Experience life in early Jamestown at the Jamestown Settlement. 

Things To Do in Virginia with Kids: Museums and Historic Sites

1. Jamestown Settlement

Experience living history at the Jamestown Settlement, where costumed historical interpreters demonstrate life in early Jamestown. Learn about the Native Americans the English settlers encountered when they landed, board replicas of the ships that sailed from England to Virginia, and visit replicas of a colonists' fort and a Powhatan village.

2. Historic Jamestowne — Jamestown

Historic Jamestowne is the actual site of the original Jamestown fort and town, the first permanent English settlement in the New World, dating back to 1607. Visit excavation sites and watch archaeologists at work as they uncover artifacts from the original fort. See some of this artifacts at the Archaearium. See how glass was made in colonial times at the Glasshouse. And take a picture with the Pocahontas statue!

3. Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum where families can stroll the streets to experience life in the 18th century. Many of the 88 original buildings that have been meticulously restored are open to visitors. Watch blacksmiths, tailors, bookbinders, and other artisans at work. Experience life as a soldier at the Magazine Yard. Tour the Governor's Palace and the Capitol Building. And shop for colonial toys, clothing, and other goods.

4. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

This museum tells the complete story of the American Revolution. In addition to traditional artifacts such as weapons and uniforms, there are immersive exhibits and an outdoor living-history area that includes a re-created Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm.

5. Yorktown Battlefield

Visit this historic battlefield where George Washington defeated the British Army in the last battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781, winning America’s independence, now a national park. Start your visit at the Visitor Center to explore its exhibits.

6. Mount Vernon — Alexandria

George Washington’s beautiful historic estate and gardens are open for visitors 365 days a year. The entire estate includes the preserved mansion, museums, gardens and outbuildings, the tombs of the Washingtons, a pioneer farm demonstrating 18th-century farming techniques, shopping, and restaurants. Mansion tours are available and require a timed tour ticket.

7. Monticello — Charlottesville

Tour the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, third US president and primary author of the Declaration of Independence, as well as its grounds and gardens. Get hands-on at family activity centers, learn about the enslaved people who lived at Monticello, explore exhibits, and meet Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by a historic interpreter.

8. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Chantilly

The National Air and Space Museum's outpost in Chantilly displays thousands of aviation and space artifacts and aircraft in two large hangars. These include the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Concorde, and even a Star Wars X-wing Starfighter. Admission is free, but parking costs $15.

9. Arlington National Cemetery

More than 400,000 members of the armed forces, Medal of Honor recipients, high-ranking federal government officials, and dependents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Visit the graves of US presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, astronaut John Glenn, and many other famous people. Be sure to experience the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

10. Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum — Winchester

This unique museum offers four levels of hands-on fun for young children, from water and train tables to building stations and a twisting slide. There are plenty of STEM activities, pretend-play spaces, and areas to climb and crawl through. Admission is free from 5-7pm on the first Friday of each month.

11. George Mason's Gunston Hall — Lorton

Gunston Hall was the home of George Mason, the primary author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. You must take a guided tour to see the mansion, but you can enjoy the grounds at your own pace and explore the kitchen yard, schoolhouse, hiking trails, and picnic spots.

12. Manassas National Battlefield Park

Take young history buffs to visit this Civil War battlefield, where you can view exhibits in the visitor center and hike on trails through the battlefield. There are various programs for kids, too.

13. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center — Virginia Beach

Get to know the local marine life at this top-notch facility focused on Virginia’s unique marine environment. Explore over 800,000 gallons of exhibit space and thousands of animals representing over 300 species, displayed in state-of-the-art and educational habitats. Pet animals in the touch tanks, take a whale watching boat ride,, or zip line through the aerial forest in the Adventure Park.

14. American Civil War Museum - Historic Tredegar — Richmond

Downtown Richmond's Historic Tredegar location of the American Civil War Museum includes two floors of exhibits that take visitors on a journey from the beginning of the Civil War through Reconstruction and beyond. Cannons, weapons, photos, and more are all on display.

