Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Adventures: In And Around Virginia-Top Spots to Explore and Play!
62
items Looking for the best places to take your kids for a fun day out? Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, indoor fun, or educational experiences. Check out these top destinations where your little ones can explore, play, and learn!
Sections
5
Indoor Play Centers
Water Parks & Splash Zones
Family-Friendly Dining Spots
Animal Encounters & Zoos
Nature Trails & Parks
Indoor Play Centers
When the weather’s not cooperating, head to these indoor havens for a day full of fun! From trampoline parks to soft play zones, these places are great for rainy days or when you just need to escape the heat.
A kid-sized world of big imagination—where little explorers can build, climb, pretend, and play their way through a day of nonstop fun!
Kids Square
Thunder Valley Indoor Karting is a high-energy family entertainment center in Salem, Virginia, known for its fast indoor go-kart racing and fun for all ages. Along with karting, guests can enjoy laser tag, arcade games, mini golf, and mini bowling, m...
Exciting Go Karts & Family Fun at Thunder Valley | Thunder Valley
Hyper Kids in Alexandria is an energetic indoor playground where kids can climb, jump, slide, and explore in a safe, colorful space designed for nonstop fun and adventure.
Hyper Kidz: Indoor Playground in Alexandria, VA
Bounce into fun at Bounce Roanoke in Roanoke—where energy, laughter, and wall-to-wall inflatable excitement turn any day into a party.
Bounce Roanoke
Take off for nonstop fun at Launching Pad in Salem—where high-flying jumps, big energy, and family-friendly thrills make every visit a blast.
Launching Pad Salem – Roanoke Valley's Ultimate Indoor ...
Discover hands-on adventure at Amazement Square in Lynchburg—a vibrant children’s museum packed with interactive exhibits, creativity, and four floors of unforgettable fun.
Amazement Square
Bright, bubbly, and full of feel-good fun—Fun Phase Blue Mountain brings playful energy to every moment.
Fun Phase
A fun-filled spot in Roanoke where kids can climb, jump, and explore while imagination takes over. Playtime Roanoke is all about active play, big smiles, and burning off energy in a safe, colorful indoor space perfect for families.
Playtime Roanoke | Indoor Play Center | Kids Activities in Roanoke, VA
Happy Times Playland is a fun-filled indoor play space where kids can climb, slide, and explore nonstop! A bright, energetic spot made for laughter, movement, and making happy memories all day long 😊🛝
Happy Times Playland
An all-in-one indoor adventure where kids climb, slide, and explore nonstop—while you kick back with good food and coffee just steps away. Play hard, relax easy, and make it a full day of fun!
FunVille Indoor Playground | Hours of Family-Friendly Fun
A high-flying indoor play zone where kids can climb, slide, and explore in a fun fighter jet–themed space—perfect for burning energy while parents relax nearby. ✈️
Kiddie Hawk Playground | Seymour Johnson
We Rock the Spectrum (Triad) is an inclusive, sensory-safe play gym where kids of all abilities can swing, climb, and explore freely in a fun, judgment-free space designed for movement, creativity, and connection
Kids Gym Indoor Playground | We Rock the Spectrum - Triad |
Funplex Trampoline Park — a high-energy indoor adventure spot packed with trampolines, ninja courses, foam pits, and arcade fun, making it the perfect place for nonstop jumping, climbing, and family excitement all in one place
Funplex
Sky Zone Roanoke — a high-energy indoor trampoline park packed with wall-to-wall jumping, dodgeball, ninja courses, foam pits, and freestyle fun, making it the ultimate spot to flip, fly, and burn off energy for all ages
Roanoke, VA - Sky Zone Trampoline Park
A classic family fun spot featuring 36 holes of mini golf, an arcade full of games and prizes, and batting cages, making it the perfect place for laid-back competition and all-ages entertainment ⛳🎮
Putt-Putt Fun Center® Roanoke, VA | Let the Fun Begin!™
Water Parks & Splash Zones
When the weather heats up, water parks are the perfect place to cool down. Kids can splash, slide, and enjoy the water features in a safe and fun environment.
Great Wolf Lodge is an epic indoor water park resort that’s a splash-tacular getaway for families! With giant water slides, wave pools, and splash zones, there’s fun for everyone. But it’s not just about water – explore themed rooms, enjoy arcades, d...
Great Wolf Lodge: North America's Largest Family Indoor Water Park ...
Make a splash at Massanutten Indoor WaterPark—where twisting slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools turn every day into a mini vacation.
Massanutten Resort WaterPark in Virginia | Indoor & Outdoor Fun
Cool off and dive into fun at Splash Valley Water Park—a family-friendly summer hotspot packed with thrilling slides, a lazy river, and splash zones for all ages.
Splash Valley | Roanoke County Parks Rec & Tourism, VA
Rivermont Park Spray Ground — a lively riverside splash spot where kids can run, cool off, and laugh under sprays and fountains all summer long.
