Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, established in 1966 (59 years in operation) with the White and Red courses and Blue course added in 1975, features 27 championship holes designed by renowned architect Raymond F. Loving, Jr., ASGCA across rolling terrain at the gateway to Shenandoah National Park in Front Royal, VA. Located at 134 Golf Club Circle, Front Royal, VA 22630, the club earned recognition as Golf Digest's "Best Public Virginia Golf Club" and ranks among the top 10 Virginia golf courses with consistently high ratings: 4.8/5 stars on Facebook (909 reviews, 96% recommend), 4.5 stars from 358 Chamber of Commerce reviewers, and 4.8/5 on WeddingWire (65 reviews), making it a premier Front Royal VA golf and Shenandoah Valley recreation destination. Green fees with cart included range from $55 weekdays to $75 weekends, with special rates including twilight (after 3 PM) at $45, Tuesday/Thursday senior/military/first responder discounts to $45, walking fees from $25-$45, and annual memberships from $2,000 (Ladies/Young Professionals) to $3,125 (Full Family) covering all cart, green, and range fees at this Blue Ridge Mountain golf course just 45 minutes from Washington D.C. The facility features bent grass greens voted among Virginia's best, three distinctive 9-hole courses creating varied 18-hole combinations (The Old Course combining Red/White at Par 71, 6,108 yards; The Titus Course honoring owner Richard L. Runyon Jr.'s grandfather), GPS-equipped carts, driving range, practice greens, new short game area under development, and the top-ranked Virginia Golf School. Operating Monday-Thursday 7 AM-7 PM, Friday 7 AM-9 PM, and weekends 7 AM-7 PM with 24/7 online tee time booking at shenandoah-valley-golf-club.book.teeitup.com, the club hosts Shenandoah University's home golf teams, Warren County tournaments, U.S. Kids Golf events, and serves as a spectacular wedding venue with three distinctive spaces (Fairview Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling mountain views, renovated Links Clubhouse, plus smaller venue) accommodating up to 350 guests. The club's heritage significance includes its location in historic Front Royal (established 1788, site of 1862 Battle of Front Royal during Civil War) within the protected Rockland Rural Historic District, panoramic Blue Ridge and Massanutten mountain vistas, and designation as Virginia's largest privately owned golf course recognized in the nation's top 20 privately owned facilities. Contact them at golf@svgcgolf.com for information about Virginia golf destinations, Shenandoah National Park area golf, Washington DC area golf getaways, Civil War region recreation, mountain view golf courses, and historic Virginia golf courses perfect for tournaments, corporate outings, Virginia wine country golf trips, and family recreation in the Shenandoah Valley.
Ground broke in July 2003 and Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club at 456 Shadows Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 opened in 2007, making it 18 years in business as a championship 18-hole, par-72 public course designed by Thomas E. Clark, ASGCA. Golf Digest ranked it #6 Best New Affordable Public Course in America back in 2007 and Golfweek put it at #14 Best New Courses in America in 2008. Not bad, right? Owners John Hopkins and Rick Magalis built something special here with five tee options spanning 5,006 to 7,315 yards, so beginners and scratch golfers both find their game. The signature stuff includes a 60-foot waterfall behind the 18th green (seriously dramatic), a weird but cool 120-yard-wide double green shared by holes 11 and 13, elevation changes through mature hardwood forests that'll mess with your club selection, five lakes touching eight holes, 48 bunkers placed exactly where you don't want them, and fast bent grass greens. Holds a 4.4/5 rating from 347 reviews on 18Birdies. Greens fees run $45-$95 for 18 with cart depending on when you play. Weekdays before 11 AM cost $65, weekends before 11 AM hit $95, and seniors 55+ get in for $45. Annual unlimited memberships go $1,500-$2k for individuals or $2,800 for families (spouse and kids under 18 included), and you get unlimited play, practice facility access with free range balls, USGA handicap service, pro shop discounts, and here's the kicker: free winter golf December through February where you just pay the cart fee. The facility has a driving range, big putting green, chipping and bunker practice area, GPS-enabled carts, pro shop, and Shadows Grill for food. Houlihan's Restaurant + Bar sits adjacent (open 6:30 AM to 10 or 11 PM), and banquet space handles up to 220 guests for weddings and corporate stuff. The 124-room Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on property makes stay-and-play packages a no-brainer for Virginia golf getaways. Open 7 days a week, 7 AM-7 PM from April through November. Wednesday brings Spark Golf League at $32/round. U.S. Kids Golf tournaments run $57-$67 entry, and PGA professionals offer lessons for all skill levels. Part of the Raspberry Golf Trail covering seven premium Mid-Atlantic courses. Reviews consistently mention the scenic beauty (those Blue Ridge Mountain views are legit), solid course conditions, and friendly staff. TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award puts it in the Top 10%. Great spot near Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive if you want championship golf without the country club price tag.
