Family standing next to bright pink cherry blossom trees
Itinerary

A Family Weekend in Lynchburg, Virginia

Kid-approved fun, delicious bites, and unforgettable memories in the Hill City.
Itinerary Overview

From kid-friendly restaurants and interactive museums to scenic overlooks and creative play, Lynchburg has plenty of ways for families to explore, learn, and laugh together. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or planning a special getaway, these three days are filled with fun for all ages. Before you start your adventure, check out our How to Get Around Lynchburg guide for parking tips, bike rentals, and easy ways to explore the city stress-free.


1 Day
Daily Breakdown
1
Day 1 – All Kids Love Pizza!
3:00 PM
Arrive & Settle In

📍 Your Choice of Lodging

Pick the kids up from school and hit the road for a family getaway to Lynchburg. Once you arrive, check into your hotel or vacation rental — from cozy downtown stays like The Virginian Hotel or Craddock Terry Hotel to family-friendly options like Hilton Garden Inn or Comfort Inn & Suites, there’s something for every style and budget.

6:00 PM
Dinner: Pizza Night in the Hill City

📍 Downtown or Boonsboro Road

Kick off your weekend with a dinner everyone will agree on — pizza! Lynchburg’s pizza scene has something for every taste. Enjoy fire-roasted pizza at Waterstone Pizza, handmade slices at Rivermont Pizza, huge slices at Benny’s, or classic options at Macado’s. Each offers a kid-friendly menu and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for family dining.

7:30 PM
Evening Stroll on the Bluffwalk

📍 Downtown Lynchburg

After dinner, take a walk along the Bluffwalk, a pedestrian promenade offering sweeping views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. As the sun sets and the city lights reflect on the water, it’s the perfect way to wind down your first night together.

9:00 PM
Back to the Hotel

📍 Lodging

Return to your room, settle the kids in, and get ready for a full day of family fun tomorrow!

2
Day 2 – An Amazing Day!
8:00 AM
Breakfast in Town

📍 Market at Main or My Dog Duke’s Diner

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast to power up for the day ahead. Try Market at Main for Southern-style favorites or My Dog Duke’s Diner for kid-approved classics (and fun décor!).

9:30 AM
Amazement Awaits at Amazement Square

📍 27 Ninth Street, Lynchburg, VA

Spend the morning exploring Amazement Square, Lynchburg’s award-winning hands-on children’s museum. With four floors of interactive exhibits, your kids can paint on the walls, make it rain, float boats down the James River model, or climb through the four-story Amazement Tower — the tallest indoor climbing structure in the U.S.!

12:30 PM
Lunch Downtown

📍 Downtown Dining District

When everyone’s worked up an appetite, grab lunch nearby. Downtown Lynchburg has plenty of walkable options — try The Water Dog for fresh oysters and tacos with a riverfront view, or Bootleggers for gourmet burgers, fries, and craft brews in a lively setting.

2:00 PM
Afternoon Fun: Movies or Escape Rooms

📍 Academy Center of the Arts / Riverviews Artspace / One Way Out Escape Room

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing movie at the Academy Center of the Arts or Riverviews Artspace, both of which host special film events throughout the year. For a more hands-on challenge, test your family’s teamwork at One Way Out Escape Room — it’s like a video game brought to life!

5:30 PM
Dinner & Relaxation

📍 Downtown

End your day with an easy dinner before heading back to your room. Try Depot Grille for comfort food by the river.

3
Day 3 – Munch & Learn
9:00 AM
Sleep In & Enjoy Brunch

📍 The White Hart Café

After a busy Saturday, let everyone sleep in! Then treat yourselves to a delicious brunch at Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge.

11:00 AM
Explore the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center

📍 901 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA

Before heading home, take some time to learn about the city that hosted your weekend. Visit the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center, located atop Monument Terrace in the historic Old Courthouse. Exhibits span three floors, featuring displays like Lynchburg & the Vietnam War and Lynchburg Life, which tells the story of the city’s distinctive neighborhoods and districts.

1:00 PM
Lunch Before You Leave

📍 Downtown or Timberlake Road

Enjoy one last Lynchburg meal before your drive home — savor authentic, slow-smoked barbecue from County Smoak, or grab sandwiches and a river view at The Water Dog overlooking the James.

2:00 PM
Depart for Home

With full bellies and happy hearts, head home from your family adventure in Lynchburg. Safe travels, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for your next visit!

