If you're planning a Virginia family vacation, here are plenty of outdoor activities in Virginia with kids to keep you engaged!
Looking for fun family activities in Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
Don't know what to do in Virginia? From Colonial Williamsburg to the beach, here's our top things to do in Virginia with kids.
Looking for fun family activities in Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
Williamsburg with kids guide to help you plan your visit to Williamsburg Virginia. Best things to do in Williamsburg with kids
We’ve put together a list of wonderful family friendly Virginia day trips for you and your loved ones to explore.
There are so many ways for families to have fun in and around DC without spending a dime!
Planning a summer visit to Virginia? On the blog, I will share a few summer road trip ideas in Virginia with kids that you can add to your East coast family road trip. Most people don’t really think of Virginia as a family travel destination, but the state is rich in history, and there are so many hidden gems to explore. You can easily spend a day visiting some of these Virginia family attractions on your East Coast family vacation, or better yet, spend the summer exploring all the fun things to do in Virginia with kids. Virginia’s motto is “Virginia is for lovers” and you’ll definitely find something to love on your visit. READ NEXT: Guide to Washington DC with kids *This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are no extra charge to you, but I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Summer road trip ideas in Virginia with kids George Washington’s Mount Vernon Virginia is home to some of the Nation’s first Presidents, and you can visit some of their homes in the area. One in particular is George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. A visit to Mount Vernon is one of the most family friendly destinations with kids in Virginia. They’ll love learning more about our first President through all the fun learning exhibits at the museum, and on a tour of his mansion. The mansion tour can go anywhere from 20-45 minutes, depending on how busy it is for the day. The tour takes you through the many rooms, with guides along the way who will answer any question you may have. There are other activities you can purchase on your visit, such as the National Treasure tour, a boat cruise along the Potomac and many more. The kids will also love exploring the grounds of Mount Vernon, visiting the farm animals, his gardens, and getting to visit George Washington’s tomb. *You can also visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland, which we have yet to explore. READ MORE: Guide to Mount Vernon with kids Old Town Alexandria You definitely have to add a visit to Old Town Alexandria on your road trip through Virginia. This is one of the most charming towns, and it was once George Washington’s old stomping grounds. Known as “One of the best small cities in America”, One of the top things to do in Old Town Alexandria is a walking tour along the historic streets. There are so many beautiful homes to admire on your visit. It’s especially beautiful in the spring when the Cherry blossoms are in bloom. READ NEXT: Guide to the Cherry Blossoms Festival The kids can even go on an Old Town Scavenger hunt discovering clues and facts about some of the historic places. Visit the Christmas Attic at 125 S. Union St. for Map and clues. Take a stroll along Kings street and go shopping in one of the charming boutique stores. If you’re a foodie there are so many yummy restaurants to try, and decadent sweets to indulge in. We love Dolci Gelati, and Pop’s Old fashioned Ice cream. Make sure to stop by the Waterfront and take a break from your sightseeing tour of Old Town Alexandria. There’s a fun waterfront park for the kiddos, and a rotating outdoor art installation as well. READ MORE: Top things to do in Old Town Alexandria Visit the National Parks in Virginia You don’t really think of National Parks when visiting Virginia. We were surprised to find out that there are so many smaller National Parks in the state, and we decided to visit a few during a recent summer road trip through Virginia. I list some of the more popular National Parks in Virginia, but there are so many more to explore, along with some of Virginia’s State Parks. READ NEXT: Kid friendly hiking trail and parks in the Washington DC area Shenandoah National Park One of the most well known National Parks in Virginia is Shenandoah National Park. You definitely need to add Shenandoah to your summer road trip through Virginia with kids. Shenandoah National Park is a great place to spend some time out in nature with kids. There are so many kid friendly trails, some with the most amazing vistas and waterfalls. If you only have a day to explore Shenandoah National Park, one of the best things to do is a drive along Skyline drive. There are over 70 lookout points, some with the most amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you can do an overnight visit to Shenandoah National Park, make sure to reserve rooms at one of the resorts ahead of time, or find a hotel in near Shenandoah here. You can also reserve a camping spot at Shenandoah NP, just make sure to do this ahead of time as well. READ MORE: Guide to Shenandoah National Park with kids Great Falls Park Virginia is home to so many smaller National Parks, one in particular is Great Falls Park. Great Falls Park is known for it’s waterfalls, and for one of the Nations first canals, which was headed by George Washington himself. You can actually still see remnants of this historic canal on a self guided walking tour. ou can download and print a Junior Ranger book online here, or pick one up at the Visitors center. The kids will receive a Junior Ranger badge upon completion. There are also a few kid friendly trails at Great Falls Park. One of our favorites is the River trail that meanders along the Potomac River, with lots of fun boulders for the kids to climb. There is also the Patowmack Canal trail, which takes you along the historic canal, and is one of the easiest trail in the park. READ MORE: Guide to Great Falls