Start the morning with a trip to Explore More Discovery Museum – a children’s learning museum with plenty of interactive and multi-sensory exhibits that makes for a fun educational opportunity for kids. With exciting stations like a farmer’s market, construction zones, a TV studio and medical centers to explore, you can expect the whole family to have fun. (Be sure to visit the Makerspace for ages 8+)
Magpie Diner Exterior
After an exciting morning at the museum, head just a 3 minute walk away to Magpie Diner (recently opened!) for a delicious lunch and a modern take on diner cuisine – from salads, sandwiches, to all-day breakfast (kids-friendly options included). Fresh bread and pastries are made daily at the neighboring Magpie Bakery and coffee is freshly brewed from beans roasted in the adjacent Chestnut Ridge Coffee Roasters. There is even an outdoor patio!
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If a local brewery is more your family’s speed, head to Restless Moons Brewing, just a 0.4 mile walk from the heart of downtown. With plenty of outdoor space and several food trucks to choose from, this spot is great for families that want options.
Explore Downtown Harrisonburg by downloading the free TRAIPSE app. Enjoy self-guided tours or enjoy the scavenger hunt feature and solve puzzles as you go. From historical information to art murals the tours are sure to be a hit with all ages.
Back Home on the Farm Corn Maze Lookout
Photo Courtesy of Lynne Hess
After lunch, check out one of Harrisonburg’s most loved family-friendly spots 10 minutes from downtown.
Back Home on the Farm is a real working farm that also offers a huge variety of 30+ kid-friendly activities for a great time out together with the family.
From visiting farm animals, exploring their Enchanted Garden, taking a ride on the kids’ zipline, wagon rides, cow milking, daily butterfly releases, and more, there are plenty of activities for kids to look forward to!
Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza at Bella Luna Wood Fired Pizza
For dinner, head downtown to one of Harrisonburg’s most popular pizza restaurants, Bella Luna Wood Fired Pizza. Choose from their range of thin-crust Neapolitan-inspired pizzas made with 100% organic flour, gluten-free options, or build your own – perfect for picky eaters!
When you’re done, don’t forget to check out their gelato shop directly across the street, Bella Gelato & Pastries, for yummy gelato in freshly made waffle cones, desserts, and more.
Still have energy to burn check out A Dream Come True Playground, Harrisonburg’s one-of-a-kind community playground sure to help children burn off all that extra energy.
As the day comes to an end, check in to the all-new Tru by Hilton hotel just 10 minutes from downtown. This hotel is spacious and perfect for an overnight stay with the family and offers free breakfast, a fitness center, a business center, and more.
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If you’re looking for a more private lodging experience for your family, check out private cottages at By The Side of the Road Getaway Lodging only minutes from downtown. A great option to relax and unwind in peace for the night.