15. American Civil War Museum - White House of the Confederacy — Richmond

This National Historic Landmark served as the Confederate Executive Mansion during the war. The restored house is open for guided tours, during which 18 guests at a time can view the elegant public rooms and the private living quarters to explore the lives of the people who lived and worked there.

16. American Civil War Museum at Appomattox — Appomattox

This location of the American Civil War Museum sits on one of the last battlefields of the Civil War. Just 1.5 miles away, Robert E. Lee met with Ulysses S. Grant to discuss the terms of surrender. Visitors can explore over 400 artifacts, photos, and documents, including the uniform and sword worn by General Robert E. Lee to the surrender.

17. Poe Museum — Richmond

Richmond was the hometown of writer/poet Edgar Allan Poe. Founded in 1922, the Poe Museum houses the world’s largest public collection of Poe artifacts and works. These include Poe’s childhood bed, his pocket watch, rare manuscripts, and a fragment of his coffin. Explore the Old Stone House (Richmond’s oldest standing residence), the historic Poe Shrine, and the pretty Enchanted Garden (home of the museum’s resident feline, Edgar). Kids can take part in interactive scavenger hunts.

RELATED: 10 Places to Visit in the Chesapeake Bay Area with Kids

Explore maritime exhibits and tour the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus. 

18. Nauticus — Norfolk

This waterfront maritime discovery center is full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Kids 10 and under will love Aquaticus, a hands-on gallery just for them. You also won't want to miss the third-floor aquarium, full of all sorts of marine life including jellyfish, sting rays, and seahorses. Outside, you can tour the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships ever built by the US Navy.

19. Cape Henry Lighthouse — Fort Story

Climb the nearly 200 steps to the top of this lighthouse for scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Kids must be at least 42 inches tall to climb. Authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton, the lighthouse is located near the First Landing site, where English settlers first stopped on their way to Jamestown.

20. James Monroe's Highland — Charlottesville

Visit the home of James Monroe, America's fifth president, and explore the 1818 Guesthouse, various exhibits, gardens, and more. Interpreters are available to give talks and answer questions, and kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt. 

21. Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park — Fredericksburg

Visit the battleground where the Civil War reached its bloody climax. There are two Visitor Centers with exhibits and short films, where kids can pick up Junior Ranger books. You can also see General Stonewall Jackson's death site, hike and bike various trails, and check out other points of interest.

22. George Washington Birthplace National Monument — Colonial Beach

See where George Washington was born in 1732 and where seven generations of the Washington family lived. The 553-acre park includes monuments, gardens, trails, animal pastures, a museum, and more to explore.

23. Virginia Living Museum — Newport News

An array of indoor and outdoor habitats and exhibits at this amazing museum showcase all of Virginia's regions and feature more than 245 animal species. The Dinosaur Discovery Trail has dig pits and displays of dinosaur and other fossils, including an actual whale specimen from Hampton Roads. There's also a planetarium, a Wild Care Center where families can see veterinarians caring for animals, gardens, aquarium areas, and so much more.

24. The Mariners' Museum and Park — Newport News

This museum and 550-acre park, where families can learn about the world's waters, are full of hands-on activities for kids. Inside the museum, children can talk with a ship modelmaker, design an ironclad vessel, participate in a scavenger hunt, and explore maritime exhibits. Outdoors, they can explore the Bumblebee Learning Garden, play in the Lil' Mariners' Play Zone, go on nature walks, and more.

25. Science Museum of Virginia — Richmond

This 223,000-square-foot science museum features interactive exhibitions that let visitors see if they’re faster than a rat, can beat a robot playing air hockey, know how much water it takes to make a cheeseburger, and more. There are also three hands-on lab spaces, two makerspaces, a theater with the largest screen in Virginia, and daily demonstrations that will engage all ages.

26. Explore More Discovery Museum — Harrisonburg

Explore More has many of the same exhibits you'd find at other children's museums, like a pretend farmer's market, building and art zones, and a science lab. But there are some truly unique spaces as well that set this museum apart. In the Super Service Center, kids can service a child-sized car mounted on a lift. They can deliver the news in the TV Studio. They can become dentists in the dental exhibit. And they can use Kid Currency to learn financial literacy in Cash Flow.

