Destinations,  Hotels & Airbnb Stays,  Virginia

Top Family Resorts in Virginia for Memorable Vacations

Image from expedia.com

When brainstorming family vacation destinations, many families immediately think of a Hawaii, Mexico, Florida… you catch my drift. But Virginia is a great travel destination for families–there’s a little bit of everything there. You’ll find historical sites and museums, amusement parks, national parks, hiking trails, and so much more. And there are a number of excellent family resorts that can make your family trip even more enjoyable. Here’s a list of some of the best family resorts in Virginia.

Where to Stay: Best Family Resorts in Virginia

Virginia offers a variety of family-friendly resorts that cater to different interests and budgets. Here are some of the most popular family resorts in Virginia:

1. The Omni Homestead Resort (Hot Springs) – One of the top family resorts in Virginia

The Omni Homestead is a luxurious family resort in Virginia
Image from the Omni website
  • Overview: A historic resort offering a wide range of activities for all ages, including a 2-acre water park, golf, horseback riding, and skiing.
  • Family Features: Kids’ club, family pool, outdoor activities, and babysitting services.
  • Special Attractions: The on-site Cascades Gorge Hike and Allegheny Springs water park.
  • Not only is this one of the best family hotels in Virginia, it’s also listed as one of the most fun hotels for kids in all of the U.S.

2. Kingsmill Resort (Williamsburg)

The Kingsmill resort is one of the best family resorts in Virginia
Image from the Kingsmill Resort website
  • Overview: A resort located along the James River with a variety of amenities and close proximity to historic Williamsburg.
  • Family Features: Kids’ camp, family-friendly dining options, bike rentals, and multiple pools.
  • Special Attractions: Proximity to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg.

3. Massanutten Resort (Massanutten/McGaheysville) – A waterpark family resort in Virginia

Image from the Massanutten Resort website
  • Overview: A four-season resort in the Shenandoah Valley known for its variety of recreational activities.
  • Family Features: Indoor/outdoor water park, adventure park, skiing, tubing, golf, and mini-golf.
  • Special Attractions: Massanutten WaterPark, escape rooms, and zip lines.

4. Wintergreen Resort (Nellysford)

  • Overview: A year-round mountain resort offering a wide range of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
  • Family Features: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, hiking, and a dedicated children’s program.
  • Special Attractions: Discovery Ridge Adventure Center, The Plunge Tubing Park, and Lake Monocan.

5. Great Wolf Lodge (Williamsburg) – A family resort in Virginia with a complete water park

The Great Wolf Lodge has to be included when listing the top family resorts in Virginia
Image from Great Wolf Lodge website
  • Overview: An indoor water park resort with a variety of family-friendly activities and themed accommodations.
  • Family Features: Large indoor water park, interactive games, themed suites, and daily activities for kids.
  • Special Attractions: MagiQuest adventure game, nightly story time, and character appearances.

6. Lansdowne Resort and Spa (Leesburg) – One of the top family resorts in Northern Virginia

The Lansdown Resort is truly one of the best family resorts in Virginia
Image from the Lansdown Resort website
  • Overview: A resort in Northern Virginia offering a mix of relaxation and activities.
  • Family Features: Outdoor pools, nature trails, tennis courts, and family golf packages.
  • Special Attractions: Proximity to historical sites and local wineries, on-site spa, and kids’ activities.

7. Primland Resort (Meadows of Dan) – A luxurious family resort in Virginia

Image from the Primland Resort website
  • Overview: A luxury resort offering a mix of outdoor adventures and high-end amenities.
  • Family Features: Nature walks, horseback riding, ATV tours, and archery.
  • Special Attractions: Observatory for stargazing, treehouse accommodations, and golf.

8. Holiday Inn Express Virginia Beach Oceanfront(Virginia Beach) – One of the best family resorts in Virginia Beach

The Holiday Inn Express is a great budget-friendly family resort in Virginia
  • Overview: This isn’t technically a resort, but it is an oceanfront hotel that’s minutes away from the Virginia Beach boardwalk, and is very family friendly
  • Family Features: Spacious rooms and suites to choose from, kids eat free
  • Special Attractions: On-site waterpark with an outdoor pool, an indoor lazy river, a whirlpool hot tub and multiple waterslides

9. Smith Mountain Lake State Park (Huddleston)

  • Overview: Not a resort per se, but offers family-friendly cabins and recreational activities along Smith Mountain Lake.
  • Family Features: Boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
  • Special Attractions: Large lake with water sports, picnic areas, and a discovery center for kids.

