With James Madison University and a bustling downtown laced with nearly 40 restaurants and locally owned boutiques, Harrisonburg is a vibrant community in the Shenandoah Valley region. The city also boasts many attractions for families.
“Harrisonburg is one of our backyard secrets,” says Nancy Craun, founder of the Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail, a guide to kid-friendly activities in the area. “Steeped in agriculture and history, Harrisonburg has a major focus on local resourcing. Seeing the valley through a child’s eyes is a totally special experience, which is why I have started the Kids Trail.”
Top family attractions in Harrisonburg:
Back Home on the Farm
3231 Willow Run Road
From spring through fall, this farm has tons of kid-friendly activities. Explore the enchanting butterfly garden and visit with the farm animals. The fall events include a giant slide, a cow train, a wagon ride to a pumpkin patch, pig races and a corn maze featuring 3 miles of paths, bridges and clues. Be sure to take a ride on the Virginia Carousel, a unique handcrafted piece of art showcasing famous people, landmarks and industries in Virginia. Don’t forget to swing by the country store to pick up one of the wide varieties of homemade jam.
Explore More Discovery Museum
150 S. Main St.
Built on the foundation of curiosity, creativity and community, this hands-on children’s museum is located in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. Kids can use their imaginations to be a stage star, television news broadcaster, ambulance driver, farmhand and much more. Interactive exhibits focus on themes such as science, building, art, technology and pretend play. Recommended for children under 10.
Hardesty-Higgins House
212 S. Main St.
This multiuse historic property houses the official Harrisonburg Visitors Center. Inside guests can learn about the settlement of the Shenandoah Valley at the Valley Turnpike Museum and the region’s Civil War battles at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Civil War Orientation Center. Check out the on-site Rocktown Gift Shoppe to stock up on local goodies and official Virginia is for Lovers merchandise. Hungry travelers can stop at the Heritage Bakery and Café for breakfast, lunch or a decadent pastry. The cafe prides itself on using local ingredients, including milk, butter and cream from nearby Mount Crawford Creamery.
John C. Wells Planetarium
91 E. Grace St.
Journey to the stars at this state-of-the-art planetarium located on James Madison University’s campus. From September through the end of June, the planetarium hosts weekly free Saturday public shows and a once-a-month Science Sunday for school-aged girls composed of a Star Talk, interactive activities and projects.
Massanutten Resort
1822 Resort Drive
Massanutten is a nationally recognized resort that offers day trips, overnight lodging and timeshare condo rentals. Its massive indoor water park is a popular regional attraction. Other activities such as skiing, ice-skating, an adventure course with zip lining, golf, horseback riding and hiking and biking trails vary by season. Thematic events and festivals take place throughout the year and are listed on the resort’s website.
Mount Crawford Creamery
795 Old Bridgewater Road
Family owned since 1924, this creamery has a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and valleys. Sample fresh buttermilk and homemade chocolate milk in the country store and pop into the barns to visit baby calves. At 4 p.m. daily, visitors can see quite the show when the cows march into the milking barn. Kids will be fascinated by the milking machines and can pose questions to Mount Crawford’s friendly staff. Check the calendar for special seasonal events such as the annual open house.
