Summer road trip ideas in Virginia with kids
Planning a summer visit to Virginia? On the blog, I will share a few summer road trip ideas in Virginia with kids that you can add to your East coast family road trip.
Most people don’t really think of Virginia as a family travel destination, but the state is rich in history, and there are so many hidden gems to explore.
You can easily spend a day visiting some of these Virginia family attractions on your East Coast family vacation, or better yet, spend the summer exploring all the fun things to do in Virginia with kids.
Virginia’s motto is “Virginia is for lovers” and you’ll definitely find something to love on your visit.
READ NEXT: Guide to Washington DC with kids
*This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are no extra charge to you, but I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.
Summer road trip ideas in Virginia with kids
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Virginia is home to some of the Nation’s first Presidents, and you can visit some of their homes in the area. One in particular is George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
A visit to Mount Vernon is one of the most family friendly destinations with kids in Virginia.
They’ll love learning more about our first President through all the fun learning exhibits at the museum, and on a tour of his mansion.
The mansion tour can go anywhere from 20-45 minutes, depending on how busy it is for the day.
The tour takes you through the many rooms, with guides along the way who will answer any question you may have.
There are other activities you can purchase on your visit, such as the National Treasure tour, a boat cruise along the Potomac and many more.
The kids will also love exploring the grounds of Mount Vernon, visiting the farm animals, his gardens, and getting to visit George Washington’s tomb.
*You can also visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland, which we have yet to explore.
READ MORE: Guide to Mount Vernon with kids
Old Town Alexandria
You definitely have to add a visit to Old Town Alexandria on your road trip through Virginia.
This is one of the most charming towns, and it was once George Washington’s old stomping grounds.
Known as “One of the best small cities in America”, One of the top things to do in Old Town Alexandria is a walking tour along the historic streets.
There are so many beautiful homes to admire on your visit. It’s especially beautiful in the spring when the Cherry blossoms are in bloom.
READ NEXT: Guide to the Cherry Blossoms Festival
The kids can even go on an Old Town Scavenger hunt discovering clues and facts about some of the historic places. Visit the Christmas Attic at 125 S. Union St. for Map and clues.
Take a stroll along Kings street and go shopping in one of the charming boutique stores.
If you’re a foodie there are so many yummy restaurants to try, and decadent sweets to indulge in. We love Dolci Gelati, and Pop’s Old fashioned Ice cream.
Make sure to stop by the Waterfront and take a break from your sightseeing tour of Old Town Alexandria. There’s a fun waterfront park for the kiddos, and a rotating outdoor art installation as well.
READ MORE: Top things to do in Old Town Alexandria
Visit the National Parks in Virginia
You don’t really think of National Parks when visiting Virginia. We were surprised to find out that there are so many smaller National Parks in the state, and we decided to visit a few during a recent summer road trip through Virginia.
I list some of the more popular National Parks in Virginia, but there are so many more to explore, along with some of Virginia’s State Parks.
READ NEXT: Kid friendly hiking trail and parks in the Washington DC area
Shenandoah National Park
One of the most well known National Parks in Virginia is Shenandoah National Park.
You definitely need to add Shenandoah to your summer road trip through Virginia with kids.
Shenandoah National Park is a great place to spend some time out in nature with kids. There are so many kid friendly trails, some with the most amazing vistas and waterfalls.
If you only have a day to explore Shenandoah National Park, one of the best things to do is a drive along Skyline drive.
There are over 70 lookout points, some with the most amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you can do an overnight visit to Shenandoah National Park, make sure to reserve rooms at one of the resorts ahead of time, or find a hotel in near Shenandoah here.
You can also reserve a camping spot at Shenandoah NP, just make sure to do this ahead of time as well.
READ MORE: Guide to Shenandoah National Park with kids
Great Falls Park
Virginia is home to so many smaller National Parks, one in particular is Great Falls Park.
Great Falls Park is known for it’s waterfalls, and for one of the Nations first canals, which was headed by George Washington himself.
You can actually still see remnants of this historic canal on a self guided walking tour.
ou can download and print a Junior Ranger book online here, or pick one up at the Visitors center. The kids will receive a Junior Ranger badge upon completion.
There are also a few kid friendly trails at Great Falls Park. One of our favorites is the River trail that meanders along the Potomac River, with lots of fun boulders for the kids to climb.
There is also the Patowmack Canal trail, which takes you along the historic canal, and is one of the easiest trail in the park.
READ MORE: Guide to Great Falls Park with kids
Visit the Assateague Island National Seashore
One of our favorite National Parks in Virginia is Assateague Island National Seashore on Chincoteague Island.
You’ve probably heard of the book “Misty of Chincoteague”, this island is the inspiration, which is home to the famed Wild Chincoteague Ponies.
There are many opportunities for some outdoor recreations for the whole family.