27. National Museum of the United States Army — Fort Belvoir

This museum celebrates the history of the US Army through a variety of immersive exhibits. Army vehicles, uniforms, and many other objects from various wars and time periods are on display. Virtual-reality and motion-theater experiences are available for purchase. The on-site Experiential Learning Center is full of hands-on activities for children of all ages.

28. National Museum of the Marine Corps — Triangle

This museum has exhibits to interest children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. If you’re visiting with kids 10 and under, check out the Children’s Gallery, with uniforms for dress-up and other hands-on activities. There are various interactive experiences throughout the rest of the exhibits as well, including a laser-simulated rifle range (appropriate for ages 5 and up). There's also an outdoor playground.

29. Children's Science Center Lab — Fairfax

This science center in the Fair Oaks Mall may be small, put there are plenty of opportunities for kids to build, play, observe, experiment, and tinker to their hearts' delight. Choose a special STEM demonstration or activity and the lab's STEM educators will help facilitate. You're welcome to bring your own nut-free food.

30. Fort Monroe

Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Fort Monroe was an active military base until 2011. Now visitors can cross over the original moat to enter the fort and explore nature trails, historic homes and buildings, restaurants, beaches, and a visitor center full of exhibits.

31. Military Aviation Museum — Virginia Beach

This museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of flying vintage military aircraft, including over 50 aircraft from the World War I and World War II era. Visitors can also enjoy regular flying demonstrations featuring some of history’s most iconic aircraft.

32. Frontier Culture Museum — Staunton

At this open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley, costumed interpreters show the life and customs of indigenous Virginia tribes; the arrival of German, English and Irish settlers; and the painful journey of enslaved Africans to the first permanent British colony in North America. Visitors can also interact with a blacksmith, woodworkers, tailors, and yarn spinners, and learn how the early settlers of America cooked and worked the land.

33. James Madison’s Montpelier — Montpelier Station

Montpelier, lifelong home of Founding Father and fourth president James Madison, gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of Madison and the enslaved people who lived there. Tour the historic house, explore the gardens and trails, and visit various exhibits. The interactive Color Through a Child’s Eyes exhibit invites kids to learn more about race and slavery from a child’s perspective.

34. Children’s Museum of Virginia — Portsmouth

This awesome children's museum features all sorts of interactive exhibits, including a STEM studio, a massive antique train diorama, and a nature-themed tot lot. Kids can also make their own giant bubbles, "shop" in a pretend grocery store, play in a real fire truck cab, "care" for stuffed animals, play instruments made from found materials, and so much more.

35. Roanoke Pinball Museum

This quirky museum houses a unique collection of over 70 pinball and related game machines ranging from 1932 to the present ... and visitors can play them all! No quarters are necessary—your admission ticket is good for all-day play.

36. Gadsby's Tavern Museum — Alexandria

This little museum consists of two buildings: a tavern built around 1785 and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. The businesses were frequented by George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the marquis de Lafayette, and other notable people. Visitors can explore the dining rooms, the ballroom, sleeping rooms, and more. Kids will love trying out old-fashioned games, putting on a puppet show, and seeing a replica of a tavern menu from that time.

37. Hollensbury Spite House — Alexandria

If you're already in Old Town Alexandria, pass by 523 Queen Street to see the skinniest historic house in the US. Built in 1930, the tiny blue house is just seven feet wide, with 480 square feet of living space.

RELATED: Best Family Road Trips From Washington, DC

Shenandoah National Park is absolutely breathtaking. 

Things To Do in Virginia with Kids: Parks and Outdoor Activities

38. Shenandoah National Park

This gorgeous National Park is full of cascading waterfalls, spectacular views, wildflower fields, and quiet wooded hollows. It's a great place to go hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and more, during which you may see deer, songbirds, black bears (!), and more wildlife. Drive Skyline Drive in the fall to see the trees bursting with color. There are several visitor centers and other buildings with exhibits to explore.

