Things to do with kids near Luray, Va

[Anonymous]

We're planning an overnight trip to the Luray area with out kids, aged 2 and 4. We'll be hitting Dinosaur Land, the Shenandoah Discovery Museum and (maybe) the Luray caverns. Is there anything else near there that we should check out?

[Anonymous]

The maze next to Luray caverns is fun.

[Anonymous]

We got to Luray every fall, it's fun but be sure to manage expectations - remember that this is central VA so the museums/exhibits aren't what you're used to in DC

The garden maze next to the caverns (I wouldnt do them with 2/4 year olds) is really fun, you can get tickets just for that

there's a "greenway" along the downtown and river. if the kids bike, bring their bikes along, or roller skates, etc. or it's just a nice place for a walk.

if you're going in the spring, or luck upon nice weather, be sure to go hiking! that's the real atraction down there!

if your kids are into trains, there's an old station & "real" trains come through from time to time.

not great dining down there, we always get sandwhichs from West Main Market though



Have a great time!

[Anonymous]

there's bryce resort for tubing, or river tubing if it's summer

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend the Harrisonburg Children's museum, it is top notch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're planning an overnight trip to the Luray area with out kids, aged 2 and 4. We'll be hitting Dinosaur Land, the Shenandoah Discovery Museum and (maybe) the Luray caverns. Is there anything else near there that we should check out?

You said overnight and unless you meant an "over fortnight" trip, then what you have planned is more than enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We got to Luray every fall, it's fun but be sure to manage expectations - remember that this is central VA so the museums/exhibits aren't what you're used to in DC

The garden maze next to the caverns (I wouldnt do them with 2/4 year olds) is really fun, you can get tickets just for that

there's a "greenway" along the downtown and river. if the kids bike, bring their bikes along, or roller skates, etc. or it's just a nice place for a walk.

if you're going in the spring, or luck upon nice weather, be sure to go hiking! that's the real atraction down there!

if your kids are into trains, there's an old station & "real" trains come through from time to time.

not great dining down there, we always get sandwhichs from West Main Market though



Have a great time!

I am not from central Va but I have been there and the museums are not meant to be on a par with the Smithsonian and other museums in this area. Amoung other things, and very important, they are not funded by the taxpayer. I bet the native Virginians in that area hate people like you who put them down. Next time take your pate and choke on it.

[Anonymous]

You are such a snob, wow! Are you the same poster that can't be friends with people who have not traveled outside of the US?

Anonymous wrote:We got to Luray every fall, it's fun but be sure to manage expectations - remember that this is central VA so the museums/exhibits aren't what you're used to in DC

The garden maze next to the caverns (I wouldnt do them with 2/4 year olds) is really fun, you can get tickets just for that

there's a "greenway" along the downtown and river. if the kids bike, bring their bikes along, or roller skates, etc. or it's just a nice place for a walk.

if you're going in the spring, or luck upon nice weather, be sure to go hiking! that's the real atraction down there!

if your kids are into trains, there's an old station & "real" trains come through from time to time.

not great dining down there, we always get sandwhichs from West Main Market though



Have a great time!

[Anonymous]

We've been to the Luray Zoo as well and had a fun time. Definitely not on the level as DC zoo, but there was a yak in the petting zoo that was a hoot.
We usually go hiking, rafting and horseback riding when we are there, but it's usually warmer.
There are a couple of Delis on main that are great. We also ate at this cheap mexican place that was good.
About 1 1/2 hours from Luray is the Virginia Safari Park. Loved love that but it's another hour and a half drive each way.

[Anonymous]

Shenandoah National Park

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are such a snob, wow! Are you the same poster that can't be friends with people who have not traveled outside of the US?

Anonymous wrote:We got to Luray every fall, it's fun but be sure to manage expectations - remember that this is central VA so the museums/exhibits aren't what you're used to in DC

PP here. I didn't mean to come across snobby, but meant to manage OP's expectations about the museums down there. If I was a snob, I'm not sure I'd go to Luray every year; admit to having done all those attractions and then some (the diner in Hawksbill is our favorite). I also wanted to be sure OP knew not to plan her whole day around Dinosaur Land - it's cute and kitchy, but not going to entertain a 2 and 4 year old more than a few hours.

Interesting that the real judgement came from the two PP who were judging me by my non-judgemental coments!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've been to the Luray Zoo as well and had a fun time. Definitely not on the level as DC zoo, but there was a yak in the petting zoo that was a hoot.
We usually go hiking, rafting and horseback riding when we are there, but it's usually warmer.
There are a couple of Delis on main that are great. We also ate at this cheap mexican place that was good.
About 1 1/2 hours from Luray is the Virginia Safari Park. Loved love that but it's another hour and a half drive each way.

Can you tell me what company you did this through -how would we locate horseback riding there? Sounds fun. Was it a trail ride? If so, a nose-to-tail tame version, or a more adventurous one? thank you

[Anonymous]

We stayed in Shenandoah, VA over MLK weekend, which is fairly close to Luray. Our 3.5 year old son loved the Massanutten Water Park, which is probably 40 minutes away from Luray. I'm usually not a fan of those types of places, but I thought this one was unusually clean and kept up. Of course, we went early in the day, like 10-2, and it was not crowded yet.

In Luray itself, we had a nice meal at the Artisans Grill, http://www.artisansgrill.com/.

[Anonymous]

Re horseback riding, we've ridden with Jordan Hollow Stables. I took my kids so it was a calm trail ride but you can check their website for their offerings. I know Shenandoah Park itself offers rides - half day that must be more adventurous. Jordan Hollow Stables had a lower age limit, so my kids started riding there at the minimum age (I believe 7) and we've just gone back. There are tons of places around there though...and so much cheaper than around here!

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone I'm trying to visit Luray caverns this wknd. but I never been in the dinosaurs land and I don't know where is located can some body help me, and if you can give some tips as well thank you all .