Virginia is home to countless attractions, and most of them are perfect for even the youngest travelers. If you happen to be traveling with the whole family, you might consider taking our family-friendly road trip. Along the way, you’ll encounter themed restaurants, whimsical attractions, beautiful natural sites, and much more. So load up the car and let’s start exploring!
Clocking in at just over four hours, this trip is best decided between two or three days, and we have some suggestions for accommodations below.
Google Maps Here’s the customizable Google Map of this family-friendly adventure!
- Natural Bridge State Park
Tinya Cheng / Google First up on our itinerary is Natural Bridge State Park, where you’ll find the namesake natural wonder that has wowed visitors and residents alike for centuries. The state park is a wonderful place to bring the kiddos, not only to see the giant, 215-foot bridge, but also to check out the educational exhibits such as the Monacan Indian Living History Exhibit. Here’s more on what makes Natural Bridge State Park such an excellent family day trip destination. Ic-8023N, Kentucky, USA
- The Pink Cadillac Diner
carlie b. / Google All that exploring is bound to work up an appetite; and fortunately, the Pink Cadillac Diner isn’t too far away. This 1950s-inspired eatery will take you back to the good old days. Even the youngest visitors will find loads to love about the classic dining experience, complete with a jukebox and an actual pink cadillac parked outside. Read more about what makes this one of the most unique restaurants in Virginia. The Pink Cadillac Diner, 4347 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, USA
- Crabtree Falls
Kelly Verdeck / flickr Not too far away is another natural wonder in Virginia, Crabtree Falls. Tucked away in Montebello, this breathtaking cascade is the tallest of its kind on the East Coast. If the kiddos are up for an adventure, it’s possible to hike the staircases trail all the way to the top of the waterfall. Photo opportunities abound, so don’t forget your camera! Also, if you need a place to stay nearby, you can check out these authentic log cabin rentals near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA
- Carter Mountain Orchard
Carter Mountain Orchard / Facebook Many people think about visiting Carter Mountain Orchard in the fall for their famous apple cider donuts, but the truth is, this orchard makes a fantastic day trip destination year-round. In addition to seasonal fruit picking, this local business offers a market full of tasty treats for the kids and a cider tasting room for the adults. Carter Mountain Orchard and Country Store, 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
- Fun Land of Fredericksburg
Fun Land of Fredericksburg / Facebook Looking to let loose? Fun Land of Fredericksburg is our next stop, and it promises fun for the whole crew. With go-karts, hundreds of classic arcade games, laser tag, and more, this spot makes an excellent destination no matter the weather. There’s nothing better than a little friendly competition when it comes to family bonding! Learn more about planning your visit when you check out Fun Land of Fredericksburg online. Fun Land of Fredericksburg, 1351 Central Park Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA
- The Caboose Market
Steve Petty / Google
The Caboose Market & Cafe / Facebook The last stop on our family-friendly road trip through Virginia is a delightful eatery in Ashland. The Caboose Market is a casual cafe with a little something for everyone: locally-inspired cuisine with an impressive range of offerings. In fact, we hear this place specializes in Sloppy Joes, and what could be better for the kids (or kids-at-heart) in your group? Check out what’s on the menu at the Caboose Market & Cafe in Ashland. The Caboose Market & Cafe, 108 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005, USA
So what are your thoughts on this family-friendly road trip through Virginia? Would you take your family along for the ride? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Do you have any other recommendations for fun places to bring the family? Be sure to tell us all about it when you fill out a nomination form.
Google Maps
Here’s the customizable Google Map of this family-friendly adventure!
Tinya Cheng / Google
First up on our itinerary is Natural Bridge State Park, where you’ll find the namesake natural wonder that has wowed visitors and residents alike for centuries. The state park is a wonderful place to bring the kiddos, not only to see the giant, 215-foot bridge, but also to check out the educational exhibits such as the Monacan Indian Living History Exhibit. Here’s more on what makes Natural Bridge State Park such an excellent family day trip destination.
Ic-8023N, Kentucky, USA
carlie b. / Google
All that exploring is bound to work up an appetite; and fortunately, the Pink Cadillac Diner isn’t too far away. This 1950s-inspired eatery will take you back to the good old days. Even the youngest visitors will find loads to love about the classic dining experience, complete with a jukebox and an actual pink cadillac parked outside. Read more about what makes this one of the most unique restaurants in Virginia.
The Pink Cadillac Diner, 4347 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, USA
Kelly Verdeck / flickr
Not too far away is another natural wonder in Virginia, Crabtree Falls. Tucked away in Montebello, this breathtaking cascade is the tallest of its kind on the East Coast. If the kiddos are up for an adventure, it’s possible to hike the staircases trail all the way to the top of the waterfall. Photo opportunities abound, so don’t forget your camera! Also, if you need a place to stay nearby, you can check out these authentic log cabin rentals near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, USA
Carter Mountain Orchard / Facebook
Many people think about visiting Carter Mountain Orchard in the fall for their famous apple cider donuts, but the truth is, this orchard makes a fantastic day trip destination year-round. In addition to seasonal fruit picking, this local business offers a market full of tasty treats for the kids and a cider tasting room for the adults.
Carter Mountain Orchard and Country Store, 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Fun Land of Fredericksburg / Facebook
Looking to let loose? Fun Land of Fredericksburg is our next stop, and it promises fun for the whole crew. With go-karts, hundreds of classic arcade games, laser tag, and more, this spot makes an excellent destination no matter the weather. There’s nothing better than a little friendly competition when it comes to family bonding! Learn more about planning your visit when you check out Fun Land of Fredericksburg online.
Fun Land of Fredericksburg, 1351 Central Park Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA
Steve Petty / Google
The Caboose Market & Cafe / Facebook
The last stop on our family-friendly road trip through Virginia is a delightful eatery in Ashland. The Caboose Market is a casual cafe with a little something for everyone: locally-inspired cuisine with an impressive range of offerings. In fact, we hear this place specializes in Sloppy Joes, and what could be better for the kids (or kids-at-heart) in your group? Check out what’s on the menu at the Caboose Market & Cafe in Ashland.
The Caboose Market & Cafe, 108 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005, USA
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