Riverside Park
Portsmouth Splash Park is a bright, family-friendly spot where kids can cool off with interactive water features, colorful sprays, and plenty of space to run and play—perfect for beating the heat and making quick summer memories.
Portsmouth Splash Park
Cobblestones Water Park is a laid-back summer spot near Richmond with splash zones, slides, and sandy chill areas—perfect for an easy, family-friendly cool-down.
Cobblestones Park
A hidden gem where cool water meets warm memories—Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole is the perfect splash of adventure, laughter, and laid-back summer fun.
Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole | Park Authority - Fairfax County
Pipestem Splash Park is a fun-filled mountain escape where kids and families cool off in playful water features surrounded by scenic Appalachian views. It’s a laid-back splash zone that blends outdoor adventure with easy summer relaxation.
Adventure Lake and Splash Park
The Evelyn Alexander Waterpark in Dublin, Virginia is a fun community water park at Randolph Park, featuring a heated pool, water slides, splash areas, and family-friendly play zones—perfect for a relaxed summer day out with kids and families. 🌊☀️
Evelyn Alexander Water Park - Randolph Park - Pulaski
A family-friendly park featuring a fun splash pad where kids can cool off, run through water sprays, and enjoy a refreshing break alongside playgrounds, picnic areas, and open space for a full day of outdoor fun
Splash Pad - Altavista, VA
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Luray — where camping meets a full-on adventure! Splash into water slides and pools, meet Yogi Bear™, and enjoy nonstop fun with mini golf, zip lines, and themed activities—all set in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™: Luray, VA
Cool off at Frog Pond Pool—a laid-back summer favorite with twisting slides, splash zones, and a zero-depth entry that makes it perfect for kids and families to play, relax, and beat the heat all day long.
Frog Pond Pool - Montgomery County, VA
Cool off and play at the splash pad at Lincolnshire Park—a refreshing, kid-friendly spot perfect for sunny days, water fun, and carefree outdoor laughs! 💦
Lincolnshire Park – Aqua Park, Pool & Splash Pad - Town of Tazewell
Beat the heat at the Danville splash pad—where kids can run through sprays, fountains, and nonstop water fun! A perfect spot for sunny day giggles, cooling off, and easy family play right in the heart of Danville. 💦
Splash Pads | Danville, VA - Official Website
Make waves at Signal Bay Water Park — where splash-filled adventures, thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and family fun come together for the perfect summer escape!
Signal Bay Waterpark
Cool off and make a splash at Lebanon Town Park Splash Pad — a fun-filled spot where kids can run, play, and beat the heat with refreshing water features and family-friendly outdoor fun!
Parks & Recreation – The Town of Lebanon Virginia
Dive into summer fun at Ocean Dunes Waterpark in Arlington, Virginia — featuring exciting water slides, a relaxing lazy river, splash zones for kids, and refreshing pools perfect for families, friends, and unforgettable sunny-day adventures!
Ocean Dunes Water Park
Make a splash this summer at Doyle Thomas Park’s fun-filled splash pad! Perfect for kids to run, laugh, and cool off on warm days, this family-friendly spot offers refreshing water features, open play space, and plenty of room to relax and enjoy the ...
Doyle Thomas Park | Danville, VA - Official Website
Family-Friendly Dining Spots
End your adventure with a meal at one of these kid-friendly restaurants that offer great food and entertainment options.
A funky, laid-back pizza spot in Roanoke known for its creative stone-baked pies, colorful vibe, and chill, family-friendly atmosphere.
Mellow Mushroom Roanoke
A cozy space where parents can unwind with great coffee while little ones explore, play, and laugh. At Mingo Coffee & Play, everyone gets a moment to enjoy.
Mingo Coffee & Play | Coffee Shop + Indoor Play Cafe in Forest, VA
Endless pizza, endless smiles. Cicis Pizza serves up a buffet full of bold flavors, fresh pies, and fun for the whole family—all at a price that keeps you coming back for more.
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet - Cicis Pizza
Where a kid can be a kid—and adults can join the fun. Chuck E. Cheese is packed with games, pizza, prizes, and nonstop excitement for the whole family.
Chuck E Cheese's
“Where hot, cheesy pizza meets arcade action—Contender’s is Hillsville’s go-to spot for great food, game-day vibes, and family fun all under one roof.”
Contender's Pizzeria & Arcade - Hillsville, VA - 251 hickory hills ...
Animal Encounters & Zoos
Every kid loves animals! Whether it’s a trip to the zoo or a farm experience, these spots give your kids the chance to learn about and interact with animals in a safe and fun environment.
Meet wild wonders up close at Fort Chiswell Animal Park—a drive-through safari adventure where zebras, camels, and more come right to your window. 🦓🚗
Fort Chiswell Animal Park
A hands-on indoor zoo where you can touch, feed, and meet exotic animals—from sloths to sharks—all in one immersive adventure.
Hill City AquaZoo | family attractions Lynchburg | 3405 Candlers ...
