Virginia may be for lovers, but Abingdon, VA is packed with kid-friendly adventure.
Read on for the best outdoor activities, indoor fun, and dining options for the whole family.
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The Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile stretch perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. You can begin your adventure in Abingdon or take a shuttle to the top of the trail for a more leisurely ride.
Why is this trail ideal for kids? Starting at the White Top Station, the first 17 miles offer a gentle downhill incline, making it accessible for all ages, including seniors.
The trail is incredibly scenic, following a beautiful river that’s perfect for stopping and wading.
You can either bring your own bike or rent one from the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop.
Twin Pinnacles Hike at Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park offers several hikes suitable for children, but the Twin Pinnacles hike stands out with its short distance and breathtaking views, making it perfect for most ages.
Another good hike to consider is the Rhododendron Trail, where you can encounter wild ponies.
We took our children on this trail when they were young, and they absolutely loved it.
The Channels
The Channels, the only slot canyons on the East Coast, are breathtaking and definitely worth the hike.
The hike to the Channels is a 3-mile gentle incline, which may be challenging for very small children unless they are experienced hikers or you are willing to carry them part of the way.
We were impressed with how well-maintained the trail was. The only drawback is the limited parking, with only 10 spots available, so arriving early is advisable.
If your kids are teenagers or pre-teens, they will absolutely love this hike.
Backbone Rock
This outdoor adventure is perfect for kids of all ages.
Backbone Rock is a stunning rock ridge featuring a tunnel carved through its center. The hike to the top is short, though it includes several steep stairs.
Nearby, you’ll find a refreshing stream for playing and another short hike leading to a waterfall, also with some steep stairs.
Backbone Rock is about 20 minutes from Abingdon, VA
The Falls of Logan Creek
The Falls of Logan Creek are conveniently located just off Highway 80, accessible via a short trail.
Since there are no road signs, you’ll need to use Google Maps to find the small parking area on the roadside.
The falls are stunning and ideal for families to wade or swim in. Bring your swimsuit and a picnic and prepare for a day of fun.
Go Boating On South Holsten Lake
If your family loves watersports, consider renting a boat at South Holsten Lake. Below are companies that rent speed boats, pontoon boats, and jet skis on this lake.
- Paradise Cove – rents jet skis and pontoon boats
- Painter Creek Marina – rents pontoon boats and speed boats
- Laurel Marina – rents pontoon boats
Enjoy watersports at SoHo Xcursions
SoHo Xcursions offers a variety of adventures on South Holston Lake. In addition to renting paddleboards and kayaks, they have an Aqua Park where you can climb, slide, and bounce on the water.
For a truly unique experience, rent a Jetblade that propels you high above the water for an unforgettable ride.
Abingdon Spirit Tours
Abingdon is rich in history and ghost stories.
If your kids are old enough to enjoy a good haunted tale, take them on a tour with the Haint Mistress of Abingdon. She not only shares spooky stories but also provides fascinating historical insights about the town.
My family loved our ghost tour with Spirit Tours. You can book a tour here.
See A Play At The Barter Theatre
The beautiful Barter Theatre, steeped in history, showcases performances by professional actors. While it offers shows for adult audiences, it also regularly presents plays that are perfect for children.
During our latest visit, they were performing The Wizard of Oz.
The Barter Theatre’s history is captivating. During the Depression, patrons could pay for tickets with produce and livestock, giving the theatre its unique name.
Many famous actors, including Larry Linville, Gregory Peck, Ned Beatty, and Ernest Borgnine, began their careers at the Barter Theatre.
Enjoy the many award-winning restaurants
USA Today has recognized Abingdon as having the “Best Small-Town Food Scene” for several years in a row. This town offers a wealth of great dining options.
Read my full post on best restaurants in Abingdon, VA here, but here are my best restaurant picks for families with children.
JJ’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
JJ’s may be a sports bar, but they’ve created a very kid-friendly environment.
With games for children and a spacious seating area, it’s an ideal spot for families.
Parents will also appreciate the diverse food options.
JJ’s Sports Bar offers kid-friendly choices like hamburgers and sandwiches, as well as more upscale dishes such as seafood and pasta.
Greeko’s Grill & Cafe
Greeko’s Grill & Cafe serves delicious, made-from-scratch Mediterranean dishes, including falafel, souvlaki, and tzatziki.
They also offer a fantastic kid’s menu that features traditional Greek dishes as well as American favorites like cheeseburgers and pizza.
Be sure to indulge in a few desserts while you’re there. They have some excellent choices, like Baklava and Cheesecake.
Luke’s Cafe
Luke’s Cafe combines great food with a hip Rock ‘n Roll atmosphere.
Both kids and adults will find plenty to enjoy, with a variety of gourmet hamburgers, salads, and sandwiches on the menu. And be sure to try their amazing truffle fries on the side.
Children of all ages will love the delicious food and the 50s decor.
Endulge in Ice Cream
Nothing keeps kids happier than indulging in some delicious ice cream. And Abingdon has two great ice cream shops you should visit.
