Are you planning a family vacation this summer that’s full of fun activities, kid-friendly food, and plenty of chances for the adults to sip craft beer? You’re in luck because the Beerwerks Trail has lots of nearby stops for active families. Better yet, most of the breweries along the Beerwerks Trail are child-friendly! Here’s our guide to how to play, eat, and sleep along the Beerwerks Trail.
Rockbridge County
Start your exciting Rockbridge County family adventure at 180-acre Virginia Safari Park, where you and your kids can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. Drive through the park’s safari area, feeding gentle animals from your car windows. The park also has a walk-thru section, a farmyard petting zoo, and an aviary. Overall, you can meet more than 1,000 animals from around the world. Satisfy your appetite at the Pink Cadillac Diner, a retro-themed restaurant that will transport you back in time with classic American comfort food like burgers, milkshakes, and fries. Finish the evening with more old-fashioned fun snuggled in the car watching a double feature at Hull’s Drive-In.
Where to Stay
The Natural Bridge Hotel offers several family-themed packages and has onsite dining. It’s close to popular attractions like Dinosaur Kingdom II, Caverns of Natural Bridge, and Natural Bridge State Park, which has disc golf, a hike designed for kids, a natural play area, and chances to admire the dark sky and illuminated bridge at night.
Augusta County
Delve underground together with a visit to Grand Caverns. Explore the stunning cave formations, learn about geology, and enjoy a guided tour that is sure to captivate the kids. Next, meet some friendly animals with either a guided trail ride at Star B Stables or a walk with an alpaca at Point of View Alpaca Farm. Finally, stock up on picnic food like lunch meat and snacks at the Cheese Shop before heading to Sherando Lake Recreational Area. Surrounded by lush forests, the area features a picturesque lake, perfect for swimming and fishing. Spread your blanket on the sandy beach or hike along scenic trails.
Where to Stay
Make some memories camping with the family.
- Sherando Lake Recreational Area has tent camping and access to the lake for swimming and fishing.
- Shenandoah Valley Campground boasts large, comfortable sites, playgrounds, a fishing pond, a heated pool, and hot tubs.
- Natural Chimneys Park & Campground has sites for both RVs and tents. Amenities include hiking trails around the limestone towers, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and access to the North River.
Staunton
Learn about history the fun way at the Frontier Culture Museum. Costumed interpreters demonstrate how the Valley’s earliest settlers lived and worked the land. This hands-on history museum features historic farms from Europe, West Africa, and America as well as a blacksmith forge and a schoolhouse. Next, take everyone to Gypsy Hill Park to feed the ducks, play on the playground, and ride the Gypsy Hill Express mini train (weekends). Treat the kids to a surprise at Pufferbellies Toy Store, which has a wide selection of captivating toys and books. Sit down for dinner at The Depot Grille for burgers, pasta, steaks, sandwiches, and salads. After dinner, put your wits together to solve one of the active puzzles at Crack the Code Escape Room. You’ll have an hour to solve multiple puzzles and escape one of the themed rooms.
Where to Stay
Kids stay and eat for free at the newly renovated Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center. This hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour market, a game room, and an on-site restaurant.
Waynesboro
Rent a stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak from Rockfish Gap Outfitters and spend an afternoon floating down the 4-mile Waynesboro Water Trail. Look for birds, fish, and turtles. Another way to have fun outdoors in Waynesboro is to download the Traipse app and locate and learn about the impressive murals along the Street Arts Trail. Later, cheer on the home team at a Waynesboro Generals game. The Generals are part of the Valley Baseball League, which recruits talented college players for summer play. Take the family for a massive 28-inch pie at Benny’s Pizza. If anyone’s still hungry, finish the night with a cone or sundae from Kline’s Dairy Bar.
Where to Stay
The newly renovated Best Western PLUS has an indoor heated saltwater pool and is close to shopping and dining. The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Pets are allowed and room options include up to four people.
Harrisonburg
Begin your day in Harrisonburg by sparking curiosity and creativity at the Explore More Discovery Museum, a hands-on space that offers interactive exhibits and educational play areas. Afterward, buckle your harness and find your hand and footholds on one of the 18 unique and challenging indoor Clip ‘N Climb climbing walls at Horizon’s Edge Sports Campus. Continue being active by tackling the extensive bike trails at Hillandale Park or exploring the universally accessible A Dream Come True playground. As the day winds down, make your way to Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza for dinner. This family-friendly pizzeria serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and salads, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Where to Stay
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a great place for families. Not only does it include breakfast and WiFi, but there’s an indoor pool, free parking, and a gym, and it’s easy to access the highway. Suites sleep up to five guests.
Rockingham County
The Massanutten Family Adventure Park has multiple options for adrenaline-inducing fun. Learn to climb and rappel or rocket down the mountain on a zipline. Take a canopy tour, sign up for a Kids’ Adventure Course, or enjoy the Kids’ Playland with bouncy houses and gem mining. Cool off at Massanutten Indoor & Outdoor Water Park, which has slides, pools, a lazy river, a water fortress, a FlowRider Endless Wave, kiddie areas, and adults-only hot tubs. For those seeking a more laid-back afternoon, beautiful Shenandoah National Park is just a short drive away. Visitors can hike a variety of trails or enjoy a birds’-eye view of the Valley from scenic overlooks along the Skyline Drive. As the day comes to an end, treat your taste buds at Thunderbird Café, an eatery known for its delicious comfort food and breakfast served all day.
Where to Stay
Along with access to 6,000 acres of four-season fun, Massanutten Resort offers lots of condo and hotel choices as well as amenities like hot tubs, onsite restaurants, and specials and packages.