What to do In Shenandoah National Park with Kids
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virginia’s blue ridge mountains are stunning
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Stony man is a great hike with incredible views
If you’re looking for what to do in Shenandoah National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip here. Shenandoah National Park is visited by approximately 1.4 million people annually and covers 199,173 acres of Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains.
Every visitor to Shenandoah National Park should make a stop at one of the park’s 2 visitor centers to get a park map and find an up-to-date weather update or share info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures.
Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more of the beaten path spots. The Dicky Ridge Visitor Center. It is the Northern most visitor center and it is open every single day from 9:00 AM -5:00 PM. The Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center is open the same hours every day, but is the Southern Most visitor center.
To see more photos and videos from our trips to Shenandoah, check out my Instagram Highlight.
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If you are looking for more things to do in Virginia with kids, check out my complete guide to visiting Harpers Ferry!
When to Visit Shenandoah National Park
The peak season of Shenandoah National Park is May through September. During this time you will find throngs of tourists coming to experience Shenandoah’s warmest weather months.
Mid-September through Mid-October is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park to experience cool crisp fall weather and the incredible fall foliage.
The average annual weather for reference - graph courtesy of Google (Click photo for more weather data)
Winter is also a beautiful time to visit. Shenandoah National Park in December is a winter wonderland and a perfect time to get cozy in a cabin.
We have visited Shenandoah in every season. Every season is great, but the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is the fall or spring in my opinion. The cooler weather and the changing leaves gave us a drastically different experience than when we visited in summer. Spring has lower crowds, cooler weather, but still amazing views and gorgeous flowers.
How to get to Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is amazing and it’s convenient to get to from Washington DC and Northern Virginia. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo! this one is right at the Estes Park Entrance
Washington DC to Shenandoah National Park is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 5 hours and 25 minutes
Baltimore to Shenandoah National Park is 2 hours.
New River Gorge National Park to Shenandoah National Park is just under 3 hours.
Richmond to Shenandoah National Park is 1 hour 50 minutes.
There are so many incredible overlooks in shenandoah national park
You can enter Shenandoah National Park from 4 different entrances:
Front Royal (North Entrance) Near Front Royal, Virginia, off of Route 340 (also called Stonewall Jackson Highway).
Thornton Gap. East of Luray, Virginia and west of Sperryville, Virginia.
Swift Run Gap. East of Elkton, Virginia off of US 33.
Rockfish Gap (South Entrance)
READ NEXT: A Complete Guide to Harpers Ferry
Where to Stay in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park Lodge and Cabins
Skyland (mile 41.7)
Skyland offers accommodations which range from premium rooms to small stand alone cabins, preferred and traditional hotel style rooms, suites, and even offer pet friendly rooms.
Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51)
big meadows lodge is always a popular spot in shenandoah national park
Big Meadows Lodge offers a variety of lodging options, from main lodge rooms to small stand alone cabins, preferred and traditional hotel rooms, suites, and even pet friendly rooms. All lodging is within walking distance of the dining room, a small playground, ample parking, the gift shop, and even a really nice short trail called Black Rock.
The lewis mountain cabins are really nice - a little rustic, but super comfy beds and showers with toiletries!
Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5)
Lewis Mountain offers comfortable accommodations to families, couples, or anyone who wants the quiet bliss of Shenandoah National Park. They have one bedroom and two bedroom cabin options. We stayed in a 2-bedroom cabin. I was surprised to see these cabins come equipped with comfortable beds, a Keurig, a bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower with toiletries. They also had a covered picnic table, patio chairs, a bear box, and a fire pit!
We stayed in a 2 bedroom cabin
Shenandoah National Park Camping:
Matthews Arm Campground– Located at mile 22.1 on Skyline Drive. It is closest to the Thornton Gap Entrance, but about midway between there and Front Royal. 165 sites. The fee is $30 per night. All sites include a place for a tent (or RV), a fire ring, and picnic table. Elkwallow Wayside is only two miles away and offers camping supplies and food service.
