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From cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and hundreds of backcountry hiking trails, Shenandoah National Park with kids is a paradise for outdoor loving families. Stretching alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Shenandoah is one of most family accessible national parks in the country, with access to a plethora of stunning overlook views only a couple steps from your car.
My daughter and I recently visited Shenandoah, and despite the on and off rain the day we visited, we were able to explore many of the family friendly trails and take in the stunning overlook views.
We have compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Shenandoah for you to make your trip planning stress-free!
About Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is stunning park of just about 200,000 acres in Virginia that runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah is located about 75 miles West of Washington, DC, a welcomed nature escape from the city. Shenandoah was named a national park in December 1935.
Prior to becoming a national park, Shenandoah was a heavily settled area. The state of Virginia acquired over 1,000 privately owned areas and donated the land to be turned into a park. The ruins of some of these homesteads can still be seen in the park today.
A 105 mile highway, Skyline Drive, is one of the park’s main features. It was built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and provides access to hundreds of hiking trails and 75 stunning overlook views.
The park is unofficially divided into three sections. The North section runs from the Front Royal station to Thornton Gap (about 31 miles). This section of the park contains some of the most secluded areas of the park.
The Central part of the park is the most popular part of the park. It runs from Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap (about 34 miles). The Southern section of the park runs from Swift Run Gap to Rockfish Gap (about 40 miles) and is the least visited section of the park.
Shenandoah National Park is an area filled with lots of culture and history that offers an outdoor paradise for hikers, campers, or those just looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
When To Visit Shenandoah National Park With Kids
Shenandoah is a beautiful area to visit any time of year and the best time to visit will depend entirely on what you are looking for. For the warmest temperatures visit between May and September.
If you are looking to see the incredible fall foliage and some milder temperatures, plan to visit from mid-September to mid-October. Spring time is good for milder temperatures and wildflowers.
Shenandoah is also a great place to visit in the winter, if you don’t mind the cold. Winter activities in Shenandoah include hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Skyline Drive may be closed in winter if the roads are icy/snowy, so be sure to check before your visit.
Park Entrances
There are four park entrances into Shenandoah National Park.
- Front Royal Entrance: Northern entrance, closest to Washington D.C. (milepost .06)
- Thornton Gap Entrance: Along Highway 211 near Luray, VA (milepost 31.5)
- Swift Run Entrance: Along Highway 33 near Harrisonbug, VA (milepost 65.7)
- Rockfish Gap Entrance: Southern entrance near Waynesboro, VA (milepost 105.4)
Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive
One of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park with kids is to explore Skyline Drive. From the drive, you have access to 75 overlooks, hiking trails, and historic sites.
Skyline Drive is 105 miles of road stretching through the heart of Shenandoah National Park. The speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph because of the curves, wildlife, and hikers that frequent the area. Plus, you won’t want to miss the scenery!
If you are driving straight through, you can get through Skyline Drive in about 3 hours. If you want to stop, plan on more time to explore. You could spend the entire day, or multiple days exploring Skyline Drive.
Along Skyline Drive you will find three waysides, or gift shop/camp shop/restaurant combos. The waysides are spread evenly throughout the park, about 25 miles apart. They are located at Loft Mountain, Big Meadows, and Elkwallow. The Big Meadows Wayside has a gas station, the only one found in the park.
Check Out The Visitor Centers
There are two main visitor centers in the park-The Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center and the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. The Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center is located at Big Meadows, in the center of the park, at mile marker 51.
The visitor center has a bookstore, ranger station, exhibits on the history of the park, restrooms, and an viewing area overlooking the Big Meadows area. Near the visitor center you will find Big Meadows Wayside, a camp store, restaurant, and gift shop.
The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is near the Northern Front Royal Entrance. The visitor center has a bookstore, a movie about the park, some exhibits, and restrooms.
Join a Ranger Led Program
Shenandoah National Park offers ranger led programs that teach you about the history of the park, the park’s plant life, the park’s wildlife, and takes you through Shenandoah’s unique landscape.
The park has ranger programs designed specifically for children, such as the Young Naturalist’s Ranger Program. Programs are typically offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Be sure to check the park’s site for information on programs before your visit.
