11 Best Family Vacations in Virginia [for 2023]
Virginia has a lot to offer for a great vacation, whether you are a beach lover, or just interested in learning about history, Virginia is the place where you will find something for your vacation.
From hundreds of educational museums to cultural treasures, there’s no shortage of especially kid-friendly attractions. Here we have compiled a list of the best family vacations in Virginia, which will definitely help you on your journey, so check it out.
1. Virginia Beach
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Virginia Beach can be a perfect place for a family vacation as this beach offers a lot of facilities as well as a lot of activities for the family. Virginia Beach’s sandy shoreline is perfect for family fun, where kids will build sand castles and you can help.
There are lots of attractions for kids which they will thoroughly enjoy. It really is the place where you spend your memorable holidays with many beautiful beaches and districts.
You can enjoy sunbathing in the oceanfront neighborhood, skating on the boardwalk with young children, and kayaking in the Sandridge area. And when you get hungry, enjoy a meal in the Town Center District. The best thing about this place is that family accommodations are just steps away, which makes it a perfect place for the best family vacation in Virginia.
2. Williamsburg
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Williamsburg, Virginia is where you can enjoy learning while having fun with your family. Williamsburg offers a unique combination of historic attractions and thrilling amusement parks that are sure to be wonderful for all ages.
The city is especially popular for its living history museums, including the famous Colonial Williamsburg. Here, families will get a great feel for 18th-century life.
If you want more excitement, you can visit two major amusement parks in Williamsburg. Water Country USA and Busch Gardens. Water Country USA is a water park with rides and attractions for all ages, while Busch Gardens is a theme park with roller coasters, live shows, and animal exhibits.
It’s worth noting that some of the Williamsburg attractions can be quite pricey. However, families can save money by purchasing a combo pass that provides access to several historical sites and amusement parks.
3. Shenandoah National Park
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Shenandoah National Park can be a great place to vacation for families with kids in Virginia, and it’s budget-friendly, too. This amazing park attracts visitors with its breathtaking views and is especially stunning during the fall when the leaves change color.
You’ll find a variety of inexpensive family-friendly activities at the park, such as picnicking and hiking. And there are educational programs, especially for kids that cover topics like meadows and birds.
One of the best ways to experience this spectacular park is by taking a drive along Skyline Drive. This scenic drive runs through valleys and hills, providing families with many opportunities to take photographs as well as enjoy the spectacular views.
4. Alexandria
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Alexandria is a great choice if you want to enjoy history as well as Southern hospitality, and there’s plenty to enjoy on a family vacation. If you have kids with you, they are going to love this charming town and teens will be able to take fun pictures for their Instagram accounts. You can’t miss Old Town Alexandria which is a particular favorite with its stunning historic architecture, many restaurants, and shops.
Many visitors are interested in learning about the town’s spooky past, so there are Ghost Tours for them.
Not only is Alexandria a great destination in itself, but it also provides easy access to many other family-friendly vacation spots in Virginia as well as Washington DC.
The trolley and metro are both affordable and reliable options for families wanting to explore Alexandria and the surrounding area without the hassle of driving and parking.
With these convenient transportation options, families can easily get around town and enjoy all that Alexandria has to offer.
5. Berry Hill
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Berry Hill is where you can enjoy your vacation with the whole family and Berry Hill is one of the best and most luxurious family resorts in Virginia. You will love the ambiance of this luxurious resort as well as its first-class service.
You can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, or swimming here, making it a perfect destination for the best family vacations in Virginia. The resort features outdoor leisure games like cornhole, which is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
If you are traveling with a large family, the Deluxe Double Room is a perfect option. With two full-size views, this room can comfortably accommodate up to four adults and three children. Connecting rooms are also available for more space.
6. Kingsmill Resort
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This luxurious resort offers a host of facilities to make your family holiday a great one and strives to ensure that its guests enjoy their holiday to the fullest. You can spend your day here with a golf swing or some water activities.
