A Shenandoah Valley road trip combines small town Americana charm, natural wonders and a multitude of attractions that are tailor-made for kids — even those with disabilities. The Big Valley of Virginia attracts budget-minded vacationers with its many moderately priced hotels, eateries and activities that make it an affordable yet culturally rich destination.
Despite being so near the Beltway, this part of Virginia could be mistaken for Mayberry, because it’s the people you meet along the way who have the most lasting impact. Leave room on your itinerary to interact with locals and you will be richly rewarded. The slower-paced life in these parts means that folks take the time to meet and greet visitors.
Since grandparents will have experienced firsthand what we consider its throwback quality, it makes the Shenandoah Valley an excellent choice for a multigenerational road trip.
Natural Wonders: Caverns Along a Shenandoah Valley Road Trip
Head underground and explore a cavern at one of the half-dozen located in the Big Valley. Those stalagmites and stalacites that you learned about in geology class are strikingly beautiful when viewed up-close. Two caverns are particularly attractive to families. Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg turned 100 in 2022.
It’s the only Virginia cavern with an elevator, so you can descend and ascend without lugging a stroller up and down cumbersome stairs. Once you’re in the cavern, the one-hour guided tour will have you trekking a mile on a crushed gravel pathway marveling at fabulous formations along the way.
After you’ve explored the caverns, head next door to the American Celebration on Parade. It’s a massive warehouse filled with dozens of over-the-top floats that once participated in famous parades and Presidential Inaugurals.
More Big Valley Caverns at Luray
Luray Caverns in Luray are the largest and most popular caverns in the East, thanks to their otherworldly beauty. Another plus is the cavern’s new paved walkway, which enables anyone with mobility issues to tour the entire complex without steps or obstructions. Stroll past towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools.
After the self-guided tour, try the Ropes Course or garden maze, car museum, heritage village and more. Music is part of the cave experience, as the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ is here, creating music of symphonic quality from the glorious stone formations.
Whichever caverns you visit, wear comfy shoes and a jacket, as the cavern temperature is a constant 56° F.
Road Trip through Shenandoah National Park
No trip to this region is complete without visiting majestic Shenandoah National Park. Motorists will marvel at awesome Blue Ridge Mountain views as they cruise the 105-mile, two-lane Skyline Drive. Just be sure to get out of your car to experience this park’s pristine beauty up-close.
There are over 500 miles of hiking trails. Stoney Man Trail is an easy 1.6-mile circuit with a spectacular view that is a good bet for families. Unspoiled Big Meadows, near the Visitor’s Center, is the best place to spot deer and other wildlife. The engaging Junior Ranger activity program offers ranger-led nature activities for families throughout much of the year.
Farms Galore in the Shenandoah Valley
The valley stays true to its agricultural roots with a windfall of farm opportunities. Depending on when you visit, ripe apples, pumpkins, peaches and strawberries crowd local farm stands.
Back Home on the Farm is in Harrisonburg. They offer young visitors a fully-accessible farm experience with fun extras like an antique toy collection, a 60-foot slide, and a Virginia-themed carousel with each horse painted to represent a famous Virginian. The enlightened owner makes a special effort to be inclusive and you will see children and adults who face physical and mental challenges sharing in outdoor fun.
Great Country Farms in Bluemont welcomes families with homespun activities like a seasonal corn maze, wagon rides and pig races. Let the kids connect with their food source and pick seasonal produce before heading to the farm stand for a warm homemade doughnut and fresh-pressed apple cider. If you’re there in early November for the pumpkin chunkin’ be sure to bring a change of clothes. This farm welcomes dogs, so no need to leave the pooch at home.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm is just down the road in Berryville. (I did not make this up.) Owners Bill and Lori have been together since their high school sweetheart days. Today, they grow quality produce with the help of their two kids. Pick the bountiful fruit yourself or purchase it fresh at the stand. The prepared food is truly tasty, making Mackintosh Farm a mouth-watering lunch spot and great PYO destination.
Two Fine Children’s Museums for Hands-On Learning
The Shenandoah Valley is home to two terrific children’s museums. They are located in downtown Winchester and Harrisonburg, both charming towns with pedestrian-friendly main streets. The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester aims to give families an interactive experience. Nearly all exhibits are hands-on, with a focus on math, science, literacy, art and music. Note that the first Friday of the month has free admission.
At the Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg, the staff firmly believes that children learn through play. At this time, activities are limited in scope because visitors have to reserve their Museum Play Sessions online and the museum and maker space are open limited hours. Nonetheless, they make an extra effort to include tweens with age-appropriate offerings like a television studio where museum-goers can anchor the news.
A Variety of Other Retro Family Activities
In keeping with a destination that has attracted tourists for generations, there are some classic family attractions parents and young kids won’t want to miss.
Dinosaur Land is kitschy family fun. This roadside attraction in White Post is home to some 50 life-sized dinosaur statues made out of fiberglass. It’s a sculpture park of prehistoric creatures — even some that kids may climb on. It has been attracting visitors for more than 50 years, so they are doing something right. Closed Thursdays.
