Get a jump on summer fun with the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Summer Bucket List. From summer camps to local places to visit, you'll find lots of ways to find your summer family fun on our website.
Find out what's happening around town all summer with our event calendar. Follow us on Facebook for advance notice on local events, specials at local family-friendly businesses, and more.
You'll find links to all of our summer articles here: Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2026
See our park and playground reels and day trip reels below:
Find Lynchburg Area Parks and Playgrounds Videos on Our Facebook Page - Check out videos from the parks and playgrounds Lynchburg Macaroni KID has visited!
Explore Virginia on Day Trips with Lynchburg Macaroni KID - Here's links to videos from various fun places in Virginia, including some favorite ice cream and sweet treats locations!
Lynchburg Macaroni KID Blue Ridge Parkway Day Trip Videos - Here's overlook and hiking information and links to videos from along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia!
Summer Events to Enjoy
***These are some of the best local summer events. See our event calendar for details and times for each event and to find many additional events.
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from dawn to dusk, weather permitting
Riverside Park Sprayground - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting
Claytor Nature Center Open to the Public - Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Visit Appomattox Court House National Historical Park - Open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM - free admission
2026 Summer Track Series at University of Lynchburg - Tuesdays in June at 6:30 PM
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 3 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 3 PM - free admission
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Fridays from 12 PM - 1 PM
Forest Friday Cheers at Apocalypse Ale from 6 PM - 10 PM from May 22 - July 17
Glow in the Dark Golf at Tiny Town Golf - Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM - 10 PM from April through November
Canoe and Kayak Rentals at Ivy Creek Park - Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM - 5 PM
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Sundays from 8 AM - 10 AM
Sundays at Amazement Square - Sundays from 1 PM - 5 PM
June 1 - Summer Reading Kit Pickups at Staunton River Memorial Library in Altavista from 11 AM - 1 PM
June 2 - Summer Reading Kit Pickups at Patrick Henry Memorial Library in Brookneal from 11 AM - 1 PM
June 3 - Early Dismissal and Last Day of School for Lynchburg City Schools
June 4 - Into the Forest: Sara Ernst Concert at Miller Center at 10:30 AM
June 5-7 - Free Fishing Days in Virginia all day across Virginia
June 5 - Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at Timbrook Library from 11 AM - 6 PM
June 5 - Chill Cinema at the Miller Center from 2 PM - 4 PM
June 5 - First Friday Dino Hunt (Downtown Branch) from 5 PM - 7 PM
June 5 - First Fridays at Falling Creek Park in Bedford from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
June 6 - Greenview’s Spring Festival from 8 AM - 2 PM
June 6-7 - Monacan Indian Nation 33rd Anniversary Powwow - June 6 from 10 AM - 7 PM; June 7 from 10 AM - 5 PM
June 6 - 82nd Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration at National D-Day Memorial from 11 AM - 12 PM
June 6 - Holiday Lake Public Pool Party from 11 AM - 4 PM
June 6 - Saturday Matinee Presents Jurassic Park at Bedford Central Library at 3:30 PM
June 6 - Community Celebration Event at Church of the Covenant from 5 PM - 7 PM
June 7 - Graduation for Lynchburg City Schools - E.C. Glass at 2 PM; Heritage at 6 PM
June 8 - Summer Reading Kit Pickups at Campbell County Public Library in Rustburg from 3 PM - 5 PM