Each of these family resorts in Virginia provides a unique set of amenities and activities that can cater to different family preferences, ensuring a memorable vacation experience in Virginia.

Things to Do in Virginia

Virginia offers a diverse array of activities and attractions, making it an appealing destination for all types of travelers. Once you’ve chosen which family resort in Virginia to stay in, check out this list of some of Virginia’s top attractions.

Historical Sites and Museums

  1. Colonial Williamsburg:
    • Step back in time to the 18th century and explore the restored colonial capital with costumed interpreters and interactive exhibits.
  2. Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center:
    • Discover the story of America’s first permanent English colony and the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. There are a variety of popular tours you can choose from.
  3. Mount Vernon:
    • Visit George Washington’s historic estate along the Potomac River, featuring a museum, gardens, and farm.
  4. Monticello:
    • Tour Thomas Jefferson’s iconic plantation home and learn about his life and legacy.

Outdoor and Adventure Activities

  1. Shenandoah National Park:
    • Enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives along Skyline Drive with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  2. Virginia Beach:
    • Relax on the sandy shores, stroll along the boardwalk, and visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
  3. Blue Ridge Parkway:
    • Take a leisurely drive along this scenic route, offering breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and picnic spots.
  4. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge:
    • Explore this unique ecosystem with opportunities for kayaking, bird-watching, and nature trails.

Family-Friendly Attractions

  1. Busch Gardens Williamsburg:
    • An amusement park with European-themed sections, thrilling rides, shows, and animal encounters.
  2. Virginia Zoo (Norfolk):
    • Home to a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits for children.
  3. Luray Caverns:
    • Discover stunning underground formations and the Great Stalacpipe Organ.
  4. Kings Dominion:
    • A theme park featuring roller coasters, a water park, and family-friendly rides.
  5. Water Country USA:
    • A water park in Williamsburg, Virginia with popular attractions such as a wave pool and tons of water slides.

Cultural and Arts Experiences

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond):
    • Explore a vast collection of art from around the world, including American, European, and Asian pieces.
  2. The American Shakespeare Center (Staunton):
    • Watch performances of Shakespearean plays in a re-created Elizabethan theater.
  3. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts:
    • Attend concerts, theater, and dance performances in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Wineries and Breweries

  1. Virginia Wine Country:
    • Tour and taste at some of Virginia’s renowned wineries, especially in the Charlottesville and Loudoun County regions.
  2. Craft Breweries:
    • Sample craft beers at popular breweries like Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery.

Seasonal and Special Events

  1. Virginia State Fair:
    • Held annually in Doswell, featuring agricultural exhibits, rides, games, and live entertainment.
  2. Virginia Creeper Trail:
    • Enjoy biking or hiking this scenic trail that stretches from Abingdon to the North Carolina border.
  3. Chincoteague Pony Swim:
    • Witness the annual pony swim and auction on Chincoteague Island, a tradition that supports local fire departments.

Historic Towns and Cities Near These Family Resorts in Virginia

  1. Alexandria:
    • Wander the charming streets of Old Town Alexandria with its colonial architecture, boutiques, and waterfront dining.
  2. Charlottesville:
    • Explore the historic downtown mall, visit the University of Virginia, and tour nearby wineries.
  3. Richmond:
    • Discover the state capital’s rich history, museums, and vibrant arts scene.

Coastal and Waterfront Activities

  1. Chesapeake Bay:
    • Engage in fishing, boating, and crabbing, and visit quaint waterfront towns like Cape Charles.
  2. Assateague Island National Seashore:
    • Observe wild ponies, enjoy pristine beaches, and participate in ranger-led programs.

Note: Links on this page may earn me a small commission if used to make purchases. This doesn’t cost you a penny more, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.


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Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.

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