Shenandoah National Park is a great place to take your family for a day out with the kids. You can choose to join a guided tour to explore the wide range of activities offered at the park. A must-see experience is exploring the caves, which have a fascinating history and provide an exciting adventure. Moreover, you can learn about the historical importance of the caves from the knowledgeable tour guides.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the park. You can also enjoy leaf-peeping while there. The peak leaf-peeping season is different every year, but it is usually the end of October. However, winter weather can make it difficult to visit the park and parts of Skyline Drive may close. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit the park with your family.
The most popular area in Shenandoah National Park is the Central District. It also offers stunning views from the park’s highest peaks. The southern part of the park is great if you want to escape the crowds during peak season. Hiking trails in this section of the park include waterfall hikes, overlook hikes, and climbing on rocks.
Bearfence Mountain
Bearfence Mountain is a great hike for kids. The trail is easy but the first part of the trail is quite steep. This hike is not recommended for toddlers; kids 6 years and older should be able to handle it. It is important to remember that every child and each parent are different.
The trail to the summit is not strenuous, but does feature a few challenging rocks that are difficult to scramble. The trail is less than two miles roundtrip and offers great views of the area. The trail offers guided horseback riding tours for families with children. Rides last one to 2.5 hours. If your child is too young for horseback riding, you can opt for hand-guided pony rides.
Marys Rock
If you’re looking for some family friendly things to do, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a great place to visit. There are many activities for kids of all ages, including rock climbing, hiking, and even twilight tours. Some of the most kid-friendly hikes in the park include the Old Rag Mountain Trail, Bearfence Mountain Trail, and Little Devils Stairs Trail. Make sure you practice safety precautions when hiking with children and bring a first aid kit.
There are also a variety of fun attractions and museums for children to explore. Visitors can check out the Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester. Kids can also try duckpin bowling and an old-time roadside attraction called Dinosaur Land. There are also plenty of activities and attractions in the southern part of the park, which are less visited during peak season. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can try a waterfall hike or a rock-climbing adventure in the southern part of the park.
Stony Man
Stony Man is Shenandoah National Park’s second highest peak. It is an easy hike, which gains 360 feet in elevation and is less difficult than Hawksbill Loop. It can get crowded during the summer and fall due to its popularity.
There are several activities to keep kids entertained in Shenandoah National Park. The park offers both easy and difficult hikes, depending on their level of interest. It is an excellent family destination to unplug from modern life and enjoy nature at its best.
Edith J Carrier Arboretum
If you’re in the mood for some nature, check out the Edith J Carrier Arboretum, located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This arboretum is part of James Madison University’s campus, and is an excellent place to spend the afternoon or evening. Visitors will enjoy strolling through its lush, shady groves and admiring the many specimens of trees and shrubs.
The James Madison University campus has a 125-acre arboretum. It is a botanical garden and preserve. It features three to four miles of walking trails, pollinator gardens, and a wetland garden. Visitors can also take special classes at the Frances Plecker Education Center.
Olivia is the Editor in Chief of Laienhaft – a website dedicated to all things outdoor and camping. If you’re looking for the best tent to take on your next camping trip, or need some advice on how to get started with recreational camping, Olivia has you covered.
