Heading to Virginia this summer or in the mood for a staycation? Here are 15 things to do in Virginia with kids on my own bucket list!
I was drawn to Charlottesville before I ever had kids because it’s on many of the “best places to raise a family” lists, and now that I have two boys, I really do love raising them here. From the coast to the mountains, there’s so much to love about our beautiful state. And it is indeed very family-friendly. From exploring our discovery museums and amusement parks, stepping back in time at historic sites, or romping through trails of natural wonders, this state is packed with fun for the whole family.
I’ve been lucky enough to call Virginia home for the past 15 years, yet there is still so much of the state I want to explore! Thomas and I have a goal to do more smaller, local trips (maybe with one night away) with the boys. Whether you’re planning a summer trip to Virginia or a Virginian yourself just looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained closer to home, I’ve rounded up some of the best kid-friendly activities that are on our bucket list!
15 Things to Do in Virginia with Kids
There are tons of kid-friendly activities across the state that let your little ones learn, explore, and burn off all that energy in the best way. From hands-on museums to outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age and every kind of curious kid.
Here are a few blog posts with some of the highlights we’ve already done:
Is Virginia Safe for Kids?
I had to look this up – did you know Virginia ranks as the 11th safest state in the US in 2025? And, if you’re looking at Northern Virginia specifically, the crime rates are actually some of the lowest in the country. The state also takes child safety seriously, with amazing resources like Safe Kids Virginia offering everything from car seat checkups to safety workshops and even sports clinics for families.
Within Charlottesville specifically, we have programs that support safe kids like the Safe Routes to School Program, Community Bikes, ReadyKids, great public schools and more.
What to Do in Virginia with Kids
Here are some ideas and new-to-me places to take the kids this summer!
Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is hands-down one of the best spots to visit with kids. It’s the perfect mix of fun and educational!
With over 12,000 animals and more than 700 species, there’s so much for little ones to explore. The exhibits walk you through all kinds of marine habitats from the Chesapeake Bay to the Red Sea. Plus, touch pools, interactive displays, and daily animal feedings make learning feel like an adventure.
Grommet Island Park
Grommet Island Park is a great spot for families. It’s fun, creative, and fully inclusive, all right on the oceanfront.
It’s actually the first fully accessible beach playground in the US, which makes it even more amazing. With wide ramps, soft surfaces, and sensory-friendly features, this park was truly designed so that kids of all abilities can play side by side.
There are raised sand tables for castle-building, interactive sensory boards, and playful sculptures think dolphins and surfboards that encourage imagination and open-ended fun where every child can enjoy the magic of play, without barriers. It’s free to go.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Ocean Breeze Waterpark is one of those places that check all the boxes for a fun family day. With over 30 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone from toddlers to thrill-seeking teens (and yes, even for us grown-ups, too!)
You’ve got a million-gallon wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and tons of water slides that range from gentle to heart-racing. For the little ones, the newly updated Buccaneer Bay is such a win; it’s packed with age-appropriate slides, splash pads, and fun water features that keep them busy and safe.
Parents, you’ll love the little conveniences that make a big difference: free parking, complimentary inner tubes, and even free sunscreen stations throughout the park. I know my boys would love to go!
Hunt Club Farm
Hunt Club Farm is such a sweet spot for a family day out, especially if your kids love animals and being outside basically every kid ever!
The petting farm is always a hit. You’ll find friendly goats, sheep, chickens, and more, all ready for some gentle pets and up-close interaction. It’s hands-on, educational, and a great way for little ones to learn about farm life.
The TreeWalk Adventure is another favorite with elevated walkways, treehouses, and plenty of space to explore and imagine. And don’t miss their seasonal events like the Easter Egg Hunt in the spring or the Harvest Fair in the fall. They always bring an extra bit of magic to the experience.
Colonial Williamsburg
Just an hour away from Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg is one of those magical places where history comes to life. It’s such a fun and surprisingly hands-on educational experience for families. It’s the world’s largest living history museum and truly feels like stepping back in time to the 18th century.
Spread out over 300 beautiful restored acres, you’ll find cobblestone streets, charming old buildings, and costumed interpreters who make you feel like you’re right there in colonial America. And for the kids? It’s not just about watching it’s about doing! They can try their hand at candle-making, blacksmithing, and even wander through the boxwood maze behind the Governor’s Palace.
We loved it at Christmastime!
Things to Do in West Virginia with Kids
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences is such a hidden gem for families. It’s the perfect mix of learning, creativity, and hands-on fun that keeps kids (and adults!) totally engaged.
At the heart of the center is the Avampato Discovery Museum, which spans three floors and over 12,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. Your kids can splash around in WaterWorks, make music in the Maier Foundation Music Studio, or learn about wellness in the super fun “Healthy Me!” exhibit.
And don’t miss the “My Town” exhibit, where kids can role-play different jobs, or the Caperton Planetarium & Theater, where you can see out-of-this-world space shows.
Camden Park
Camden Park is the kind of place that gives you all the nostalgic amusement park vibes. West Virginia’s only amusement park is packed with over 30 rides and attractions ranging from classic thrills to little-kid favorites. The Big Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster, is a must for brave riders, while younger kiddos can hop on the Lil’ Dipper for their own mini version of fun.
Kiddie Land is perfect for kids under 48 inches, with charming rides like Hand Cars, Kiddie Boats, and Pony Carts that are just the right speed for tiny adventurers. And for the whole family? There’s a miniature train ride and swan paddle boats.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is a natural wonder that makes you stop and say, “Wow!” It’s the perfect place to get your kids away from screens and participate in some outdoor activities.