Lewis Mountain Campground
Big Meadows Campground – Located centrally in the park at mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive. 221 sites with 51 being tent only. Reservations are recommended. The fee is $30 per night. Big Meadows has an on-site camp store, laundry facilities, shower/restroom facilities, food storage lockers, and a dump station.
Lewis Mountain Campground – Located centrally in the park at mile 57.5 on Skyline Drive. 30 sites. This is a first come, first serve campground. The fee is $30 per night. Lewis Mountain has an on-site camp store, laundry facilities, shower/restroom facilities, and food storage locker.
Loft Mountain Campground– Located in the Southern part of the park at mile 79.5 on Skyline Drive. 50 sites. This is a first come, first serve campground. The fee is $30 per night. Loft Mountain has an on-site camp store, laundry facilities, shower/restroom facilities, food storage lockers, and a dump station.
If you are camping with kids, you may want to check out my guide on How to Enjoy Tent Camping with Toddlers or check out my Camping Must Haves!
Swim in waterfalls throughout shenandoah national park
Where to Stay Outside of Shenandoah National Park
While there are several choices on where to stay inside Shenandoah National Park, there are are so many more places to choose from outside the park. Due to Skyline Drive being over 100 miles long, where you stay will depend on your interest on what to do in the park. Use the map below to find hotels, homestays, and RV parks that fit your groups size and budget.
What to do in Shenandoah National Park with Kids
1) Go Hiking in Shenandoah National Park!
The most popular thing to do in Shenandoah National Park is hiking. From difficult hiking to easy; this park has it all. I have put together the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park for kids and adults alike! The hikes listed under “best hikes for toddlers in Shenandoah” and under “best hikes for kids in Shenandoah National Park” are going to be the best Shenandoah National park kid-friendly hikes! The longer, more difficult hikes are listed under “best hikes for teenagers in Shenandoah National Park.”
hiking to old rag. We had a 9 year old, 11 year old, and 18 year old with us.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Shenandoah National Park
Stony Man (DO NOT MISS) (Mile 41.7): This is an easy 1.6 mile trail for all ages. The overlook is incredible too. Be sure to walk around a little and take in the views from both the main overlook and the one off to the right. The Shenandoah Valley looks incredible from here.
The Views from the overlook of stoney man trail are amazing
Hiking along fox hollow trail with 2 toddlers
Limberlost Trail (Mile 43): This very easy 1.3 mile loop trail is made for kids. It is a designated TRACK Trail, featuring a self-guided brochure designed for kids to learn as they walk. We did this trail with 5 young kids in crocs!
Fox Hollow Trail (Mile 4.6): This very easy 1-mile trail is perfect for learning all about Shenandoah National Park and it’s history. Hikers will pass by historic rock walls, a cemetery, and periwinkles planted by former residents of this land. This trail is also a designated TRACK Trail, featuring a self-guided brochure designed for kids.
the rocks at fort wyndam rocks are amazing to climb through!
Frazier Discovery Trail (Mile 79.5): This is a very easy trail with many excellent overlooks.
Fort Wyndham Rocks (Mile 10.4): This very easy 0.8 mile trail is excellent for all ages. It shares a trailhead parking area with Compton Peak. We hiked up with a 3 month old, 6 year old, and 7 year old easily. The rocks are VERY cool to climb around on!
fox hollow trail in fall
Best Hikes for Kids in Shenandoah National Park:
Hiking at Dark hollow falls.
Dark Hollow Falls (DO NOT MISS) (Mile 50.7): This is a moderate 1.4 mile trail. It is moderate due to a 400+ foot decent down to the falls that you will have to climb to get back to the car. We did this trail with 5 young kids with no issue. (Ages 4-9) If you have a toddler, just carry them down - it’s totally worth it when you’re swimming in the cool waters at the bottom of the Dark Hollow Falls. This parking lot does fill quickly, so get there early!
