With its rich history, lively cities and natural beauty, this state has much to offer those in search of family-friendly attractions and group lodging
Not only is Virginia for lovers, but it’s a state touting myriad group destinations perfect for multigenerational family celebrations. Whether you seek a quiet retreat in the mountains surrounded by nature or a lively beach scene with plenty of room for the whole gang, the Old Dominion State has something for everyone. Let’s explore top reunion venues and multigenerational vacation destinations that offer kids’ programming, indoor water parks, outdoor excursions, and more.
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Why Virginia is Perfect for Family Reunions
Located in the Mid-Atlantic region, Virginia is a short drive from many major cities and bustling areas, including Washington D.C., Raleigh, and Baltimore. The Old Dominion state offers a variety of exciting group travel destinations, from lush valleys, pristine lakes, and serene rivers to aquatic activities on the coast and outdoor escapes along the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a warm climate from spring to fall, groups can enjoy the great outdoors, including hiking, water excursions, and leaf-peeping. In winter, mountain retreats are a popular option for snow lovers, offering skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. In addition to its natural attractions, the state is home to many historical and cultural sites, such as Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Monticello, where generations can bond through history-themed educational experiences.
If you’re planning a reunion in Virginia, explore these exceptional locations statewide that offer unique group lodging options and unforgettable activities and attractions for all ages and interests.
Things to Do During Richmond Family Reunions
Rapids rush east past the rolling hills lining the James River, right through Richmond, an attractive location for a family reunion. American history pulsates from the cobblestones of the oldest streets, which, after hundreds of years of inhabitance, continue to beat with life.
Before checking out the fantastic museums and historical sites that Richmond dangles in front of its visitors, explore the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood and experience the oldest marketplace in the country. The Farmer’s Market provides an excellent opportunity to taste local foods from nearby farms. Let the children sample the homemade fudge while the grandparents explore stalls advertising everything from organic produce to pastel artwork.
Head over to the James River to watch the countless daredevils attempt the Class III rapids gushing through the city. While there, many Richmond family reunions like to visit Belle Isle, a pedestrian and bicycle island planted in the middle of the James River. Belle Isle, where movies such as Hannibal and The Jackal were filmed, also offers Civil War history (it served as a prison for Union soldiers) and outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and bird watching. Its acres of parkland make it an excellent destination for a family picnic.
Take the kids to Kings Dominion, the Richmond-area amusement park where they will drag you on to coasters such as Anaconda or the Intimidator 305, which is the tallest and fastest roller coaster on the East Coast. Make sure to bring swimsuits if you plan on visiting the WaterWorks area, which has a 650,000-gallon wave pool and the world’s tallest fully enclosed water slide.
Family fun at Kings Dominion in Virginia. Photo credit: Kings Dominion Facebook
Agecroft Hall, a Tudor estate built during the 15th century in Lancashire, England, was dismantled in the mid-1900s and shipped to Richmond, where it was rebuilt. With a majestic great hall, furniture from the Tudor and early Stewart periods, lush lawns and Elizabethan gardens, it provides a window into the Tudor lifestyle.
Bring the family to Capitol Square, where the 60-foot-high Washington Monument stands. The Executive Mansion has been the official residence of Virginia’s governors since 1813 and the home of four U.S. presidents, including Thomas Jefferson. The Virginia State Capitol building, where the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791, is free to enter. If you’re looking for an impressive view, stop at the new City Hall, which has a wonderful observation deck.
Visit the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. Guests at the museum are treated to an innovative interpretation of the Civil War from the Union, Confederate, and African American perspectives through the use of films, artifacts and interactive exhibits. At the Museum of the Confederacy you can see over 15,000 Confederate artifacts including clothes worn by Robert E. Lee.
Hampton Roads Family Reunion Activities
Hampton Roads family reunions will find the area full of historical and natural wonders, will allow for a relaxed family reunion. Williamsburg, Virginia Beach and Norfolk are only a few options that provide an excellent balance of fun activities and downtime.
Colonial Williamsburg recreates the everyday life of Williamsburg during the American Revolution, containing 88 buildings built in the 18th century as well as hundreds of reconstructions. Rent costumes for the children, who can participate alongside interpreters dressed as tradesmen, soldiers and housewives, or simply wander through the town, which serves as an outdoor theater. A Historic Triangle Shuttle, which links Williamsburg with Jamestown and Yorktown, will bring your family to Historic Jamestown, where ruins of America’s first permanent colony can be seen, or Yorktown, where Yorktown Battlefield, site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War, can be explored. Meanwhile, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center are excellent living history attractions.
