9 FREE Family Friendly Day Trips In Virginia

Are you running out of fun, COVID-19 safe activities to do with the kiddos? The immediate Wiygul family has many little ones between the ages of 2-6 and keeping them constantly entertained has definitely been a challenge during these usual times.

We have been doing some research and wanted to share with you a list of fun, COVID-19 safe, outdoor day trips that the whole family will enjoy. Best of all, they are all FREE!

Image courtesy of Steven Sanders

This 60 acre farm features over 150 domestic and wild animals plus a nature trail, duck pond, playground, arboretum and picnic area. Learn more by visiting: https://hampton.gov/139/Bluebird-Gap-Farm

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Sitting on over 125 acres, your kids will have plenty of space to burn energy and run free while enjoying the beautiful arboretum and botanical gardens. Learn more by visiting: https://www.jmu.edu/arboretum/

Image courtesy of Frying Pan Park Farm

Let your kids experience what farming was like in the 1920’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. There is also a petting zoo area to get up close and personal with the animals. Learn more by visiting: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park

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Don’t be turned off by the term “swamp”, this is one of the most beautiful free places in Virginia to visit and also serves as a National Wildlife Refuge. You can hike, bike and fish while enjoying beautiful scenery. Learn more by visiting: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_dismal_swamp/

Image courtesy of virginia.gov

This observation point boasts one of the most incredible, unobstructed views in Virginia. Sitting 4,223 feet in the air, the Washing and Jefferson National Forests website claims that when the sky is clear, you can see 5 states from the tower. Learn more by visiting: https://www.virginia.org/listings/OutdoorsAndSports/HighKnobObservationTower/

Image courtesy of Karthick Sivasmy

From hiking, to fishing, bird watching to just sightseeing, you could easily spend a whole day at any one of the James River Park locations which include: Huguenot Flatwater, Pony Pasture Rapids, The Wetlands, Manchester Climbing Wall, Ancarrow’s Landing/Manchester Docks, Pumphouse Park and more. Learn more by visiting: https://jamesriverpark.org/

Image courtesy of Matt Flowers

Haunted history anyone? There are nine partially sunken concrete ships that are lined up end-to-end just offshore in Cape Charles, just ¼ of a mile off shore. Learn more by visiting: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/the-lure-of-kiptopeke

Image courtesy of richmond.com

Maymont features over 100 acres of beautiful landscape and gardens, petting zoo, children’s farm and wildlife exhibit, nature center, and a mansion! Learn more by visiting: https://maymont.org/

Please Note-  As of August 7 2020, the Mansion & Farm are closed to the public. 

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

The Chimneys are part of Natural Chimneys park which offers plenty of trails and sightseeing options. There are also several seasonal activities to enjoy for a nominal fee. Learn more by visiting: https://www.virginia.org/listings/OutdoorsAndSports/NaturalChimneysRegionalParkandCampground/

Need To Get Your Vehicle Ready For Your Road Trip?

Consider one of 8 highly-rated Wiygul Automotive Clinic locations in Northern Virginia. We do social distancing right!

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