The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia are a dream destination for families looking for the best outdoor adventures and scenic views. With endless trails, family-friendly attractions, and cozy accommodations, it’s the perfect spot for a fun mountain getaway. Here’s your ultimate guide on where to stay, where to play, and what to eat, plus a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your family adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Where to stay:
Rent a Cozy Cabin (We Loved This One)- The Wooder House on Airbnb is a huge but cozy 4-bedroom cabin on a private 38-acre property, ideal for families who want a peaceful escape. This cabin is stocked with everything you need plus panoramic forest views, tons of outdoor living space, and an indoor work/yoga studio, it’s a perfect home base. Sleeps 8 and it's dog friendly. Bonus Tip: Enjoy the seasonal outdoor shower, fully-equipped kitchen for family dinners, and a private hiking trail.
Wintergreen Resort - Family-Friendly Lodging with Activities- A busier but more adventurous option with plenty of year-round activities. It’s a great spot for a resort experience close to nature, with access to pools, hiking trails, and seasonal events.Bonus Tip: Perfect for families looking to combine outdoor adventure with a touch of resort comfort.
Where to play:
Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive- Enjoy incredible mountain views, family-friendly trails, and picnic spots along this bucket list drive. Accessible for all, this drive is perfect for a relaxed sightseeing day OR your gateway to tons of great hikes for all levels.Tip: Start early for fewer crowds and breathtaking sunrise views.
Wintergreen Resort Activities- Wintergreen offers zip-lining, mini-golf, seasonal festivals, and more family-friendly activities.Tip: Check their event calendar for family-focused events and activities.
Virginia Wildlife Center- Learn about local wildlife at this educational center. It’s a quick, informative visit for curious kids who want to see native animals up close.Tip: Plan to go on a weekday for smaller crowds and more interaction with the staff.
Shenandoah Skyline Drive- Take in scenic overlooks, especially beautiful during fall foliage season. Great for families who love exploring with scenic picnic spots along the way. The Blackrock Summit is one of our favorite southern Shenandoah hikes.Tip: Grab a park map at the entrance to find the best viewpoints and picnic areas.
Monticello- Located about 45 minutes away, Thomas Jefferson’s historic estate offers eucational tours, beautiful gardens, and family activities that highlight early American history.
Best Hikes:
Crabtree Falls- A moderate 2.8-mile hike with beautiful waterfalls. Kids will love spotting the cascades along the trail, making it a fun and engaging family hike.Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 2.8 milesDog Policy: Dog-friendly
Humpback Rocks Trail- This 2-mile trail is more challenging, with a steep climb to panoramic summit views. A fantastic hike for families with older kids ready for a bit of adventure. Difficulty: ChallengingDistance: 2 miles Dog Policy: Dog-friendly
Rockfish Valley Loop- An easy, 2.8-mile loop offering scenic valley views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Great for younger kids or families looking for a gentler hike. Difficulty: EasyDistance: 2.8 miles Dog Policy: Dog-friendly
Spy Rock Trail- This 3.1-mile round trip offers stunning 360-degree views at the summit, making the effort well worth it.Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 3.1 miles Dog Policy: Dog-friendly, leashed
White Rock Falls- A moderate, 2.9-mile loop that takes you to a scenic waterfall and swimming hole—perfect for warmer days! Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 2.9 miles Dog Policy: Dog-friendly
Where to eat:
Blue Toad Cider- Local cider, BBQ, and a casual vibe make this a great post-hike stop. With outdoor seating, it’s an ideal spot for family lunch with mountain views.Typical Hours: Open Wednesday–SundayTip: Sample a cider flight to try local flavors, and let the kids enjoy the BBQ options.
Blue Mountain Brewery- Known for farm-to-table dishes and wood-fired pizza, this brewery is family-friendly with stunning mountain views. Perfect after a morning hike!Typical Hours: Open dailyTip: Sit outside to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.
Three Notch’d Brewing Company- A local favorite with craft brews and a kid-friendly menu. It’s a cozy spot with indoor and outdoor seating, ideal after a busy morning outdoors.Typical Hours: Open dailyTip: Try their seasonal local brews, inspired by the region.
Lovingston Café- A local gem offering homestyle meals with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s family-friendly and a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal after exploring.Typical Hours: Closed Sunday and MondayTip: Try the house-made desserts—kids love the pies!
The Bavarian Chef- Located in nearby Madison, this family-run restaurant offers authentic German cuisine in a warm, welcoming environment. Perfect for a unique dining experience.Typical Hours: Open Wednesday–SundayTip: Reserve a table to avoid waiting, especially on weekends.
Black Bear Creamery- A must-visit for a sweet treat, Black Bear Creamery offers delicious local ice cream. It’s a great stop to reward the kids (and yourself) after a day of hiking.Typical Hours: Open daily, seasonal hoursTip: Don't forget a Pup Pop!
Homeschooling/Learning Resources:
1. Blue Ridge Ecosystems and Wildlife- Explore local wildlife, habitats, and conservation efforts. Kids can learn about black bears, wildflowers, and native birds found in the Blue Ridge region.