Spend a day at Busch Gardens, a massive European-themed amusement park with over 50 rides and attractions. Brave rides such as Griffon and Apollo’s Chariot, which hit top speeds of 75 mph, or take the young children to the Sesame Street-themed section of the park. Stop at Water Country USA, one of the largest water parks on the East Coast, where parents can float down the 700-foot lazy river while kids shoot down waterslides like Jet Scream and Rampage. With exciting live entertainment, including dance groups and musical performances, the whole family can enjoy toe-tapping good times.
Live family-friendly entertainment at Busch Gardens’ Carnaval Imaginique: A Golden Jubilee Spectacular. Photo credit: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Facebook
Virginia Beach is a family-friendly town with a 300-foot-wide beach. Those looking to relax can spend the afternoon tanning or strolling along the three-mile boardwalk, while others can kayak through First Landing State Park. Bring your fishing poles and golf clubs if you’re planning on holding your reunion in Virginia Beach; there are eight golf courses in the town alone, and the fish in Chesapeake Bay are plentiful. If the clouds come out, take refuge at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Kids can enjoy hands-on exhibits, while the whole family can marvel at the marine life on display. Dolphin-watching excursions are available.
In Norfolk, fathers and sons can attend a baseball game at Harbor Park, the home stadium of the Norfolk Tides AAA team, while other family members can explore some of the wonderful shopping magnets. Don’t miss the Chrysler Museum of Art and Norfolk Botanical Garden, both of which are excellent places to spend an afternoon. Parents and children alike will be awed by a visit to Nauticus, a naval museum where you can board Battleship Wisconsin, and to Naval Station Norfolk, where tours feature aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and an airfield. Admission to Nauticus is free, but call ahead for group bookings at the Naval Station Norfolk.
Shenandoah Valley Family Reunions
Nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains is the peaceful haven of Shenandoah. Two hundred thousand acres of rising and falling terrain make up Shenandoah National Park, so no matter how big your family is, you’ll be able to find room for the whole lot if you choose this natural wonder for your reunion.
Shenandoah Valley isn’t just a national park; it also features historical sites that teach the region’s history. Some trails in the Shenandoah Valley pass through Civil War sites and battlefields, including Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. If you have time, you can also visit Rapidan Camp, which served as President Herbert Hoover’s vacation home. Because of the lodging’s proximity to nature, guests enjoy hiking and observing native wildlife.
Hundreds of miles of trails wind through the park and adventurous families should aim to conquer the Old Rag summit for exceptional hiking with rewarding views. Your group can also go horseback riding and rock climbing, take a tour of the many Civil War sites or try to catch a glimpse of one of the 50 species of mammals or 200 species of birds that make Shenandoah their home. Hawksbill Peak and Stony Man, two of the highest points in the area, warrant a visit. Guided tours (some free) are available from the various lodges.
Skyline Drive is compulsory for anyone who is spending time in the park. Take a family caravan along the 105-mile scenic highway that weaves in and out of hollows, around mountains and over streams. It’s the quintessential Shenandoah Valley family reunions activity.
Stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes and many fault lines are visible in the area’s caverns. Luray Caverns, with massive inner chambers and crystal-clear pools, is the most visited cavern in Eastern America. Shenandoah Caverns offer an elevator and level walkways without stairs, so even elderly family members can enjoy the visit. The Heritage Museum in Dayton chronicles the history of the Shenandoah Valley and includes an audiovisual presentation of Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign, Civil War artifacts and a folk art collection of the Shenandoah region.
Blue Ridge Parkway scenic overlook. Photo credit: Blue Ridge Parkway Association Facebook
Shenandoah National Park Lodging
If your family wants to have a mountain experience in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah Valley has many in-park accommodation options available, including pet-friendly cabins at Lewis Mountain Cabins and camping opportunities.
The park also hosts two family-friendly resorts—Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge—with on-site amenities, dining and activities for all ages.
Skyland sits at 3,680 feet, Shenandoah National Park’s highest elevation along scenic Skyline Drive. The resort spans 27 acres and comprises 28 buildings offering a blend of comfort and tranquility. From traditional rooms and suites to cabins and pet-friendly accommodations, Skyland offers options for groups of all sizes. Resort dining options include the Pollock Dining Room, the Mountain Taproom, and a Starbucks Gran ‘N Go, along with a newly renovated gift shop for souvenirs.
Big Meadows Lodge offers a charming, rustic experience at the heart of the grassy Big Meadow, with impressive scenery and national park adventures. This is also a stargazer’s dream with expansive dark skies and astronomy programs. Lodging options range from cozy main lodge rooms to secluded cabin retreats and pet-friendly accommodations, all within walking distance from the main lodge.