The Family Drive-In Theatre in Stephens City opened in 1956. Moviegoers from near and far come to enjoy this all-American blast from the past. Buy a ticket and make a contribution to their screen restoration fund. Beleive me, watching a movie under the stars is completely different from seeing the same film at a multiplex. From the excellent food served at the concession stand to the on-site playground for active kids, this is retro family entertainment at its finest.
Dining on a Shenandoah Vally road trip through Virginia
Comfort food rules in the Shenandoah Valley, so prepare your palate for some down-home delicacies. Favorite family dining spots include the Thunderbird Café outside of Harrisonburg, where Down South cuisine is generously served in a diner-style environment. Breakfast is an eye-opening delight, with creamy grits, pancakes, country sausage and homemade biscuits providing sustenance for the entire day.
Gathering Grounds is located in Luray, so it’s a cozy choice for lunch after you explore Luray Caverns. It’s a local hangout where the pie is always fresh and the coffee’s always piping hot. Hearty sandwiches and homemade soups are delicious options. Rumor has it First Lady Michelle Obama dined here when she visited the caverns, so it has the executive seal of approval.
Overnight Options for a Shenandoah Family Vacation
Though rural in flavor, the Shenandoah Valley is only a few hours’ drive from Washington, D.C. and within easy reach of Baltimore, Philly and New York City. Shenandoah Valley and the Shenandoah National Park has a variety of overnight accommodations for families. Camp or stay at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, where accommodations range from rustic cabins to comfortable suites with a view. Both are closed in winter, usually from December to March.
Massanutten Resort is a very large property loaded with recreational possibilities, including a huge indoor waterpark, zip-line, fishing, hiking, biking and golf. In winter, try ice skating, downhill skiing and snowboarding. Accommodations range from motel units to comfy condos with kitchens and the professional service reflects their 50 years of being in business.
For something more luxurious but still kid-friendly, The George Washington Hotel is a great mix of history and modern amenities. Built in 1924, the 90 guest rooms include 10 suites, some with built-in fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Families appreciate the indoor pool and fitness center, plus the refined atmosphere. It is located in the heart of Winchester, walking distance from shops, restaurants and children’s museum.
The revamped Virginia Kid’s Trail website connects the dots for you, making it easy for you to plan your vacation and choose local activities that suit your family’s specific interests. Virginia.org is another comprehensive resource for all Virginia-bound travelers.
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hope you all like it!
The Paramount Hotel- http://www.nycparamount.com
BDC- Broadway Dance Center- http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com
Ellen's Stardust Diner- http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com
Capezio store- http://www.capeziodance.com
Amy's Bakery- http://www.amysbread.com
Junior's in Times Square- http://www.juniorscheesecake.com
The Ambassador Theater (Chicago)- http://www.ambassadortheater.com
Al Hirschfeld Theater- http://www.hirschfeldtheater.org
I was the same way. I had my Bat Mitzvah on top of Masadah and was complaining of the heat. I didn't truly recognize what an amazing place I was in. I was fortunate enough to return last summer and had the time of my life. I look forward to seeing your post for when you get to return. I wish you all the best!
one of my all time favorite vacations.
This was one of the best trips I have ever been on.
I am ecstatic that I was able to participate in learning my heritage, history, and my parents past.
My trip to Africa was really an extraordinary experience, and I fell in love with the country Nigeria. I am so happy that my father allowed me to see my heritage and my family.
Truly humbling
I hope you enjoy learning about my experiences in Paris, France!
Thank you so much for this information. Multi-generational travel is an area that I am interested in, but it is not easy to navigate various ages, levels of mobility and interests. These tips are super useful!
This was seriously such a life-changing trip for me. I got to see a whole other way that people live life. It really opened my eyes and made me EVEN MORE eager to learn German and to adopt a more frugal lifestyle.
My experience with traveling to a foreign nation, in the form of a blog.
Going on that trip was the best thing I have done in my life. I learned so much, and experienced many different things, such as food, culture, and people. It was a great opportunity for me, and I highly advise others to travel as well. You will not be disappointed.
I recommend this or a similar trip for any future paleontologists. I have since been to the Field Museum in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and am pleased to have visited all the major paleontological museums in North America.
I hope you have fun on your trips, too!
This is my submission to the young travel writer scholarship
My trip to South Africa transformed my life. I grew closer to my best friend, as well as experience a culture very different from my own. As a result, my knowledge of the world has grown.
I quite enjoy I can feel the passion.
I hope you enjoy the lessons i learned over seas in Spain! I know I will take them with me as I move forward in life. Thank you for reading!
-Rebecca Krivitsky
enjoy my story, i pray it will reveal a new cultural avenue while still providing a humorous tale
This trip was truly life changing. It was the first time I realized that there is a whole other world outside the United States!
Thank you very much for your post! I love it very much! I will bring my family to Florida soon!