In addition to the ranger led programs, the park also offers a junior ranger program designed for kids from kindergarten to 8th grade. Pick Up a booklet at the visitor center and when complete return it for a special badge.
Take in the Views from The Overlooks
Shenandoah National Park is full of jaw dropping views, with plenty of overlooks along Skyline Drive. The best views are found in the center of the park, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap. There are 75 overlooks accessible without a hike.
The overlooks are easily accessible off of Skyline Drive, making it possible for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the jaw dropping views the park has to offer.
While all the overlooks offer unique views worthy of visiting, with 75 overlooks it is impossible to recommend or see them all. We recommend stopping at the following overlooks:
- Range View Overlook (Milepost 17)-offers panoramic mountain views.
- Bucks Hollow Overlook (Milepost 32.8) – great for viewing the sunrise with views of Skinner Ridge, Buck Ridge and Hazel Mountain and in the distance the town of Sperryville.
- Pinnacles Overlook (Milepost 35)-offers panoramic mountain views.
- Thorofare Mountain Overlook (Milepost 40.5)-good for watching the sunrise, with views of Hazel Mountain, Thorofare Mountain, Robertson Mountain and Old Rag. It is also the highest point on Skyline Drive.
- The Point Overlook (milepost 55.3)-one of the best viewpoints in the park. Good for sunset viewing.
- Bacon Hollow Overlook (milepost 68.9)-good for watching the sunrise. This overlook is close to the Swift Run Gap entrance.
- Rockytop Overlook (milepost 77.8)-one of the best stops for views of mountain peaks in the distance.
- Moormans River Overlook (milepost 92)- offers stunning views of the valley, mountains, and the Moorman River.
Go For a Hike
Hiking is one of the top things to do in the park. Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, with plenty of easier options for families with small children and more difficult options for more advanced hikers.
Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of trails through forested areas, rock scrambles, unique geological features, and some remnants of the people that once lived in the area.
For families with young children looking for an easy hike, Bearfence Mountain is a good choice. At only 1.1 miles round trip, this hike offers 360 degree views at the summit.
Stony Man is another excellent option that takes you to the second highest peak in the park. The elevation gain is only about 360 ft., making it doable even for younger children.
If you want to hike to the highest point in the park, take the Upper Hawksbill Trail. The trail is 2.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 500 ft. Alternatively, the Lower Hawksbill Trail is a little shorter, at 1.5 miles round trip, but with a steeper elevation gain.
Another highlight of hiking in Shenandoah National Park with kids is you will be hiking along the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking trail in the world, stretching 2,193 miles from Maine to Georgia. Some of the park trails run along the Appalachian Trail, including Stony Man, Bearfence Mountain Trail, and Marys Rock.
Visit a Waterfall
Shenandoah National Park is home to a large variety of small and larger waterfalls. Reaching the waterfalls is fairly easy, but all of them come with a steep incline back up to your car, so be prepared for that.
Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls. The hike is short at just 1.4 miles round trip (with a steep climb back up). Lands Run Falls is another easy hike at just 1.3 miles round trip and an elevation gain of 325 ft. Lands Run Falls is a smaller waterfall and may be dry in drier seasons.
Rose River Falls is another good option, but it might be more suitable for older children. It is longer at 4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 910 ft. You can add on Dark Hollows Falls with only an extra 0.25 miles, a great combo option.
Catch a Sunrise
If you are anything like me, waking up early does not exactly sound like fun. Unless, of course, its to catch the glistening colors rising in the sky as the sun peaks it head up above the horizon. Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to do this!
Watching a sunrise from one of Shenandoah’s many overlooks is one of the best and most scenic things to do in the park. Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise to account for changing light, fog in the valleys, and slower driving conditions.
Some of the best sunrise spots are along Skyline Drive between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap. Some good options include Tunnel Parking Overlook, Buck Hollow Overlook, Hazel Mountain Overlook, and Thorofare Mountain Overlook.
Catch a Sunset
Equally as exciting as catching the sunrise is catching a sunset in Shenandoah National Park with kids. Skyline Drive has overlooks facing both east and west, making it possible to catch gorgeous views of both the sunset and sunrise.