June 9 - Family Movie Event - The Good Dinosaur at Forest Library at 12 PM
June 9-13 - Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department Fireman's Fair 5 PM - 10 PM Tuesday - Thursday; 5 PM - 11 PM Friday; 1 PM - 11 PM Saturday
June 9 - The Magic of Reading with Wes Iseli at Miller Center from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
June 9-14 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
June 10 - Mill Mountain Theatre presents Pete the Cat at Bedford Central Library at 2 PM
June 11 - Mill Mountain Theatre presents Pete the Cat at Forest Library at 10:30 AM
June 11 - Digging up the Past: Fossil Expedition at Forest Library from 2 PM - 3:30 PM
June 11 - Chicken Party at Campbell County Public Library - Rustburg from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
June 12 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Library from 11 AM - 5 PM
June 12 - Bright Star Theatre presents Dino Academy at Forest Library at 1 PM
June 12 - Bright Star Theatre presents Dino Academy at Bedford Central Library at 4 PM
June 13 - Hometown Heroes & Helpers and Touch-a-Truck at Falling Creek Park from 10 AM - 4 PM
June 13 - Isaiah House 117 Big Red Door Festival at DeVault Vineyards from 11 AM - 6 PM
June 13 - Music on the Waterfront at Holliday Lake State Park from 6 PM - 8 PM
June 14 - National Park Service Fee Free Days - Flag Day
June 14 - Princess and Friends Royal TEA Party at Academy Center Music Hall at 2 PM
June 16 - STEAM Team at Miller Center from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
June 16 - Make your own Dinosaur in Amber, SLIME at Bedford Central Library from 2 PM - 3 PM
June 17 - Batteau Experience Ride at Riveredge Park from 10 AM - 6 PM
June 19 - Juneteenth
June 19 - Appomattox for Equality's 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration from 5 PM - 10 PM
June 19 - James River Batteau Festival Launch Party at Percival's Island from 6 PM - 9 PM
June 19 - 434 Drumline Showcase at 7 PM
June 19 - Summer Solstice Lantern Sail at Timbrook Library from 8 PM - 9:30 PM (rain date June 20)
June 20 - 41st Annual James River Batteau Festival from 9 AM - 1 PM (Launch at 10 AM)
June 20 - Father’s Day Weekend at Twin J Ranch from 10 AM - 2 PM
June 20 - Juneteenth Celebration at Miller Park from 11 AM - 2 PM
June 20 - Nelson County Juneteenth Celebration at Nelson County Heritage Center at 3 PM
June 21 - Make memories with your favorite dad on Father's Day! - 10 Ways to Celebrate Father's Day
June 21 - Father’s Day Cruise at Virginia Dare SML at 11 AM
June 21 - Father’s Day Dog Walk at Virginia Memorial Park at 11 AM
June 21 - $10 Admission Day at Aquazoo from 12 PM - 8 PM
June 22 - Doves & Dragons: Harps and Harpsichord Music at Forest Library from 1 PM - 2 PM
June 23 - Chill Cinema at the Miller Center from 10 AM - 12:30 PM
June 23 - Dino-Sized Storytime Show #1 + After-Show Exploration Stations at Timbrook Library from 2 PM - 3:30 PM
June 25 - Brainy Board Games at Miller Center from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
June 25 - LEGO® Club at Forest Library from 5 PM - 6:15 PM
June 26 - Academy Youth Theatre Young Actor’s Peter Pan at 11 AM and 2 PM
June 26 - Rock Painting Workshop at Timbrook Library from 2 PM - 4 PM
June 26 - Homeschool Skate at AJ Skateworld from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
June 26-28 - Academy Youth Theatre Presents: "Into the Woods" at Academy Center of the Arts - June 26-27 at 7 PM; June 27-28 at 2 PM
June 27 - LAYSi Free Summer Play Day at University of Lynchburg from 9 AM - 3 PM
June 27 - Family Fishing Day at The Sparrow Estate from 10 AM - 2 PM
June 27 - Juneteenth at Patrick Henry's Red Hill from 11 AM - 3 PM - *event canceled*
June 27 - Light Up the Lawn at Ivy Hill Golf Club from 5 PM - 9:30 PM (fireworks at 9:30 PM)
