14 Spring & Summer Activities in Virginia for $25 or Less

While it's nice to imagine a luxury trip without worrying about finances, most of us have to consider costs when making plans. But that doesn’t mean you have to stick with TV shows and video games for entertainment.

We researched fun activities that are also friendly to the wallet and came up with these spring activities that won’t break the bank. Add these plans into the mix to make your trip to Virginia enjoyable AND affordable.

1. Rent Kayaks at Your Nearest Watersport Outfitters

Although prices vary depending on location, most Virginia State Parks rent out kayak, canoe, and paddleboard equipment. Find a paddler-friendly town for a weekend getaway or a float that's perfect for your family. 

Here are a few other companies that have affordable rentals:

• Riverbend Park in Fairfax — canoe and kayak rentals are around $20 for two and a half hours.
• Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield — kayak and paddleboard rentals start at $25/hr.
• Adventure Parasail & Rudee Inlet Jet Ski in Virginia Beach — single kayak rentals start at $25/hr.

2. Admire Blooms at the Botanical Gardens

Come springtime, there are blooms aplenty in Virginia. Head to a botanical garden to explore the beauty of nature and see special exhibits. 

More Information:

• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond — $24 for adults, $20 for ages 65+, $14 for children 4-12, children under 3 are free
• Norfolk Botanical Garden — $23 for adults, $16 for ages 3-12, children under 3 are free
• Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna — $9 for adults, $5 for ages 6-17 and 60+, children under 5 are free
• Williamsburg Botanical Garden at Freedom Park — free admission

3. Discover the Wonders of the World at a Museum

Discover something new when you visit one of the hundreds of museums around Virginia. Make sure to check each site for individual discounts on admission, including those for teachers, college students, military, and Museums for All participants. 

More Information:

• Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond — $18.50 for adults, $15.50 for ages 6-12 and 60+, $11 ages 3-5, children 2 and younger are free
• Children's Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth — $11 for adults, $10 for ages 2-17 and 62+, children under two are free 
• National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly — Free admission, parking is $15
• Museum of the Middle Appalachians in Saltville — $5 for adults, $3 ages 6-12 and 60+, children under 6 free 
• Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville — $10 for adults, $5 for ages 3-17 and 60+, children under 3 are free 
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond — Free admission 

Keep exploring dozens of free museums around Virginia.
 

4. Attend a Festival in Virginia

When the weather warms up, odds are there's gonna be a festival going on in Virginia—often with live music, food, local shopping, and craft beverages. Prices vary for each event, but many are free to attend.

Bonus: 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and there are plenty of history-related festivals and special events going on around Virginia. 

5. Pick Tulips and Daffodils at Burnside Farms

Every year, Burnside Farms hosts the Festival of Spring, inviting guests to walk amongst more than two million tulips and daffodils. Advance tickets are available for $15 per person during the week and $17 per person during the weekends. Children under five are free. Five flowers are included with admission.

Burnside also hosts the Summer of Sunflowers in July, where visitors can wander over 70 acres of sunflowers.

6. Take the Bikes Out on a Trail Day

Some parks may require an entrance fee, but a day on the trails is a slam dunk for an affordable and fun outing in Virginia. Check out our recommendations for family-friendly bike rides and road cycling routes. 

7. Explore One of Virginia’s National Parks

Spend the day exploring a National Park in Virginia. Entrance fees vary, but the park service has several fee-free days in 2026.

• Shenandoah National Park — Bike and walking fee is $15 per person
• Assateague Island National Seashore — $25 per vehicle for seven day pass
• Blue Ridge Parkway — Free
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — Free

8. Play a Round of Miniature Golf

Put your putt-putt skills to the test at courses around Virginia. 

More Information:

• Wilderness Presidential Resort in Spotsylvania — $8 per person
• Mulligans Golf Center in Harrisonburg — Adults can play all day for $10, kids for $8

9. Learn about Animals from around the World at the Zoo

See animals from around the Commonwealth and the world at several Virginia zoos. 

More Information:

• Virginia Zoo in Norfolk — $20 for adults, $17 for ages 2-11, $18 for ages 62+, children under 2 are free 
• Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke — $12 for adults, $10 ages 3-11, $11 for ages 55+, children under 2 are free 
• Luray Zoo — $12 for adults, $6 for ages 3-12, $11 for ages 56+, children under 2 are free 

10. Cheer on a Local Team at a Minor League Baseball Game

Spending a day at the ballpark can be a home run for the whole family. 

More Information:

• Norfolk Tides at Harbor Park — Tickets
• Fredericksburg Nationals at Virginia Credit Union Stadium — Tickets
• Richmond Flying Squirrels at CarMax Park — Tickets
• Salem RidgeYaks at Salem Memorial Ballpark — Tickets
• Hill City Howlers at Bank of the James Stadium — Tickets
• Pulaski River Turtles at Calfee Park — Tickets

11. Tour Virginia Caverns

Get underground and witness the beauty crafted by millions of years of geologic shifts. Virginia's awe-inspiring caverns are a unique way to explore our Earth. 

Here are some of the popular caverns that are less than $20:

• Gap Cave in Ewing: Guided tours are $8 for adults, $4 for ages 12 and under
• Dixie Caverns in Salem: $18 for adults, $8 for ages 5-12, children under 5 are free

12. Take in a Scenic Sunset from a Lighthouse

Learn the history or just take in a beautiful sunset from atop one of Virginia's lighthouses. 

• Cape Henry Lighthouse in Fort Story — $12 for adults
• Assateague Lighthouse — Free, donations recommended

13. Learn About Virginia’s Rich History

Find all historic sites in Virginia, or visit a few of the popular destinations:

• Monticello — Grounds ticket is $22 for adults, $8 for ages 12-18, $2 for ages 5-11, and free for children under 5. Additional tour tickets available 
• Patrick Henry's Red Hill — $8 for adults, $7 for ages 65+, $4 ages 6-17, children under 5 are free 
• Historic Jamestowne — $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-15, children under 5 are free 
• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown — $20 for adults, $10 ages 6-12, children under 5 are free 

Bonus: We've got 5 spring itineraries already planned out if you're looking for ideas. 

14. Share a Bottle at a Virginia Winery

Discover a new favorite Virginia winery and welcome spring with a patio table and a sweeping view or a picnic in the vineyards. With a small group and good vibes, you can stay within a budget and enjoy the flavors and sights of the season. 

Although this is a good start, there are plenty of other inexpensive activities throughout the state that work with any budget. Find more family-friendly ideas to get your Virginia vacay started.