With warm weather comes great boredom for children. With school out, parents are often looking for things to do with their children. If you are looking for budget-friendly family activities for your whole family, we have a few ideas for what to do here in Lynchburg.
Take a Walk (or Bike!)
Blackwater Creek Trail comes to life in the summer months and is the perfect place to take a family walk. In addition to the health benefits of walking, taking a family walk along the trail is a great way to explore our city. While the whole trail may be a little too much to tackle at one time, there are smaller sections that are perfect for little ones.
Point of Honor Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors past the iconic Point of Honor mansion. If you are up for a day of history, schedule a tour to coincide with your walk! The Kemper Station Trail begins and ends behind the Kemper Street Station, giving walkers a unique view of the train depot. Or, begin and end your walk at Percival’s Island, and snap a family photo with our Love Works sign.
To view a full overview of the trail, click here.
Bike across Percival’s Island Bridge
Picnic in the Park
Lynchburg is home to some fantastic parks. Each one has its own unique highlights and features, but all of them are perfect places to spread out a blanket and have a picnic this summer! Bonus points if you make it to all of the parks before the summer ends!
Riverfront Park is home to a zero-depth fountain that is sure to provide endless entertainment for your children. After your picnic is done, stop by Maylynn’s Creamery Downtown for a sweet treat for the ride home! For families that enjoy sports, Peaks View Park is a great place to go walking or play a family game of kickball or soccer on one of the fields. Miller Park is home to a public pool, and Ivy Creek Park is a great place for everyone to go fishing.
Cool down with a cold treat from Maylynn’s Creamery
Learn Our History
Did you know that Lynchburg has its very own museum? Located on Court Street at the top of the Monument Terrace steps, the Lynchburg Museum is home to a plethora of historic information on Lynchburg. The photography collection alone is made up of over 10,000 images that are currently being digitized. Other notable exhibits include Lynchburg Takes Flight, an overview of the history of aviation in Lynchburg, and Seven Hills of History, which explores the hills of the city. Are there really seven? You’ll have to visit the museum to find out.
The museum is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is free.
Visit the Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Services to learn about our history
Water Fun
Riverside Park is home to many things. Tennis courts, gazebos, history displays, and even a train! It’s also home to Lynchburg’s Sprayground, a 1,900 square foot area that is the perfect place for kids to go crazy in the summer months. (Parents, too, when the weather is hot enough!).
The sprayground is open daily from May 1 through October 1, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Splash around at the Sprayground in Riverside Park