39. Great Falls Park

At this 800-acre national park only 15 miles outside DC, the Potomac River builds up speed as it cascades over steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. Hike along the gorge's dramatic clifftops for spectacular views of the falls.

40. Gravelly Point Park — Arlington

Lie on a blanket at Gravelly Point Park to see planes flying right above your head as they land at and take off from Reagan National Airport. They get so close, you'll feel like you can reach out and touch them!

41. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts — Vienna

Wolf Trap is not a typical national park—it's entirely dedicated to the performing arts! It's an awesome place to see an outdoor concert or performance. Pack a picnic and enjoy the show from the sprawling lawn, or splurge on seats. Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods has great concerts, puppet shows, and other live performances for little ones from June through August.

42. Virginia Beach Beaches

The various beaches in Virginia beach are popular family vacation spots because they are clean, pretty, and kid-friendly. The length of the beach translates into always being able to find a spot for your towel and beach umbrella, even at the height of summer. The southern section of the boardwalk tends to be more crowded, while the northern end is quieter, so take your pick.

43. Virginia Beach Boardwalk

This three-mile oceanfront boardwalk has a separate bike path for families who want to get around on wheels or blades. The path is flat and dotted with whimsical, nautical themed sculptures. Stroll the boardwalk and pop into quaint museums, fun shops, and casual restaurants. Kids will enjoy playing on Grommet Island, a fully accessible beachside playground.

44. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden — Henrico

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers year-round beauty on a historic property with more than 50 acres of spectacular gardens, dining, and shopping. A classical domed Conservatory is the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic. Over a dozen themed gardens include a Children’s Garden, a Rose Garden, and a Cherry Tree Walk.

45. Natural Bridge State Park

The 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge, sitting in a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek, is a wonder to behold. Start at the Visitor Center under the bridge and explore its exhibits, then hike the Cedar Creek Trail to the 50-foot Lace Falls. If your party can't handle the 137 steps leading to the trail, there are plenty of other trails through lush forests, meadows, and the James River valley.

46. Mount Trashmore Park — Virginia Beach

In the late 60s early 70s, the city of Virginia Beach converted a 640,000-ton pile of garbage into the nation's first landfill park.The main mountain, ​Mount Trashmore, is 60 feet high and 800 feet long. The park also has a smaller mountain and two lakes. The nearly 26,000-square-foot Kids Cove Playground has three play areas on a rubber surface.

47. Virginia Zoo — Norfolk

The 53-acre Virginia Zoo is home to some 700 animals representing over 150 species. The informative exhibits are complemented by 11 gorgeous gardens, several playgrounds, a splash area, an electric train, and various dining options. Kids can see smaller animals in action at one of the Zoo Live! shows or keeper chats.

48. Norfolk Botanical Garden

Virginia's largest botanical garden has over 60 gardens to explore. The highlight for families is the incredible WOW Children’s Garden, where kids can trek across the globe in the world-themed splash fountains and Passport Gardens; climb Discovery Peak to see, smell, and touch edible plants; and take a nature walk through the Plant Safari habitat gardens. Daily activities include discovery stations, scavenger hunts, crafts, and storytimes.

49. Assateague Island

This barrier island off the coast of Virginia and Maryland is famous for the wild horses that roam the island and the beach. Outdoor activities abound, like kayaking, fishing, hiking, crabbing, and swimming. Bike through Assateague for a relaxing adventure your kids will love, and stop into the Visitor Center.

50. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Another great place to see wild ponies is Chincoteague Island, located next to Assateague Island on the Virginia side of the border. It's where many visitors to the area stay—and enjoy local seafood—before entering Assateague Island. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has lots of animals, 15 miles of hiking, and a great beach.

51. Frying Pan Farm Park — Herndon

Visit horses, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, and pigs at Kidwell Farm, Frying Pan Farm Park's recreation of a '30s working homestead. Wagon rides and farm tours are available. Once they've had their fill of the farm, kids can play on the playground and ride the 1920s carousel.