June 27 - Town of Amherst Independence Day Celebration from 6 PM - 9:30 PM (fireworks at dark)
June 28 - Celebrate America at Thomas Road from 5 PM - 10 PM (fireworks at dark)
June 30 - July 5 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
July 1 - Scales & Tales: A Reptile Meet-and-Learn Adventure with the Larsen Family at Forest Library at 1 PM
July 2 - Splash Party at Miller Center from 12 PM - 2 PM
July 2 - Independence Day Fireworks at Mitchell's Point Marina from 7 PM - 11 PM (fireworks at dark)
July 3-5 - National Park Service Fee Free Days - Independence Day Weekend
July 3 - Compressed Air Rockets & Open House at Vector Space from 5 PM - 7:30 PM
July 3 - Before The Works Independence Day Festival at Liberty Lake Park from 5 PM - 10 PM (fireworks at dark)
July 3 - America's 250th in Appomattox at 8 PM (fireworks at dark)
July 4 - Celebrate Independence Day - Independence Day Celebrations and Fireworks in the Lynchburg Area 2026
July 4 - Percival's Firecracker 5-Miler at 8 AM
July 4 - Concord Rescue Squad Pancake Breakfast in Concord from 7 AM - 9:30 AM
July 4 - Independence Day Children's Bike Parade in Lexington - Bike decorating at 9 AM; Parade at 10 AM
July 4 - Independence Day Celebration at Frontier Culture Museum (Staunton) from 9 AM - 5 PM
July 4 - Pittsylvania County's 250th Independence Day Festival in Chatham from 9 AM - 10:15 PM
July 4 - Concord Fire Department July 4th Parade in Concord at 10 AM
July 4 - Independence Day Celebration at Poplar Forest from 10 AM - 4 PM
July 4 - Pittsylvania County's 250th Independence Day Parade in Chatham at 11 AM
July 4 - 4th of July Celebration in Brookneal from 11 AM - 1 PM
July 4 - Holiday Lake Public Pool Party from 11 AM - 4 PM
July 4 - Independence Day Celebration at Patrick Henry's Red Hill from 4 PM - 9:30 PM (fireworks at dark)
July 4 - Lovingston 4th of July Parade at 6:30 PM
July 4 - Hill City Howlers Home Game at 6:30 PM (fireworks after the game)
July 4 - July 4th Celebration at West Lynchburg Baptist Church - verify
July 4 - All American Festival and Fireworks at Spring Valley Farm in Moneta - verify
July 4 - Lovingston Fireworks at Nelson County Middle/High School - verify
July 4 - Pittsylvania County's 250th Independence Day Fireworks at approximately 9 PM
July 6 - Dino-Sized Storytime Show at Campbell County Public Library - Rustburg at 2 PM
July 7 - Family Movie Event - Aladdin at Forest Library at 12 PM
July 7-12 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
July 9 - Digging up the Past: Fossil Expedition at Forest Library from 2 PM - 3:30 PM
July 9-12 - Avoca 250: Lights, Liberty & Legends - Carnival from 6 PM - 10 PM (also Living History Saturday from 11 AM - 4 PM; Fireworks Saturday at 9:15 PM)
July 10 - Downtown Foam Party at Lynchburg Downtown Library from 5 PM - 7 PM
July 11 - Avoca 250: Lights, Liberty & Legends at Avoca - Fireworks Saturday at 9:15 PM
July 14 - Family Fun Night at Amherst Library from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
July 15 - Baby Block Party at Timbrook Library from 10 AM - 12 PM
July 17 - Academy Youth Theatre: Young Actor’s Not so Mysterious Disappearance of Cinderella at 11 AM and 2 PM
July 17 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Library from 11 AM - 5 PM
July 17 - SRP Finale Party for Kids at Forest Library from 1 PM - 3 PM
July 17-18 - Academy Youth Theatre Presents Wizard of Oz Youth Edition at the Academy Center of the Arts - July 17 at 7 PM (also July 18 at 2 PM)
July 19 - National Ice Cream Day - Ice Cream and Sweet Frosty Treats in the Lynchburg Area
July 19 - Family Play Day: Music in the Park at Riverside Park from 2 PM - 3 PM
July 19 - FINAL MATCH: Riverfront Soccer Fest at Riverfront Park at 3 PM
July 21-26 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
July 25 - Touch-A-Truck at Madison Heights Library from 10 AM - 12 PM
