Winter Family Fun in LYH

Fresh air, cozy layers, and a little adventure—winter in Lynchburg is the perfect time to get outside with the family. From scenic trails to snowy slopes, these outdoor spots make cold days fun and memorable.

• Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre – Ski, snowboard, or tube year-round! Slopes for every skill level, including a gentle beginner run perfect for the littlest adventurers. Cozy up in the lodge afterward and enjoy a warm snack or drink.
• Stop at Bikes Unlimited to rent bikes and gear. Then ride the flat, scenic Percival’s Island Trails from downtown over the James River. Enjoy peaceful views of wetlands and woodlands along the way.
• Explore Blackwater Creek Trail, a winter-friendly trail perfect for a leisurely stroll or a short hike. Take in the quiet forest scenery, and don’t forget to warm up with a specialty coffee from nearby Nomad Coffee!
• Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest – Explore historic grounds, stroll the winter trails, and tour the beautifully preserved home. It’s a wonderful combination of outdoor activity and a peek into history.

For year-round outdoor fun in LYH, check out our blog!

When it’s chilly outside, bring the energy indoors! These spots are perfect for bouncing, skating, climbing, and playing, keeping the whole family entertained no matter the weather.

• Super Rad Arcade – A retro arcade experience that’s fun for both kids and adults! With classic games that spark nostalgia for parents and exciting gameplay for younger visitors, Super Rad offers a lively, all-ages atmosphere and a throwback arcade feel that makes it a favorite stop for families exploring Downtown LYH.
• Amazement Square – A multi-level, hands-on children’s museum filled with interactive exhibits focused on science, art, history, and imaginative play. Kids can climb, build, create, and explore throughout the museum. Amazement Square is also a Certified Autism Center, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for families of all abilities.
• Get Air Trampoline Park –  A high-energy indoor park featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and ninja-style obstacles. Designed for a wide range of ages, Get Air is a favorite for kids who need to move and burn off energy.
• LaHaye Ice Center – Open to the public for skating sessions, this full-size ice rink is also home to Liberty University hockey. Families can enjoy open skate times or catch a Flames hockey game for a classic winter activity.
• Hill City AquaZoo – A hands-on indoor zoo and aquarium adventure for the whole family! Explore animals from around the world, including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Visitors can touch, feed, and interact with creatures while traveling through themed habitats like the Amazon Rainforest, Caribbean, Mayan Jungle, and Pirate Island. A fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.

If your family prefers something a little more relaxed, these indoor options are perfect for staying warm while still getting out and exploring LYH.

• River Ridge Mall – Lynchburg’s largest shopping destination, River Ridge Mall makes for an all-in-one indoor outing, especially during the winter months. With a mix of national retailers, local shops, dining, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone.
  • 🛍️ Shopping – Browse a variety of stores, from popular favorites to unique local boutiques. It’s the perfect place to find gifts, treats, and winter essentials while staying warm indoors. For kids, check out Rhodorable, an expansion of Rhodora featuring apparel, plush toys, games, and accessories for ages infant–10. They also host weekly story time, making it a fun stop for little ones. 
  • 🍴 Dining – Take a break from shopping with a snack or a full meal. Options range from pizza at Zaza Stonefire Pizza to pretzels at Auntie Anne’s, satisfying both kids and adults.
  • 🎬 Movies – Catch the latest family-friendly films at Regal Cinemas, conveniently located inside the mall. 
• Givens Books & Little Dickens – Bring the whole family to this beloved, family-owned bookstore and toy shop. Browse toys, games, and carefully curated books, cozy up with a story while staying warm, and enjoy a fun, welcoming atmosphere. While you’re there, stop at Troublemaker Café inside for a Fluffernutter or PB&J for the kids and a latte for the adults—a perfect cozy winter break.
• Lynchburg Public Library –  While the Main Library is closed for renovation, families can still visit the Downtown Branch or the Miller Center Library Hub. Stay warm indoors and enjoy early literacy programs like Babygarten for babies and Family Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers, plus browse books, discover new favorites, and enjoy activities for the whole family! Check out our their calendar for full events details.

When winter weather keeps you inside, LYH’s museums and galleries are perfect for families looking to stay warm while exploring art, culture, and local history. Exhibits rotate regularly, and many venues offer guided tours, drop‑in exploration, or hands‑on educational opportunities (check each museum’s website or contact ahead for current hours and programs).

• Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center – Discover local history with thousands of artifacts and stories spanning centuries. Families can explore at their own pace or ask museum staff for kid-friendly tours that bring history to life.
• Academy Center of the Arts – Check out the Academy Center galleries, including the BWXT Student Gallery, which features new student artwork each month. This dynamic stop is colorful, inspiring, and engaging for visitors of all ages.
• Maier Museum of Art – Located on the Randolph College campus, the Maier Museum features an outstanding collection of American paintings, works on paper, and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries. Open year‑round, it offers changing exhibitions, rotating displays of the permanent collection, and educational programs, making it a great indoor stop for families.
• Daura Museum of Art – Located at the University of Lynchburg, this teaching museum showcases more than 2,500 works of American, European, and African art. Regularly changing exhibits keep visits engaging for both kids and adults.
• Legacy Museum of African American History – Learn about African American history and culture through exhibits that highlight local stories, achievements, and contributions, offering meaningful learning opportunities for families.
• Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum – Visit the historic home of poet and civil rights activist Anne Spencer to learn about her life, literary work, and lasting impact. The indoor exhibits provide a thoughtful and educational winter stop.
• Riverviews Artspace – Featuring contemporary artwork from regional, national, and international artists, Riverviews Artspace offers rotating exhibitions that are especially engaging for teens and adults looking for something creative and modern.

If your family is looking for a walkable winter outing, downtown LYH has shops, creative spaces, and food stops to explore together. Stay warm while discovering unique finds, fun experiences, and tasty treats.

• Riverview Vinyl – A downtown staple with new and used vinyl across genres. Flip through albums, discover classics, and enjoy the music-filled atmosphere—perfect for the family music lover. 
• LaneyKickz – Cool, current sneaker finds and vintage clothing for the sneakerhead in your family. Curated styles, limited releases, and affordable gems make this a must-stop for anyone interested in streetwear.
• The Scrappy Elephant – A retail store packed with reclaimed and reusable materials, from fabric and paper to specialty craft items donated by local businesses.
  • Studio: The attached creative studio offers open art time for kids and adults, with all materials provided and cleanup handled. Check their website for current classes, like the January Journaling Journey, where families can explore image transfers, text on pages, and other fun art techniques.
• Community Market – Browse rotating vendor booths with handmade goods, gifts, and locally made items—perfect for finding something unique.
• GhostStop – A nationally recognized ghost-hunting equipment store and manufacturer. Their downtown storefront and workshop showcase professional investigation technology used by teams and paranormal shows worldwide—an intriguing stop for curious older kids and teens.

Check our website for more LYH shopping! 

After a morning of shopping and exploring, grab a casual lunch at one of these family-friendly downtown spots:

• Benny Scarpetta’s – A downtown favorite serving oversized 28″ pizza by the slice (or grab a whole pie for the family to share!) and sodas with quick counter service. Casual, filling, and family-friendly, it’s an easy lunch stop during a downtown outing.
• Depot Grille – A casual downtown favorite featuring a variety of menu selections, including milkshakes and a kids menu. Dine in on converted church pews while the kitchen operates out of an old train car.
• My Dog Duke’s Diner – Offers fun food and a welcoming atmosphere in a beautifully restored building. The menu includes breakfast, specialty coffee, handhelds, and even milkshakes! With a dog-friendly patio, you might even spot a visiting pup while you’re there!
• Market at Main – Family-friendly breakfast and lunch favorites, including chicken and waffles, stuffed French toast, and stacks of pancakes. Hearty options for both kids and adults make it an easy choice for a winter meal.

Finish your downtown adventure with a stop at one of these dessert destinations:

• Holy Heaven Cookie Co. – Indulge in locally-made jumbo stuffed cookies with creative flavors like the Nutty Professor or the Happy Camper. Freshly baked and packed with flavor, they’re a treat the whole family can enjoy.
• Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats – Delight in homemade snowball cookies, turtles, caramels, and more, all baked fresh on-site daily. A classic stop for families looking to savor local sweets.
• Cinn City – Made from scratch daily, each cinnamon roll is mixed, risen, and rolled before being baked fresh. Choose from chef-crafted frostings and top your roll with fresh fruits, crumbles, candies, cookies, cereal flavors, and more—an indulgent treat for kids and adults alike.
• The Batter Bar – Known for their delicious crepes, The Batter Bar also serves brownies, bars, and other decadent treats. Perfect for sharing and enjoying together as a sweet finale to your downtown outing.

Visit our site for more downtown eats!