The Ice Cream Stop offers hand-dipped ice cream, shakes, banana splits, and more.
Shaked offers artistic and scrumptious shakes, baked goods, sundaes, floats, and more.
Anthony’s Desserts
While we’re on the topic of sweets, let me introduce you to a wonderful dessert shop in Abingdon.
Anthony’s Desserts offers gourmet baked goods and hand-dipped ice cream.
Their desserts are so beautifully crafted that you might feel guilty biting into them, but you’ll be glad you did once you taste how delicious they are.
Pal’s Sudden Service
My son introduced me to the fantastic hamburgers at Pal’s Sudden Service, and I have to say, the Frenchie Fries are also excellent.
Initially, I was hesitant to try this place because I usually avoid restaurants with giant hamburgers and hot dogs on the roof. 🤣 However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The hamburgers here are delicious and affordable. This would be a great place to pick up burgers and fries for the family to take to a nearby park.
Rendezvous International Cafe
To see a smile on your children’s faces, treat them to a sweet crepe from Rendezvous International Cafe.
Popular flavors include the Crunchy Strawberry Crepe and the S’mores Crepe.
This cafe also offers savory crepes, excellent coffee drinks, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Everything we’ve tried here has been fantastic. You’re sure to find something to please every family member here.
128 Pecan
128 Pecan offers casual and comfortable dining that’s perfect for all ages. The menu features a variety of options, from sandwiches and tacos to soups and salads.
We particularly enjoyed the Cuban Sandwich and Fish Tacos, and the fries were also a big hit.
Abingdon Vineyards
If you’re a wine lover traveling with children, Abingdon Vineyards is the perfect spot. You can sip your favorite wine while your kids play in the beautiful outdoor area.
The vineyard features a stunning tasting room and an even more impressive outdoor space. Picnic tables are by a scenic creek, where both kids and adults can splash and play.
Feel free to pack a lunch and bring water shoes. I highly recommend trying their wine flights – we enjoyed sampling several of their excellent wines.
White Birch
White Birch is a cozy cafe offering delicious and healthy breakfast and lunch options.
Popular menu items include Biscuits & Gravy, Cinnamon Crunch French Toast, Birch Power Bowl, and Thai Chicken Wrap.
They also feature a Juice Bar with various fresh-squeezed juice combinations, and they even offer craft cocktails that you can enjoy there or take to go.
The Girl & The Raven
The Girl & The Raven is a spacious coffee shop with a beautiful interior and a cozy vibe. We’ve loved everything we’ve tried here and can’t stop thinking about how good the food and lattes were.
Open for breakfast and lunch, even simple dishes like Avocado Toast have a gourmet flair.
They also offer a kid’s menu featuring favorites like Grilled Cheese and Hamburgers.
I highly recommend this as a top choice for families seeking made-from-scratch meals with fantastic culinary flavors.
Upscale Dining in Abingdon, VA
If you’d like to treat your family to upscale dining in Abingdon, VA, here are some fantastic choices:
- The Tavern – One of the best restaurants in Abingdon. It’s housed in the town’s oldest building, dating back to 1779. The food is incredible, though a bit pricey. Reservations are recommended if possible.
- Foresta – This is another one of my favorite restaurants in Abingdon. While it may be a bit pricey for dining with small children, the food is exceptional. The decor and atmosphere strike a perfect balance between sophistication and whimsy.
- Summers Roof and Cellar – Summers is an upscale restaurant known for its wonderful food. What makes it truly special is its location atop a building, offering lovely views of downtown Abingdon. They do serve brick oven pizza, which would be perfect for kids.
Family Friendly Accommodations in Abingdon, VA
If you’re visiting Abingdon with your family, you’ll want a comfortable place to stay. Here are my top recommendations for family-friendly accommodations.
The 119 Airbnb
The 119 is a beautifully decorated Airbnb that can accommodate multiple family members. It features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with one bedroom offering two queen beds.
Conveniently located, it’s just steps away from the Virginia Creeper Trail and downtown Abingdon. And did I mention that it’s pet-friendly? This is definitely a great vacation home for a family.
Check prices and availability for The 119 here.
The Martha Washington Inn & Spa
Although the Martha Washington Inn is renowned for its luxury and spa services, it is also an ideal retreat for families.
They offer a family suite with one king bed and two queen beds, providing ample space for everyone.
The Martha features numerous kid-friendly amenities, including a mini golf course, trampolines, tennis courts, a pool, and a jacuzzi.
For those looking to explore the Virginia Creeper Trail, the inn provides a convenient free shuttle service to the top of the trail.
Centrally located, the Martha Washington Inn is close to all of Abingdon’s top attractions. It’s right across the street from the Barter Theatre and within walking distance of several fantastic shopping and dining options.
Check prices and availability for the Martha Washington Inn here.
Read More:
- How To Bike The Virginia Creeper Trail
- Best Places To Eat & Drink In Abingdon, VA
- Best Things To Do In Abingdon, VA
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