The resort also has tennis courts where you can enjoy a game of tennis, or the spa offers massages and beauty treatments. Kids are going to have a lot of fun here as there is a waterpark for kids, a playground, and a kids club where they can enjoy their games.
For your convenience and comfort, you can book one of the deluxe rooms of the resort with two double beds. This room not only features plush bedding but also convenient amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Additionally, it can accommodate up to four adults and two children, making it perfect for families.
7. Chincoteague
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If you want to enjoy your family vacation in a natural setting, Chincoteague may be the place for you, known for its wild ponies and serene, scenic coastal beauty. Here is the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, considered an animal lover’s paradise, where you will enjoy watching horses, waterfowl, and birds.
However, it is important to note that visitors should refrain from touching, feeding, or approaching the animals at the wildlife refuge for our and their well-being. These beautiful animals may look domesticated, but they are wild creatures.
There are many other activities that can be enjoyed in this area like boating or hiking with your family. If you like fishing then you can also enjoy fishing here.
8. Richmond
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If you want to enjoy a mix of history, education, and entertainment during your family vacation to Virginia, then you can consider Richmond. Indeed Richmond is the perfect place to enjoy the best family vacation in Virginia.
Richmond offers a variety of educational museums and attractions for all ages, such as the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia. These museums provide opportunities for play and learning, making them suitable for families with children.
For more adventurous fun seekers, Kings Dominion Amusement Park is wonderful to enjoy a day full of thrilling rides and entertainment.
You can head down the James River here and enjoy tons of great activities like guided rafting, paddle boarding, or kayaking. It can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see the natural beauty of the area.
9. Luray
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Luray is an excellent choice for families looking for an outdoor Virginia vacation with plenty of nature’s wonders and outdoor adventures to explore.
Luray, located in the Shenandoah Valley, Luray is most famous for its natural wonder, Luray Caverns, which features a fascinating underground world with striking stone formations.
You’ll also find other great outdoor attractions like the Rope Adventure Park, which is an exciting and challenging outdoor experience great for families.
You can visit the Luray Zoo to see an array of rescued animals, including alligator snapping turtles, which are also children’s favorite. Additionally, Toy Town Junction has a vast collection of toy trains, dolls, and circus miniatures, making it a must-see attraction for families.
10. Jamestown
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If you are a history lover then Jamestown is the perfect place for you to get a glimpse of 17th-century Virginia during your family vacation here.
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the bike and hiking trails of the Greenspring Interpretive Trail. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the glassblowing demonstrations at the city’s Glasshouse. It is a fascinating experience to watch skilled artisans create beautiful glass objects by hand, and you can even buy some souvenirs to take home.
11. Norfolk
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Norfolk is known for its mix of educational museums and beach fun and can also be a great place for a relaxing family holiday.
If you’re interested in maritime history, start your vacation with a tour of the National Maritime Center. Here, you can learn about the city’s maritime history and view a variety of maritime artifacts.
For a fun and interactive experience, visit the Touch Tank, where your little ones can observe underwater creatures like hermit crabs, starfish, and urchins.
Spend some time here at Ocean View Beach Park, which offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as collecting seashells, strolling the boardwalk, and riding the waves. Whether you want to spend a few hours or a whole day at the beach, there’s plenty of fun for everyone.
12. Chalet High by Capital Vacations, Basye
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If you want to enjoy a family vacation in Virginia with lots of fun and activities, then Chalet High Bay Capital Vacations is a great option for you.
Here you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winters and the family can go wall climbing, bungee jumping or ziplining together.
You can unleash your inner champion on the 18-hole golf course here in the spring, and best of all, the resort is about 20 minutes from the Shenandoah River, where you can go fishing or kayaking .
The resort offers two or three bedroom units where you will find comfortable beds as well as free Wi-Fi and balconies to enjoy the spectacular views outside.