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Northern Virginia Family Reunions
Those who visit Northern Virginia during family reunions find themselves within easy access of Washington D.C., and are likely to spend at least one day exploring our nation’s capital. The city of Alexandria, located directly across the Potomac River from Washington makes a wonderful destination for a family reunion. Because it is away from hustle of the city, your family will be able to explore less crowded attractions such as George Washington Masonic Memorial, which houses a massive bronze statue of George Washington; the Alexandria Black History Museum; and Christ Church, where George Washington regularly attended services.
Take George Washington Memorial Parkway to Mount Vernon, the plantation home of America’s first president. Tour the mansion, museum and working farm, including the slaves’ quarters. And don’t forget to visit the tombs of Washington and his wife Martha.
Arlington National Cemetery is a stone’s throw away from Alexandria. Established in 1864, the cemetery contains rows of headstones stretching in every direction across the vast lawns. Witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Tourmobiles, which cover all the important sites on the grounds, including JFK’s grave, are an efficient way to see the whole cemetery.
Massanutten Resort (Massanutten, VA)
Located in the heart of Shenandoah Valley lies the four-season Massanutten Resort. This 600-acre resort offers king-sized rooms in the mountains or valleys for your family to choose from. The resort is ADA accessible, ensuring everyone in the family can participate in its activities. Massanutten Resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including Mountain rooms (close to the Ski Area), Valley rooms (close to the Water Park), dog-friendly lodging, and adjoining condos.
The Massanutten Resort is an all-season escape with a wide variety of activities to make any multigenerational family vacation or reunion memorable. Hike along the mountainous trails of the Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest. On the rivers, families can canoe together or fish for trout. In the wintertime, enjoy skiing down thousand-foot slopes through scenic snow-draped forests.
Massanutten Resort in Virginia is the perfect multigenerational family getaway any time of the year. Photo credit: Massanutten Resort Facebook
The resort also has a variety of indoor activities suitable for all ages. For an exciting aquatic experience, explore the resort’s indoor waterpark, complete with water slides and splash pads. Teens can bond with adults as they work together to solve Massanutten Resort’s newly released escape rooms and VR experiences.
If you have a golfer or two in the family, they will delight over Massanutten’s two 18-hole courses with just enough challenge for beginners and advanced players. Choose from the Mountain Greens Golf Course® for steeply terraced fairways and tees, and the Woodstone Meadows Golf Course®, situated at the base of the mountain with scenic views and pristine fairways. Additionally, private and group lessons are available and are led by PGA-trained golf professionals.
For more information, visit Massanutten’s website here: https://www.massresort.com/groups/
Western Virginia Reunion Locations
In the breathtaking West Virginia mountains, groups will discover numerous acres of lakes, state parks and recreational spaces that offer a wealth of activities for families. Stay in the heart of it all at two incredible Virginia locations—Smith Mountain Lake and Wintergreen.
Smith Mountain Lake (Smith Mountain Lake, VA)
Smith Mountain Lake, also known as the “Lake Tahoe of the East,” is a man-made lake renowned for its vibrant natural scenery and its striped bass population along its 500-mile shoreline. Families can experience the region through recreational activities like boating, swimming, or fishing for striped bass, as the Blue Ridge Mountains grace the background of your family reunion photos. Smith Mountain Lake State Park surrounds the area, providing more than 1,100 acres of recreational space for hiking, birdwatching, and aquatic activities.
The region offers many rental opportunities, including townhomes, condos, cabins, hotels, and vacation houses. The state park offers 20 cabins for rent, with two- and three-bedroom options, some with water views, all surrounded by natural beauty.
Tranquil lakeside views from your stay at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Photo credit: Smith Mountain Lake Facebook
Choose from lakefront motel rooms and efficiencies, suites and private cabins at Halesford Harbour Inn. Gills Creek Marina Lodge is another lakefront motel, but it offers kitchenettes. The Smith Mountain Campground offers a modern lakeside cabin that sleeps six. If resort life is what you seek, check out Bernard’s Landing, a lakefront resort offering one-, two- or three-bedroom condos or townhouses, an on-site restaurant, beach, pools, a fitness center, and more. Mariners Landing rents studio apartments, homes, townhouses and condos with up to four bedrooms.
