Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast, Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in the country. It also offers a wealth of family-friendly activities and attractions, ranging from petting zoos and drive-through safaris to educational science museums. There are also several spectacular show caves, including the Shenandoah Caverns, the Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Luray Caverns. Kayaking on the Atlantic Ocean or one of Virginia's many rivers is another great family activity, but if your kids are more interested in history than in nature, you should consider paying a visit to Mount Vernon or Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
Amazement Square
Located in Central Virginia, Amazement Square is a hands-on museum designed specifically for children.
Children's Museum of Richmond
Formerly located inside the Navy Hill School building, the Children's Museum of Richmond is one of the best kids' museums in the state.
Flying Flowers Butterfly House
Found at the Beagle Ridge Herb Farm in Wytheville, the Flying Flowers Butterfly House is home to more than 30 different species of native Vermont butterflies.
Fort Chiswell Animal Park
Home to animals from six of the world's seven continents, the Fort Chiswell Animal Park is an interactive zoo where visitors are encouraged to touch and feed many of the animals.
Frontier Culture Museum
The perfect destination for history lovers of all ages, the Frontier Culture Museum is an outdoor living history museum that tells the story of what life was like for the area's first settlers.
Grand Caverns
One of the oldest show caves in the country, Grand Caverns has been offering tours to the public since 1806.
Infinity Acres Petting Ranch
Home to both domestic and exotic animals, Infinity Acres Petting Ranch is an educational petting zoo where visitors are encouraged to learn about animals in a fun, interactive way.
Leesburg Animal Park
Occupying more than 20 acres, the Leesburg Animal Park is a family-owned and operated petting zoo where visitors can meet animals from all over the world.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Loudoun County has a rich history of farming, and the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum brings this part of history to life in an exciting, family-friendly way.
Luray Caverns
Discovered in 1878, the Luray Caverns is the largest and most impressive show cave in the Eastern United States.
Metro Richmond Zoo
Boasting a diverse collection of exotic animals, the Metro Richmond Zoo is home to approximately 2,000 animals representing 180 species from across the globe.
Mill Mountain Zoo
Perched on top of Mill Mountain, the Mill Mountain Zoo is a great stop to make if you're driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mount Vernon
Sitting on the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon is the former plantation home of George Washington.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Conveniently located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Natural Bridge Caverns are a beautiful natural attraction hidden away more than 34 stories beneath the surface of the Earth.
Science Museum of Western Virginia
The Science Museum of Western Virginia was the first museum of its kind in the state, and it offers hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Shenandoah Caverns
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, the Shenandoah Caverns are an underground wonderland with seventeen breathtaking cave rooms for visitors to explore.Guided tours take approximately one hour and include one mile of walking, and visitors will see fascinating rock formations and natural features like the crystalline Diamond Cascade, the shimmering Rainbow Lake, and the unique, ruffled Breakfast Bacon rocks.
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
Created to inspire creativity and a love of learning, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is a hands-on kids' museum with exhibits covering various topics related to the arts, sciences, and humanities.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Proudly designed by the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a former plantation that holds an incredible amount of historic significance.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
With more than 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater aquarium displays, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a wonderful place to learn about the world's diverse range of marine life.
Virginia Living Museum
If you want to learn about the plants and animals that are native to Virginia, the Virginia Living Museum is the perfect place to do so.
Virginia Museum of Natural History
As the principal natural history museum in the state, the Virginia Museum of Natural History boasts award-winning exhibits and educational programs for people of all ages.
Virginia Safari Park
Set on 180 beautiful acres in the community of Natural Bridge, the Virginia Safari Park is home to more than 1,000 animals.
Williamsburg Charter Sails
Located just a short distance from Chesapeake Bay and Williamsburg, the Williamsburg Charter Sails Company offers a variety of enjoyable boat charters, sailing lessons and more.
