Planning a family trip with kids? We’ve got ideas! Staunton has beautiful parks, engaging museums, and family-friendly attractions. There’s something for everyone, so let’s look at some great ways to keep your kids busy while you relax.
Here’s our run-down on some of the best things to do with kids near Staunton, VA, to keep everyone occupied during your visit.
I. Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Staunton
1. Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Staunton, VA
Shenandoah National Park offers many child-friendly hikes and activities. Popular trails include Dark Hollow Falls, Blackrock Summit, and Stony Man:
Dark Hollow Falls:
One of the recommended hikes for families with children, Dark Hollow Falls offers a short but rewarding trek. Attractions such as its breathtaking waterfall make the effort worth while.
Blackrock Summit:
A fantastic family-friendly hike offering stunning panoramic views, Blackrock Summit is an easy climb perfect even for young children. Learn more about planning your family adventure to Blackrock Summit, including tips for hiking with kids and making the most of the epic views!
Stony Man:
An attractive option for families, this trail provides beautiful scenic vistas without becoming overly challenging or strenuous.
Rose River Loop:
For those in search of something with greater mileage, combining Rose River with Dark Hollow Falls may make for an excellent extended hike, suitable even for children accustomed to hiking. It makes an enjoyable weekend outing!
Bearfence Mountain:
For older kids looking for some adventure, Bearfence Mountain provides some thrilling rock scramblings along its trail system. This trail also includes several rock slides for added excitement!
2. Caving Adventures
Both Grand Caverns and Skyline Caverns are great for kids. Grand Caverns is historical and less crowded, while Skyline Caverns has more intimate tours and the Route 11 chip factory nearby.
Grand Caverns in Grottoes, Virginia, is widely celebrated for both their historical importance and less-crowded tours when compared with other caverns, making them an excellent option for families seeking an educational yet quieter tour experience. Furthermore, many children find the caverns “cool and spooky,” adding another level of excitement! Furthermore, nearby activities and scenic views round out this well-rounded destination for family outings.
Skyline Caverns near Front Royal, VA, are another excellent attraction for families to experience nature together. Similar to Luray Caverns but smaller and more intimate in scale. Skyline Caverns can easily be combined with other attractions like Dinosaur Land or The Apple House for an enjoyable family outing; additionally, the caverns themselves provide guided tours that are both educational and entertaining for youngsters.
3. Water Fun!
The Shenandoah River is great for families with kids. There are lots of outdoor activities they can enjoy together, like kayaking, canoeing and fishing. You can fish for trout, bass or bass at different points along the river.
Lake Sherando in Sherando Park is another great place for families. Lake Sherando has playgrounds, picnic areas and a small lake for swimming and paddle boating. This great place is perfect for birthdays or just fun family days out!
II. Step Back in Time! Historical and Educational Fun for Kids Near Staunton
1. The Frontier Culture Museum:
Step back in time at the Frontier Culture Museum, an open-air living history museum nestled in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. This top-rated family-friendly attraction offers an immersive experience that brings the past to life.
Here are some ways visitors can have an immersive experience at the museum:
- Interact with costumed interpreters portraying blacksmiths, woodworkers, and other 17th- and 18th-century tradespeople.
- Discover how early American settlers cooked, worked the land, and built their communities.
- Explore meticulously reconstructed buildings representing diverse cultures, from early American settlements to the homes of German, English, and Irish immigrants, and even West African farmsteads.
- Hands-on activities abound at the Frontier Culture Museum, making learning fun for all ages.
- Experience daily life in these historical settings and discover the stories of the people who shaped the region.
The museum also offers educational programs, including field trips, homeschool resources, scout programs, and summer camps. Check their website for a detailed exhibit map and plan your journey back in time!
2. Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum:
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in Staunton, Virginia invites visitors to discover more about President Woodrow Wilson’s life and legacy. Here is some additional information for kids about President Wilson that may prove interesting:
- You can visit the house where President Wilson was born!
- There’s a World War I trench exhibit that lets you experience what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches.
- You can see President Wilson’s Pierce-Arrow limousine! The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company was a luxury car manufacturer that existed in the early 20th century. They made beautiful and very expensive cars, and the fact that President Wilson had one shows that he was a very important person!
- The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library is located in Staunton, Virginia and is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
- The museum has beautiful gardens where you can relax and think about what you learned.