July 25 - Summer Reading Grand Finale Street Fair at Campbell County Public Library - Rustburg from 10 AM - 2 PM
July 25 - Christmas in July at Kline's Dairy Bar
July 25 - Christmas in July at Mister Goodies Timberlake
July 28 - Chill Cinema at the Miller Center from 10 AM - 12:30 PM
July 29 - Harry Potter Escape Room Session #1 at Forest Library at 10:30 AM (also at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM)
July 30 - Bookmobile Bash at The Aviary at Miller Park from 4 PM - 6 PM
July 30 - Harry Potter Party at Forest Library from 5 PM - 7 PM
July 31 - Aug. 1 - Academy Youth Theatre Presents Shrek Kids - July 31 at 6 PM; Aug. 1 at 11 AM
Aug. 1 - Holiday Lake Public Pool Party from 11 AM - 4 PM
Aug. 1 - CAB Kids! Ty-Rone Travis: Puppeteer at Bower Center for the Arts from 12 PM - 2 PM
Aug. 3-7 - FREE Waterbugs Summer Camp at Ivy Creek Park from 9 AM - 12 PM
Aug. 4-9 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
Aug. - Back to School Time: Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is the first weekend in August
Aug. 6 - First Day of School - Appomattox County Schools
Aug. 7 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Library from 11 AM - 5 PM
Aug. 7 - First Friday at Vector Space: Anything’s Possible Night
Aug. 7 - Family Fun Friday at Liberty Mountain SnowFlex Centre from 5 PM - 10 PM
Aug. 7 - First Fridays at Falling Creek Park in Bedford at 6:30 PM
Aug. 8 - Academy Youth Theatre: Missoula Children’s Theatre Aladdin at Academy Center of the Arts at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Aug. 12 - First Day of School - Amherst County Schools
Aug. 12 - First Day of School - Campbell County Schools
Aug. 14 - First Day of School - Bass Elementary School
Aug. 15 - Face the Forest 5K Obstacle Course Run at 7:30 AM
Aug. 18 - First Day of School - Lynchburg City Schools (except Bass Elementary)
Aug. 19 - First Day of School - Bedford County Schools
Aug. 21-23 - Bedford County Fair
Aug. 25-30 - Hill City Howlers Home Game - Tuesday - Saturday at 6:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM
Find all of the local summer events each month here:
Lynchburg VA June 2026 Family Friendly Events
Lynchburg VA July 2026 Family Friendly Events - A work in progress!
Lynchburg VA August 2026 Family Friendly Events - A work in progress!
Any Day Happenings
Riverfront Park Fountain (downtown) - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from dawn to dusk, weather permitting
Riverside Park Sprayground - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting
Altavista Splash Park at English Park - Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting
Claytor Nature Center Open to the Public - Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM winter hours
Visit Appomattox Court House National Historical Park - Open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM - free admission
Take a summer day trip - Summer Day Tripping: The Best Lynchburg Area Summer Day Trips
Storytimes and events at area public libraries - Summer Reading, Chores, and Lynchburg Area Libraries
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway with Your Family
Plant flowers, vegetables, or fruit in a garden
Visit a farm: Whimsy Pines Farm, Twin J Ranch, Lottie J Farm, and Spring Valley Farm offer special open farm days from time to time. Some also offer horse riding lessons or trail rides.
Take a road trip to a different sprayground - Sprayground and Splash Pad Fun in Lynchburg and Beyond
Join a pool, head to the lake, or go wading in a water hole - Summertime Water Fun: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
Enjoy a free outdoor movie or inexpensive indoor summer movie - Lynchburg Summer Movies: Regal Summer Movie Express and Outdoor Movies - A work in progress!
Go to a Lynchburg Hillcats home game - various dates throughout the summer - all on our calendar!
