Check Off Your Summer Family Travel Bucket List in the Shenandoah Valley

by Micaela Williamson

For Summer 2016, The Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail has launched an awesome new game called "Bucket's Buddy Adventures" that rewards visitors for experiencing fun, family-friendly things to do in the Shenandoah Valley area.  The game consists of four adventure cards (Creativity, History, Great Outdoors and Wellness.) Each of the cards has a checklist of places to visit throughout the summer. When you visit each location, there is a clue to find a magic word to enter on your mobile device. Plus, the locations all have free prizes to give away to participants.  When a card is complete, you are entered to win even more prizes, including an overnight stay and free tickets to many attractions.  

My family got to test out the game firsthand and had a blast.  Here are some of our adventures: 

Back Home on The Farm
​Harrisonburg, VA

This farm had a ton of different activities including a cow train, rat rollers, a giant tunnel slide through a hill, and a beautiful butterfly garden boasting four species of Virginia butterflies.  Plus, there is a greenhouse play area for little ones, farm animals to meet, and an extremely impressive Virginia carousel which is handcrafted to showcase the state's history. Be sure to stop by the country store to pick up a free prize and purchase some delicious homemade jam. 

Explore More Discovery Museum
Harrisonburg, VA

This is a fantastic, hands-on children's museum located right in downtown Harrisonburg. Exhibits focus on science, engineering, the human body, building, art and the imagination. Kids can pretend to be a mechanic, work at a farm, run a kitchen, act on a stage and even tell a newscast in a mock TV news studio. There is so much to see and the location is walkable to many great downtown restaurants and shops. 

Mulligan's Golf Center
Harrisonburg, VA

Mulligan's is a brand-new mini golf center that appeals to all levels. Kids will love the challenges and all the water features. 

Mt. Crawford Creamery
Mt. Crawford, VA

​This was our first time ever visiting a creamery. Every day at 4 PM, the cows are milked in the dairy barn, and staff is happy to share about the process and answer any questions. You can also pet the baby calves and get a free tasting of chocolate milk and old-fashioned buttermilk at the front desk. It's much more special than visiting the grocery store! 

Alamo Cinema and Drafthouse
Winchester, VA

After seeing a movie at this cinema, you'll never want to visit a traditional movie theater again. The Alamo Cinema and Drafthouse has a gourmet menu complete with sandwiches, snacks, entrees, brunch, craft beers and signature cocktails. Movie goers can relax in the lush seats, and enjoy the latest films. 

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Winchester, VA​

This extensive museum is interesting for kids and parents alike. The galleries include multimedia exhibits about the history of life in the Shenandoah Valley, an impressive miniatures collection, and changing art exhibits. The seven acres of gardens are gorgeous feature a picnic area and scavenger hunt for kids. Plus, visitors will want to check out the historic Glen Burnie House. 

Nibblins
Winchester, VA

Come inside this store to play Bucket's Gadget Game and earn a prize. Kids and adults alike will marvel over the cookie cutter collection and walls of interesting kitchen gadgets. We highly recommend sampling and buying some of their delicious homemade fudge! 

Throx Market
Winchester, VA

This market is known for its craft soda collection, savory sandwiches and fried chicken. Kids can play the "Throx Picnic Challenge" and earn a free, soft serve ice cream cone. 

Other places to visit on the Bucket's Buddy Adventure include:

• Great Country Farms
• Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
• Woodstock Tower
• Jefferson Rock at Harpers Ferry National Park
• The Family Drive-In
• MacKintosh Fruit Farm
• Cedar Creek Battlefield: National Park Service

Where to Stay:

• The George Washington Hotel has a great location in downtown Winchester, walkable to the pedestrian mall and many attractions. The historic hotel has an impressive lobby and Roman-style indoor pool. We recommend eating at the onsite restaurant, George's Food & Spirits, which serves American cuisine made from local ingredients and a great children's menu. Save room for Martha Washington's cherry pie for dessert, supposedly from her original recipe.
• The Country Inn and Suites is an exceptional value option for families and is located right off I-81.  With a one-bedroom or studio suite, kids and adults can relax comfortably in their own space. The hotel also features a good-sized indoor pool and a complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet for all guests.  Take advantage of their "Dinner and a Movie" packages with the Alamo Cinema and Drafthouse, just walking distance from the hotel. 

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Learn more about Bucket's Buddy Adventure game and experience all the Shenandoah Kids Trail has to offer by visiting the Go Blue Ridge Travel website here.

We were guests of Go Blue Ridge Travel and received a complimentary visit to attractions and overnight stay in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.