Groups can also rent a houseboat for a unique experience that’s literally on the water. Rent a houseboat from Parrot Cove, offering boats ranging from 39 to 53 feet that can sleep between 6 and 10 people. Houseboats come equipped with a fly bridge, sundeck, barbecue grill, kitchen and linens.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake’s website for all lodging options here: https://smith-mountain-lake.com/vacation-rentals/#sml-resorts
Wintergreen Golf Club & Country Club Resort (Wintergreen, VA)
For an incredible four-season family retreat with on-site amenities and activities for all ages, Wintergreen Resort is a top choice for multigenerational groups. Wintergreen’s lodging options for large parties range from guest rooms to full-size condos and large homes. Vacation houses vary in size and offer 3 to 13 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and full kitchens, with some also featuring fireplaces and hot tubs.
No matter the season, Wintergreen offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and classes, nature excursions, an indoor spa, skiing, tubing, golf, racquet sports lessons, a kids’ adventure center, and more. Create memorable family reunion moments at Wintergreen Resort’s Discovery Ridge Adventure Center, an indoor park where kids and teenagers can experience gem mining, ninja parkour and other thrilling experiences from spring through fall.
Youngsters can participate in Camp Wintergreen, a summer program designed to keep kids engaged, learning about STEAM topics and having fun in nature. Wintertime is a great season to immerse your kids in winter sports. During snowy winters, The Treehouse Program offers group lessons for first-time skiers and snowboarders, organized by age and ability.
Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia, is an incredible property boasting all-ages activities all season long. Photo credit: Wintergreen Resort Facebook
Other nearby attractions include swimming or kayaking in Lake Monocan, a 20-acre body of water offering numerous aquatic activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, aqua cycling, a sandy beach and picnic areas. The park is staffed with a lifeguard and offers a snack bar and equipment rentals.
For the adults, dining at local specialty restaurants such as The Copper Mine and visiting local wineries along the Nelson 151 trail will undoubtedly satisfy the taste buds.
Quiet Gatherings at Plantation Estates
Plantation estates add a historic ambience to your family reunion and are ideal for older groups, history buffs, and those who appreciate historic properties.
Reunite at President James Madison’s birthplace, the Belle Grove Plantation at King George, VA. Comprising four authentic suites, each room is decorated in styles that reflect the passing on of ownership from person to person, illuminating history in every vintage adornment. From the windows, peer out at the vast plantation and ponder the history of the people who once lived here. It is also a short drive from major cities, including Washington, D.C., and award-winning vineyards.
Another excellent plantation house to stay in is the Wilton House in Middlesex, VA. The Wilson House accommodates up to six people and is available for weekend or week-long rentals. Additionally, the property is close to Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia’s Historic Triangle, both of which offer numerous all-ages attractions and activities.
Spread out during your stay at Belle Grove Plantation in Port Conway, VA. Photo credit: Belle Grove Plantation at Port Conway Facebook
Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Virginia Reunion
You’ve picked where you want to stay, but now what? Don’t worry, because we have prepared for you 5 planning tips to avoid a stress-free family reunion.
BONUS: Want budgeting tips to help plan for your family reunion? Click here and download our free guide right now.
1. Timing Considerations
Summer is often the most expensive time to plan family vacations. As a result, airfare and lodging costs increase while availability decreases. Because of this, it is recommended to secure lodging reservations 9-12 months in advance for popular areas.
Thankfully, Virginia has a variety of attractions in every season. In fact, autumn is the best time to have a family reunion in Virginia, when the mountain leaves burn orange and yellow, and the earthy fragrance of the hiking trails is most pronounced.
2. Food Catering
If you are ever unsure what to eat, many areas, such as Smith Mountain Lake, offer specialty foods that are a must-try. Some lodgings, such as Massanutten Resort and Wintergreen Resort, cater to large family reunions. You could also use online food catering services or arrange potluck-style meals.
3. Transportation Tips
When travelling in large groups, it may be convenient to designate a meeting place before taking transportation. Carpooling is one convenient way to transport a large family around the city. Public transit, such as the OmniRide and Virginia Regional Transit, is also an ADA-friendly mode of transportation.
4. Accessibility
If the family includes people with disabilities or older adults, you may also want to identify ADA-compliant lodging and recreational activities to ensure the family reunion is enjoyable for everyone.
5. Weather Prep
Accounting for inclement weather is crucial for a stress-free family reunion. On rainy or snowy days in the winter, it is important to have some plans for staying indoors. While some lodgings offer indoor recreational activities, it is best to pack board games or a deck of cards for family play.
Virginia is for Family Bonding
No matter where you ultimately choose to have your family reunion, Virginia has something for children, teens, adults, seniors, and even your pet, which makes this state one of the best places to reunite with loved ones. From the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains to shimmering lakes and outstanding all-ages activities and attractions, Virginia is a must-visit for people of all interests. Start planning your next reunion today with the help of Destination Reunions.
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