You can go on kayaking adventure, camping on the beach, admire the wild ponies on a boat cruise, crabbing, hiking, biking, bird watching, or simply spend the day at the beach.
There is so much to do on this barrier island in Virginia. Make sure to stay overnight in one of the hotels on Chincoteague island, camp in the KOA facility, or on the beach!
READ MORE: Guide to visiting Chincoteague Island
Historic Jamestowne National Park
Visit one of the earliest English Colonies in North America, and walk in the footsteps of John Smith and Pocahontas.
Historic Jamestowne is the actual spot where the English settlers first landed, whereas, Jamestowne settlement is the interpretation of the colony.
There is an admission fee to get into Historic Jamestowne, since it is run by the National Park service, but is worth the visit.
There are free guided tours and fun kids activities, where they can witness ongoing excavations, and ask the archaeologists some questions as they work.
Don’t forget to join in on the Junior Ranger Programs and complete the activities to get your very own badge.
You can pick up a booklet at the Visitors Center, and get the Kids Junior Ranger Passports stamped at the same time.
Take a scenic drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Memorial Parkway is a 25 mile long recreational drive that runs along the Potomac from Mount Vernon to McLean, Virginia, and is maintained by the National Park Service.
The George Washington memorial parkway meanders along the Potomac with stops at George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Great Falls Park.
There are so many historic spots and wildlife preserves to visit along the way as well.
One in particular is the historic Jones point lighthouse in Alexandria, which is one of the last riverine lighthouses in the country and the only one still standing in the Chesapeake Bay Area.
Watch planes takeoff at Gravelly Point Park
Gravelly Point is a National Park Service sight located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, right next to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Since the park is just a few hundred feet away from the runway, it’s the perfect spot for airplane spotting.
Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon watching planes takeoff! You can also go on a bike ride along the Mount Vernon trail which passes through the park, or launch a boat and cruise the Potomac River.
Visit Mason Neck State Park
Just a short drive from Washington D.C. is Mason Neck State Park. Virginia is home to so many beautiful State Parks, and Mason Neck is one of our favorites in Northern Virginia.
The park offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Enjoy a day of hiking with miles of trails, including 3 miles of paved multi-use trails. Theres even a picnic area, and a playground for the kiddos!
You can also spend the day lounging on the beach at Belmont Bay, or rent canoes and kayaks and enjoy some adventures on the water.
The Parks wetlands and forests make it ideal for wildlife observations. Bird watching is one of the best things to do in Mason Neck, and is the perfect places to spot American bald Eagles.
Nearby attractions include the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall and Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Other Virginia National Parks to visit:
- The Appomattox National Court House
- The Yorktown Battlefield
- The Appalachian Trail
- Arlington House
- Blue Ridge Parkway
Spend the day at a Theme Park in Virginia
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
One of the most popular theme park for kids in Virginia is Busch Gardens. The kids will love the Sesame Street forest of fun, while the older kids and parents of course will love getting their thrill on with the larger than life coasters and fun rides.
Sesame Street forest of fun features family-friendly rides and playgrounds. Kids can meet their favorite Sesame Street character and have their pictures taken with them as well. It’s a fun day out for the whole family!
The main attraction at Busch Gardens in the summer is a visit to Water Country USA. Cool down at this fun water park with all the fun family water attractions and thrilling water slides. It’s the best way to beat the summer heat in Virginia.
Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion is another fun theme park you can add to your summer road trip through Virginia with kids.
The main theme for kids here is Charlie Brown, and they also feature lots of family friendly rides, including a little coaster that’s a hit with my little one. Planet Snoopy is a fun day out with kids, and you can also visit with the characters and take photos with them as well.
Kings Dominion also offers a fun water park called Soak City, which is the perfect place to spend the day during the hot summers in Virginia.
Explore Historic Virginia with kids
Explore the Historic Triangle
One of the best things to do on a summer road trip through Virginia is a visit to the Historic Triangle.
Explore the three historic colonial communities in Virginia, which includes Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne Settlement, and the American Revolutionary museum at Yorktown.
Make sure to purchase the America’s historic triangle ticket for admission to all the historic spots including Historic Jamestown.
American Revolutionary Museum Yorktown
Our little ones favorite museum is the American Revolutionary Museum at Yorktown, She loved discovering what life was like during the Revolutionary War at the Revolution Place, with all the fun digital interactives, and hands-on activities.
You can even discover the museum on a Virtual field trip, color the Museum’s collection, and make-at-home crafts. There are lots of learning resources online to prepare your kiddos for their visit!
Jamestown Settlement
Our little one also loved the outdoor living history museums at Jamestown Settlement. You can watch and learn how to fire a musket, carve a canoe out of oyster shells, and make jewelry out of shells with the Powhatan tribe.