52. Lake Anna State Park

Lake Anna features a charming beachfront on one of Virginia’s most popular lakes. Swim in the lake at this family-friendly destination and then pan for gold, a popular activity among visitors. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife-spotting, and camping.

53. The Channels Natural Area Preserve — Rosedale

This natural preserve, located within The Channels State Forest, is a stunning area of significant high-elevation forest, rock outcrop, and cliff communities. The name comes from the maze-like system of sandstone crevices and boulders that occur near the 4,208-foot summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain.

54. Green Spring Gardens — Alexandria

At Green Spring Gardens, kids can get hands-on with nature. In addition to various children's and family programs, there are three gardens designed with little ones in mind—the Children's Garden, the Discovery Garden, and the Wildlife Garden. Families can also enjoy trails, ponds, and rotating art exhibits.

55. Leesburg Animal Park

Feed and pet the roaming goats, sheep, llamas, and other farm animals at Leesburg Animal Park's great petting zoo. Families can also enjoy live animal shows, take a wagon ride, and see exotic animals like sloths and wallabies. For kids, there are indoor and outdoor playgrounds, pony rides, and an indoor Discovery Room with crafts and other hands-on activities.

56. Virginia Safari Park — Natural Bridge

Get up close with lemurs, cheetahs, camels, giant anteaters, and many other animals on a drive-thru safari or village walk-thru at this 180-acre park. There are also rhino, penguin, and sloth encounters and opportunities to feed giraffes, farm animals, and budgies.

57. Clemyjontri Park — McLean

With over two acres of play space, this fully accessible playground features play structures with slides, monkey bars, and balance challenges, as well as a variety of climb-on toys including cars, buses, planes, and animals. There are also dozens of swings and a maze. It's one of our favorite destination playgrounds near DC.

58. Huntley Meadows Park — Alexandria

With its protected wetland habitat, Huntley Meadows Park is a fantastic place for wildlife viewing. You can see geese, herons, frogs, turtles, snakes, beavers, deer, and more. The flat, two-mile nature trail—a combination of packed-earth paths through the woods and a raised boardwalk over the wetland—is stroller accessible. After your walk, check out the hands-on exhibits in the visitor center.

59. NOVA Wild — Vienna

Visit over 200 animals—including cheetahs, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, and more—at this great little zoo. Take a self-drive safari to get up close with bison, llamas, fallow deer, and more. Feed goats, sheep, zebu, and other barnyard friends at the on-site petting zoo.

60. Natural Tunnel State Park — Duffield

More than 850 feet long and 10 stories high, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. Enjoy hiking, camping, a visitor center, cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, a chairlift to the tunnel floor, and more.

61. Cox Farms Fall Festival — Centreville

Families flock to this wildly popular festival for its loads of activities. A 20-minute hayride brings riders through an Old West town, an enchanted barn, a jungle, and more. There are tons of slides, a goat village, a tractor museum, cow-milking demos, a kiddie zone, a nature trail, and a surprise-filled corn maze. Choose a pumpkin from the makeshift pumpkin patch. On weekend nights, Cox Farms transforms into the spooky Fields of Fear.

62. Creation Kingdom Zoo — Gate City

From giraffes, bears, leopards, and apes to camels, zebras, wildebeests, and many species of primates, you’ll see conservation at work at Creation Kingdom Zoo. Some animals get very close to visitors! Daily keeper talks answer guests' questions about the animals.

63. Chessie’s BIG Backyard — Alexandria

This amazing play area includes an accessible playground for all ages with a padded rubber surface and lots of features to climb, crawl, and slide on. There is also a tree house and the 2,160-foot Chessie’s Trail, where kids can explore sensory features like a sound garden and animal figures. A carousel runs from April to October. Neighboring Our Special Harbor sprayground, open in the summer, has fun spray features and a quieter area for younger kids with fountains and interactive water tables.

64. Potomac Overlook Regional Park — Arlington

The 70 acres of wooded trails at Potomac Overlook Regional Park will take you across streams, past an old Indian village site, and face to face with brilliantly colored trees in the fall. There is also lots of wildlife to see and a nature center for little ones to explore.