Check out a new park or playground - Lynchburg Area Parks and Playgrounds Videos on Our Facebook Page
Canoe & Kayak Rentals at Ivy Creek Park - summer weekends *verify dates
Go out for ice cream or frozen treats - Ice Cream and Sweet Frosty Treats in the Lynchburg Area
Visit the Anne Spencer Garden
Sign your children up for summer camp - Lynchburg VA Area Summer Camp Guide
Visit the Super Rad Arcade Bar downtown and enjoy unlimited video game play for a reasonable price
Go splashing in a local water hole - Find Your Family Fun® at Water Holes in the Lynchburg Area
Have a dress-up day at home
Spend the day at the park - Lynchburg Virginia Area Parks Guide
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 3 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 3 PM - free admission
Visit somewhere new to you - Day Trips and Around Town with Lynchburg Macaroni KID Videos
Plan a craft day with friends
Enjoy inexpensive fun - 25 Cheap Ways to Enjoy Summer 2026
Visit Old City Cemetery - be sure to swing on the big swing
Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month in July
Ride bikes together - 10 Lynchburg VA Area Places to Ride Bikes
Visit the public library in Lynchburg or one of the surrounding counties
Spend a fun day at The Mingo Coffee & Play
Plan a picnic for National Picnic Month in July - 10 Family Picnic Sites in Lynchburg and Central Virginia
Feed the fish at Bridgewater Marina at Smith Mountain Lake
Play old fashioned backyard games - 5 Backyard Games To Play With Your Kids
Cool down with indoor fun - Lynchburg VA Guide to Indoor Family Fun
Start a summer journal
Enjoy outdoor fun at a Virginia State Park - 10 Reasons to Enjoy a Virginia State Park Staycation in 2026
Go hiking off the Blue Ridge Parkway - Hiking Off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Host a neighborhood cookout - Plan a Red, White and Blue Party for the 4th of July and Local Events
Hit the beach at Smith Mountain Lake State Park - Summer Day Tripping: Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Spend the day at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights - Visit Riveredge Park in Madison Heights
Go camping at a campground or in your backyard - Lynchburg VA Area Campground Guide
Take a day trip to Holliday Lake State Park - Summer Day Tripping: Holliday Lake State Park
Play inside at Kids Cove at Thomas Road Baptist Church - Lynchburg Macaroni KID Parks and Playground Videos
Spend the day at the pool at Splash Valley Water Park in Roanoke - Summer Day Tripping: Escape to Splash Valley
Bike or hike at Percival's Island - Lynchburg Staycation: 10 Things to Do at Percival's Island
Take a walk on Rivermont Avenue - 25 Places in the Lynchburg Area to Walk or Hike
Bake cookies or brownies together
Ride bikes at the pump track at Peaks View Park
Teach your kids to jump rope
Jump at Get Air Lynchburg
Plan a family photo shoot day - 25 Amazing Family Photo Shoot Locations in Lynchburg and Central VA
Ride bikes on Blackwater Creek Bikeway
Take a trip to the Peaks of Otter - Take a Hike at the Peaks of Otter
Ski, snowboard, or snow tube at SnowFlex
Play board or card games together - Family Traditions: 13 Classic Games for Family Game Night
Play disc golf at Peaks View Park, Sandusky Park, Timbrook Park, New London Tech Trails, Independence Park, or Falling Creek Park in Bedford
Take a hike at Crabtree Falls - Summer Day Tripping: Hiking Crabtree Falls
Enjoy a family or neighborhood game of kickball or another family outdoor game - Summer Throwback: "Classic" Outdoor Games
Go skating at FunQuest or AJ Skateworld
Play at the playground at one of the area elementary schools - Find Your Family Fun® at Lynchburg VA School Playgrounds
Take a road trip to Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Blow bubbles together
Hike Indian Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Hiking Indian Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Enjoy a day of fun at Putt-Putt or Tiny Town Golf
Draw with sidewalk chalk
Hike the Alpine Trail at Riverside Park - Hit the Trails: Alpine Trail at Riverside Park
Walk on the Bluffwalk
Go bowling together
Check out Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2026 and let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® all summer long!
Follow us on Facebook for lots of shared local events, subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter to be first to know what's happening around town, and check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid website anytime to Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg and Central Virginia!
Summertime is for family fun, so make plans now to enjoy your family's best summer ever!
