Get Ready for Family Fun on the Kids Trail

Kids learn and grow through play and adventure. And while most folks think of adventure as something for the outdoors, it can also be found in the agricultural history, rich heritage, and creative culture of the Shenandoah Valley and nearby Blue Ridge. Plan your family adventures around the diverse destinations and kid-friendly activities of the VA Kids Trail.

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Let Our Mascots Be Your Guides

Meet Bucket, Shenny, Ridge and Fungi – the Kids Trail Mascots. These little gals and guys each have a distinct personality – just like your child!

Jump into action with Bucket, the leader of the KT Mascots. She’s an inquisitive girl with a need to move. She’ll take you and your family on exciting outdoor adventures, from mountain hikes and scenic bike rides to camping, canoeing and white water adventure.

Meet the Rest of the Mascots

Bucket’s creative sidekick is Shenny. While she’s not a big fan of getting dirty, she does enjoy splashing the paint and molding the clay. She’ll show you the way to kid-friendly makerspaces, art exhibits, concerts and live performances – all geared to imaginative children. Shenny also likes to express her creative side through the culinary arts. You’ll often find her in the kitchen with fellow Mascot Fungi.

The “nerd” of the gang (a badge he wears with honor!) is Ridge. While this little guy enjoys being online, what he really loves is learning new things. History and heritage are a passion. Let Ridge take you on an exploration of natural wonders. Or travel with him through time and learn about the Valley’s rich history. Ridge looks at the Valley’s farms and orchards and sees Virginia’s “breadbasket” and agricultural heritage.

Rounding out the Mascots is Fungi. Bucket, Shenny, and Ridge met up with this little guy on a nature walk in a nearby Virginia State Park. He’s never met a food he didn’t like and enjoys being in the kitchen showcasing his culinary skills. Like the rest of the KT gang, he believes a robust family lifestyle starts with wellness and locally sourced, sustainable food. He’ll take you on a tour of Virginia’s “breadbasket” where you’ll find farms, community stores, farmers markets, “real food” restaurants, and festivals like Blue Ridge Sprouts.

Easy Traveling on the Kids Trail

The I-81 corridor in the Shenandoah Valley gives easy access to the Trail’s four geographic regions, from Harpers Ferry WV to Harrisonburg VA. Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to farms around every bend in the valley.

The “home base” of the Kids Trail is Winchester. Here you’ll find state and national parks, agri-tourism, historical landmarks and even a first class children’s museum. At the end of the day, go retro with a drive-in movie during the season. And if you’re looking for a vacation that takes you back to a simpler time, head over the state line and unplug at a classic resort.

More Great Regions on the Kids Trail

Just north of Winchester, you’ll find Harpers Ferry, WV. While the town is known for its Civil War history, the area also offers plenty of outdoor adventure. Hiking, biking, canoeing, and white water rafting are just a few of the area’s options. You’ll also find terrific locally sourced food at charming restaurants where you might even meet the chef! In next door Shepherdstown, you can stay at a Bavarian inn with beautiful river views, a cozy fire pit for family time, and an infinity pool the kids will love!

If you’re in the Greater Washington area and looking for an escape from the Beltway, head out to western Loudoun County/Leesburg. Pick up some locally sourced food from a farm community store and then head to a scenic spot for a sunset family picnic. Explore a 200 year old bridge at a local park or wander through a 900 acre nature preserve.  Western Loudoun County also combines small town charm with culture and creativity.

Rounding out the Kids Trail is Harrisonburg. This diverse college town has two terrific nicknames – “Friendly City” and “Rocktown.” Take time to visit the popular food co-op then enjoy locally sourced food at a nearby restaurant.  Take a self guided tour of the arboretum’s ever changing beauty on the James Madison University Campus. And with the nearby George Washington National Forest and Massanutten Mountain Range, you’ll find outdoor action all year round – especially at the area’s nearby kid-friendly resort.

Promoting a vibrant, well balanced family lifestyle is the mission of the VA Kids Trail. Founder Nancy Craun believes children, along with their parents and grandparents, should put down the phones and get out and experience the world – whether it’s on the road or in your own backyard.

With 160 miles of action, creativity, heritage, and wellness, the VA Kids Trail offers the best family-friendly travel experiences in the Valley. Keep up with the latest adventures and offerings on the Trail with Facebook and Instagram.