The park’s star attraction is the stunning 57-foot waterfall, famous for its rich amber-colored water (thanks to the tannins from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles nature is pretty amazing right?!). You can easily view the falls from the boardwalk and observation platforms, which make it super accessible for families with little ones in tow.
There are also hiking trails, including the Gentle Trail, a wheel-chair accessible path that leads to a beautiful overlook perfect for all ages and mobility levels. And, if you’re up for exploring, check out Elakala Falls for the breathtaking Lindy Point Overlook for some seriously photo-worthy views.
Oglebay Park & Good Zoo
Oglebay Park & Good Zoo is such a fun and well-rounded spot for families where the kids can run wild and learn something new.
The Good Zoo is actually the only AZA-accredited zoo in the entire state, and it’s home to over 80 species including favorites like red pandas, lemurs, and kangaroos. Kids can get up close with the animals, join in on feeding sessions, and even learn about wildlife conservation in a way that’s super hands-on and engaging. There’s even a veterinary hospital on site where you can watch animal care in action, which is so cool if you’ve got an aspiring vet in the family!
Outside of the zoo, Oglebay Park offers tons of space to explore with walking trails, beautiful gardens, and fun seasonal events throughout the year. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and animal encounters that keeps everyone parents included happy and entertained.
Things to Do in Northern Virginia with Kids
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum doesn’t just wow the kids, but also adults, the second you walk in. If you’ve got a little one who is into planes, space, or anything that flies, this is a must-visit.
There are iconic aircraft displayed, like the Space Shuttle Discovery, SR-71 Blackbird, and Air France Concorde, as well as interactive exhibits that make learning about aviation and space exploration super fun and hands-on. Plus, an IMAX theater shows cool educational films, and an observation tower where you can watch real planes taking off and landing at Dulles Airport nearby.
George Washington’s Estate in Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate is such a fun and enriching place to visit with kids it brings history to life in the most hands-on, engaging way.
Young visitors can grab an Adventure Map, which turns the estate into a little treasure hunt with fun clues and colorful illustrations to guide them along the way. Inside the Hands-on History Center, kids ages 3–10 can really step back in time by dressing up in 18th-century outfits, playing with period toys, and trying out themed activities that make learning feel like play.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, don’t miss the working farm, where you can meet animals and watch demonstrations of how farming was done in George Washington’s day.
Leesburg Animal Park
Leesburg Animal Park is such a sweet, fun-filled spot for families where your kids will be talking about the animals long after you’ve left.
Spread out over 21 acres, the park is home to a fun mix of domestic and exotic animals think zebras, camels, lemurs, wallabies, and more! Kids can get up close and personal in the Contact Area, where they can pet and feed friendly farm animals like goats, sheep, and llamas.
But it’s not just about the animals! The park also has indoor and outdoor play areas, including a multi-level jungle gym, giant slides, and a Discovery Room with arts and crafts for when you need a little downtime (or shade!).
And don’t miss their seasonal events like the Pumpkin Village Fall Fest and Christmas Village, complete with hayrides, moon bounces, and festive decor that’s just as fun for grown-ups as it is for kids!
Children’s Science Center Lab
The Children’s Science Center Lab in Fairfax is perfect for curious kids who love to explore and get hands-on.
Tucked inside the Fair Oaks Mall, the Lab is packed with interactive zones that cover all things STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in a way that’s super approachable and exciting. At the Experiment Bar, kids can actually run their own science experiments, with a little guidance, while the Tinker Shop lets them dive into building and engineering challenges.
With age-appropriate activities and exhibits that rotate regularly, the Lab is one of those places that not only keeps kids engaged, but actually inspires them.
LEGO Discovery Center
High on our family’s list: LEGO Discovery Center. Perfect for kids who love spending the day building, exploring, and getting creative. This colorful indoor play space is designed with 12 immersive zones that spark imagination at every turn. With the DUPLO Park for toddlers, a whimsical Imagination Express train ride, a 4D Cinema, and even Mini World, there is something for every kid.
Kids can also build their own LEGO cars, create personalized minifigures, or launch spaceships in the Space Mission zone. Every activity is hands-on, engaging, and totally geared toward learning through play.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is a magical natural wonder in Virginia that truly feels like an adventure for both kids and grown-ups alike. This is a fun family outing that blends nature, learning, and a little bit of wow-factor!
As the largest caverns in the eastern US, the underground views are stunning. You’ll wander through massive rooms filled with towering stalactites and stalagmites, pass by the glassy Dream Lake, and hear actual music echoing from the Great Stalacpipe Organ a real organ that uses the cavern formations to play notes.
The fun doesn’t stop when you head back above ground! There’s a one-acre Garden Maze with fountains and a lookout tower (great for burning off energy), a Rope Adventure Park with courses for different skill levels, and Toy Town Junction, which features vintage model trains and classic toys that even adults will love.
Get ready to explore Virginia through kid-friendly activities!
Virginia is full of amazing places to explore with kids, whether you’re into state parks, beaches, charming small towns, or all of the above. I’m always looking for fun ways to get the kids out of the house and into new, educational experiences.
If you’re planning a trip or maybe even thinking about making Virginia your new home be sure to check out some of my other blog posts below where I share our favorite spots, tips, and family-friendly finds across the state.