65. Burke Lake Park — Fairfax Station

This 888-acre park is full of plenty of outdoor fun for families. A 4.7-mile wooded trail loops around the 218-acre Burke Lake, which offers boating and fishing. There are ducks, turtles, deer, and plenty of other wildlife to see. Kids can enjoy playgrounds, a miniature train, and a carousel after your hike. Families can also play a round of mini golf or disc golf, then grab ice cream at the train-themed Burke Lake Ice Cream Parlor.

66. Great Country Farms — Bluemont

This farm has a 15-acre play area with mazes, jumping pillows, a ninja obstacle course, mini golf, slides, and more. Families can also feed goats and meet pot-bellied pigs and other animals. In the indoor play area, opened in December 2024, kids ages 1-6 can dig in a sandbox, zip down a tractor slide, "ice skate" in their socks, and more. Seasonal events include a Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival and Easter egg hunts, and there is produce picking throughout the year.

67. State Fair of Virginia — Doswell

Have some down-home fun at Virginia's annual state fair each fall. Enjoy carnival rides and games, see animals and livestock, learn about Virginia agriculture, sample delicious food and drinks, and see tractors, steam engines, tools and children’s toys that have been used in Virginia since the early 1900s.

68. Dinosaur Land — White Post

This classic roadside attraction in the Shenandoah Valley includes 50 life-sized dinosaur statues, all visible along a paved path. Open since 1963, Dinosaur Land brings plenty of nostalgic fun!

69. Fredericksburg Nationals Game

The Fred Nats are the Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals baseball team. Attend a game at Virginia Credit Union Stadium and you just may see one of MLB's future stars!

RELATED: Best Amusement Parks Near Washington, DC for Kids and Families

Thrill seekers will love all the roller coasters at Busch Gardens. 

Things To Do in Virginia with Kids: Amusement Parks and Water Parks

70. Busch Gardens Williamsburg

This action-packed European-themed theme park has rides for all ages, from little-kid rides to thrilling roller coasters like the Loch Ness Monster, the world's first interlocking loop coaster. There are also animal interactions, live shows, climbing nets, splash areas, and lots more.

71. Water Country USA — Williamsburg

This massive water park only three miles from Busch Gardens offers more than 40 rides and attractions. Little ones can enjoy plenty of themed, shallow-water playgrounds and activity pools. Older kids can catch a wave in the large wave pool. There are also over a dozen tube and body slides, from low-thrill slides to bigger ones for thrill seekers.

72. Kings Dominion — Doswell

Kings Dominion has over 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including over a dozen thrilling roller coasters. Planet Snoopy is an area just for younger kids featuring kiddie rides and the entire Peanuts gang. Kings Dominion's on-site water park, Soak City, offers 20 acres of extreme water slides, a massive wave pool, and a multi-level aqua play structure with over 200 elements, twisting slides, and tipping buckets.

73. Swaders Sports Park — Prince George

Swaders is not your average arcade. It also has bowling, laser tag, go-karts, batting cages, mini golf, a driving range, virtual reality, and a massive multi-level play structure with slides, an obstacle course, and a trolley. You can easily spend a whole day here!

74. Ocean Breeze Water Park — Virginia Beach

This Caribbean-themed water park boasts over a dozen water slides, several activity pools, a giant wave pool, and a lazy river, making it the perfect place for families with kids of all ages to beat the heat.

75. SplashDown Water Park — Manassas

Northern Virginia’s largest water park, SplashDown features an interactive children’s play area, a Lily Pad Walk, activity pool, 40-foot tall water slides, a lazy river, Cannonball and Tropical Twister slides, and a leisure pool. Rent a pavilion and stay all day with your group. When hunger strikes, grab a bite to eat at one of four concession areas.

