Slowly, but surely, Blue Ridge family fun is now reopening. Here’s an update of Kids Trail stops for kid friendly adventure. And always, “know before you go.” Check websites and social media for updates.
Blue Ridge Family Fun in Winchester
State and national parks are a popular family adventure choice. The Winchester region of the Kids Trail is home to Shenandoah National Park as well as Shenandoah River State Park. Get the latest Virginia Park updates here.
Looking for more outdoor fun? While in the area, take a trip to the prehistoric past with Dinosaur Land. This roadside attraction, with 50 gigantic creatures, has entertained generations. And if you’re out in the Valley on a weekend, get in a round of social distance splatting at Skyline Paintball.
More Winchester VA Kids Trail Stops
Movies and museums are back in Winchester. Hurray! Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has reopened with socially distanced seating. Head to Alamo and cool off with a movie. Have younger kids? You’ll be glad to hear that Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum has reopened. You will need to purchase your tickets in advance for a morning or afternoon 2-hour visit.
The Family Drive-In was one of the first Kids Trail stops to reopen with online ticket sales, a concessions app, socially distanced parking and rigorous cleaning. Take the gang out for a movie under the stars. And if you enjoyed that retro movie experience, try a weekend at nearby Capon Springs & Farms, just over the state line in West Virginia.
Blue Ridge Family Fun at Country Stores and U-Picks
Looking for lunch in the Winchester area? Grab a bite from West Oaks Farm Market just minutes from downtown. Or try Mackintosh Fruit Farm on Route 7 before heading east to the Leesburg Area of the Kids Trail.
Leesburg/Loudoun County Kid Fun
The Leesburg region of the Kids Trail has several NOVA Regional Parks. They’re great for nature lovers, history buffs and hikers. Or spend time at another great Virginia State Park, Sky Meadows. Technically, it straddles the counties of Fauquier and Clarke, but it’s close by neighbor. The Children’s Discovery Area is now open with limited activities, as well as the Sensory Trail.
Also in the western part of Loudoun County, you’ll find Great Country Farms. This agri-tourism spot is super family-friendly. There are PYO (pick your own) orchards and patches, animals, attractions, and more.
And if you head east just past Leesburg you’ll find the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Like the Discovery Museum, you’ll need to get your (free) tickets in advance online. The museum is open 7 days a week, 10:00am – 5:30pm.
Harpers Ferry Family Adventure
Just north of Winchester in nearby West Virginia, you’ll find outdoor adventure and history in the Harpers Ferry area. Parts of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are now open. Take a family bike ride on the C&O Canal. There are also some nice, shady spots for a picnic (You’ll find other great bike rides and picnic spots on our blog.)
If your family is really into outdoor adventure, plan a day (or two) at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, located just across the river in Purcellville. Younger family members will enjoy flat water tubing on the Potomac, while older kids and parents can take on white water rafting. HFAC also offers zip lines, a rope course, and Segway tours. Book a campsite or cabin and take a family vacation.
Harrisonburg Blue Ridge Family Fun
One of the great things about the Shenandoah Valley is how you measure travel. It’s in minutes, not miles. The VA Kids Trail Harrisonburg area is only one hour from Winchester. There are several great stops just off I-81 like Shenandoah Caverns. After you tour the caverns, don’t forget to stop by American Celebration. It’s home to over 20 full size parade floats.
Explore the mountain ranges and national forests of the VA Kids Trail Harrisonburg area. Experience an amazing custom outdoor adventure with Wild GUYde Adventures LLC. Enjoy a day hike and then cool off by a waterfall in the George Washington National Forest. Or try rock climbing and rappelling in the Blue Ridge.
More Things for Families to Do in Harrisonburg
With so many farms in this region, Harrisonburg is home for locally sourced food. The Downtown Harrisonburg Farmers Market is the place to be on a summer Saturday morning. Make a picnic and head for Hillandale Park. If your family enjoys mountain biking, try the park’s Rocktown Trails. Or after your picnic, take a 10 minute ride to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Work your way through the labyrinth then discover Monarch Waystation, a pollinator garden.
You can also enjoy agri-tourism at Back Home on the Farm, just north of Harrisonburg. Again, this is a great place for families with younger children. Be sure to get there in the morning for the release at the “butterfly farm”. Kids can burn off steam with farm activities and meet an assortment of animals. There’s also a country store where you can grab a picnic lunch.
And you can’t talk about the Harrisonburg area without giving a shout out to Massanutten Resort. The resort is open to both day trippers as well as vacationers. Keep up with the latest COVID-19 protocols and amenity availability with their website.
Keep Up with VA Kids Trail Reopenings
Stops along the VA Kids Trail makes great day trips and weekend adventures. Keep up with what’s reopening with our Facebook page and Instagram feed. And be sure to share your photos and reviews!