Some of the best overlooks to catch the sunset include the Signal Knob Overlook, the Gooney Manor Overlook, the Hogback Overlook (more North facing, but still offering some great sunset views), Stony Man Overlook, and the Point Overlook, which is one of the best overlooks for watching the sunset.
Be sure to arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to ensure you don’t miss it! Bring some blankets or chairs, or sit on the rocks, and take your time enjoying the views!
Visit in the Fall For Stunning Fall Foliage
The fall months are one of the best times to visit Shenandoah National Park with kids. Fall foliage will be in full swing and you will be treated to breathtaking blends of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Peak fall foliage is hard to predict because of the 100+ miles the park spans and the changes in elevation. October is generally the best month for leaf peaking. Shenandoah National Park does a great job of keeping everyone updated on foliage status, so be sure to check their site when planning your trip.
Be warned, though, with the dazzling colors comes huge crowds. Fall in Shenandoah is one of the busiest times of the year, so be prepared for lots of traffic and crowds. Plan extra time for driving and plan on having a much more difficult time finding parking at the overlooks.
Go Stargazing
With some of the darkest night skies in the country, star gazing is a popular activity in Shenandoah National Park with kids. The park is also open 24 hours a day, making it a great destination for stargazing.
Big Meadows, the large open meadow near the center of the park, is a great place for seeing night sky features like the Milky Way and thousands of stars. The amphitheater in the Skyland area is another great option for stargazing.
Make it a game with your children and see how many constellations you can find. Visit during one of the year’s meteor showers to catch shooting stars (and don’t forget to make a wish!).
If you’d prefer, you can also join a Ranger Led star party at Big Meadows. You will just want to be sure to check times/dates the program is offered before your visit.
Go Backcountry Camping
Back-country camping is an excellent way to explore Shenandoah National Park with kids and really experience its nature firsthand. It is also a good place for a first backpacking/backcountry camping experience for families because of the well-maintained trails and mild elevation gains compared to other national parks.
Back-country camping will give your family a remote experience and allow you to introduce your child or expand on basic outdoor and survival skills. You will have the chance to get away from the crowds and simply appreciate the park around you.
A permit is required for backcountry camping in Shenandoah National Park. The NPS offers an interactive map for exploring where backcountry camping is and isn’t permitted inside the park. You will also want to make sure you are prepared with basic camping guidelines, wildlife guidelines, and park regulations.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park with kids. Common wildlife sightings in the park include black bears and white-tailed deer, with over 50 mammals present in the park. You will also find various bird species.
Big Meadows (a large open meadow) is a common spot for wildlife sightings, especially at dawn/dusk. When driving Skyline Drive, you will also want to keep your eye open for bears and other wildlife that might be crossing or hanging out on the side of the road.
Always be sure to follow wildlife viewing safety guidelines, especially bear safety guidelines, when visiting Shenandoah National Park.
Go Tubing or Kayaking
While there are no opportunities for tubing or kayaking within park boundaries, you can find opportunities to get out on the water in the nearby Shenandoah River. The river is about 40 min. outside of the Front Royal entrance.
Front Royal Outdoors offers relaxing tubing adventures, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding. Kids as young as 5 can join a tubing trip, while kids as young as 6 can enjoy kayaking and canoeing, and kids as young as 4 can join a rafting trip.
Take a Side Trip to Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is located just outside of Shenandoah National Park in Luray, VA. During our trip to the park, we stayed in Luray, solely with the purpose of visiting the caverns.
Luray Caverns is the largest cavern system in the Eastern US. You can take a self guided tour of the caverns or join a guided Discovery tour. The guided tour is around an hour long and includes an in-depth history of the caverns and a “Story of Luray Caverns” booklet.
Along with exploring the caverns, you can also explore the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, the Shenandoah Heritage Village, Toy Town Junction, gem stone mining, the garden maze, the Luray Carillon Singing Tower, and the Rope Adventure Park.
Luray Caverns is open year round. Be sure to check current hours and prices when planning your visit.
