Massanutten Resort is filled with plenty of things to do, no matter what the season. In winter, it’s packed with folks that love to ski. In autumn, you can expect plenty of outdoor activities compliments of the crisp, cool weather. But in summer, the resort is a haven for families looking for a little bit of everything. From picturesque hikes to art lessons, here are the 13 best things to do in Massanutten Resort with kids in summer.
Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the folks at Massanutten Resort to give you the scoop on what makes ideal for families in summer. All opinions are my own!
13 Awesome Things to Do in Massanutten Resort with Kids
As soon as my teen daughter and I turned the corner onto Massanutten Resort, I could feel that sense of “ahh”. Truth? I’d visited the resort only a few weeks earlier, but for only a couple of hours. It was then that I promised myself that I’d return to really check out what it had to offer.
Another truth? My mind was blown! I couldn’t believe all of the onsite activities available on a daily basis. So many, in fact, that the resort puts out a daily schedule of events to keep everyone up to speed.
So, where do you begin to narrow down what to see and do? During our visit, we were lucky enough to check out a little bit of everything. Here are my top picks for things to do in Massanutten Resort in summer.
Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Summer Tubing
We’ve done snow tubing several times and it’s always a hoot. But, when it comes to summer tubing, it’s a completely different experience. For one, you’re not freezing. Two, it feels like the tubes go even faster. The Kid and I did a tandem trip down, but you can also go solo.
What makes it even better? We used the magic carpet for winter skiing to head up the hill. Translation: no out of breath trips down the hill. Tickets are based on 2, 4, or 6 trips down the hill and are
Location: Family Adventure Park
Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Ziplining
The Kid took the lead on this one during our visit so I could get some photos of her. For folks that feeling of flying, the Mega Zip is the way to go. You can zip in pairs or solo and, once you hit the landing at the end, you have to repel down.
Location: Family Adventure Park.
Massanutten Resort with Kids: Rock Wall Climbing
Another fun activity at the Family Adventure Park is the rock climbing wall. There are multiple sides with different levels of expertise so, if you want a leisurely climb, ask for the beginner’s level. Want a more thrilling experience? You’ll want the expert side.
When we visited, we actually asked a couple of staff members to show us how to really fly up the wall. Impressive!
Location: Family Adventure Park
Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Canopy Tour
Instead of just a single zip line trip, the Massanutten Canopy Tour has six. It also offers guests four bridges and some hanging vines. The two-hour trek through the tree canopy is open April-October and is weather dependent, so make sure to double check before you head out.
If the kiddos don’t make the height/weight cut for the Canopy Tour, a lighter version is available. The Kid’s Adventure Course is for children 12 years old and under and even has a 100 feet-long zip line.
Location: Family Adventure Park
Best Things to Do in Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Massanutten WaterPark
Massanutten WaterPark is hugely popular for families with kids of all ages, so there was no way to leave it out of this best-of list.
In addition to all the indoor fun (a lazy river, tube slides, toddler water play area, and FlowRider), the outdoor park area is just as impressive. Racer Slides, a White Caps Wave Pool, and Splash-A-Nutten Activity Pool are ideal for hot days.
If you really want to spend time outdoors at the WaterPark, consider renting a private cabana for the day. You’ll have shade, lounge chairs, and the ability to order snacks and drinks for an additional charge.
Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Art Walk
Here’s an activity you may not expect on a list of the best things to do in Massanutten Resort in summer, but it was a definite highlight of our trip. The Kid and I took an art walk with an actual nature artist and it was delightful. We learned about different sketching styles, then headed into the woods to try our hand at it.
Honestly, I’d recommend this activity for children in upper elementary school and older. As for adults that like to sketch and draw, it’s an ideal, affordable activity.
Location: Hopkins Park by the Cabin.
Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Scenic Chairlift Ride & Hike
This is the first activity we did once we checked into our Regal Vistas home (more on our accommodations below). While it took us two leisurely chairlift rides to get to the top of the mountain, it was only a small hike to the Overlook – and that view is everything! We got creative when it came to taking photos, but no matter if you’re in the photos or not, the photos are so worth it.
We saw the gorgeous, summer view of the Shenandoah Valley, but I can only imagine what it looks like in autumn.
Looking for more things to do in the Massanutten Resort area? Here are 21 fun things to do in Central Shenandoah Valley.
Location: Chairlift #4 at the Ski Lodge starts your journey.
Best Things to Do in Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: FlingGolf
Have you heard of FlingGolf? It uses a ball and a club, but you literally fling the ball with your club until you’re close enough to putt it in the hole. Sound intriguing? I though so, too.
What makes it ideal for folks is the fact that you don’t have to be an avid golfer to partake and have fun. Actually, you can fling golf right along with regular golfers in your party.
Location: Massanutten Resort Golf Courses
Massanutten Resort in Summer: Petting Farm
You’ll find all of the cute farm animals here. We loved talking to them and feeding them. When we visited, the animals were very calm and there’s a feeding station at the entrance.
If you like horseback riding, you can also head here to schedule a ride.
Location: Petting Farm across from Massanutten Golf Course. Hors vary, so please check before you visit.
Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Go Carting
Here’s a fun fact: Massanutten actually has a permanent resident community. While there’s only a couple thousand folks that call it home, it has its own police station and runs an entertainment area called Stonewall Terrace. It’s here you’ll find plenty of fun activities, including Go Karts.
Each ride lasts about five minutes and the track is on the easy side, so no worries about being user friendly.
Location: Stonewall Terrace
Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Downhill Mountain Biking
We did not try this on our visit, but we watched plenty of guests do it with ease. You can either take the chairlift up the mountain and bike back down if you like a challenge, or try the Bike Park.
Bike rentals and lift tickets can be purchased at the on-property Bike Shop.
Location: Near the Ski Lodge.
Best Things to Do in Massanutten Resort with Kids in Summer: Gem Mining
This is definitely for younger children but, man, we had fun! Once you pay for your bag of stones (there are three sizes), you take them outdoors to the mining area and wash them off, old-school style. Don’t forget to ask for a gem guide to help you identify the stones, too.
Location: Family Adventure Park
Massanutten Resort in Summer: Real Escapes Virtual Reality Games and Escape Room
New this year, and super popular, is the ability to try out VR gaming at Massanutten. The Kid and I gave it a go and it really was fun. You get spun around, safely, and it depends on the type of game you want to play. There’s also racing VR games that look really fun, too.
As for the Escape Room, it’s on my short list of fun things to do in Massanutten . Resort in summer. It is a challenge, so the more folks the merrier. When we tried it (and beat it!), we played off each other’s strengths, so it really did help to have as many folks as possible. The theme is an African jungle theme and has plenty of twists and turns.
Where We Stayed in Massanutten Resort
During our summer visit, we had the pleasure of staying at a home in the Regal Vistas area of the property. And, I have to write, these homes are gorgeous! Whether you’re an owner in its timeshare properties or are renting, each of the homes is worth a visit.
Ours offered a full kitchen, two baths, two bedrooms, a living/dining area, outdoor patio – and even a garage. Add to it a bbq grill, three large flatscreen televisions, and super comfy beds, and I didn’t want to leave.
Also to note, the Regal Vistas area offers its own outdoor pool area. On our visit, it wasn’t busy at all, either.
Did I miss one of the best things to do in Massanutten Resort in summer for your family? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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