The kids can also board the replica ships Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, and take part in periodic demonstrations of 17th-century piloting and navigation.
The kids will love that they can actually climb into a sailors bunk, learn to tie a sailors knot, and more. This was one of our little ones favorite exhibit at Jamestown settlement.
You can even explore the museum online with all the educational resources available, or print out some fun colonial coloring pages for the kids here.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is fun for the whole family. Learn about colonial life in the largest outdoor living history museum in the country. The kids will enjoy all the interactive exhibits, some they can even take part in!
Don’t miss the hedge maze at the Governors Palace, which the kids will love, and explore the grounds on a horse carriage ride.
Make sure to watch the Fife and drum parade, and take part in a courthouse session. There’s lots to do on a visit to Colonial Williamsburg with kids.
READ MORE: Top things to do in Williamsburg Virginia with kids
Visit the Virginia Civil War Battlefields
Visiting Civil war battlefields are probably not something you think of on a family vacation. But if you have any history buffs in the family, this is the perfect destination for them!
When planning your summer road trip through Virginia, make a stop at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Civil war battlefields and learn more about the battles fought in the area.
Don’t forget to bring the kids Junior Ranger passport to the National Parks to get them stamped. The Civil War battlefields are also National Parks.
Start your visit at the Fredericksburg Visitors center. The kids will appreciate some of the interactive learning exhibits, and the self guided tours of the battlefield.
Make sure to visit Chatham Manor, which is a short drive away from the visitors center.
Chatham Manor is a Georgia style mansion that was once a thriving plantation, and was used as a hospital during the civil war. We loved the self guided tour of the Mansion and the beautiful gardens.
READ MORE: A Visit to the historic battlefields in Virginia
Visit Arlington National Cemetery
Another historic place to add to your road trip through Virginia is the Arlington National cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many of our nation’s heroes beginning with the Civil War.
It’s located on the grounds of Arlington House which was owned by George Custis, and later by confederate general Robert E. Lee and his wife. Arlington house is usually open for visits, but unfortunately it is undergoing some restorations.
Pay your respects to our Nations hero’s as you stroll along the cemetery. You can even visit John F. Kennedy’s tomb along with his wife Jackie O.
One of our favorite things to do at Arlington is watching the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, it’s definitely something the kids will enjoy.
Spend a day at the beach
Virginia Beach
One of the best things to do on a summer road trip with kids in Virginia is a relaxing day at the beach. One of our favorite beaches here is Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach is one of the most family friendly beaches in the state, with so many fun family attractions.
The kids can enjoy a Surrey bike ride, along the three mile long boardwalk while they admire the fun sculptures along the way, especially the giant King Neptune statue.
There are so many kid friendly restaurants, and many other fun family attractions as well. Virginia Beach is one of our favorite summer destinations, there’s always something going on here for the whole family!
READ NEXT: Best Family Beaches near DC
Assateague Beach
Assateague Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Virginia. This barrier island on the Eastern shores of Virginia is a hidden gem in the state, and one place I highly recommend you visit. Where else can you lounge on the beach and see wild ponies!
The beach is located on Assateague Island, which boasts pristine beaches on a 37 mile long island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia.
Entrance is free on foot or on a bicycle, or if coming in by car, there is a fee to enter this National Park. Once you arrive there is metered parking by the beach.
READ MORE: Top things to do on Chincoteague Island
Visit Yorktown Beach
One of the best beaches for little kids is Yorktown Beach. We love the little lagoons which are perfect for the littlest swimmers.
You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes to explore the area, and book tickets on the Schooner Alliance and set sail on the York River.
You will also find some shops and restaurants nearby to grab a bite. It’s the perfect way to end your visit to the Historic Triangle of Virginia.
Where to stay in Virginia
One of the best places to use as your base while exploring Virginia is Williamsburg, VA. There are so many family friendly things to do in Williamsburg Virginia with kids, and it’s’ located close to most of the top things to do in Virginia.
- The Hotels at Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite places to stay. One of our favorite hotels there is The Griffin Hotel. We love the big and open rooms, perfect for families.
- The Hotels in Washington DC are another perfect place to stay, especially when exploring the family activities in northern Virginia.
- We love staying at one of the hotels at the DC Wharf. Most of the DC main attractions are just a walk away, and it’s close to most of the Northern Virginia attractions I share on the blog.
- The Hyatt House Wharf DC is our favorite, with the family size rooms, with kitchens and free breakfast.
Find a hotel in Virginia here:
Booking.comRead more of our Virginia blogs here:
- A visit to Burnside Farms in the spring
- Guide to the Cox Farms Fall Festival in Virginia
- A Colonial Williamsburg Halloween: Haunting on DOG street
- Guide to the Holidays in Old Town Alexandria
- Christmas on the Potomac: ICE at Gaylord National Harbor
SAVE ON PINTEREST
