When it comes to planning your family’s summer, balance is key. There is much to be said for the lazy, hazy days that find you laying outside with a good book and a glass of lemonade, but having too many of those days—especially when kids are involved—is a no-go. Luckily, adding structure to your summer also adds fun and excitement! The following pages are full of family-friendly events, outstanding organizations, and adventurous activities that will make your summer memorable—and the furthest thing from monotonous.
434 Fun
At 434 Fun, our aim is to provide a play-filled and active environment that encourages physical movement, enhances social interaction, and promotes creativity while making special memories with the whole family. 434 Fun offers an inflatable playground for ages 10 and under, family friendly arcade, a delicious take on concessions, and party rooms and tables for every occasion! Sign up at our website today for news about our grand opening dates. 434fun.com
GhostStop & Lynchburg Ghost Tours
GhostStop HQ Moves to LYH
The world’s prominent ghost hunting equipment store and manufacturer is now headquartered in Lynchburg following 16 years in Orlando.
Whether you’re a pro ghost hunter or curious novice, GhostStop has everything needed to explore the paranormal from spirit boxes and sensors to cameras and full kits for all levels of interest. Plus, a ‘BOOtique’ of spooktacular gifts.
Owner, Shawn Porter has been featured on shows including GHOST HUNTERS and Ghost Brothers working with many more including GHOST ADVENTURES and Kindred Spirits.
Follow @GhostStop for more including classes, investigations, speakers and events. GhostStop.com
How about a Ghost Tour?
Lynchburg Ghost Tours takes you on a curious and spirited journey of Historic Downtown.
Visit LynchburgGhostTours.com and follow @lyhghosttours for year-round tour dates.
Johnson Health Center
Johnson Health Center’s newest location will open in June 2024!
The newly constructed Amherst County Community Health Center will provide primary care for adults and pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy with drive-thru, and a fitness and wellness center, with a teaching kitchen.
Join us on Saturday, August 3, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. for our 10th Annual Back to School Care Fair and Community Open House to tour our new building, meet staff and celebrate National Health Center Week!
The new Amherst County Community Health Center is located at 109 Clearview Road in Madison Heights, Va. 24572. jhcvirginia.org
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the final home and burial place of Virginia’s first governor and celebrated orator, Patrick Henry. Spanning nearly 1,000 acres of pastoral beauty, Red Hill has something for the whole family. Travel to the 18th century through guided tours, exciting public programs, historic buildings and artifacts, and much more. Join us in person or at www.RedHill.org.
Putt-Putt Fun Center®
Time for the ULTIMATE SUMMER STAYCATION! And we’ve gota hole lota fun for your crew!
Feel the Breeze
Jump into the driver’s seat and zoom around our track for a rush of pure adrenaline. We have karts for single riders, as well as karts that can accommodate a parent and child.
Get Wet
A cool splash on a water ride is a great way to beat the summer heat. Battle it out with friends during a whirling, twirling and wet ride on our bumper boats equipped with water cannons.
Indoor Fun
Escape the heat and challenge friends to a game of laser tag. Guaranteeing nonstop excitement, our laser tag arena is the only two-story arena in Lynchburg. With neon lights and dark colors, our arena is the place to escape sunburn and see who really the ultimate champion is.
Be Cool
Our arcade is the place where “cool” kids hang and parents come to “cool off.” Test your gaming skills with all sorts of arcade games from classic air hockey to Brand new merchandisers and cranes! After you’ve won all the points you can, turn them in at the redemption counter for awesome prizes.
Loop the 18
Our two 18-hole Putt-Putt® Golf courses are the perfect way for the family to stay active, on their feet, and soak in the Vitamin D. You may even get lucky and ace your shot on our skill-based par 2 courses!
Experience a summer packed with fun, competition, and a hole lota together time! puttputt.com/lynchburg
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest for family-friendly events this summer!
This May 24th and 25th, Playwright Teresa Harris’s original drama, The Day is Past and Gone, returns to Jefferson’s south lawn for two performances only. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexity of their lives and their struggles to survive.
From June 27th to the 29th, revel in the revolutionary spirit of America’s Founding Fathers at Poplar Forest’s presentation of 1776—the Tony Award-winning comedy by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Tickets for both events are available at poplarforest.org/events.
Wolfbane Productions
BIG NEWS: Wolfbane is expanding into Downtown Lynchburg this Fall as they open the Wolf Den – Downtown, located at 723 Jefferson Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Kick off your Halloween festivities with an in-your-face telling of Wolfbane’s Dracula, the “Audience Choice Poll” Winner for the 2024 season. Wolfbane is thrilled to present their own unique take on the Father of all Universal Monsters, which will be as witty as it is horrifying. September 27-October 26, 2024.
Then, create a new holiday tradition for the whole family with Wolfbane’s A Christmas Carol. Experience this timeless classic full of magic, heart, and redemption, done in Wolfbane’s signature immersive style. December 5-22, 2024.
For tickets, membership information, and FAQs, please visit www.wolfbane.org
YMCA of Central Virginia
The YMCA of Central Virginia is Lynchburg’s cherished destination for families and youth, offering diverse programs for all. From enriching swim lessons to empowering outreach initiatives, the YMCA provides a welcoming environment for all ages to thrive. With a legacy of promoting wellness and community involvement, the YMCA fosters connections, growth, and personal achievement. Committed to instilling Christian Principles through programs that nurture spirit, mind, and body wellness, the YMCA of Central Virginia remains a vital part of Lynchburg’s fabric. Cherished across generations, it embodies enduring dedication to community strength. ymcava.org