Bring the farm to you with Little Critters Traveling Petting Zoo—a mobile, hands-on animal experience that turns any event into a fun, unforgettable barnyard adventure.
Little Critters Traveling Petting Zoo
A wild, drive-through safari adventure in Natural Bridge where you can feed zebras, camels, and giraffes right from your car—bringing you face-to-face with over 1,000 animals in a fun, up-close experience. 🌿🦒
Virginia Safari Park
A Norfolk favorite, the Virginia Zoo offers up-close encounters with animals from across the globe, all set in beautifully landscaped, walkable habitats.
Virginia Zoo
Mill Mountain Zoo is a charming hillside zoo overlooking the city of Roanoke, home to a unique mix of rescued and exotic animals. Small but scenic, it blends wildlife encounters with sweeping mountain views and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Mill Mountain Zoo
Leesburg Animal Park is a family-friendly destination where kids can get up close with friendly animals, enjoy hands-on encounters, and explore fun outdoor activities—all in a relaxed, countryside setting.
Leesburg Animal Park
Peaks of Otter Animal Farm is a charming, family-friendly spot nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where visitors can meet farm animals up close, enjoy scenic views, and experience a peaceful slice of rural life.
Peaks Of Otter Farm
Get up close with exotic animals in a small, hands-on setting where curiosity meets adventure. It’s a wild little stop perfect for making unforgettable family memories! 🐾
Natural Bridge Zoo
Healing Strides of Virginia — A peaceful farm setting where horses help heal, offering uplifting equine-assisted programs that build confidence, connection, and joy for all ages.
Healing Strides of Virginia
Infinity Acres Ranch is a one-of-a-kind ranch experience where you can meet, pet, and even walk exotic animals—perfect for a wild, interactive day the whole family won’t forget!
Infinity Acres Petting Ranch
Metro Richmond Zoo — A must-visit adventure packed with exotic animals, thrilling zip lines, and unforgettable up-close encounters that make every visit feel like a safari!
Metro Richmond Zoo
Nova Wild — A hands-on animal adventure park where you can feed, meet, and learn about exotic and rescued animals up close in a fun, interactive setting!
Nova Wild
Exotics & Aquatics — A vibrant spot where you can explore unique exotic pets and stunning aquatic life, from colorful fish tanks to fascinating creatures you don’t see every day! 🐠🦎
EXOTICS & AQUATICS - Updated April 2026 - 21 Reviews - Yelp
Heavenly Heart Farm and Mini Petting Zoo — A sweet little farm experience where kids and families can snuggle, feed, and meet friendly mini animals in a cozy, heartwarming petting zoo setting!
Heavenly Heart Farm & Mini Petting Zoo
Blue Bird Gap Farm is a hidden gem where farm charm meets family-friendly adventure. Tucked away in Portsmouth, this spacious green escape blends a working farm feel with a relaxed community park vibe—home to friendly animals, open fields, shady picn...
Bluebird Gap Farm
Hunt Club Farm is a charming countryside escape in the heart of Virginia Beach where farm life meets family fun and seasonal adventure. From petting zoo encounters and hayrides to pumpkin patches, festivals, and festive holiday events, it’s a place w...
Hunt Club Farm
Nature Trails & Parks
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse your kids in the beauty of nature. These outdoor spots provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, wildlife spotting, and outdoor play.
Step into a wild, offbeat adventure at Dinosaur Kingdom II—where prehistoric beasts collide with Civil War chaos in a quirky, walk-through park packed with life-size dinos, interactive fun, and hilarious alternate history.
Dinosaur Kingdom II
Soar, climb, and conquer at Treetop Quest—an outdoor aerial adventure where ropes, zip lines, and obstacles turn the forest into your personal playground. 🌲
Treetop Quest | Roanoke County Parks Rec & Tourism, VA
Christiansburg Huckleberry Park is a massive, all-in-one outdoor park featuring an inclusive playground, splash pad, dog parks, scenic trails, and multi-sport fields, making it the perfect spot for everything from relaxed family days to active play a...
Christiansburg Huckleberry Park
Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden is a peaceful 15-acre nature escape filled with winding trails, whimsical play areas, ponds, and gardens where kids can dig, explore, and connect with nature while families relax and wander through beauti...
Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden
Riverside Park is a spacious park featuring playgrounds, walking trails, sports courts, and a seasonal splash area, making it a fun mix of nature, play, and family-friendly activities
Riverside Park | Virginia DWR
Cheesie's Big Backyard is a playful, family-friendly outdoor playground in Alexandria designed for kids to run, climb, and explore in a safe, colorful space. It has that easygoing “neighborhood backyard” feel—open areas for free play, structures for ...
Chessie's Big Backyard
Step into a prehistoric adventure at Virginia Beach’s Jurassic Park — where towering dinosaurs, thrilling encounters, and family fun bring the ancient world roaring back to life!
Jerrassic Park