Royal Family Bowling Center at 430 Remount Rd in Front Royal has been the Shenandoah Valley's go-to family bowling alley for over 23 years, featuring 18 state-of-the-art Qubica AMF synthetic lanes with brand-new EDGE String pinspotters replacing 50-year-old equipment. With a stellar 4.5-4.7 star rating across 450+ Google reviews, customers consistently praise the clean facilities, friendly staff, kid-friendly atmosphere, and "best burgers in town" from the on-site snack bar serving made-to-order pizza and famous chili cheese fries. Bowling is charged by the hour per lane (up to 6 bowlers), with shoes and house balls included—reviewers note pricing is on the higher end for Front Royal but excellent value given the modern technology. The center offers automatic bumper bowling, "Dragon Ramps" for children 8 and under, HyperBowling interactive system that turns bowling into a video game, 6-lb balls for small kids, and a newly renovated arcade room, making it ideal for family fun, kids' bowling parties, and youth activities. Birthday party packages require a $50 deposit and offer private party room rental at $40/hour, with the option to bring your own cake and ice cream. Cosmic bowling and glow bowling transform the lanes into a nightclub-like experience on weekend nights, while Extreme Bowling runs Friday and Saturday from 11pm-1am at $15. The bowling center also participates in Kids Bowl Free (2 free games per day for registered kids during summer), hosts youth programs, and offers various league options including family leagues, senior leagues, and 9-pin no-tap; the facility even hosted a 2025 PBA50 professional bowlers' tournament. Hours are Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-1am, and Sunday 11am-10pm, though calling ahead is strongly recommended since leagues can book up all available lanes.
Just to be clear upfront: Play Favorites is NOT a craft workshop or DIY studio. It's a specialty toy store with board games, puzzles, educational toys, and an arcade/game room at 441 South Street in Front Royal's Royal Plaza Shopping Center. Brett and Hannah Bement bought this cherished local toy store in November 2023 (they celebrated their one-year anniversary in November 2024) with a mission to keep the community stocked with quality toys, games, and educational products for kids age one to one hundred. Reviews are stellar: perfect 5.0 stars from 31 reviews on the Chamber of Commerce website and 100% recommendation rate on Facebook with 24 reviews. Customers love the enthusiastic staff and the fact that you can test dozens of open products before buying. Prices match or beat big-box retailers, which is honestly refreshing. Hannah's a local biology teacher who created the science-themed Salamanderings earrings sold in-store, and Brett is known as the most knowledgeable person around when it comes to games and their developmental benefits. The free community programming is pretty wild: Family Game Nights on Mondays and Fridays, FREE Arcade Night Tuesdays from 5-7 PM (famously free for kids when temps soar above 100 degrees), Creator Collaboration Wednesdays for game designers, traditional games Thursdays, and inclusive events like free autism game nights. The classic arcade game room runs pay-by-hour with no quarters needed, and you can rent it for birthday parties fitting 15 kids plus adults with group rates covering game time. There's a wooden train table and Magna-Tiles area for younger children too. Inventory spans board games from children's titles to complex strategy games, STEM toys including telescopes and microscopes, puzzles of all sizes, sensory and fidget items, classic nostalgia toys like yo-yos and Slinkys, construction sets, dolls, action figures, and craft kits. They even post toy reviews and unboxings on their YouTube channel @playfavorites8. Open Monday through Saturday 10 AM-7 PM and Sunday 10 AM-4 PM. Town Council members and chamber officials have recognized Play Favorites as a "third space" community hub beyond home and work. But again, they don't offer craft workshops or instructional classes.
Operating under dual branding at 4490 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655, this family entertainment complex combines Appleland Sports Center (traditional golf facilities founded 1989, 36 years in business) with Cousins Fun Center (modern adventure activities), creating a comprehensive Northern Virginia family fun destination that has earned 4.2/5 stars on TripAdvisor with Travelers' Choice Award recognition and serves the Winchester and Frederick County area. Originally founded by architect Ralph Gregory with a 12-hole executive golf course "The Golden Apple" opening in 2002 (designed by Gregory, now operated by his son David), the facility features a historic 18-hole mini golf course dating to 1979 alongside a 3-story driving range with both mats and grass hitting areas, executive golf for $10-$15 including cart, and comprehensive practice facilities perfect for family golf outings in the Shenandoah Valley. The Cousins Fun Center adventure activities include Tactical Laser Tag in the outdoor "Area-11" course, Gel Blast games (ultra-low impact paintball alternative with water-based gel balls for ages 5+), Archery Tag with foam-tipped arrows (ages 12+), Nerf Battles (ages 6+), Bubble Foam Parties (ages 4+), plus 4 indoor axe throwing rooms, arcade games, and pool tables offering diverse kids activities and family entertainment options. Birthday party packages range from $25.95 to $44.95 per person (minimum 8 players) and include private picnic seating, unlimited yard games, one ice cream cake, and 90-minute to 2-hour experiences with the Ultimate Adventure Party at $44.95 combining Gel Blast, Tactical Laser Tag, and Archery Tag for ages 10+, while open play admission for tactical laser tag starts at $35 per person, and the Purple Cow Soft Serve on-site restaurant serves burgers, fries, pizza, wings, and Hershey's Ice Cream. Open Monday-Sunday 8 AM-8 PM (seasonal variations apply with reduced winter operations), this Stephens City attraction caters to multigenerational families with activities for ages 4+ through adults, offering corporate team building, church groups, sports teams, bachelor parties, and family reunions, with Facebook communities totaling over 2,500 likes and reviews praising well-maintained facilities, affordable pricing, challenging mini golf with slopes and twists, and friendly staff. Contact the golf center at (540) 869-8600 or fun center at (540) 614-4115 (email: info@applelandfun.com), and while some reviews note go-karts and batting cages have conflicting operational status, the facility offers comprehensive Virginia family golf, adventure activities, and party venues making it a premier Shenandoah Valley family fun center for indoor and outdoor entertainment.