Black Rock Summit (Mile 84.4): This is an easy and short 1-mile Hike. I put it with best hikes for KIDS in Shenandoah because it’s really really fun to climb on the rocks and to be up there for a better view of the Shenandoah Valley. You can do this trail with any age, but the rock scramble (optional) would only be for big kids.
the view from the top of the rock scramble at black rock summit
Bearfence Rock Scramble (Mile 56.4): This moderate 1.1 mile trail has scrambling that is intense (not hard, but constant) This is a really really fun trail for kids, but be aware that the overlook is in the middle of the loop trail at the top of the rocks. I didn’t realize we were at the key view point until we past it. (If you want the view without the scramble, go left at the post and that will make this an out and back trail and EASY - Bearfence Overlook Trail)
Compton Peak (DO NOT MISS) (Mile 10.4): This moderate 2.4 mile trail climbs the whole way to the turn off. (844 feet) At the top you can choose to go right to the overlook or left down to look at columnar jointing - we’ve done both and the views are OK at best at the overlook. I say, go for the rocks! We were all so impressed with this incredible formation!
the impressive columnar jointing on compton peak trail
Hawksbill Summit via Upper Hawksbill (Mile 46.5): This easy 2.1 mile trail brings hikers to the top of Shenandoah’s highest peak! The overlook showcases 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont. (520 foot elevation gain)
Millers Head (Mile 42.5): This is an easy 1.6 mile out and back trail that takes hikers up to an old fire watch platform. The views are incredible from the fire tower.
the kids hiking old rag, dark hollow falls, and fort wyndham rocks!
Chimney Rock (Mile 90): This moderate 3.4 mile out and back trail has a lot of interesting geological features along the way to a nice overlook. (830 feet)
Marys Rock Summit (Mile 31.6): A moderate 3.6 mile trail that takes hikers to a gorgeous overlook. The westward views from the peak showcase the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain.
Rapidan Camp (Mile 52.8): This is a moderate 4 mile trail that takes hikers to the rustic getaway of President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Keep in mind that this hike features three stream crossings, each about eight feet wide. Bring water shoes and do not cross if the water seems dangerous.
climbing rocks on the limberlost trail
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Shenandoah National Park:
Old Rag (DO NOT MISS) : This difficult 9.4-mile hike is said to be the best hike in Shenandoah National Park. It is also one of the most popular. The elevation change is 2,348 feet in the first 4 miles, but this hike is worth the work. There is over a mile of rock scrambles and several places to stop and take in sweeping 360-degree views. You do need reservations to hike this trail. We completed this trail with a 9 year old, 11 year old, and 18 year old.
Hiking old rag is not for the faint of heart - its a really really cool hike tho
Hazel River Falls (Mile 33.5): This difficult 5.3 mile trail takes hikers through a very rugged section of the park. The culmination of this hard work is to sit at the waterfall!
Cedar Run White Oak Circuit (Mile 45.6): This very difficult 8.1 mile hike rewards hikers with many cascades and waterfalls. The fall foliage on this trail is incredible. 2,794 feet elevation change.
While you’re in Virginia, check out other great parks to visit in Virginia.
2) Attend a Ranger Program
Ranger led programs are one of the best ways to learn and get a better understanding of the wonders of Shenandoah. These Ranger programs will share stories of Shenandoah's past, guide a walk through a unique mountain meadow, or teach about the animals and plants that live inside of the park.
the kids attending a ranger program as part of the junior ranger program
Ranger programs are offered in person or online.
UNIQUE TO SHENANDOAH: Don’t miss the Ranger program at Rapidan Camp. This camp is the former summer retreat of President Herbert and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Tours are typically offered in the spring, summer, and fall.
Be sure to Check out my Guides for the Utah National Parks
3) Shenandoah Junior Ranger Program:
Shenandoah National Park has a Junior Ranger Program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Emphasis is placed on park preservation, flora and fauna facts, and environmental education.
