If you want to travel with Virginia kids, there are 8 top family resorts to consider!
Looking for a fun, family-friendly vacation in Virginia? You are in the right place! This beautiful state has been calling home for over a decade and is packed with amazing family resorts perfect for year-round adventures and memory-making with kids. My boys love nothing but the excitement that comes with a special weekend.
Whether your crew loves outdoor adventures, cozy indoor fun, or relaxation away from the everyday life of the house, Virginia has resorts for all kinds of travelers. Explorer, Chillseeker, history lover, and non-stop family fan lover.
When planning a family trip, I want to study what to expect. To make it easier, I rounded up some of my favourite family resorts in Virginia and helped me plan a less stressful, more fun trip.
8 Family Resorts in Virginia
Virginia has so many great places and plenty of family-friendly options. There are also four solid seasons, so there are resorts that are perfect for each year. The weather is fairly calm all year round, making it a great place for a family vacation, whether you’re planning a summer adventure or a cozy winter escape.
And if your crew loves the outdoors, Virginia is a dream for nature lovers, with hiking trails, beaches, lakes and parks.
Is Virginia worth a visit for your family?
yes! Virginia is one of the top US families destinations and for good reason. From exciting trips to places like Bush Gardens theme parks and more, to hands-on history lessons in colonial Williamsburg, there’s a connection with the kids.
I always want to make sure there is a lot to do in my property as I need a room for bored kids to roam around in my hotel room. These resorts are packed with fun amenities and activities so you don’t have to worry about planning all the details.
What is the best family-friendly resort in Virginia?
Homestead
We took the boys to Homestead a few years ago in the week we left out and they had the best time! The trip was a very enjoyable mix of activities and pool time and our room was very cozy. Homestead is great in the summer, for all the pools and holidays (they even have miniski slopes).
The outdoor pool area was a huge hit. There is a lazy river, three water slides and plenty of room for kids to splash out. And on rainy days there is a beautiful historic indoor pool.
We also checked out the arcade, played a bit of mini golf, bowled, watched movies in the theatre, enjoyed afternoon tea, and watched the family on horseback riding tours.
And when you’re ready for adult downtime, Hot Springs and Spa is the most dreamy and most dreamy way to recharge. Plus: Golf!
Mapping it: Directions to Homestead
Thunderling Resort
If you want to go to the beach but don’t want to pay for 5 figures for a beach outing, Thunderling Resort is where you should go. It’s actually a place where Thomas and I got engaged, so it always has a special place in my heart! Technically it’s in North Carolina, but it’s crossing the border so it feels like you’re still in Virginia!
Cozy, coastal-inspired rooms and fantastic ocean views make this the perfect blend of beach trip fun and hotel convenience. Make a sand castle or jump over the waves with the kids, then wrap it up with a sunset dinner at a local restaurant nearby (a lot of good stuff!).
One of the pools is for adults only and the other is for children, so book a room on the south side of the property. They also have walk-out rooms so you can get in and out of the pool area very quickly! There’s no need to bring beach chairs or umbrellas either – they have them.
Mapping: Directions to Thunderling Resort
Green Brier
Crossing the borders of West Virginia, there is Green Briar, also known as the American resort, essentially a classic definition of elegance. Think of timeless charm, vintage vibes and all the amenities you can dream of in one beautiful place. Thomas does, but I haven’t gone yet and we have it on our list of places to take our kids as quickly as possible!
From vast golf courses and luxurious spas for adults to full bowling alleys for kids and plenty of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. There is an entire adventure zone designed for kids, aerial adventure courses, indoor pools, arcades, bike rentals, escape rooms (!), fishing, and more.
If you happen to have no children or are with older children who can wander, parents can sneak into a lively casino or enjoy cocktails at the bar. It’s a stay worth splurge!
Mapping: Directions to Green Briar
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg is a complete dream for the family. It’s like a child’s paradise and a parent’s best friend. With a huge indoor water park that includes water slides, lazy rivers and even a surf simulator, it’s the perfect escape regardless of the season (rain, sparkle, and fun continues!). We love going in the middle of winter – look for deals! We loved the two-tier room suite with fun spaces for the kids.
If you had enough water park, there is Maggieek (children’s love in interactive adventure games), mini bowling, and a very fun arcade that takes all your money – haha. The food options are also very family friendly. Even the most picky little eaters have plenty of options. Bring some breakfast food or get a box of donuts on-site!
The room is also a hit for kids. Some are decorated like a cozy little cabin, so you’ll get your own fun space to relax. There is a nightly dance party that is fun for adults as well as kids.
Mapping: Directions to Great Wolf Lodge
Massanutten Resort
Hidden in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the Masanotten Resort is a year-round gem packed with activities for the whole family. Whether you visit during sunny seasons or snowy months, there is always something fun to do. We didn’t stay overnight, but we spent the day in a big water park there.
In the warm months, you can bump into indoor and outdoor pools and tee off on mountain biking, zip lining, hiking or golf courses. And when winter rolls, fun goes to indoor water parks, snow tubes, skiing. It’s really a playground for four seasons.
After a day of adventure, end with a relaxing massage at the spa and check out one of the resort’s fun on-site classes (perfect for learning new skills or just switching between things!).
Mapping: Directions to Massanutten Resort
Gaston Lake Resort
I’ve never been to this resort, but have been to Lake Gaston and it’s a great lake for swimming and boating! Gaston Lake Resort is one of the perfect no-frills places for families who want to absorb nature without completely trolling. Set on the shore of a peaceful 20 acre lake, it has just the right mix of running water and bathroom outdoor adventures and bathrooms for those who want to sleep in real beds (it’s me!). There are several accommodation options from the Lake Front Motel, accommodations where you can bring your RV with you or set up a tent at the campsite outdoors.
Challenge your entire family to bowl or play on an outdoor pool, arcade or tennis court. There are also hiking trails and Sandy Lake Beach to explore to relax and build a building.
It’s modest, budget-friendly, and there’s a lot to do. This allows everyone to slacken, unleash and enjoy the classic family fun.
Mapping: Directions to Gaston Lake Resort
Winter Green Resort
Inside the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain, Winter Green Resort is the perfect escape throughout the year for families who love small adventures mixed with relaxation. Stay at Mountain Inn, rent a condo or house, and access amenities and dining options.
In winter, it’s all about skiing, snowboarding and tubes with options for all skill levels, including group lessons for beginners. However, as the temperature warms, the wintergreen changes completely. You can hit golf courses, try your hand with fly fishing, explore hiking trails, or take a dip in the pool.
If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss out on the live music event! The Jubilee and Memorial Day Festival in July is always full of energy, great songs and fun for the whole family.
Mapping: Directions to Wintergreen Resort
King’s Mill Resort
Along the scenic James River, Kings Mill Resort is the perfect mix of classic charm and modern luxury, all hidden in a luxurious natural setting. We haven’t done it yet, but this is another on our list!
You can choose from cozy rooms or head out in the Riverfront Cottage (great views!). Kings Mill is known for its water activities. In addition to three pools (outdoor, indoor, a big lazy river!), there are also paddleboarding, fishing, jet skiing, pontoon boating and bicycle rentals. Plus Golf and the site spa!
Colonial Williamsburg and Bush Garden are the perfect add-ons to stay at Kings Mill!
Mapping: Directions to Kings Mill Resort
Plan your next family vacation in Virginia with confidence!
You can’t go wrong with any of these great resorts. They are all packed with fun, family-friendly activities, cozy spots to relax, and just the right mix of adventure and relaxation for the whole family.
