Tag: Lynchburg Summer Fun Guide

As summer settles in, there’s no better time to explore the rich history and vibrant arts scene that define our region.

From captivating theater performances to immersive historical sites, Lynchburg offers a unique blend of culture and storytelling that brings the past to life. Whether you’re rediscovering familiar landmarks or venturing to new experiences, this guide is your perfect companion for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure.

The Back Nine Golf

Experience The Back Nine Golf Simulator — where 30 minutes feels like 90 on the course. Enjoy pro-level analytics, lifelike simulation, and 24/7 access to perfect your swing anytime. Get faster results, elevate your game, and play like the pros. Whether driving, putting, or practicing, it’s golf without limits. Join today and improve year-round.

Visit thebackninegolf.com/lynchburg-va/ for more information.

Hill City AquaZoo

AquaZoo is home to the most unique experiences. You’ll meet a wide variety of animals from numerous different species. Discover fish, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians from around the planet! During this hands-on adventure, you’ll journey through the Amazon Rainforest, Caribbean, Mayan Jungle, and Pirate Island while touching and feeding the exotic residents!

www.hillcityaquazoo.com

Lynchburg Cooks for Change

Lynchburg Cooks for Change returns with a fresh, elevated twist on a beloved community tradition. This community event used to be called Lynchburg Cooks for Hunger Relief and was held at Phase 2. Come out on June 6th for an unforgettable evening filled with incredible food, refreshing drinks, live music, exciting raffles, and all kinds of auctions. Savor tastings form 221 Tap & Table, Benjamins, Charley’s and The Neighbors Place while enjoying a lively atmosphere featuring the Karlee Raye Band. This unique culinary experience brings the community together for a night of connection and purpose. Guests can also enter a raffle for a chance to win your choice of a 4-Wheeler or Jet-Ski from Polaris Motorsports which adds even more excitement to the event. But most important of all, every ticket purchased and dollar raised at this event supports the United Way of Central Virginia, our local Lynchburg Daily Bread, and our local Meals on Wheels of Greater Lynchburg making your night out both enjoyable and impactful.

So please BUY a ticket at unitedwaycv.org/lynchburgcooks and hurry as tickets are limited!

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

History comes alive, onstage and outdoors at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Join us on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat for these special events this summer!

Don’t miss “The Day Is Past and Gone,” Teresa Harris’s poignant drama inspired by the lives of the enslaved people at Poplar Forest and their struggles to survive, with two performances only, on May 29 & 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Plus, join us for a historic salute to our nation’s 250th anniversary, with our “Independence Day Celebration” on July 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring colonial crafts and entertainment, children’s activities, and more!

Tickets for these events and more are available now at poplarforest.org/events.

Sweet Briar College

Discover Your Best Summer at Sweet Briar College!

Nestled on 2,847 stunning acres with old-growth forests, two lakes, and 22 miles of trails, Sweet Briar College is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer experience.

Whether you’re a middle schooler dreaming of athletic glory, a high schooler ready to explore engineering, environmental science, or music, or an adult seeking creative renewal, Sweet Briar has something for you. Sharpen your skills in cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, rowing, tennis, or volleyball. Saddle up at our world-class 130-acre equestrian center. Unleash your creativity at our Summer Arts & Writing Retreat, featuring three-day workshops led by our own distinguished faculty.

With room to roam and inspiration around every corner, your best summer starts here.

Explore summer programs at Sweet Briar College today! For more information visit www.sbc.edu/summer-programs

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill in Brookneal with an unforgettable evening of history, family fun, and patriotic spirit! A direct descendant of Patrick Henry will take the stage to read the Declaration of Independence aloud and powerfully recite the famous “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with local vendors, including food trucks, plus enjoyable activities like historic building tours, Living History demonstrations, children’s games, face painting, and much more! Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs as the night builds to a spectacular grand fireworks display lighting up the sky. Do not miss this exciting celebration of America’s founding. Still just $10/car! For more information, visit www.redhill.org or call us at 434-376-2044. Plan your visit today!

Check out www.redhill.org and head to our events page to see what’s coming up!

MasterWorks Festival

Experience extraordinary classical music this summer at the MasterWorks Festival, June 16–July 11. Enjoy over 30 free events featuring world-class performances by renowned faculty, guest artists, and outstanding young musicians. Highlights include inspiring orchestra concerts and faculty recitals every Friday and Saturday evening,as well as engaging guest artist masterclasses and recitals throughout the festival. This year’s guest artists include acclaimed soloists such as 2025 Van Cliburn Competition Finalist and MasterWorks alumnus Carter Johnson.

The MasterWorks Festival is a four-week celebration of excellence in the classical performing arts, bringing together exceptional artists and students in performances in an atmosphere of dynamic Christian faith. Come experience music of the highest caliber, free and open to the public.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.masterworksfestival.org.

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.

