Kid Trips Family Travel: Virginia, DC and Beyond
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press

Kid Trips Day Trip to Shenandoah Region

5/2/2013

0 Comments

 

by Micaela

Picture
As much as we heart all there is to do in the DC Metro area, sometimes a little change of scenery is in order to renew spirits.  Luckily, the Shenandoah Region is close enough for a day trip, but different enough from Northern Virginia to trick us into vacation mode. The region offers family fun for all ages with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.  Here are some of the top attractions in the region:

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

This amazing gem of a museum offers hands-on fun for children.  Families can build with giant boards, maneuver simple machines, play doctor and patient in a mock ambulance and E.R., explore an Eastern Woodland home, create roller coasters, visit a ranger station, climb a rock wall, and so much more.  It is just a fantastic place for children ages 0-10, and the location in downtown Winchester can't be beat!  The museum situated on a pedestrian mall surrounded by many great shops and restaurants.  Check out our gallery from our visit:

Dinosaur Land

This place is truly like going back in time, and not just to the prehistoric era!  It is a reminiscent of Americana roadside attractions, and has been around for over 50 years.  The admission is a little steep for what it is, but kids love exploring the scenes and adults will laugh at the cheesiness. The gift shop is extensive, offering not just lots of dino merchandise, but lots of knick-knacks and memorabilia.  Estimate spending about 45-60 minutes on the whole Dinosaur Land experience. 

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

Also located in Downtown Winchester, this museum has an impressive collection of dollhouses and miniature houses, beautiful gardens, an art gallery, and exhibits reflecting the history of the Shenandoah Region. 

Skyline Caverns

This is the closest natural wonder to Washington DC!  Explore the amazing underground caverns with a guided tour, ride on the Skyline Arrow train ride, challenge yourself in the mirror maze, and trek on the beautiful, surrounding nature trails.  

Luray Caverns

Experience these famous caverns on a one hour guided tour with stalactite formations, pools of water, and the great Stalacpipe Organ.  A widely popular attraction, so it is suggested to go early.  Admission also includes the Car and Carriage Museum and the Luray Valley Museum.  There is a large Garden Maze on site that is fun for families (additional admission.)  Ticket prices are expensive ($24 for adults, $15.50 for kids 6-12, and under 5 is free) so look online for coupons. Food options are limited at the site.  Venture into the town of Luray to find cute eateries.  We recommend the Gathering Grounds Cafe as a fantastic lunch spot. 

Luray Zoo

A rescue zoo on a three acre property that receives retired zoo animals, unwanted pets, and formerly abused animals.  The mission of the zoo is to educate about animal treatment and different species. Check the website for different shows and special events. 

Other resources and attractions:

  • Shenandoah National Park: hiking, ranger programs, and more in this gigantic and breathtaking national park
  • Discover Front Royal
  • Visit Winchester
  • Shenandoah Valley on Virginia is for Lovers
  • Downtown Luray

This blog post focused on towns and attractions in the northern region of the Shenandoah Valley, which is the closest to Washington DC. 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Sponsored Ads  
    Picture

    Visit Kid Trips 's profile on Pinterest.

    Our Book

    Kid Trips Northern Virginia Edition

    Buy New $12.59
    Picture
    Amazon Button

    About The Blog

    Kid Trips' blogs profile fun events and cool family-friendly venues. We focus on regional and national family travel articles. 


    Blogs Via Email

    Blogs Via Email:


    RSS Feed

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    December 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    July 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    August 2009


    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Links We Love

    Real Housewives of NoVA
    NoVA Outdoors
    Our-Kids DC
    Tiny Steps Mommy
    Kid Friendly DC
    Richmond Mom
    PWC Moms 

Contact Us | Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Press I Newsletter Archive

Kid Trips LLC © 2013-2020

Photos used under Creative Commons from Eddie Yip, schopie1, Mr.TinDC, bryansblog, NatalieMaynor, Aero Icarus, cam_rich345, cam_rich345, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, smilygrl, Jim, the Photographer, howcheng, cam_rich345, angela n., BarnImages.com, Numinosity (Gary J Wood), kirichkov, konradherrman, deek ay, gfpeck, Pink Sherbet Photography, USACE Europe District, 401(K) 2013, brownpau, dprevite, geopungo, Michael Bentley, thisgeekredes, Michael Bentley, jasonawhite, LizMarie_AK, C_osett, benagain_photos, freshtopia.net, Lars Plougmann, Aurimas Adomavicius, geopungo, Henning Grap, geopungo, karendotcom127, Adrian R. Tan, angela n., Alex1961, Ray Bouknight, PapaPiper (Travelling), patrickkuhl, epSos.de, edenpictures, karendotcom127, My Lil' Rotten, daniel.baker, Mr.TinDC, Pictures by Ann, bob194156, Rubbermaid Products, Rob Shenk, *_*, Mark Sadowski, mrpbps, ShardsOfBlue, pelican, TruffShuff, naql, karendotcom127, Bob P. B., TruffShuff, karendotcom127, archivesfoundation, Purple Sherbet Photography, Laurel_Kate, TownePost Network, gamene, hinebaugh.erin, bob194156, Michael Bentley, g-l-o-w, bengrey, D.L., Jim Larrison, jjandames, R'lyeh Imaging, Poetprince, HarshLight, Payton Chung, Sydney Treasures Photography, @cdharrison, Rictor Norton & David Allen, Tambako the Jaguar, campdarby, DBerry2006, brownpau, sidewalk flying, PetroleumJelliffe, Angelo González, wjarrettc, SPakhrin, Port of San Diego, Loren Javier, Trishhhh, sponselli, Steffy B., Vancouver Laser & Skincare Centre, D.B. Blas, jeri gloege, Last Hero, Los Amigos Del Fuego, jasonb42882
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press