Things To Do in Virginia with Kids: Neighborhoods to Explore

76. Old Town Alexandria

Walk the brick-lined streets of the King Street Mile shopping hub, stroll the waterfront, take a ride on the free trolley, and soak up centuries-old architecture in this circa-1749 neighborhood that was George Washington's adopted hometown. Learn more in our guide to visiting Old Town Alexandria with kids. 

77. Clifton

The historic town of Clifton, which has been around since the 1700s, is charming, picturesque, and small. There are plenty of things to do with kids, including checking out historic homes, eating delicious homemade ice cream at Peterson's Ice Cream Depot (then playing on the adjacent playground), seeing wildlife at Webb Nature Center, and more. Check out our guide to visiting Clifton, Virginia with kids for all the details.

78. Occoquan

This quaint, historic riverfront town is a great place to stroll on a sunny day. It's full of unique shops and restaurants to explore, and the colorful townhouse-style homes on the river resemble Disney World's Main Street!

79. Mosaic District — Fairfax

This outdoor entertainment district has a variety of shops to explore and delicious restaurants to sample. Little ones love to run around on the giant grassy area in the center of it all. Plus, there are often fun events happening, from farmer's markets to festivals to outdoor movie nights. The interactive fountain cools little ones off in the summer.

80. Ballston Quarter — Arlington

Enjoy shopping, dining, and more at this family entertainment district. At 5 Wits, solve puzzles and challenges to work your way through themed rooms with special effects and theatrical lighting. Immersive Gamebox features private, interactive digital rooms with projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking, and surround sound for a hyper-immersive gaming experience.  There's also an indoor playground, a movie theater, and other fun for families.

Things To Do in Virginia with Kids: Family-Friendly Resorts

81. Massanutten Resort

This 6,000-acre family resort on the edges of Shenandoah National Park boasts the popular indoor/outdoor Massanutten Water Park, skiing, hiking and biking trails, two golf courses, a family adventure park, and loads of other activities. It's loads of fun for families in any season. Check out our review of Massanutten Resort. 

82. Great Wolf Lodge — Williamsburg

With over 20 family resorts in North America, Great Wolf Lodge is a wonderland for kids and families. Enjoy a massive indoor water park, a magical scavenger hunt, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, gem mining, and so much more. Kids are gifted wolf ears at check-in and it's a wild, fun-filled adventure from there.

83. Mountain Lake Lodge — Pembroke

This stunning mountain retreat is where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed! Take a guided tour to see iconic places from the movie, including Kellerman's Mountain House, Baby's cabin, and the iconic lift location. Once the kids have indulged you, they can enjoy endless activities, including an artist studio, a nature center, fishing, swimming, winter sports, and so much more.

84. The Omni Homestead Resort — Hot Springs

This Allegheny Mountain resort has been welcoming visitors—including 24 US presidents—for over 250 years. It features a two-acre water park, a spa, tennis courts, zip line tours, lawn games, a spring-fed indoor pool, and skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating in the winter. The resort's two top-ranked golf courses include the country's oldest first tee in continuous use. Just over five miles from the Omni are natural hot springs with family soaking times.

85. Salamander Middleburg

Located in Virginia's horse and wine country, the 340-acre Salamander Resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, golf, zip-lining, an equestrian center, a fantastic kids club, and more. The holidays are a great time to visit, because Christmas in Middleburg is like a Christmas card!

Get an Insta-worthy shot of the Roanoke Star. 

More Things To Do in Virginia with Kids

86. Roanoke Star

This 88.5-foot star atop Mill Mountain is one of the largest free-standing, man-made, illuminated stars in the world. Sure, it's a roadside attraction, but it's a very photographable one!

87. The Pentagon — Arlington

The Pentagon (named for its five sides) is one of the world's largest office buildings and the headquarters of the Department of Defense. During a 60-minute tour, visitors can explore displays and memorials in the Pentagon's halls with the help of tour guides. Highlights may include the indoor memorial placed near the September 11 crash site and an up-close look at an actual Medal of Honor medallion.

88. Shenandoah Caverns — Mt. Jackson

Take a guided tour of these beautiful caverns, where you'll see flowstone, stalagmites, stalactites, bacon formations, and more. Then, check out colorful parade floats at the American Celebration on Parade exhibit. Kids will also enjoy mining for gemstones.

89. Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns are the largest caverns in the eastern US. A ticket to the caverns also includes admission to three nearby kid-friendly museums: the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction. In the spring and summer, check out the Garden Maze, the Mid-Atlantic’s largest hedge maze. There's also a rope adventure park and gem sluicing.

90. MedStar Capitals Iceplex — Arlington

The Washington Capitals NHL team practices at this ice skating center, and their practice sessions are free and open to the public. Take young hockey fans to watch their heroes hone and display their skills up close.

91. LEGO Discovery Center DC — Springfield

The LEGO Discovery Center is a brick lover's dream, with various building stations, an interactive ride, 4D movies, LEGO character meet-and-greets, a massive Mini World created with over 1.5 million bricks, workshops with Master Model Builders, and more. There's also DUPLO Park for toddlers and an on-site cafe.

92. The Family Drive-in Theatre — Stephens City

Have a nostalgic family movie night at one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the US—and the only one in the DC metro area. It's over 65 years old!

93. Tysons Corner Center — McLean

This awesome mall is full of fun for families. Play and have tea at the American Girl store and cafe, one of only eight locations throughout the US. Make slime, get a makeover, meet favorite characters, and have immersive fun behind the Magic Door at CAMP. Build a minifigure at the LEGO store. There are also over 300 stores, a movie theater, a play area and train ride, and many on-site restaurants.

94. Torpedo Factory Art Center — Alexandria

This Old Town Alexandria waterfront landmark is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof. Stroll through the center's three floors, watch the artists at work, and see some of their art on display. Visit the on-site Alexandria Archaeology Museum to see artifacts from the city's past.

95. Reclaim Arcade — Fredericksburg

Play arcade and pinball games from the 70s, 80s, and 90s at this unique retro arcade. Enter a lobby resembling an old-school video store, where you can purchase a free-play card good for the entire game. When you need an arcade break, hang out in the 1980s-style living room, where you can watch 80s network TV, pop in a VHS tape, or play Atari 2600.

96. Bob & Edith's Diner — Arlington, Alexandria, Manassas, & Springfield

This family-owned local chain of greasy-spoon diners has been open for over 55 years. Visit for breakfast and get hearty plates of omelets, biscuits and gravy, waffles, and more. Lunch and dinner serves up burgers, sandwiches, and other classic diner fare. Six of the eight locations are open 24 hours!

97. Scramble — Alexandria & Falls Church

Scramble’s large European-style indoor play space is designed for kids from 5 months to 12 years old with a dedicated soft infant/toddler play area, imaginative role-play areas, and a huge play structure full of tunnels, climbing areas, hiding places, and a giant slide for bigger kids. Grab a bite and a drink at the on-site cafe, and check out the bookstore full of Usborne books.

98. The St. James — Springfield

This massive sports and entertainment complex has it all—swimming pools, a spa, batting cages, a climbing wall, two ice skating rinks, all manner of sports courts, and more. A highlight for kids is Super, Awesome, & Amazing, an indoor water park, eSports and VR gaming facility, rock-climbing gym, trampoline park, and obstacle course all in one. There's even a Nerf Battle Zone!

99. Doumar's Cones & Barbeque — Norfolk

This BBQ and homemade ice cream joint, open since 1907, has a delicious claim to fame—it's the home of the original waffle cone! See the cones rolled right in front of your eyes on the original four-iron waffle machine, built in 1905. You can eat inside, but if you're feeling lazy, no worries—servers will bring your food right to your car.

100. Billy Beez — Manassas

This massive (nearly 25,000 square feet!) indoor playground in the Manassas Mall features climbing structures, slides, tunnels, a ball pit/ballistics arena, sports courts, an arcade, and more. Younger kids can enjoy the Mini Beez area just for them as well as the Honeycomb Village, a tot-sized town featuring a hospital, a pizza shop, a school, and more. Even the grown-ups will have a blast here!

All photos courtesy of Visit Virginia.