Imagination Station
We are keeping little minds growing and creating through art. Masterpieces will be made on different canvases, ceramics, glass, tiles, or wood, while learning to use a variety of mediums. These consist of but are not limited to acrylic, watercolors, oil pastels, gesso, charcoal and much more. Pack a NUT-FREE lunch with a drink and get ready to create. Visit imaginationstationstudios.com for more information.

Lynchburg Parks & Recreation
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation offers a variety of services and activities to residents and visitors. We maintain over 40 miles of our trails and 17 parks, which offer organized and open areas for recreation, enjoying a picnic, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and children’s play. Find your summertime fun with us! lynchburgparksandrec.com.

Johnson Health Center
Johnson Health Center is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center with locations in the city of Lynchburg as well as Amherst, Bedford and Campbell Counties. Services include primary care, behavioral health, dental, OB/GYN and on-site pharmacies. All insurances are accepted and new patients are always welcome.

Coming in 2024 – the new Amherst County Community Health Center! This new health center will combine many current services including adult and pediatric primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy with drive-thru, and provide a wellness center designed to facilitate nutritional education and physical fitness.

With your all fun-filled summer activities let the professionals at Johnson Health Center help keep you healthy. For more information visit jhcvirginia.org

Liberty University
Looking for an unforgettable camp experience? Look no further than Liberty University! We offer a wide variety of camps including athletic camps, academic camps, and external camps and conferences from June to August! Whether you’re taking the field at Football Camp, making your musical debut in the theatre, or snowboarding downhill at Snowflex, there is something for everyone at Liberty University, and Liberty provides several opportunities for campers of all ages to create memories while developing their skills and building a strong foundation with Christ! If you would like to learn more about all Liberty University Summer Camps has to offer, visit our website at www.liberty.edu/summer-camps/.

Natural Bridge Zoo

Natural Bridge Zoo is the wildest place in the state of Virginia, full of fun and excitement for any age! We allow you to get close and personal with a wide variety of rare and endangered animals. Stare into the eyes of a huge white tiger, feed a giraffe, hug a llama, and have a parakeet land on your hand in parakeet landing. Experience an elephant ride by looking at the world from a different view point while feeling the gait of the elephants walk (offered scheduled days/times). See a wide variety of beautiful birds, colorful goats, monkeys, deer, mountain lions and many more. Spend a wonderful day at the Natural Bridge Zoo creating lasting memories with the whole family. For more information, call 540-291-2420 or visit naturalbridgezoo.com.

Lynchburg Scene Newsletter
Subscribe to the Free Lynchburg Living Scene Newsletter! There is always something going on in the greater Lynchburg area—so much, in fact, that we have an entire newsletter dedicated to sharing what’s current. Don’t miss out on weekly reminders pertaining to some of the best local happenings. From big events like festivals and concerts to small events like farmers markets and small business events, we cover it all. Sign up at LynchburgLiving.com.

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is the perfect place to spend your summer! Join us all season long for monthly lectures, walking tours, and our signature Independence Day Celebration.

Our 1,000 acres provide the perfect setting for your visit. Whether you’re an avid historian, a casual hiker, or want to get outside, you’ll always be welcomed at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. Visit redhill.org for more information.

Putt-Putt Fun Center Lynchburg

As you plan your summer fun, think beyond the routine road trip and Let The Fun Begin!^TM with all the action and competition to be experienced at a 3+ acre indoor/outdoor family entertainment park!

Feel the Breeze

Jump into the driver’s seat and become champion of the asphalt, zooming 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.

Bring it Inside

Escape the heat and team up with family and friends. Guaranteeing nonstop excitement, our laser tag arena is the only two-story arena in Lynchburg. With ALL NEW laser tag vests, our arena is the place to escape sunburn and see who really the ultimate champion is.

Let’s Chill

Chillout and test your skills with the latest and greatest games like NERF and Minion Soccer. Plus, all the classics like air hockey and skee ball. After you’ve won all the points you can, turn them in at the redemption counter for awesome prizes.

Loop the 18

Bragging rights are at stake on our two 18-hole Putt-Putt® Golf courses! Soak in the fun AND the Vitamin D with the entire family. You may even get lucky and ace your shot on our skill-based par 2 courses! Visit PuttPutt.com/Lynchburg-VA to start the fun!

YMCA
Summer at the YMCA is an experience like no other. It’s a time for kids to make new friends, try new things, and create unforgettable memories. With a wide range of programs and activities, the YMCA is the perfect place for children to spend their summer. From swimming and sports to arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. YMCA summer camp offers a safe and supportive environment where children can grow, learn, and have fun. With experienced counselors and staff, parents can rest assured that their kids are in good hands. In addition to the camp, the YMCA offers swim lessons, sports programs, and other activities for children of all ages. To learn more about the YMCA, visit ymcacva.org.

2026 LL Fun Guide