We’re all looking for ways to get out of the house in the New River Valley this winter. Fresh air is good for the soul, and it helps burn off some of that extra kid energy too.
Whether you’re bundling up for snow play or taking advantage of milder winter days, here are family-friendly outdoor winter activities in and around the New River Valley to enjoy over the next few months. Some are right in town, and others are just a short drive away.
Outdoor Winter Fun Ideas for New River Valley
1. 16 Squares of Blacksburg Walking Tour
Led by the Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Foundation, this historic walking tour explores the original 16 square blocks that formed the heart of early Blacksburg, featuring stories behind buildings, local heritage, and historic landmarks. Tours are typically offered on a regular basis and are a great way to learn about local history on foot.
The 16 Squares schedule is currently set for every other Thursday, beginning January 15, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. You can find the full event calendar here. Note that each tour is limited to 15 participants.
2. Go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt or a Nature Walk
Bundle up and take photos of the way things look in the winter. Explore how things look differently in the Winter. The trees, water, and animals.
Here's a list of things to look for in the Winter: Animals (note how their fur is different), Animal Tracks, Winter Hats or Mittens, Smoke in Chimneys, Firewood, Trees - evergreen and without branches/leaves, Water/Mud puddles that are frozen, boots, Rosy Cheeks, Breathing "smoke", snowflakes, icicles.
I think this could be a fun seasonal project for your family. Take photos of the same areas/things each season and compare them at the end of the year. Make sure to include photos of the family- from bundled up to sun-kissed and barefoot.
Pandapas Pond Loop Trail (Forest Trail #74) - 0.90 miles and easy terrain for a wheelchair or stroller
Riverway Trail, Radford - 3.5 paved trail accessible from Bissett Park Radford, or you can just enjoy a portion of the paved trail specifically around the Bissett Park area
3. Visit a State Park (Claytor Lake or New River Valley)
Check out the Jr. Ranger Program. Each State Park manages it a bit differently but it allows kids the option of becoming a Junior Ranger through self-guided activities or by attending a few park programs when scheduled. The booklet consists of several nature and history-themed activities with instructions for each.
Once the activities are completed, stop by the Visitor Center or Discovery Center to have a park ranger check the work, administer the Junior Ranger oath, and present a certificate signed and dated by a park ranger, along with their very own official Junior Ranger badge.
Additionally, each park offers trails, interpreter led hikes and outings, and other nature related crafts and activities. Find Your Park Here.
4. Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun activity to start with your family, while you're home and while traveling. It's a treasure hunt in your own backyard! Here's some information and tips on making the most of geocaching..
5. Hokie Bird Walking Tour
Take a stroll through Blacksburg and turn an everyday walk into a playful scavenger hunt with a Hokie Bird Walk. These colorful, hand-painted birds pop up in unexpected places—near sidewalks, storefronts, and public spaces—inviting families to slow down and look around. Kids love spotting each new bird, and grown-ups enjoy the creativity woven into town. It’s an easy, free way to explore, stretch your legs, and see Blacksburg through a more colorful lens.
6. Visit a Cemetary
Cemeteries can be fascinating. They are full of history, unique markers, and memorial gardens. If for nothing else, just to have a safe place to walk outdoors and enjoy some of the elaborate monuments. There's a few ways to make your visit educational and entertaining.
- Look for the oldest birthday, who lived the longest?
- Look for all the letters of the alphabet and etch them on paper rubbings.
- Find your own name/last name.
- Take a sketch book and draw some of the monuments, memorials and gardens you see.
Westview Cemetary in Blacksburg, A 14.5-acre historic resource in Blacksburg's heart, offering passive recreation, Civil War veteran graves, and a Confederate monument, with access for residents and non-residents.
Sherwood Memorial in Salem, VA has over 100 acres of gardens, sculptures, fountains,and a nice paved walking trail.
Evergreen in Roanoke invites you to stop by their office for a Walking Tour guide for information on notable citizens buried there.
Here's a few reminders of basic cemetery etiquette and respect to cover before you go.
7. Culture Crossings Historical Walk Christiansburg
From street art to history buildings and markers, the Town of Christiansburg is rich with history that many living in and around the area are not even familiar with. Enjoy a fun outing and learn something about this town right here at home in the NRV. See the full Culture Crossing Guide here.
8. Visit a Park or Playground
Did you know there are approximately 60 parks and playgrounds across the New River Valley? Can anyone say they have visited or played at them all? These mild winter days are a great time to check out a new playground or a park and just explore locally.
Don’t Miss: More Winter Fun in and around the New River Valley
Looking for even more things to do this winter?
👉 Check our full events calendar for New River Valley for the latest family-friendly winter events, pop-ups, and seasonal activities.
