20 Places for Winter Family Fun in Virginia

The weekend is coming — and your kids are tired of being stuck indoors. Or maybe you’re tired of them being cooped up with too many hours of tablets and gaming systems. In Virginia, there's a solution. Find a variety of family-friendly activities that are packed with fun this winter. 

Here are some recommendations for what to do when the weather outside is frightful (or just chillier than you'd like), from waterpark getaways and expansive entertainment complexes to a day at a museum. Plus, our tips include options to get the most value, no matter your budget. 
 

JUMP TO: Indoor Waterparks | Museums | Entertainment Parks | Putt Putt | Winter Sports
 

DIVE INTO INDOOR WATERPARKS

Great Wolf Lodge—Williamsburg

Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg is 67,000 square feet of splashing good times. How does a four-story treehouse, 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, four pools, eight slides, two giant hot tubs, and a wave pool sound? Stay the night and enjoy the waterpark all you want; passes are included. Arrive early to maximize your park fun time!

Here's the Deal: Book at least 60 days out and get 50% off your stay. Want a shorter turnaround? Stay for two or three nights and save 30% or 40% when you book within 60 days of arrival. See more deals.
 

Massanutten Resort WaterPark—McGaheysville

Massanutten Resort in McGaheysville has a 50,000 gallon centerpiece called The Flow Rider – an indoor surfing attraction with a five-foot incline. In addition, an adventure river, eight slides, a frog pond for little swimmers, water cannons, and a giant tipping bucket make this a fun place for any age to hang out. An overnight stay is not required.

Here's the Deal: The Splash into Winter Stay & Play package gives you 15% off lodging and discounted WaterPark tickets through March 26, 2026. See more deals.
 

EXPLORE VIRGINIA MUSEUMS

Science Museum of Virginia—Richmond

At the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, you can discover all the wonders of the universe in one place. Check the museum's Dome theater schedule for a list of entertaining yet educational films. Plus, see daily demos including the fan favorite Rat Basketball. 
 

Children's Museum of Richmond—Richmond

The Children’s Museum of Richmond is a great places to escape and let the kids get hands-on in a fun learning environment. Permanent exhibits include an art studio, grocery store, hospital and ambulance set, and a living tree house. 

Value Tip: The museum offers different membership tiers, including options for family memberships and grandparent memberships which include unlimited admission for all grandchildren. See membership details. 
 

The Virginia Discovery Museum—Charlottesville

The Virginia Discovery Museum in Charlottesville is a great place to take younger children to learn and develop a healthy sense of curiosity. There is even a transplanted house from the 1700s that gives kids insight into the lives of the first Virginia settlers.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center—Virginia Beach

For an experience that both adults and children can enjoy, make plans to visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach. There are even two touch pools where you can reach in to feel horseshoe crabs stingrays, sea stars, and other water creatures.
 

Amazement Square—Lynchburg

Amazement Square in downtown Lynchburg fosters creativity and learning for both children and adults through hands-on activities. The “Amazement Tower” structure connects all the exhibits and is the tallest indoor interactive climbing structure in America.

Value Tip: You'll save $3 per adult simply by purchasing admission online. 
 

GOOF OFF AT INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PARKS

Compass Entertainment Complex—Irvington

You'll find all things indoor fun at this Northern Neck entertainment park. Attractions include an arcade, indoor adventure course, climbing walls, go-karts, mini golf, and a full-service restaurant. If you're somehow getting bored, duck into the boutique movie theater for a showing.

Value Tip: For a day of fun, buying a Fun Pass is the answer. You'll get arcade bonuses depending on how much you load onto the pass, starting at $20. See Fun Pass details.
 

Peak Experiences Indoor Rock Climbing Center—Richmond

Peak Experiences is located in Richmond and is the largest indoor rock climbing facility on the East Coast. Beginners can take introductory classes and children of every age learn the basics of rope typing and climbing skills from the staff at Peak Experiences. This huge indoor climbing location has over 100 climbing routes for climbers of every experience level.
 

Ultrazone Laser Tag—Loudoun

Embark on the ultimate laser adventure at Ultrazone, where you'll strap on a vest and step into a labyrinth of neon lights, fog-filled passageways, and high-octane fun. The facility also has an arcade. 
 

K1 Speed—Multiple locations

This indoor go-karting chain has spots to race in Dulles, Manassas, and Richmond. All Virginia locations have adult and junior electric karts. The junior minimum height requirement is 48 inches. 

iFly—Virginia Beach

If you have ever wanted to try skydiving, iFly in Virginia Beach is a great place to start. The indoor wind tunnel lets flyers from age three to 103 experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe, contained zone.

Here's the Deal: The Friends and Family flight package includes 10 flights for up to five flyers, plus photos and videos, so your whole crew can take to the (indoor) skies. See more packages.
 

Off The Wall Indoor Bounce—Chesterfield

Take your kids to Off The Wall in Chesterfield for all-day fun! There is a play area for toddlers, inflatables for children up to 10 years old to bounce around in, and 14-foot slides for the thrill-seekers. Imagination stations also encourage creativity and thoughtful play.
 

Surge Adventure Park—Multiple locations

Find nonstop fun at Surge Adventure Park in Newport News, including a huge trampoline park, arcade, dodgeball, and a ninja course. Kids ages 2 and under are free with paid adult admission. There are also locations in Richmond and Virginia Beach. 

“PUTTER” AROUND TOWN

King Neptune's Mini Golf—Virginia Beach

Play a round of putt-putt with the family at King Neptune's Mini Golf in Virginia Beach, an indoor blacklight mini golf course where the cups, balls, and artwork all glow in the dark!
 

Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf—Bristol

Enjoy 18 holes at the Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf course, and see how many iconic Bristol attractions you can spot while going for a hole-in-one. 

Value Tip: Admission is discounted $2 on Wednesdays. 
 

GET INVOLVED IN WINTER SPORTS

Virginia's Winter Sports Resorts

Finally, the obvious places for families to play in winter are Virginia’s four mountain resorts – Bryce, Massanutten, The Omni Homestead, and Wintergreen. Each has its own personality and special offerings (snowtubing, anyone?), so check out our winter sports page for the details on each.

Still looking for winter-friendly fun? Here are our recommendations for unique indoor activities to fill your cold Virginia days.