Fun Activities for Kids in Winchester, VA

Oldtown Splash Pad

The Winchester splash pad is the first that comes to mind. Maybe because it's FREE (but bring quarters for what we call the "elevator bathroom" that's situated next to it), and one of our favorite things about it is that it's right on the walking mall which has a ton of fun places to eat plus some cute local shops. So we can sip our drinks from the Espresso bar while the kids are occupied having a blast. Win-win. Obviously it's only open seasonally, so be sure to check their hours by clicking here before going. At the time of this writing it's open 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. I WISH it was open till sunset, but alas.

Polka Dot Pot

My kids are still a bit young for this one, but the kids (ages 4-5+) I used to work with LOVED this place! So maybe not for the really little ones, but the kids who can be gentle with pottery and paint without eating it. Maybe my toddlers are just the world's most invested taste testers, but I haven't done it with them yet.

This one is right in downtown Winchester, and offers multiple activities. They're great with the kiddos!

Dinosaur Land

I've yet to figure out just what it is about dinosaurs that appeals so much to children, but whatever the case, this place has them. If you drove into Winchester using 522 South (from Riverton/Front Royal), you probably saw the massive creatures on your way into town. I grew up seeing them but if you aren't used to it they're definitely eye-catching and often used as a reference point for directions around Winchester. Who gets to say "Turn left at the dinosaurs" when giving out directions? We do, because Dinosaur Land has them. There's a whole "park" of them so if you've got a dino-loving little, check it out!

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

Probably a top favorite amongst local teachers, parents and kids alike, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum can keep kids occupied for hours. So plan a good chunk of time and trust me when I say that your kids will LOVE this place. It boasts multiple stories of fun and explorative play.

Blandy Experimental Farm

Allow me to be the first to say I've always found the name strange. Experimental? What does that even mean? I'm still not entirely sure the story behind the name, but Blandy is vast and boasts a beautiful historical building as well as extensive grounds and walking trails. A bamboo forest, gardens, wetland area and more, it's really beautiful and a nice place to just get the wiggles out of the kids away from the bustle of the city. There are different seasonal things they're known for also, like their daffodil field in early spring, or their ginkgo grove in fall. It's another favorite among my photography clients, and with good reason. It's about 20 minutes from Winchester.

Appleland Fun Center

Most known for their miniature golf (only one nearby as far as I'm aware), driving range and batting cages, this is another spot I grew up going to. My grandpa loved to take me and my siblings as kids, and now we like to go as a family. Even my three year old enjoys the miniature golf course! It's located in Stephen's City, about 15 minutes and an easy drive from Winchester.

Mac's Roller Rink

Rainy day ruined your plans? How about some good old-fashioned skating? Mac's is another local spot I grew up going to. Open skating every weekend and it's a 15 minute straight shot from Winchester.

Northside Lanes

I always forget about bowling when I'm looking for a fun family activity. My kids aren't really old enough to appreciate it, but I enjoyed Northside bowling as a kid and young adult so I know we'll take them as they get older. Bowling is another great rainy day activity located right in Winchester!

Family Drive-in Theater

This is one I'm waiting on a kid-friendly movie to take my kids to! It's one of my favorites and I can't wait to introduce my kids to the whole experience when the right movie is in theaters. It's more laid back than a typical theater and it's okay if they make a little noise. If you're looking for a great classic all-American experience, I highly recommend visiting the drive-in movie theater!

Marker-Miller Orchards*

I'm going to link additional farms below, but Marker-Miller holds a lot of nostalgia for me and a special place in my heart because I grew up going there and the preschool I worked for did field trips there every year. The staff are notably friendly and amazing with kids, and there's just so much to do. Wagon rides through farm and orchards, a fun pirate ship playground, cow train for little kids, pick-your-own produce and flower opportunities, a farmer's market with apple cider donuts and other fresh goodies and more. Marker- Miller offers fun for the whole family! I like going with the kids but also enjoyed going as a non-parent. It's a beautiful location and we nearly got married there.

Other farm recommendations:

*West Oaks Farm Market in Winchester--this place has a playground and seasonal corn maze and is great for kids and adults. Unlike the others, it also has a bar and grill with frequent live entertainment.

*Hill High Farm in Winchester--see their farm animals, fall corn maze, pumpkin patch, and haunted house (for the not-so-littles).

*Great Country Farms in Bluemont--I will be up front and say I've yet to go here, but it's on our to-do list! I'm including this one because I've heard SO many local moms talk about it. It's not in Winchester but if mamas are willing to drive outside of town even with all of the great more local options, that tells you something. I just looked up the route and saw that it's only 36 minutes from my home in Winchester... *goes to plan trip.*

Jim Barnett Park *

There are a lot of awesome parks in the area, but this one is the closest bigger park in the heart of Winchester. It's next to Abram's Delight, which is historic and beautiful in and of itself. A lot of my photography clients choose that location. So if you're bringing the kids and are interested in some local history-come prepared for a bit of a walk (not far at all) and check them both out! There's also a pond you can fish from nearby, and a large recently renovated outdoor pool and waterslide on the grounds.

*Other awesome parks check out are Lions Park (more commonly known as Fantasyland) in Front Royal (which is more like a massive wooden fortress and also has a splash pad!), Rockland Park in Riverton (with paved paths that are good with bikes or scooters), or Sherando Park (ballfields, a pool, fishing lake, and huge playground) in Stephen's City.

ICE CREAM*

Eating ice cream is definitely a fun activity, especially as a kid. Top off a fun family day with a cool treat from one of these local businesses!

*Packs ice cream stand (located in nearby Stephen's City behind Auto Zone) is a personal family favorite, and we have a long history of many trips to Packs for treats with my grandparents. One of my brothers even carved something in one of their trees as a kid, before the tree climbing was banned (I wonder why LOL). But don't tell anyone it was him. I love their raspberry soft serve!

*New Town Creamery (also in Stephens City)-I have to admit they have fries that are to die for and their ice cream is pretty darn good, too! But they are neighboring competitors of my favorite ice cream stand, so...

*Packs Dairy Corner is great and is located in Winchester off of Rt. 7.

*Red Fox Creamery on the Oldtown Walking mall scoops up hard serve made from dairy sourced in VA. They keep 12-14 flavors at their shop, use local fresh fruits in their recipes and do not use artificial extracts.

*Moo Thru is new to Winchester. At the time of this writing the Winchester location wasn't added to the list of locations on their site but it's right behind Chick-fil-A and in front of Lowes in Winchester. We recently visited for the first time and I love that they serve soft and hard serve ice cream with milk from dairy farms in VA. Another great thing worth noting is that they always have dairy-free options! My kids are sensitive to dairy so I love that they have options for them to enjoy worry-free also.

I guess the fact that I've been to all of these ice cream locations in Winchester explains why I felt the need to include them on this list. I may be a grown adult but man I love a good ice cream.