Play Here

A diverse mix of outdoor adventure, playful learning, and small-town traditions await your family in the Lynchburg region. In the City of Lynchburg, kids can roam an impressive 850-acre park system filled with playgrounds, trails, splash pads, and picnic areas. Got a kid looking to explore their wild side? Nearby James River invites families to kayak, fish, or simply walk and bike along scenic riverfront trails.

Beyond the city, surrounding counties expand the list of family adventures. Bedford County offers lakeside recreation and camping at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, where families spend weekends boating, swimming, and hiking along scenic shoreline trails.

For indoor fun, families often head to Amazement Square, an interactive children’s museum in downtown Lynchburg where four floors of exhibits encourage kids to experiment, build, and play while learning how the world works. From creative art stations to a multi-story indoor play structure, Amazement Square is one of the region’s most popular family destinations.

Yes! The Lynchburg region gives couples plenty of excuses to sneak away for a memorable date night. In the City of Lynchburg, evenings often begin with a relaxed drink at a local brewery before wandering downtown’s historic streets and along the scenic Bluffwalk hand in hand. For something a little more creative, couples can sign up for painting, pottery, or other hands-on workshops at the Academy Center of the Arts, where classes and performances regularly bring the community together through music, theater, and visual arts.

If fresh mountain air sounds more romantic, a short drive into Bedford County leads to one of Virginia’s most iconic day trips: the Peaks of Otter. Couples often pack a picnic and hike to overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the views stretch for miles across the mountains — perfect for lingering conversations and photos you’ll both keep. And if you find yourself in Amherst County, Ankida Ridge Vineyards lets you sip to your heart’s content while overlooking rolling hills and valleys.

Back in town, date night can also mean cheering together under the stadium lights. The Hill City Howlers (Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians) bring a lively, easygoing atmosphere to summer evenings at the ballpark.

Across the Lynchburg region, awe-inspiring views, good music and world-class cuisines make small, meaningful moments feel like they last just a little longer.