Visit Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge is a state Park in Virginia that is a little out of the way, but worth mentioning and worth the drive if you have the time. We actually stopped here on our way home from Gatlinburg (we went from Shenandoah to Gatlinburg and then back to New York) and I am glad we didn’t miss it!
Natural Bridge was only named a state park in 2016, but has a long history. The area served as an ancient sacred site for the Native American Monacan tribe. Natural Bridge was also frequented by historic figures, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who is said to have carved his initials into the bridge.
There are plenty of hiking options within the park that are family friendly. The Cedar Creek Trail takes you to a 215 ft. tall natural bridge sitting in a limestone gorge. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip. The trail to Natural Bridge is mostly flat, but there are 137 steps that you have to climb down.
Once you reach the bridge and have finished admiring, continue on the trail. A little further up, you will come upon a recreation of a Monacan Indian Village. After this you will come to Saltpeter Cave (you can’t go inside) and Lace Falls.
After you complete this hike, there are other options if you are up for more hiking. The Buck Hill Trail is a 1.8 mile trail that goes to the Natural Bridge Caverns. The Blue Ridge Trail is a 3.3 miles round trip trail that goes by the Red Knob Overlook. The Skyline Trail is a 0.6 mile trail that takes you around Jefferson Point.
Where to Stay When Visiting Shenandoah National Park
When visiting Shenandoah National Park, there are several options for accommodations. Some of them, like camping and cabins, will keep you close to nature, while others offer more traditional accommodations.
Camp in the Park
Camping with kids in Shenandoah National Park is one of the best ways to truly experience all that the park has to offer. Shenandoah National Park has 5 campgrounds available, that are open from early spring to late fall.
Lodging Options in the Park
Shenandoah National Park offers some lodging options within the park. The historic Skyland Resort is a lodge located at the top of Skyline Drive near the Big Meadows area. The Big Meadows Lodge is another centrally located lodging option within Shenandoah National Park. Lewis Mountain Cabins are a more remote option when staying in Shenandoah National Park.
Luray
Luray is positioned near the central entrance of Shenandoah National Park (Thornton Gap Entrance), making it a great option for lodging. It is also where Luray Caverns are located, a good side trip when visiting Shenandoah.
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg is a city about a half hour to 40 minutes outside of Shenandoah National Park. Harrisonburg offers a good variety of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions along with a wide selection of traditional accommodation options.
Making Your Trip to Shenandoah National Park With Kids Sustainable
It is always important to take simple actions to make a trip more sustainable, regardless of the destination. When visiting national parks and other outdoor destinations, it is especially important to implement these actions to protect the environment and wildlife in the area.
When visiting Shenandoah National Park with kids, some simple things you can do to make your trip more sustainable include:
- Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles
- Always stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and protect sensitive ecosystems in the park
- Follow all wildlife viewing guidelines, including maintaining recommended distances from wildlife at all times and never feeding wildlife
- Pack reusable items like water bottles and food storage containers
- Do not litter! Always throw out or carry out all trash
- Use eco-friendly sunscreen and bug spray when possible
- Be sure to teach your kids the importance of respecting the environment and wildlife, and why their actions matter
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Do I Need in Shenandoah National Park?
You can explore the highlights of the park and do 1-2 short hikes in one day, but if you want to explore more of the trails/longer hikes you will need at least 2-3 days.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park?
Skyline Drive takes a minimum of three hours to drive through, and this is without stopping. If you plan on stopping at the overlooks and going for a hike or two, plan for an entire day.
Where Should I Stay When Visiting Shenandoah National Park?
There are several towns located around Shenandoah National Park, including Front Royal, Luray, and Harrisonburg. You can also stay within the park at one of their lodges or campsites. Choose the one that best fits with your itinerary.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park
The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park depends on what you are looking to experience. For the warmest weather, visit in the summer months. For the stunning fall foliage, visit in the fall months. If you are a winter lover, visit during the winter months to enjoy winter activities in the park.
What are the hours for Shenandoah National Park?
Shenandoah National Park is open 24/7.
Is there a fee to enter Shenandoah National Park?
There is a $30 fee per vehicle at the time this post was written. Always be sure to check the park’s website for up to date information. You can also use the America is Beautiful pass to gain entrance.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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