning/organizing your cupboards.  You get the idea.  Use some of that money you’ve saved to give yourself and your family a fresh, orderly, happy homecoming!