- This year is the 100th anniversary of President Wilson’s death. He died on February 3, 1924.
3. Science Museum of Virginia:
The Science Museum of Virginia is a museum in Richmond, Virginia, that aims to educate visitors about science and technology through interactive exhibits, films, and events. The museum offers a variety of activities, including planetarium shows, live science demonstrations, and maker spaces, designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Popular Exhibits at the Science Museum of Virginia:
- The Dome: Features live astronomy shows and giant screen films in a technologically advanced digital planetarium theater.
- The Forge: A makerspace where visitors can explore and create.
- MathAlive!: An exhibit focused on math concepts.
- Wings Over Water: A new film, described as something visitors will be “raven” about.
- Superhuman Body: A new film with an opening weekend promotion.
In addition to these exhibits, the museum also offers live demonstrations, including:
- Cow Eye Dissection Demo.
- Science on a Sphere.
- Rat Basketball.
- Heart Dissection Demo.
4. Staunton’s Vibrant Downtown:
Staunton offers numerous cultural attractions that provide both educational and entertaining experiences for kids. Attractions such as the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse offer fun family performances to introduce classic literature through engaging performances that make learning fun!
Staunton offers numerous parks that feature playgrounds that are suitable for young children. Gypsy Hill Park, in particular, is an iconic destination, featuring an expansive playground complete with a duck pond, skate park, and plenty of open space allowing kids to frolic. Making this an excellent destination for families wanting some quality time together outside.
III. Indoor Fun for Kids Near Staunton
Pufferbellies Toys & Books
Pufferbellies Toys & Books is a family-owned toy store in Staunton, Virginia that offers a wide selection of toys, books, games, arts & crafts, and puzzles for all ages. The store provides a user-friendly website with detailed product categories, age-specific browsing options, and holiday-themed selections. Visitors can easily browse the store’s inventory, learn about its location and policies, and view its accepted payment methods.
Staunton Bowling Lanes
Staunton Bowling Lanes is a family fun bowling experience located in Staunton, Virginia. The business prioritizes providing a clean and enjoyable environment for bowlers of all ages, featuring high-quality facilities and equipment. Staunton Lanes offers various services such as birthday party packages, leagues, and special events, and even includes a snack bar called PJ’s. There are special deals for kids’ birthdays at Staunton Lanes:
- You can find more information about them by checking the “Kid’s Birthdays” page on their website.
- On Wednesdays, there are $3 games and shoes from 5 pm to close, except on holidays.
- You can also sign your kids up for bowling leagues.
IV. Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Staunton
Remedy Burger:
This highly recommended restaurant stands out among others due to its delectable smashed burgers and family-friendly ambiance. On weekends from Friday evening through Sunday night, downtown roads close off for outdoor dining experiences that make dining memorable experiences for kids.
Chicano Boy Taco:
Famous for its three taco deals, including pork belly options, Chicano Boy Taco has quickly become a go-to spot among both locals and visitors looking for casual yet delicious dining experiences. A perfect place for families.
Gloria’s Pupuseria:
Gloria’s Pupuseria offers delicious Salvadoran fare that makes an excellent experience for families looking for something new to try! They serve succulent pupusas that won’t break the bank! A great stop when looking to spice up dinner plans with something different!
Pizza Luca:
Another excellent family option, Pizza Luca offers high quality ingredients and delicious pizza options that are sure to please both children and adults.
The Split Banana:
After enjoying your meal at Remedy Burger or one of the other local eateries, head next door to The Split Banana for delicious gelato – it is an especially beloved destination with kids! Its convenient location near Remedy Burger makes this stop even more appealing.
V. Kind Kate’s Tips for Parents on How to Plan Your Trip
- Avoid peak times like college football weekends and parents’ weekends at UVA to increase access to accommodations and attractions more easily.
- Use apps such as AllTrails to quickly find hiking trails and outdoor activities near your route.
- If you’re visiting in autumn, plan your road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway instead of Skyline Drive to experience its splendor and its peaceful serenity.
- Roanoke, Charlottesville, and Hot Springs all provide additional attractions and activities that cater specifically to families.
Staunton is an attractive place for families. It offers quality education and healthcare, outdoor activities, and a cultural scene.
What do you like to do with kids near Staunton?
