We will be doing an article covering overnight trips in July and new ideas for RVA fun as well!
1. Colonial Williamsburg. ( 6o minutes)
This outdoor living-history museum is one of the largest of its kind and offers tours, re-enactments, museums and unique shops for a one-of-a-kind historical experience. And thanks to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, many of these activities are free.
2.MONTPELIER, HOME OF JAMES AND DOLLEY MADISON (ORANGE) ( 1 hour 12 min)
Montpelier, located near Orange, Virginia, was the plantation house of the prominent Madison family of Virginia, including James Madison, fourth President of the United States
The Montpelier estate features the mansion, garden, historic buildings, exhibits, archaeological sites, and forests trails. Spend an hour or two—or a full day with family and friends—strolling the grounds, picnicking, and learning more about the Constitution, James Madison, and Montpelier.
3. Lake Anna ( 1 hour 15 min)
The park has a beach on one of Virginia's most popular lakes, a fishing pond accessible to children and the disabled, a bathhouse-concessions complex and a boat launch. Camping, picnicking, six camping cabins and 10 two-bedroom cabins, seven with views of the lake, also are available. With more than 15 miles of trails, the park offers many hiking, biking and horseback riding options. Visitor center exhibits trace the history of the area's gold mining and highlight the park's natural features. Nature and gold panning programs are popular, and the park offers guided tours of the Goodwin Gold Mine.
4. Kings Dominion ( 30 MIN)
Big theme park known for roller coasters & thrill rides, with a water park & concerts plus fireworks
5. Virginia Beach-( 2 hours)
classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides sure to appeal to kids. Sports enthusiasts will find celebrated golf courses in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area, as well as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails. Plus-
6. Yorktown/ Yorktown Beach ( 1 hour)
BEACH-Located in historic Yorktown, this 2-acre beachfront provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. A fishing pier and 10-acre grass picnic area are also available. A public restroom/shower facility is located next to the Dock Master's office and opened April through October.
The fishing pier is open year round and there is no license required to fish from this pier.
BATTLEFIELD-Discover what it took for the United States to be independent as you explore the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Here at Yorktown, in the fall of 1781, General George Washington, with allied American and French forces, besieged General Charles Lord Cornwallis’s British army. On October 19, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war and ensuring independence.
7. Charlottesville (1 hour)
Take a short & Beautiful ride, visit Monticello, UVA, Downtown Mall, Hiking trails , Carters Mountain.
Charlottesville is centrally located in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Central Virginia region. Charlottesville's rich cultural, natural, and artistic history is showcased in a selection of first-rate museums, galleries, wineries, shops, and parks dispersed throughout the area.
8. Williamsburg/ BuschGardens Water Country ( 1 hour)
world-class roller coasters, rides, and slides to character appearances, shows, and animal interactions, Busch Gardens® offers fun for the whole family. Take the Summer of Thrills quiz to find out whether you are a Scream Seeker or more of a Junior Looper. If you’re traveling with little ones, check out our kid-friendly (or KIDsiderate, as we like to say) website for tips on things to do in the parks and ride suggestions. Get a closer look at InvadR™, our first wooden roller coaster coming in 2017. Then, join us behind the scenes of All For One™, the all-new action and adventure show premiering July 1 at the Royal Palace Theatre.
9. Luray Caverns ( 2 hours 12 min)
A US Natural Landmark noted for the profuse variety of formation and unsurpassed natural color. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. Also hear the haunting sounds of the world's only Stalacpipe Organ creating music of symphonic quality from stone formations. While in the area, check out TOY TOWN JUNCTION, THE GARDEN MAZE, ROPE ADVENTURE PARK and more.
10. Newport News ( 1 hour 6 min)
The Mariners Museum
11. Virginia Aquarium ( 1 hour 55 min)
Come explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums and animal habitats in the country at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Experience our hands-on exhibits, nature path, and marshlands.
12. Alexandria ( 1 hour 50 min)
There are a lot of fun and free things to do in Alexandria. With a waterfront area to watch boats dock at the Marina while street performers entertain the crowds. a Free King Street Trolley can take you through the shopping and dining district and enjoy beautifully-preserved Old Town along the way. Families can observe artists at work at the Torpedo Factory Art Center or become inspired at the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum — both free.
13. Fredericksburg ( 1 hour)
The area is packed with family-friendly activities for all ages. Battlefields, Alpaca farms, Geprge Washington's boyhood home and more including Motts Run for water fun.
BATTLEFIELD-Discover what it took for the United States to be independent as you explore the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Here at Yorktown, in the fall of 1781, General George Washington, with allied American and French forces, besieged General Charles Lord Cornwallis’s British army. On October 19, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war and ensuring independence.
7. Charlottesville (1 hour)
Take a short & Beautiful ride, visit Monticello, UVA, Downtown Mall, Hiking trails , Carters Mountain.
Charlottesville is centrally located in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Central Virginia region. Charlottesville's rich cultural, natural, and artistic history is showcased in a selection of first-rate museums, galleries, wineries, shops, and parks dispersed throughout the area.
8. Williamsburg/ BuschGardens Water Country ( 1 hour)
world-class roller coasters, rides, and slides to character appearances, shows, and animal interactions, Busch Gardens® offers fun for the whole family. Take the Summer of Thrills quiz to find out whether you are a Scream Seeker or more of a Junior Looper. If you’re traveling with little ones, check out our kid-friendly (or KIDsiderate, as we like to say) website for tips on things to do in the parks and ride suggestions. Get a closer look at InvadR™, our first wooden roller coaster coming in 2017. Then, join us behind the scenes of All For One™, the all-new action and adventure show premiering July 1 at the Royal Palace Theatre.
9. Luray Caverns ( 2 hours 12 min)
A US Natural Landmark noted for the profuse variety of formation and unsurpassed natural color. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. Also hear the haunting sounds of the world's only Stalacpipe Organ creating music of symphonic quality from stone formations. While in the area, check out TOY TOWN JUNCTION, THE GARDEN MAZE, ROPE ADVENTURE PARK and more.
10. Newport News ( 1 hour 6 min)
The Mariners Museum
Explore over 90,000 square feet of gallery space with rare figureheads, handcrafted ship models, Civil War ironclad USS Monitor artifacts, paintings, and much more.
11. Virginia Aquarium ( 1 hour 55 min)
Come explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums and animal habitats in the country at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Experience our hands-on exhibits, nature path, and marshlands.
12. Alexandria ( 1 hour 50 min)
There are a lot of fun and free things to do in Alexandria. With a waterfront area to watch boats dock at the Marina while street performers entertain the crowds. a Free King Street Trolley can take you through the shopping and dining district and enjoy beautifully-preserved Old Town along the way. Families can observe artists at work at the Torpedo Factory Art Center or become inspired at the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum — both free.
13. Fredericksburg ( 1 hour)
The area is packed with family-friendly activities for all ages. Battlefields, Alpaca farms, Geprge Washington's boyhood home and more including Motts Run for water fun.