Online Resources:
Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources: Offers educational materials on local wildlife.
National Park Service Junior Ranger Program: A fun way for kids to learn about national parks, including the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah.
Field Trip Ideas:
Virginia Wildlife Center: Provides presentations on wildlife rehabilitation.
Suggested Books:
"Who Pooped in the Park? Shenandoah National Park" by Gary D. Robson (ages 6+)
"A Kid's Guide to Birding" by Lynn Hassler (ages 10+)
"The Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Journey" by Leonard M. Adkins (ages 14+)
2. Geology of the Blue Ridge Mountains- Dive into the geological history of the Appalachian Mountains. Learn about rock types, mountain formation, and natural landmarks like Natural Bridge.
Online Resources:
Geology.com - Virginia Geology: Provides geological maps and information about the area.
United States Geological Survey: Explore more about Appalachian geology on the USGS website.
Field Trip Ideas:
Natural Bridge State Park: Families can explore the famous Natural Bridge and learn about its geological history.
Suggested Books:
"If You Find a Rock" by Peggy Christian (ages 6+)
"Rocks, Rivers, and the Changing Earth: A First Book About Geology" by Herman Schneider and Nina Schneider (ages 10+)
"Geology of the Appalachian Trail" by David B. Williams (ages 14+)
3. Early American History- Discover the life of Thomas Jefferson, early American history, and colonial life in Virginia.
Online Resources:
Monticello: Offers virtual tours and resources on Thomas Jefferson’s life and early American history.
Virginia Historical Society: Provides educational resources about Virginia’s role in American history.
Field Trip Ideas:
Monticello: Enjoy interactive tours, scavenger hunts, and historical reenactments.
Suggested Books:
"Thomas Jefferson: A Day at Monticello" by Elizabeth Chew (ages 6+)
"The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence" by Judith St. George (ages 10+)
"Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis (ages 14+)
4. Pioneer Life and Early Settlements- Study the lives of early Appalachian settlers and learn about Appalachian culture and pioneer life.
Online Resources:
PBS "Frontier House" Series: A historical reality series that shows what life was like for early settlers.
National Park Service - Appalachian Settlers: Offers resources and historical information about the lives of early settlers in the Appalachian region.
Field Trip Ideas:
Frontier Culture Museum: An open-air museum in Staunton showcasing pioneer life and early settlements.
Suggested Books:
"Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder (ages 6+)
"Blue Ridge Billy" by Lois Lenski (ages 10+)
"Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder" by William Anderson (ages 14+)
5. Native Americans of the Blue Ridge Region – Explore the history and culture of Native American tribes native to the Blue Ridge and Appalachian regions, including the Monacan and Cherokee tribes.
Online Resources:
National Museum of the American Indian: Offers virtual exhibits, educational materials, and stories that introduce the cultures and histories of Native American tribes.
Native American Heritage: Provides resources and educational content on the heritage, stories, and contributions of Native American tribes in the eastern U.S. Access the Smithsonian resource here.
Field Trip Ideas:
Monacan Indian Nation Ancestral Museum: Located in Amherst, Virginia, this museum provides insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the Monacan people.
Natural Bridge State Park – Indian Village Exhibit: Visit the replica Monacan Indian Village to experience traditional structures, tools, and crafts of the Monacan tribe, and learn about their role in the region’s history.
Suggested Books:
"The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story" by Joseph Bruchac (ages 6+)
"We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" by Traci Sorell (ages 10+)
"An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (ages 14+)
Our 3 Day Itinerary:
Day 1
Midday: Start with a treat at Black Bear Creamery, known for its unique flavors and locally sourced ingredients—a perfect way to kick off your trip with something special.
Afternoon: Check into your cozy cabin and settle in. Explore the cabin's outdoor spaces or play a game and unwind.
Evening: Dinner at Blue Mountain Brewery, known for its farm-to-table menu and beautiful mountain views, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the first night.
Day 2
Morning: Hike Crabtree Falls to see stunning waterfalls. This moderate trail is great for kids, with cascades to spot along the way.
Lunch: Head to Three Notch’d Brewing Company for a family-friendly lunch with plenty of local flavor.
Afternoon: Visit Wintergreen Resort for zip-lining, mini-golf, or seasonal activities.
Evening: Return to the cabin for a grill-out dinner. Relax, stargaze, and share stories from the day.
Day 3
Early Morning: Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at scenic overlooks as you enjoy sunrise views.
Morning: Hike the Humpback Rocks Trail for a challenging climb rewarded by panoramic summit views.
Lunch: Choose Blue Toad Hard Cider (if it’s a weekend) or Blue Mountain Brewery (on weekdays) for a relaxing post-hike lunch. Be sure to check hours.
Afternoon: Wrap up your trip with a stop at the Monacan Indian Village exhibit at Natural Bridge State Park to explore Native American history and culture.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
For more family-friendly road trips and info on our favorite destinations for adventurous families check out our adventures at We Chose Adventures. Join us as we explore more family-friendly trails, scenic drives, and outdoor getaways in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond! Check out some of our videos of our trip here:
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