Fun Travel for kids

Last year we gave you . We double checked; those still qualify to remain on the list, but we know you want more!

— FOR FREE —

Wind your way to the top of the recently restored and repainted on Chincoteague Island. Dating to 1867, the current lighthouse is actually the second on the site. The original was built in 1833 and nearly 100 feet shorter; inadequate for the need. The lighthouse is open weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., April through November. Donations are accepted, but there is no longer an admission fee.

The view from atop Assateague Lighthouse

Children will love in Harrisonburg, but children who rely on a wheelchair will find joy beyond measure when they are able to swing as the others do! Many of the features at this playground are unique to the area or actually one-of-a-kind. A Dream Come True was conceptualized by a Girl Scout Troop seeking a community service project for their Gold Award. They identified the need for an inclusive, accessible playground where children of all abilities could play together.

Of Note: Liberty Swing (one-of-a-kind wheelchair swing that is fully lockable and can be set to a maximum swing height; ) * Rubber Surface * Many Shaded Areas

Arm yourself with bug spray and a stick to ward off the bugs that kids either love or love to complain about. Then set off on an adventure to seek out .

Dark Hollow Falls at Shenandoah National Park

Whether you’re passing through, staying a while, or just want to go for a family bike ride without purchasing equipment, is for you. Head to Activate Bike Barn at the Doyle Street Trailhead to borrow a bike and helmet. The 4.5-mile Dick & Willie Passage Trail is waiting.

Activate Bike Barn, Martinsville

Head to the beach! Which one? You choose. Virginia has – the vibrant resort beach in Virginia Beach, the laid-back family atmosphere at Sandbridge Beach, the local beaches of Buckroe in Hampton, Ocean View in Norfolk, Cape Charles Beach on the Eastern Shore, Colonial Beach, and more.

in Virginia Beach is a 100% accessible oceanfront park and playground. Its very distinct design allows children and adults of all abilities to enjoy a day at the beach, and it’s the first of its kind in America.

JT’s Grommet Island Park

is just outside of historic downtown Lexington. Your youngster will love The Play Trail. It’s a special place where children seven and younger will let their imaginations run wild with stumps, digging pits, a mud kitchen, tunnels, a creek, tiny treehouse, and more. For the older kids and the rest of the family, the trails lead to fantastic discoveries like the Giant Chair, the Eye, the Great Oak, and a fun zig-zag bridge through the wetlands.

Learn about the sun, moon, stars and planets every Thursday night at 8 p.m. at the in Chesapeake. Seating is limited; call ahead for reservations even though there is no admission fee.

— $10 OR LESS —

Take them out to the ball game — minor league baseball, that is. As one of our readers pointed out in 2014’s version of this article, “Do not forget any of Virginia’s 9 minor league baseball teams, 3 Coastal Plain League teams, 3 Ripken League baseball teams, and the Virginia Valley League teams. All of these towns that host baseball teams, you can get tickets for less than $10.” Hat tip to Jonathan!