FAMILY ATTRACTIONS / EXPLORATION
Amazement Square
The Rightmire Children’s Museum
Amazement Square
27 Ninth Street
Lynchburg 434-845-1888
www.amazementsquare.com
Hands-on interactive exhibits combine with special programs that cover everything from the arts to science.
The Caverns at Natural Bridge
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge 800-533-1410
www.naturalbridgeva.com
Kids will love the entertaining 45-minute tour through the wonderland of the East Coast’s deepest commercial cavern, a full 34 stories below the surface.
Coal Mining Heritage Park Science Center
Hightop at Merrimac Road
Merrimac 540-382-6975
www.montva.com/departments/parks
Take your time exploring the many facets of this outdoor science laboratory and nature center that also serves as an outdoor historic and archaeological museum.
Dixie Caverns
5753 West Main Street
Salem 540-380-2085
www.dixiecaverns.com
West Main Street marks the entrance to the only caverns in southwestern Virginia. Underground tours showcase the famous wedding bell and other unique formations. Attractions include a campground and pottery shop.
Luray Caverns
970 US Highway 211 West
Luray 540-743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com
The East’s largest and most popular caverns offer paved walkways through cathedral-sized rooms filled with natural wonders.
Mill Mountain Zoo
Blue Ridge Parkway
Roanoke 540-343-3241
www.mmzoo.org
Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are featured at this mountain top haven with its kaleidoscope of educational programs, special events, and scenic views.
The Nature Zone
Historic Kemper Street Station
Lynchburg 434-455-5828
www.lynchburgva.gov/parksandrec
Feed a toad, touch a snake, or peek at an opossum at this exciting hands-on nature center.
Natural Bridge of Virginia & Monacan Village
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge 800-533-1410
www.naturalbridgeva.com
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the ancient “tree-trunk” bridge towers 215 feet in height. The Monacan Indian Nation operates a living history museum on site.
The Huckleberry Trail Heritage Park & Trail System
Clay & Draper Roads
Blacksburg 540-382-6975
www.montva.com/departments/parks
This six-mile trail extends from Blacksburg through Montgomery County to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg.
RiverWalk and Blackwater Creek Bikeway
James River Heritage Trail
Lynchburg Area 434-455-5858
www.ci.lynchburg.va.us
Complementing the bike trail, the paved RiverWalk leads from the bustling streets of Lynchburg into Amherst County across Percival’s Island.
Roanoke Valley Greenways
Locations Vary
Roanoke 540-387-6060
www.greenways.org
Throughout the Roanoke Valley, lush greenways provide recreational space and trails for walkers and cyclists.
Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve
Blackwater Creek Natural Area
515 Monticello Avenue
Lynchburg 434-455-5878
www.ci.lynchburg.va.us
This 115-acre preserve is showcased along the Ruskin Freer Loop Trail, named for an outstanding biology teacher.
Science Museum of Western Virginia
One Market Square
Roanoke 540-342-5710
www.smwv.org
Hands-on interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and films, and special educational programs are all part of this regional treasure.
Smith Mountain Lake Dam Visitor’s Center
American Electric Power
Smith Mountain Lake 540-985-2587
www.smithmtn.com
Hands-on exhibits, computer models, theater presentations, a three-dimensional terrain map, and spectacular views are key attractions.
Twin River Outfitters
917 Rockbridge Road
Glasgow 540-258-1999
www.canoevirginia.net
Rent canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes for exciting river trips along 62 miles of the rolling James River and 37 miles of Maury River.
