When I was growing up, one of my Mom's favorite sayings was "Go outside and play!" That's great advice for springtime as well as the warmer than normal winter days that come every year in Lynchburg.
Check out the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Parks Guide for information about all of the parks in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties and enjoy an outdoor family adventure in any season!
Here are our 10 favorite places in the Lynchburg area to enjoy outdoor family fun this spring.
1. Visit Riverside Park and let the kids play on the train themed playground or the older playground. The Alpine Trail, which runs through the park, was the first dedicated hiking trail in Lynchburg. There are also tennis and basketball courts; picnic areas; the Sprayground seasonal water play area; and transportation themed displays with a restored train locomotive, tender, and caboose; the Fink Deck Truss Bridge, which is a national engineering landmark; and the hull of the packet boat, Marshall.
2. Watch the Lynchburg Hillcats in action at Bank of the James Stadium. The Hillcats 2024 home schedule begins with an April 9 home game. Information about 2024 season tickets can be found on the website. Kids ages 12 and under are eligible to join Southpaw's Kids Club! Read about Southpaw's Kids Club HERE.
3. Take a walk down at Percival's Island, located at 1600 Concord Turnpike in Lynchburg. Percival's Island features one of Lynchburg's rails to trails hiking and biking trails. Take a walk down to the river or walk on one of the hiking trails and look for wildflowers. Bring fishing poles for a fun family activity.
4. Go fishing at Clemmons Lake, located at 180 Clemmons Lake Place in Ivy Creek Park in Lynchburg. Clemmons Lake is a catch and release lake. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on summer weekends. The kids will enjoy the nature themed play area too. Turn off Route 221 into the Lynchpin Industrial Park between the Sheetz store and fire station and follow the signs to Ivy Creek Park.
5. Head to Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre and enjoy winter fun in any season. Snowflex offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing on the special year-round surface that's easier than snow to enjoy. There's also an Olympic Trampoline and BagJump Airbag (advanced skills only, must pass a test to use). Both require additional fees.
6. Play a round of disc golf at Peaks View Park, located at 170 Ivy Creek Lane in Lynchburg. Park at the Ivy Creek Lane entrance off Wiggington Road to get to the beginning of the 18-hole disc golf course, which winds through the park. The disc golf course is open to all ages year round and it's free. There are also playgrounds at the upper (Ivy Creek Lane entrance) and lower (Ardmore Drive entrance) levels of Peaks View Park, walking and biking trails, mountain bike trails, a fitness course, multipurpose fields, and much more to enjoy.
7. A drive to the Peaks of Otter is a great weekend activity. The Peaks of Otter is located about 45 minutes from Lynchburg at MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bring a picnic and eat near the lake, enjoying the water and the beauty of nature. Walk around the lake on the paved Lake Trail and stop at the fishing piers to enjoy the views. Be aware that the lodge closes in winter and reopens in May.
8. Spring's a great time for hiking in the mountains, too. Check out our guide to Hiking off the Blue Ridge Parkway for family friendly hiking locations. Hike up to Johnson's Farm and see what farm life was like back in the day or challenge yourself with a hike to Sharp Top Mountain. These are two of the hikes which can be accessed at the Peaks of Otter exit from the Parkway.
9. Riveredge Park, located at 150 Rocky Hill Road in Madison Heights, offers a paved walking and biking trail, seasonal kayak and canoe rentals, a boat ramp, fishing access, a picnic area, and a children's playground.
10. Falling Creek Park, located at 1257 County Farm Road in Bedford, offers playgrounds, BMX bike course, 36-hole disc golf course, a fitness course, skateboard park, picnic areas, and lots of hiking trails.
Find your family fun close to home this spring too! Bike riding, playing ball in the back yard, and neighborhood walks are perfect springtime family adventures. Check out 10 Lynchburg VA Area Places to Ride Bikes and get outdoors.
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