Family fun in the Shenandoah Valley is closer than you think, and there’s plenty worth exploring to keep you occupied over spring break. Whether you’re considering a week-long getaway or simply a day trip or two, these EPIC gems are just what you need to unwind and focus on what’s most important: each other.
Opening March 8 for its 25th season, the Virginia Safari Park is a 180-acre drive-thru animal encounter featuring fantastic creatures like Watusi cattle with their huge horns, America’s only King Cheetah population, African penguins, White Rhinos, sloths, kangaroos, a budgie aviary, and so much more. Pack a picnic and plan to spend some time in the Safari Village Walk-Thru to get up close with the critters.
A balmy 84 degrees is just what we need to transition from winter to spring, and Massanutten Waterpark has their thermostat set for just that. Grab your swimsuit and towel, and plan for a full day of water play at their indoor park. Slides, a lazy river, tipping buckets, and even surfing ensure non-stop action for the whole family. When you’re ready for a break, the on-site cafe has lunch and the arcade gives your skin time to de-wrinkle. Purchase your tickets in advance online to save a few valuable dollars.
Massanutten Resort Waterpark
Visit the largest cavern in the eastern United States when you score a ticket for a self-guided tour of Luray Caverns. Beloved by generations of families, Luray Caverns is a bucket list experience. Take it up a notch when you upgrade your to an 1870s interpreted tour. Included with every admission – self-guided or not – are the additional attractions of Toy Town Junction, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum. For an additional fee, families tend to enjoy the Garden Maze and the Rope Adventure Park. They’re both fun challenges perfect for memory-making.
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Is there a train afficionado in your midst? What better way to indulge that excitement than with a train ride? The Virginia Scenic Railway is Virginia’s only daily sightseeing train and it departs daily from downtown Staunton. Your ticket includes a meal and narration about the landscape and points of interest. There are restrooms on the car, so no worries about a potty break on the three-hour excursion.
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“Are we there yet” is a popular refrain, but on the 105-mile Skyline Drive, there are overlooks galore and wildlife aplenty. Let the little ones stretch their legs and explore as you make your way through Shenandoah National Park. Dining options along the route include Skyland and Big Meadow, which are also places to stay, if you’re looking to overnight. Trails are plentiful for the adventurous family, and there are also campgrounds, if becoming one with nature is your jam. Trek for spring wildflowers and waterfalls inside Virginia’s largest national park.
Hiking Old Rag | SNP Photo
Grand Caverns is not your everyday cavern experience. In fact, we highly suggest their spelunking experience for families with teenagers in tow. Grand Caverns is the oldest continuously operating show cave in the United States. Its sister cavern, Fountain Cave, is not a show cave. Wear your grubby clothes and boots to shimmy, climb, and wiggle through it with a guide to lead you and a headlamp to light your way.
Grand Caverns
Everything you need is right at hand when you opt for a stay at The Omni Homestead Resort this spring break. Multiple dining options – from fine dining to more casual, relaxed options – are on site. Adventures abound and include golf, horseback riding, shooting, and fly fishing for the older set. The youngers may enjoy organized, supervised play with Homestead Adventure Kids. Activities include crafts, archery, mini golf, and movies. Yes, it’s a sitter for your littles while you indulge in a bit of spring break revelry for yourself. The spa, perhaps? Ahh, yes. Mama needs a break, too.
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Make your spring break one for the scrapbook. Or Instagram (tag us!). Add an overnight or a few to allow yourself time to cram in as much spring break fun as possible. See our Places to Stay to pin down the perfect accommodation for your family.
Header Image Courtesy of Virginia Safari Park