Featured In This Itinerary
The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
A centerpiece of downtown Lynchburg since 1913, The Virginian was thoughtfully restored to its historic grandeur and refreshed with modern amenities. Walk to restaurants and shops, stroll along the James […]
View more about The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center
Located along the James River in downtown Lynchburg, Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center is a boutique hotel and event venue housed in a restored historic shoe factory. The property […]
View more about Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center
Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg
Offering a full-service hotel experience, Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg features an on-site restaurant and bar, indoor pool and spa, fitness center, business center, and flexible meeting space for conferences, weddings, […]
View more about Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg
Comfort Inn & Suites Lynchburg Airport – University Area
Comfort Inn & Suites Lynchburg Airport – University Area is a locally-owned hotel conveniently located near Lynchburg Regional Airport, Liberty University, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Guests can enjoy amenities […]
View more about Comfort Inn & Suites Lynchburg Airport – University Area
Waterstone Pizza
Waterstone Pizza is an upscale-casual downtown Lynchburg restaurant known for hand-tossed, fire-roasted pizzas made in a stone oven. The menu also includes pasta, sandwiches, salads, and shareable appetizers such as […]
View more about Waterstone Pizza
Rivermont Pizza
Rivermont Pizza is a neighborhood restaurant known for specialty pizzas, subs, salads, and appetizers, along with a rotating selection of more than 20 beers on tap. The menu features over […]
View more about Rivermont Pizza
Benny’s Pizza – Lynchburg
Benny’s serves giant New York-style pizza slices in a casual downtown setting. Known for its oversized 28-inch pizzas, cold beer, and laid-back atmosphere, the restaurant is a popular stop for […]
View more about Benny’s Pizza – Lynchburg
Macado’s
Macado’s is a longtime local favorite known for its overstuffed sandwiches, extensive menu, and walls filled with vintage memorabilia and pop culture collectibles. Located near Liberty University, the restaurant serves […]
View more about Macado’s
The Bluffwalk
The Bluffwalk is a pedestrian walkway providing views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Located between Jefferson and Commerce Streets, a stroll along the […]
View more about The Bluffwalk
Market At Main – Downtown
Market at Main is a historic breakfast and lunch spot known for classic Southern cooking. The menu features traditional diner favorites, including hearty breakfast plates, biscuits, sandwiches, and daily lunch […]
View more about Market At Main – Downtown
My Dog Duke’s Diner
My Dog Duke’s Diner is a dog-themed breakfast and brunch spot serving all-day breakfast, specialty coffee, and comfort food in a lively, casual setting. Popular dishes include breakfast skillets, chicken […]
View more about My Dog Duke’s Diner
Amazement Square
At Amazement Square, learning comes to life through four floors of hands-on exhibits and interactive fun in the heart of downtown Lynchburg. As Virginia’s first Certified Autism Center, the award-winning […]
View more about Amazement Square
The Water Dog
Located along the James River, The Water Dog pairs a large selection of craft beer with a menu of oysters, burgers, sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and shareable appetizers. Indoor and outdoor […]
View more about The Water Dog
Bootleggers
Located along downtown Lynchburg’s scenic Bluffwalk, Bootleggers is a vibrant, speakeasy-inspired restaurant famous for custom-ground craft burgers and seasonal adult milkshakes. Hidden down a lower-level alley entrance, it features a […]
View more about Bootleggers
Academy Center of the Arts
The Academy Center of the Arts serves as LYH’s anchor for arts, culture, and community building. Located in downtown Lynchburg, the multi-venue campus features the restored 1905 Historic Academy of […]
View more about Academy Center of the Arts
Riverviews Artspace
Riverviews Artspace is a contemporary art center on the riverfront housed in a renovated warehouse, combining free public galleries, working artist studios, workshops, and creative businesses under one roof. It […]
View more about Riverviews Artspace
One Way Out Escape Rooms
One Way Out Escape Room features six unique, in-house designed escape adventures, including train robberies, time travel quests, fantasy challenges, and mystery-filled expeditions. Teams have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, […]
View more about One Way Out Escape Rooms
Depot Grille
Located along the downtown riverfront, Depot Grille is a railroad-themed restaurant serving a wide variety of American fare in a unique historic setting. The restaurant features an antique bar and […]
View more about Depot Grille
Breakfast and lunch sandwiches on table at Tiger Sun
Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge
Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge in Lynchburg offers a multicultural menu blending Asian fusion, Polish, and Haitian influences. The space transitions from daytime brunch and casual dining to a late-night […]
View more about Tiger Sun Restaurant & Lounge
Exterior of the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
Welcome to Lynchburg, Virginia! The Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center is the city’s official visitor center and a great starting point for exploring Lynchburg. Located in the historic Old Court […]
View more about Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
County Smoak BBQ
County Smoak is a locally-owned barbecue restaurant serving smoked meats, Southern-inspired sides, and Virginia-sourced ingredients. Founded by championship pitmaster Ken Hess and chef Jessica Hess, the restaurant blends flavors and […]
View more about County Smoak BBQ