Park with kids Visit the Assateague Island National Seashore One of our favorite National Parks in Virginia is Assateague Island National Seashore on Chincoteague Island. You’ve probably heard of the book “Misty of Chincoteague”, this island is the inspiration, which is home to the famed Wild Chincoteague Ponies. There are many opportunities for some outdoor recreations for the whole family. You can go on kayaking adventure, camping on the beach, admire the wild ponies on a boat cruise, crabbing, hiking, biking, bird watching, or simply spend the day at the beach. There is so much to do on this barrier island in Virginia. Make sure to stay overnight in one of the hotels on Chincoteague island, camp in the KOA facility, or on the beach! READ MORE: Guide to visiting Chincoteague Island Historic Jamestowne National Park Visit one of the earliest English Colonies in North America, and walk in the footsteps of John Smith and Pocahontas. Historic Jamestowne is the actual spot where the English settlers first landed, whereas, Jamestowne settlement is the interpretation of the colony. There is an admission fee to get into Historic Jamestowne, since it is run by the National Park service, but is worth the visit. There are free guided tours and fun kids activities, where they can witness ongoing excavations, and ask the archaeologists some questions as they work. Don’t forget to join in on the Junior Ranger Programs and complete the activities to get your very own badge. You can pick up a booklet at the Visitors Center, and get the Kids Junior Ranger Passports stamped at the same time. Take a scenic drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway George Washington Memorial Parkway is a 25 mile long recreational drive that runs along the Potomac from Mount Vernon to McLean, Virginia, and is maintained by the National Park Service. The George Washington memorial parkway meanders along the Potomac with stops at George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Great Falls Park. There are so many historic spots and wildlife preserves to visit along the way as well. One in particular is the historic Jones point lighthouse in Alexandria, which is one of the last riverine lighthouses in the country and the only one still standing in the Chesapeake Bay Area. Watch planes takeoff at Gravelly Point Park Gravelly Point is a National Park Service sight located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, right next to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Since the park is just a few hundred feet away from the runway, it’s the perfect spot for airplane spotting. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon watching planes takeoff! You can also go on a bike ride along the Mount Vernon trail which passes through the park, or launch a boat and cruise the Potomac River. Visit Mason Neck State Park Just a short drive from Washington D.C. is Mason Neck State Park. Virginia is home to so many beautiful State Parks, and Mason Neck is one of our favorites in Northern Virginia. The park offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Enjoy a day of hiking with miles of trails, including 3 miles of paved multi-use trails. Theres even a picnic area, and a playground for the kiddos! You can also spend the day lounging on the beach at Belmont Bay, or rent canoes and kayaks and enjoy some adventures on the water. The Parks wetlands and forests make it ideal for wildlife observations. Bird watching is one of the best things to do in Mason Neck, and is the perfect places to spot American bald Eagles. Nearby attractions include the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall and Pohick Bay Regional Park. Other Virginia National Parks to visit: Spend the day at a Theme Park in Virginia Busch Gardens Williamsburg One of the most popular theme park for kids in Virginia is Busch Gardens. The kids will love the Sesame Street forest of fun, while the older kids and parents of course will love getting their thrill on with the larger than life coasters and fun rides. Sesame Street forest of fun features family-friendly rides and playgrounds. Kids can meet their favorite Sesame Street character and have their pictures taken with them as well. It’s a fun day out for the whole family! The main attraction at Busch Gardens in the summer is a visit to Water Country USA. Cool down at this fun water park with all the fun family water attractions and thrilling water slides. It’s the best way to beat the summer heat in Virginia. Kings Dominion Kings Dominion is another fun theme park you can add to your summer road trip through Virginia with kids. The main theme for kids here is Charlie Brown, and they also feature lots of family friendly rides, including a little coaster that’s a hit with my little one. Planet Snoopy is a fun day out with kids, and you can also visit with the characters and take photos with them as well. Kings Dominion also offers a fun water park called Soak City, which is the perfect place to spend the day during the hot summers in Virginia. Explore Historic Virginia with kids Explore the Historic Triangle One of the best things to do on a summer road trip through Virginia is a visit to the Historic Triangle. Explore the three historic colonial communities in Virginia, which includes Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne Settlement, and the American Revolutionary museum at Yorktown. Make sure to purchase the America’s historic triangle ticket for admission to all the historic spots including Historic Jamestown. American Revolutionary Museum Yorktown Our little ones favorite museum is the American Revolutionary Museum at Yorktown, She loved discovering what life was like during the Revolutionary War at the Revolution Place, with all the fun digital interactives, and hands-on activities. You can even discover the museum on a Virtual field trip, color the Museum’s collection, and make-at-home crafts. There are lots of learning resources online to prepare your kiddos for their visit! Jamestown Settlement Our little one also loved the outdoor living history museums at Jamestown Settlement. You can watch and learn how to fire a musket, carve a canoe...
