Planning a family trip to Virginia? Look no further than Front Royal – a charming town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Front Royal provides an ideal setting for families to create lasting memories.
Discover the Charm of Front Royal
Front Royal serves as the northern gateway to Shenandoah National Park and is known as the “Canoe Capital of Virginia.” Its location makes it an ideal destination for Virginia family vacations, offering easy access to a wide variety of outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and historical sites. From hiking trails to river trips on the Shenandoah, Front Royal is a haven for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family
1. Explore Shenandoah National Park
Just minutes from downtown Front Royal, Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including portions of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Families can find hikes suitable for all skill levels, enjoy picnics in nature, and take in breathtaking vistas from Skyline Drive. Don’t miss the chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy the park’s serene environment.
2. Paddle the Shenandoah River
Experience the best of the Shenandoah River with a canoe, kayak, or tubing adventure with Front Royal Outdoors. With a variety of river trips to offer, you can choose the right float for your family. From peaceful floats to exciting whitewater challenges, you can customize your river trip to fit exactly what you’re looking for. All half-day trips include shuttle service, paddles, life vests, and a brief riverside orientation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Half-Day Trips: Perfect for beginners or those with younger children, these trips provide a gentle introduction to river paddling. Options include:
- Half Day Trip #1: Our most popular half-day trip. This 3-mile journey from Karo Landing to Front Royal Outdoors takes approximately 1-2 hours. This route offers a mix of calm waters and small rapids, ideal for families seeking a relaxing adventure.
- Half Day Trip Park #2: A 7-mile journey from Karo Landing to Front Royal Outdoors, taking approximately 3–4 hours. This route offers a mix of calm waters and small rapids, ideal for families seeking a moderate adventure.
- Full-Day Excursions: For families seeking a more immersive experience, full-day trips offer extended time on the water, allowing for exploration and relaxation. These full-day trips are self-guided and include all necessary equipment, shuttle service, and safety gear.
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- Full Day Trip #3: This trip is our most scenic paddle. This trip is an 11.5-mile paddle from Bentonville Landing to Front Royal Outdoors, taking approximately 5–6 hours. This route is popular for its combination of gentle currents and opportunities to spot local wildlife. This is a great trip if you want to take your time, stopping to swim, fish, and relax.
- Full Day Trip #4: A 12-mile journey from Seekford’s Landing to Bentonville Landing, also lasting about 5–6 hours. This stretch of the river offers a mix of serene waters and mild rapids, suitable for families looking for a bit more adventure on a remote section of the Shenandoah River.
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- Multi-Day Adventures: For families seeking a true back-to-nature experience, Front Royal Outdoors offers multi-day paddling trips that combine adventure on the water with peaceful overnight camping. These excursions let you explore some of the most scenic and remote sections of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Each multi-day trip includes canoe or kayak rental, paddles, PFDs, shuttle service, and trip planning assistance.
- Multi-Day trip #7: This is a classic overnight float that balances rapids and relaxation. Covering about 23.5 river miles, this 2-day trip includes 4-6 hours of paddling each day, starting at Seekford Landing and returning to Front Royal Outdoors. This river trip is designed for paddlers who want to take their time and really enjoy the river.
- Multi-Day Trip #8: This our the premier 3-day Shenandoah River Adventure. Covering 40 miles from Bixler Bridge to Front Royal Outdoors, you’ll spend 4-6 hours paddling and the rest of the day swimming, fishing or relaxing.
3. Visit Shenandoah River State Park
Spanning over 1,600 acres, Shenandoah River State Park offers families a chance to hike, bike, fish, and camp amidst picturesque surroundings. The park’s trails cater to various skill levels, and its riverfront access allows for additional water-based activities. With picnic areas and playgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for a day of fun on your Virginia family vacation.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Front Royal provides a range of lodging options to suit every family’s needs:
- Cabins and Glamping: For those seeking a rustic yet comfortable experience, Front Royal Outdoors offers cabins and glamping lodging options near Shenandoah National Park sites equipped with modern amenities.
- Campgrounds: Numerous campgrounds in and around Front Royal cater to families wanting to immerse themselves in nature.
- Hotels and Inns: The town boasts several family-friendly hotels and inns, providing convenient access to local attractions.
Dining Options for All Tastes
Front Royal’s culinary scene offers diverse options to satisfy every palate:
- Local Favorite: If you’re looking to try a local favorite, be sure to visit Spelunker’s. This hamburger and frozen custard spot is sure to please everyone in the family.
- A Bit Upscale: Looking for something a bit fancier? Element is one of the more upscale restaurants in Front Royal with classic lunch options and top-notch cuts of steak, chicken, and seafood on their dinner menu.
- Brewery: Head to Vibrissa Beer for globally inspired small plates paired with locally brewed craft beer—a great option for adults while kids enjoy the laid-back vibe.
- Sweet Treats: Cap off your day with a visit to C & C Frozen Treats, a local favorite offering a rotating selection of unique ice cream flavors the whole family will love.
Additional Family Activities
- Skyline Caverns: Discover underground wonders with a guided tour of these fascinating caverns, featuring unique geological formations.
- Dinosaur Land: Step back in time and explore life-sized dinosaur replicas in this quirky and educational attraction.
- Local Museums: Engage with the region’s history through interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. Learn more about the region’s rich heritage with a visit to the Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center, which houses local history exhibits inside a restored 1885 train station. For a hands-on learning experience, check out the Virginia Beer Museum, which offers a fun and educational look at the state’s brewing history—parents can sample local brews while older kids learn about the cultural impact of beer in Virginia.
Plan Your Family Trip Today
Front Royal stands out as a top Virginia family vacation destination for those families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Its combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and welcoming community makes it an ideal spot for a memorable family trip to Virginia.
Ready to start planning your family trip to Virginia? If you want to make your vacation one to remember, plan to paddle and explore the Shenandoah River with Front Royal Outdoors!