The Shenandoah Junior Ranger Badge
When kids complete the Shenandoah National Park Junior Ranger booklet, they earn a badge. Pick up a free Junior Ranger activity booklet at any visitor contact station, discover the park, and become a ranger by earning your badge today! The National Park Junior Ranger program is one of the best family friendly things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
**If you don’t have time to complete the booklet at home, you can complete it at home and mail it in. (This is what we did!)
4) Hike a TRACK Trail
There are three trails in Shenandoah National Park that are TRACK trails. These trails offer a brochure for children to take a long with them to help them connect with nature through hands on exploration. The three TRACK trails in Shenandoah are Black Rock Summit, Limberlost Trail, and Fox Hollow Trail.
doing the Limberlost nature trail
I have visited Rocky Mountain National Park 2 times a Solo Mom Traveler. If you’re wanting to visit as a Solo Parent Traveler, check out my tips for traveling as solo parent.
5) Take a Scenic Drive
The most famous thing to do in Shenandoah National Park is to take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive.
Skyline Drive is a scenic highway in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. This road was completed in 1939 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal projects. Stretching 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and has become a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and tourists. It starts in Front Royal, Virginia and heads down through the Blue Ridge Mountains to Waynesboro, Virginia.
Along skyline drive you will find so many overlooks. Stop at as many or as few as you feel!
Feel free to download this self guided tour of Skyline Drive before you head out on your drive! This audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, so it will share history and information as you move down Skyline Drive
the overlooks in shenandoah are beautiful
6) Go Fishing
There are over 90 streams and rivers that run through Shenandoah National Park. Over 70 of these contain wild fish and most have the native Brooke Trout. Spend a morning or afternoon fishing in Shenandoah National Park - it’s the perfect family activity.
Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid Virginia State fishing license. A state trout license is not needed and there is not a separate park-issued permit required to fish within Shenandoah National Park.
7) Go Horseback Riding
Between May and October, guests can take guided trail rides in Shenandoah National Park. There are over 180 miles of horse trails winding through lush forests, open meadows, and along the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Riders will enjoy stunning vistas and the serenity of the wilderness. The park caters to both seasoned riders and beginners, providing access to guided tours and designated horse camps. This activity not only allows for a closer connection to nature but also echoes the historical significance of horses in the region, where they were once essential for travel and exploration.
Check out Skyline Stables for more information.
This is a panoramic of bear lake rocky mountain national parK with the Rockies in the background. We were in Rocky Mountain National Park in September
8) Take a Guided Tour
Taking a guided tour in Shenandoah National Park is an excellent way to deepen your experience and learn more about the park's diverse offerings. Whether you're cycling along the Skyline Drive on a biking tour, where knowledgeable guides share insights about the park’s history and ecology, or hitting the trails on a guided hike that takes you to hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas, there’s a tour for every interest.
Photography tours offer a chance to capture the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife with the guidance of a professional, ensuring you bring home breathtaking shots. These tours are extremely popular in the fall for the fall foliage.
For those looking to connect with nature in a more tranquil setting, a guided fly-fishing tour on the park's pristine streams provides expert instruction and the opportunity to catch native brook trout. Each of these guided experiences is designed to help you appreciate Shenandoah’s beauty and natural heritage in a unique and unforgettable way.
Check out all of the authorized Tour Companies in Shenandoah National Park.
If you're planning a family trip to Shenandoah National Park, rest assured there's no shortage of kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. From hiking kid-approved trails to endless gorgeous overlooks and enjoying a scenic picnic with breathtaking views, Shenandoah has something for every age.
compton peak trail is an unique spot in shenandoah national park
As a mom who's visited this park countless times with my own kids, I can promise Shenandoah National Park will leave your family with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the great outdoors. Being only 1.5 hours away, it’s the perfect day trip from Washington DC!
Shenandoah National Park is the perfect backdrop for a family getaway that combines fun, education, and the beauty of nature. Happy exploring!
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