Family Vacations in Virginia

It’s the perfect spot for family fun as it's full of protected areas, parks, and historic sites. Step out of your elegant accommodation and enjoy the pristine beach, or head to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Center to see sea life.

Visit this colonial capital of Virginia and experience the 18th-century charm. A stop at the Busch Gardens Williamsburg Park lets the little ones enjoy the thrills of excellent rides and roller coasters.

With its majestic homes, world-class restaurants, and unique shops, this pedestrian-friendly city is a beautiful destination for a family vacation. Stroll down to the waterfront and hop onto a water taxi to Gaylord for shopping, or step into the Gadsby Tavern Museum and delve into history.

There are over 60 peaks and 100 species of flora and fauna to spot in this picturesque park. Visiting during the spring and fall is recommended to see the blooming wildflowers and the changing autumnal colors.

This island is the home of the world-famous wild ponies. Take a guided tour on Assateague Explorer and cruise to the hidden parts of Chincoteague. The guides take you to areas where you'll see the ponies.

Virginia has adventures among the trees as well. Head to The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium and enjoy an evening climb in illuminated trees. Take to the treetops and enjoy amazing rides over the canopy.

The mild climate makes fishing on Virginia Beach comfortable all year round. Hop onto the boat for an inshore fishing trip with the little ones who may want to spend time on the water without going too far out to sea. Popular fish species include sea bass and striper.

Trot down the beach amid the spectacular views of the Virginia Beach Pier. Saddle up and enjoy the waterside strolls and pristine mountain trail rides. Ranches such as Fort Valley have mares for hire.

Virginia has fantastic terrain for biking. From the coastal trails to expert-level mountain trails, it has it all. Whether you’re a beginner or want a challenging trail, you’ll find a suitable route for biking.

Get up close and personal with nature while gliding through the water. If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to take a few lessons from the experts before venturing out into the lakes and rivers. Popular kayaking spots include the Great Dismal Swamp and Smith River.

You should pack your flight/travel documents, auto insurance cards, health insurance cards, driver’s licenses, and credit or debit cards. Carrying cash is recommended in case you require services from cash-only facilities.

Bring some t-shirts and shorts as well as full-length pants for your outdoor activities. Bring bathing suits for water activities such as kayaking and fishing. A wide-brimmed hat will offer you protection from the sun.

For outdoor activities in mountainous terrain like hiking, you’ll need some sturdy boots. For watersports, bring water shoes. Flip-flops come in handy when relaxing by the water, whereas sneakers are ideal for wandering through the city streets.

Bring a camera to document your visit. For something to keep you and the kids busy while traveling, magazines and books, a deck of cards, note pads, and stationery are always a good idea.

Include a beach towel, sunscreen, and insect spray in your list of essentials.