Waynesboro’s Family-Friendly Spring Activities

March 21, 2023
Outdoors, Arts & Culture, Food

 

 

Hello spring! Round up the gang, grab the water bottles and sunglasses, and get out of the house! Whether you’re looking for something to keep the kids off screens during spring break or for a  weekend away, we have lots of springtime excitement planned for you in Waynesboro. From hiking to dining to festivals, learning experiences, and rainy-day fun, here’s how to make the most of this beautiful time of year.

 

Get Outside

Shake off the winter blues and spend some time in the great outdoors. 

 

 

The entire family will have a terrific time exploring the thriving mural scene in Waynesboro, which has been nourished in recent years by the annual Waynesboro Street Art Festival. Download the Traipse app for an adventure that’s part walking tour, part scavenger hunt and find out all there is to know about the thought-provoking images decorating the cityscape.

85-acre Ridgeview Park offers beautiful scenery and a range of outdoor activities. You’ll find wooded hiking/biking trails, a large playground, picnic facilities, a performance pavilion for events, a seasonal swimming pool, tennis courts, and a basketball court. The South River flows through the park and is spanned by a footbridge.

Have you explored the natural playground at the Blue Ridge Children’s Museum? Though the playground and the museum are works in progress, there are plenty of elements at the playground to keep you busy. And keep an eye on the museum’s Facebook page for pop-up events!

It’s only a few minutes from Waynesboro to Shenandoah National Park, which hosts activities for the entire family, including a schedule of junior ranger activities for kids. The 1-mile Blackrock Summit hike is great for even the youngest legs. It’s also part of the Track Trails for Kids program, which means there’s an activity to go along with the hike.

Families heading south on the Blue Ridge Parkway should stop at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center where you’ll find an interpretive farm that represents an 1890s settlement. Young kids can explore the site while older kids and adults can learn about life and hardships on the frontier. You can also access two excellent hikes for older kids. The short Humpback Rocks hike will blast your quads with a steep climb, but the views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys from the overlook are breathtaking. The Jack Albright Loop starts at the same parking lot. At four miles, it’s a little longer, but not as steep. Points of interest include the Glass Hollow overlook and the remnants of old plane wreckage.

Click here for a list of hikes that include difficulty and mile markers in the Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. 

 

Have Fun at a Festival or Event

Put these events on your calendar!

 

 

Riverfest: Saturday, April 29, 2023. Riverfest is a free event that’s held in Constitution Park each year. Families can learn about river ecology through stream safari presentations by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Reptile World shows, canoe rides, arts and crafts, a fish and fun rodeo, and much more. Don’t miss the Great South River Duck Race!

South River Spring Clean Up: Sign-up to serve the environment and spend Earth Day helping clean up the South River. 

Youth-Only Fishing at Basic Park: Bring the kids to learn or practice how to fish! From April 1st through June 15th the South River adjacent to Basic Park is considered Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters. Only youth age 15 and under will be allowed to fish during that time. Adults can assist youth only by baiting the hook, casting, and removing the fish from the hook. Adults may not assist with setting the hook and reeling in the fish.

Kids Fun Dash and 1.5 Mile Mud Run: The Mud Run and Fun Dash wind through the fields and trails of Waynesboro’s Ridgeview Park! Whether traversing the balance beams, crawling through the mud pit, or sliding to victory on the giant slip n’ slide, kids are guaranteed to have a good time. This is a great community event for kids and families in and around central Virginia. Register now for the June 3rd race! 

 

Get Something to Eat

Picky eater? No problem. Waynesboro has something for everyone!

 

 

Is there never quite enough pizza to please everyone in your family? Don’t worry - the giant 28-inch pies from Benny’s Pizza will fill everyone’s tummy to the brim. Slices are so big they require two plates! 

The Broad Street Grill dishes up fresh burgers and generous servings of fries, onion rings, and cowboy bites. This kid-friendly joint prides itself on easily customizable burgers and yummy dessert selections. 

Sam's Hot Dog Stand serves classic American hot dogs and delicious fries in downtown Waynesboro. Perfect to grab to-go and take to the park for a family picnic!

The River Burger Bar is another place to get burgers. While kids might prefer simple classics, adults can order Angus beef burgers topped with more adventurous ingredients like jalapenos or pimento cheese. If someone has food sensitivities, don’t worry: this restaurant caters to all sorts of allergies as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

 

Spend a Rainy Day

Rainy days happen, especially in the spring. Here’s how to keep the weather from dampening your fun.

 

 

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center offers classes and workshops to keep all ages busy. You can also view the gallery’s rotating art exhibitions to keep you inspired in your home studio. 

See a family-friendly movie at Zeus Digital Theater. Enjoy state-of-the-art technology, eight big screens, comfy seats, your snack bar favorites, and more.

The beautifully restored Wayne Theatre hosts plays, concerts, and movies. There’s also a gallery space dedicated to local talent. Check their schedule to see what's playing. Studio Wayne sessions are aimed at kids of varying ages in topics like acting and tumbling, improv, and ballet.

Watch the schedule for family events hosted by the Waynesboro Public Library. Spend some quiet time any day with books, games, and story time sessions.

 

Rest Your Head

In town for the weekend or longer? Here are some good bets for families with kids.

Your whole family will be happy staying at the locally-owned and newly renovated Best Western PLUS. This pet-friendly hotel has an indoor heated saltwater pool and is close to downtown Waynesboro, shopping, and dining.

Comfort Inn has a free hot breakfast and free parking. The hotel is conveniently located, and there’s an outdoor pool for the upcoming warmer months.

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