Thanks and support
Here is the website documenting my trip: http://madisongoestonewyork.blog.com/
My time in El Salvador changed my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return there. I can honestly tell you that my love for the people in El Salvador has remained with me. And I hope the best for that nation.
The summer of my sophmore year in high school I spent a week in El Salvador. This one week changed my life. As I volunteered in El Salvador I gained an amazing view of different cultures and life styles. I developed a love for El Salvador and its people. And my memories there will remain with me through out my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return their and give more of my time to those amazing people.
My freshman year of high school I spent a week of my summer in El Salvador. It was a remarkable week that literally changed my outlook on life. I have a huge heart for the people of El Salvador and the country itself. It is my dream that one day I will be able to go back.
My amazing trip
It was definitely a trip to remember that I'd do any day! 🙂
A trip to remember that I'd do again any day
It was a trip to remember. Every spect of it was interesting and something I would do again!
I enjoy traviling with my family and creating new memories.
I enjoy traviling and spending time with my family.
– By Ciara Bri'd Frisbie
Thank you for reading my essay.
-Nathan Shaw
Thank you for taking the time to read my essay I really appreciate it.
-Nathan Shaw.
This trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From the Great Wall to the hospitals of Beijing, I learned so much about myself and other cultures.
I just love traveling. Disney World is my favourite destination. Above all 10 sposts are my favourite. I would love to visit all that destination.
Reading this story has been a stroll down memory lane. I stayed at the Diplomat as a little girl in the 1970's, and still remember how impressed I was with it. So glad to hear that the resort has bounced back to its original glory.
I am very glad to know that Disney Cruise Line is taking health so seriously, yet making cleanliness palatable for kids. These suggestions are also great for air travel, another germy breeding ground. Thanks for the info!
My family loves Cancun, and we have had good stays at the Oasis and the Sol Melia and the Sheraton too. Nice to see a new list of recommendations from you. Thanks
This is a really fun outing, but if you can't get out to the countryside, just visit one of those urban tree sellers. A lot of them in the northeast are staffed by college kids from Canada, who take a break, get into a rental trailer and drive it south, then re-sell trees they have bought on consignment to pay for the next semester.
I always ask (nicely) and I always get (with a smile), the extra boughs that they take off to make the trees look even all around. With some ribbon, maybe the wire from a coat hanger and lots of creativity, it's easy to get the kids helping you turn old boughts into beautiful wreaths for around the house.
Love the photos in this article!
Thanks for having this contest; my family loves Snowmass and it would be great to go back there. We took our son when he was about 7 and it was a great learning adventure for all of us. The instructors are terrific and we had fun, but it's not something we could afford to do right now.
Thanks for giving us another chance to go back!
When Jean Carlisle of Menomonie, Wisconsin heard she won a family of four Galapagos Adventure Cruise, she wrote us:
"YES YES YES!!!!!!!! THIS IS MY DREAM DREAM DREAM VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN you tell I’m excited??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jean explained that she'd enjoyed playing along the scavenger hunt but was anxious about the random drawing for a winner.
"I didn’t sleep well last night because I was so excited!! LOL I entered the contest because I had seen many publications and shows on national geographic on the Galapagos Islands and always thought that would be a place I’d like to visit. I was first drawn to the beautiful pictures on the website and when I saw the contest, I knew that I just had to enter and would love to win!
"I’d like to thank TakingtheKids.com, TravelingMom.com and Family Travel Forum for this once in a life opportunity!! We are excited to make arrangements and show off photos when we return!"
So glad it's helpful to you with your teens, I've already given the Primland brochure to my own mom and her girlfriend who want to tour the Blue Ridge Parkway and look at the Appalachian handcrafts. This is a great base for lots of exploration. If you go, I know you'll enjoy it!
This sounds like a real find and perfect for my own family. I ma always looking for resorts that will work as destinations with lots to do for my two teens, and Primland sounds excellent. Thanks for spreading the word!
Thanks so much for sharing your dreams about the Galapagos; that's the way we all felt when we learned that the terrific Lindblad team wanted to work on this project. so excited to know that someone's dream will reallyl come true! And a 6th grader is the perfect travel companion.
Don't forget to post your a link to your comment here :
http://www.travelingmom.com/freebies/contests/3917-galapagos-giveaway-contest-entries.html
so you're sure to be recorded as an entry into the grand prize drawing. Hope to see you on Twitter too @familytravel4um @travelingmoms @takingthekids @LindbladEXP
If there are no comments on our blog, does this mean that our blog has been rejected, or that it has not been reviewed yet? thanks!
As noted, thanks to your enthusiasm, there are several thousand posts to read, so the judges will be done by mid October. Check back after that to see your status!
I tried following the steps above for finding out about the scholarship judging, but I'm still lost. Does it show up at the bottom of your blog? Or is it just off to the side when you have the option of clicking on your blog? Like, is it next to the name of your blog, the date it was published and then the word scholarship with either a yes or no? Thanks!
Crystal – you get an email