Don't miss the best things to do in Fairfax County Virginia with kids. This Washington DC suburb has a lot going on!
Taking a trip to Williamsburg Virginia is a great way to have fun, learn and have an enjoyable family vacation. There are plenty of things to do with Kids in Williamsburg Virginia.
Looking for fun family activities in Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
Don't know what to do in Virginia? From Colonial Williamsburg to the beach, here's our top things to do in Virginia with kids.
Experience the beauty of West Virginia with your kids. From hiking trails to New River Gorge National Park, there are plenty of fun things to do.
Marvel at nature, waterfalls and more at Natural Bridge, Virginia, with kids. Afterwards, head to the Pink Cadillac Diner for '50s-style food and fun.
Looking for fun family activities in West Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in West Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
Don't know what to do in Virginia? From Colonial Williamsburg to the beach, here's our top things to do in Virginia with kids.
Whether you are new to the parenting game, a seasoned pro of multiple kids, a grandparent looking for a great gift option or trying to change up your family friendly kid focused outings in and around Richmond, Virginia - this list has the 10 best family memberships in RVA to get you and your family
Heading to Charlottesville with the family? Check out our top recommendations for things to do in Charlottesville with kids to make the most of your trip.
Looking for fun family activities in West Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in West Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in West Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in West Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for the top places in West Virginia for a family getaway? Click this now to discover the BEST family vacations in West Virginia - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in Richmond, VA? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Richmond with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in Alexandria, VA? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Alexandria with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in West Virginia? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in West Virginia with kids - AND GET FR
40 Best Playgrounds in Northern Virginia 2022: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. Bathroom and parking info for each!
Looking for a family vacation that is full of adventure? Check out our family trip to Williamsburg tips here...
Things to Do in DC with Kids incl. tips for Visitors and a Database of 400+ DMV spots searchable by Age, Cost, Type (Museum, Playground Park)
Things to do in Virginia Beach with kids: water park, mini golf, arcades, escape room, ziplining, horseback riding, paintball, scavenger...
Looking for a great guide for foodie families in the Williamsburg area? Check out this post on where to eat in Williamsburg with kids...
Virginia Beach is not just for honeymooners! Here are 5 outstanding things to do when you travel Virginia Beach with kids!
Things to do in Virginia Beach with kids: water park, mini golf, arcades, escape room, ziplining, horseback riding, paintball, scavenger...
Thinking of hiking or biking the Virginia Creeper Trail with your family? Go ahead and bring the kids, it's 17 miles of all downhill beauty!
If you like the Avett Brothers, Dave Matthews, fabulous restaurants, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, I’ve got a place for you. Some place warm, where the beer flows like wine, where beautiful wome…
I recently took my ten-year-old daughter, Clare, and her best friend to Natural Bridge in Virginia. It’s about three hours
History at every turn. Awesome parks. Interactive museums. Countless places to get outside and play. At the doorstep of D.C., Arlington delivers plenty of adventure for those of all ages. Here’s your guide to exploring Arlington, Virginia, with kids.
Virginia history begins with studies of the Jamestown Colony, and this post is filled with ideas for teaching about Colonial Times across the curriculum. Check it out on Virginia is for Teachers.
Looking for fun family activities in Roanoke, VA? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Roanoke with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in Virginia Beach, VA? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Virginia Beach with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in Virginia Beach, VA? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Virginia Beach with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in Norfolk, VA? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Norfolk with kids - AND GET FR
Looking for fun family activities in Charlottesville, VA? Click this now to discover the most FUN things to do in Charlottesville with kids - AND GET FR
