25 Fun Family Friendly Activities in Rockbridge County
- Virginia Safari Park: Experience a unique drive-through safari where you can feed animals right from your car. It's an adventure that brings you up close to exotic wildlife.
- Goshen Pass: A scenic drive in any season with breathtaking vista views you do not want to miss. Enjoy activities like hiking, picnicking, and swimming in nature's embrace.
- Natural Bridge Caverns: Explore the stunning underground formations on a guided tour. These caverns reveal the geological wonders hidden beneath the surface.
- Natural Bridge State Park: Witness the iconic 215-foot limestone arch, walk underneath it and enjoy a short hike to Lace Falls, a picturesque waterfall at the end of the short but beautiful Cedar Creek Trail.
5. Upper James River Water Trail: Perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing, this scenic waterway offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and relaxation.
6. Dinosaur Kingdom II: A fun and quirky attraction where you can encounter life-sized dinosaur replicas in a whimsical setting, perfect for families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.
7. Lexington Carriage Company: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through historic downtown Lexington for a unique perspective of the area.
8. Virginia Military Institute Museum: This museum houses over 15,000 artifacts, including military memorabilia from various conflicts. Kids will enjoy learning about history through interactive exhibits.
9. Washington and Lee University Museums: Comprising the University Chapel & Galleries, Reeves Museum of Ceramics, and Watson Galleries, these museums provide engaging exhibits that cover art, history, and culture. Family-friendly programs are often available.
10. Cyrus McCormick Farm: Visit the historic farm where the mechanical reaper was invented. The site features exhibits about agricultural innovation and offers a glimpse into 19th-century farm life.
11. Wade's Mill: Founded in 1750, Wade's Mill is Virginia’s oldest continuously operating commercial grist mill. It has been stone-grinding premium local grains for over 270 years using traditional milling techniques. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the milling process and see historic machinery in action while purchasing local products. Also with just a short hike you reach a small waterfall cascading down multiple tiers into a forest pool.
12. Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden: Explore this 15-acre nature center featuring trails, gardens, and interactive exhibits designed for children.
13. Lexington Ghost Tours: For families with older children, these walking tours offer a spooky glimpse into local history.
14. Kids Playce: A large wooden playground with castle-like towers and bridges, ideal for younger children.
15. Hull's Drive-in: America's first community-owned, non-profit drive-in theater, perfect for a family movie night.
16. Virginia Horse Center: A 600-acre facility hosting equestrian events throughout the year, including competitions that are exciting for families to watch. It also features a weekly farmers market and community events.
17. Natural Bridge Zoo: Opened in 1972, this privately owned zoo focuses on the propagation of threatened or endangered species while providing educational opportunities about wildlife conservation. Families can see various animals including exotic species while learning about their habitats and conservation efforts.
18. Just Games: Lexington’s friendly local game store where families can discover board games alongside classic favorites. Just Games hosts events for competitive card games like Magic the Gathering and Pokémon, as well as role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. It’s a great place to play games right in the store!
19. Tommy's Arcade: A fun arcade offering a variety of classic and modern video games that appeal to families looking for indoor entertainment options. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike to enjoy some friendly competition together especially on a cold or rainy day!
20. Glen Maury Park: This expansive park features camping areas, hiking trails, fishing pots on the Maury River, an Olympic-sized pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields—ideal for a day of family fun outdoors!
21. Panther Falls: A short but bumpy .4-mile hike leads to this beautiful waterfall where families can enjoy swimming in a natural pool or having a picnic on the nearby rocks—perfect for hot summer days or for amazing photos in any season!
22. Layne’s Country Store: A charming roadside stop offering locally made products such as Virginia ham and peanuts; it’s a great place to grab a sandwich, snacks or unique gifts while exploring the area.
23. Ben Salem Wayside: This picturesque picnic area along the Maury River features ancient remnants of old lock and dam constructions that are still visible today. The shallow waters make it ideal for wading and swimming, while deeper portions are perfect for fishing or kayaking—making it one of the most popular access points on the river for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities together! The site also includes picnic tables—perfect for family lunches—and has the ruins of the ancient boat lock system part of the historical North River Navigation route used by canal boats in the late 1800s.
24. Chessie Nature Trail: A 7-mile trail connecting Lexington and Buena Vista along the Maury River. Flat scenic path- great for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
25. Gems of Rockbridge Geocaching Trail: A series of 10 geocaches highlighting natural and cultural sites around the county. Fun outdoor treasure hunt activity for families or kids at the heart of all ages.
Bonus Section: 5 Family Friendly Activities just barely outside of Rockbridge County
- Crabtree Falls: This stunning waterfall is very easily accessible by all levels. Families can enjoy many of the largest parts of Crabtree’s picturesque cascading waterfalls very close to parking and accessible by convenient wooden stairs or spend a day and do the whole hike.
2. Saint Mary's Trail: A moderate 4.4-mile out-and-back hike located in Saint Mary’s Wilderness Area that follows the scenic Saint Mary’s River to Saint Mary’s Falls. The trail features five stream crossings (be prepared to get your feet wet) and leads to breathtaking Saint Mary’s Falls, which includes a refreshing swimming hole at its base—perfect for cooling off on warm days! Along the trail, there are several deep pools in the stream where families can enjoy a splashing good time.
3. Wigwam Falls: A beautiful waterfall located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 34.4, accessible via a short hike that is suitable for families. The falls provide a picturesque backdrop for photos and an excellent spot for picnicking or simply enjoying nature's beauty.
4. Falling Springs Falls: This stunning waterfall cascades nearly a hunndred feet into serene pools below. Like Wigwam falls it is easily accessible right off the road with no hiking.
5. Frontier Culture Museum: This open-air museum showcases early American life with historic buildings and costumed interpreters. Families can engage in hands-on activities like blacksmithing and gardening.
