Whether you're a family of thrill-seekers looking for outdoor summer excitement or simply want a fun hands-on museum experience to entertain your little ones when the weather is hot and humid, we've got summer fun sure to please every member of the family along with useful tips on snacks, strollers and planning a full day of adventure. We've spent more than 10 years discovering the best in events and attractions and share with you here our top staff picks for fun attractions.
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Please call ahead to confirm as hours and activities vary seasonally.
Dinosaur Land
(White Post) 1-2 hour drive
If you were glued to the screen watching Jurassic Park, you can take that prehistoric experience one step further by packing up the car and heading over to Dinosaur Land in White Post in the Shenandoah Valley. Here, the Mesozoic era comes alive as you cautiously step into the prehistoric past and experience a time when dinosaurs were the only creatures that roamed the Earth. You'll find a variety of larger-than-life creatures here, including such favorites as Triceratops and Stegosaurus. For a little variety, there's a saber-toothed tiger, a 60-foot shark, and a large cast of equally fascinating creatures. When you return to the 21st century, you can visit the gift shop. A special room has been set aside for birthday bashes - dinosaur style. Combine your outing with nearby attractions in Winchester, about a 20 minute drive from White Post. dinosaurland.com (540) 869-2222
Mill Mountain Zoo
(Roanoke) 2-3 hour drive
Mill Mountain is an intimate zoo with over 30 species housed! This is a great chance for an educational outing, as there are endangered species there and several species in the active species survival program. The first exhibit at the zoo is a petting area where you can meet the animals face to face. Little ones won't want to miss the Zoo Choo, a miniature train which follows a 16-inch wide track around the zoo and through a tunnel. Be sure to check out the Keeper Chats to hear learn more about the special relationships they share and how the animals are cared for. Plan to spend some time watching the animals during their feeding times, too. Food at attraction. Picnic area available. mmzoo.org (540) 343-3241
Fork Union and Goochland Drive-In Theaters
(Fork Union and Hadensville) 0-1 hour drive
What a treasure! It's hard to believe that drive-in movie theatres still exist, let alone that we have one right in our own backyard. Imagine once again taking the whole family (yes, even the babies and toddlers) out for a night at the movies under the stars! For baby boomers, packing the car, getting that special center-screen spot, putting the speaker in your window and sitting back to enjoy the show with concession stand goodies is a pleasant trip down Memory Lane. Relax in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle while enjoying classic American food and treats from the Snack Bar. And before the show starts -- let the kids burn off some energy on the playground! On weekends only during spring, summer and fall, you can enjoy two films - one starting at dusk and the other immediately afterward. But get there early - spaces fill up fast!
goochlanddriveintheater.com Fork Union Drive-in: (434) 842-3624
Harrisonburg Children's Museum
(Harrisonburg) 1-2 hour drive
The adventure begins with interactive exhibits that excite and engage the entire family! In this small hands-on museum across from the Rockingham County Courthouse, children will have fun making an original masterpiece at the Creation Station, explore the big red barn, ride the tractor, climb and slide at the Down on the Farm exhibit, and build, design and create at the Construction Zone. The museum itself is doing a building project of its own a couple of blocks away at the old A & N Building next door to the library. The new museum space will be completed October 2010 and will offer six times the space. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Free Admission Events at the current location on July 3 from 4-7pm and August 15 from 1-4pm! hcmuseum.org (540) 442-8900
Shenandoah Caverns
(Shenandoah Caverns) 1-2 hour drive
National Geographic has featured some of the unusual formations here, and it is truly an awe-filled tour along wide level pathways. While the formations are limestone, the water trickles through mineral deposits including iron and magnesium, creating beautiful displays of color. Limestone deposits themselves are sparkling white. This is the perfect place to bring small children (just pack coats as the temperature is a steady 54 degrees year-round!). Shenandoah Caverns are a treat for those whose footing is either non-existent or unsure. Eighty percent of the tour is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and there is elevator service. Discovered by several local youths in 1884 who descended 150 feet down a fissure to explore, the caverns were opened in 1922 to much acclaim. Other sites to see here include the American Celebration on Parade, an exhibit of floats from the Rose Parade, Presidential Inaugurals and other famous parades and the Yellow Barn, an entertainment venue that explores our agricultural heritage and rural life. shenandoahcaverns.com (540) 477-3115
TIP: Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern attraction in Virginia with an elevator to take visitors comfortably down into the caverns to see the stunning array of formations.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm
(McLean) 2-3 hour drive
Volunteers and staff in period clothing make it easy to imagine yourself transported back in time to rural 1771 Virginia. Visitors are encouraged to help out the family at the farm as they go about the tasks necessary to make their living from the land - carding wool, mixing Johnnycake batter, weeding the garden or caring for the animals. In keeping with the spirit of recreating the past, your questions will be answered as if you were visiting in the 18th century. The 3/4 mile walking path with self-guided tour takes about an hour and is navigable by wheelchair unless very wet (paths are gravel and dirt). At Market Fairs, held on the third full weekends in May, July and October, there is a grand colonial festival that makes it well worth the drive. 1771.org (703) 442-7557
Onesty Family Aquatic Center at Meade Park
(Charlottesville) 0-1 hour drive
Pronounced "honesty," this brand new pool offers adventure and relaxation hand-in-hand. With a zero-depth entry area, it's easy to imagine you're on the shore with the ocean lapping at your toes. Little ones can gleefully amuse themselves in shallow water as they frolic in play structures like the teacup, boat and 500-gallon bucket that when full, tips and sprays pool-goers below. The Onesty center offers plenty of summer fun for adults, too. For those of all ages ready to float in 3- to 4-foot depth, the lazy river offers a chance to unwind. Designed like a hot tub but with the same temperature water as the rest of the pool and plenty of jets, the cool tub provides relaxation without the intense steam and sweat. With multiple slides, a waterfall and a deep end for lap swimming at certain hours, every swimmer in the family is sure to be pleased! charlottesville.org (434) 295-7532
James River Trips
(Scottsville and Madison Heights) 0-1 hour drive
There is nothing quite like floating down a river on a hot summer day. James River Reeling and Rafting, James River Runners and the James River Float Company are at hand for your tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting trips. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, blue herons, ospreys and bald eagles along the way. Some have paddle times of only an hour, and others span the course of two days with camping along the banks of the river. On a fishing trip, if you're lucky, you can reel in some of the best smallmouth bass in the East. You will be provided with river equipment, transportation, trip briefing and maps. Reservations recommended.
reelingandrafting.com (434) 286-4386
jamesriver.com (434) 286-2338
jamesriverfloatcompany.com (434) 846-8823
TIP: Tubing and canoeing the beautiful James River is a great adventure for any swimmers ages 6 and up - the water is usually pretty tame. Call ahead to find out about conditions - and don't be afraid to go after a good rain. Water that is too low isn't much fun.
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