This authentic 120-acre working farm at 5273 Harry Byrd Highway in Berryville has been in the Shenk family since 1960 when parents Kenneth "Peanut" and Phyllis Shenk purchased the property, though it opened to the public for Fall Festival activities in 2013, making it 12+ years of agritourism operation run by brothers Philip and Mark Shenk with their wives and partners Tyler and Harriet Wegmeyer. The seasonal attraction earned an impressive 96% recommend rating on Facebook (515 reviews) and features breathtaking 180-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its historic 19th-century big red barn and Victorian house. For the 2025 season running September 20 through November 2, admission pricing ranges from $15 per person on weekdays to $18 standard weekend admission, $22 Gold (includes apple blaster apples), and $30 Platinum (includes apple blaster and paintball), with children 2 and under free and groups of 20+ receiving $15 per person rates. The Clarke County farm's star attraction is a 10-acre themed corn maze that takes 20-60 minutes to complete with agriculture questions throughout, complemented by an 8-acre u-pick pumpkin patch with 20+ varieties sold by the pound, pig races and pumpkin smashing shows on weekends, hayrides with farm history lessons from "Farmer Phil," and encounters with llamas, goats, pigs, chickens, alpacas, and other barnyard animals on the elevated "Goat Walk." Families enjoy diverse play activities including a giant combine slide, pedal tractor track with John Deere tricycles, tennis court-sized jumping pillow, life-size hamster wheel "Barn Twisters," corn-filled sandboxes, and rubber duck races, while "The Feed Trough" concession serves fresh apple cider donuts, kettle corn, burgers, and pizza. Educational field trips Tuesday-Friday follow Virginia Science Standards with pumpkin lifecycle lessons, the anti-bullying Spookley the Square Pumpkin program, and hands-on agricultural learning for $15 per student with teachers free, while birthday parties in the Big Red Barn accommodate up to 40 guests for $225 (2-hour weekends only), making this Berryville family farm a premier fall destination for Northern Virginia families seeking authentic farm experiences and kids activities.
GO Play is an indoor playground and recreational center at 130 Windy Hill Lane, Suite 13, Winchester, VA 22602 that's built a solid reputation with 4,522 Facebook likes and a 94% recommend rating from 768 reviews (though specific founding date info wasn't available in public sources). This climate-controlled Winchester kids activity center features extensive multi-level play structures with slides, bouncy houses and inflatables (available Saturday all day, Sunday all day, and Monday until 3pm), a dedicated baby/toddler area, obstacle courses, and an activities wall specifically designed for younger children from crawlers through elementary age. Birthday party packages start at $420 for 10 children and include pizza, drinks, snacks, and a private party room, with fully customizable options letting guests bring their own food and decorations at no extra charge. Entire facility rentals available for larger events. Special programs include Mommy and Me class (45-minute bonding experience for ages 0-4 with dance, singing, and instruments), Sensory Tuesdays (12pm-4pm with music turned off for a sensory-friendly environment), Family Art Class, Fiddle N' Fun music education, and GO Camp summer programs, all free with general admission or membership. Reviews consistently praise the frequent cleaning and sanitization, energy-burning play opportunities, and food availability including pizza, fries, nuggets, and fruit. Heads up though: mandatory socks required for all visitors ($3 if you forgot yours), and reservations are recommended for weekends, holidays, and rainy days. Unlimited play time on most weekdays (Monday-Friday) when at low capacity, but they may limit sessions to 2 hours during busy periods. Outside food and beverages allowed for general admission. One parent free when accompanying a child 5 or under, though adults pay $11 to accompany children over 5 or as a second caregiver. I've watched kids lick the railings there... at least they sanitize constantly. Featured on the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau website, GO Play serves as a primary indoor family entertainment destination in the Shenandoah Valley region, offering a safe supervised environment where multiple vantage points let parents monitor children while they burn energy. Great for rainy day activities, birthday celebrations, and active family fun in this Northern Virginia indoor play center.
Worlds Away Escape at 9 N Loudoun St Suite 105 in historic downtown Winchester is a women-owned escape room business offering custom-built puzzle adventures that have earned a 4.7-star rating on TripAdvisor and recognition as a Travelers' Choice destination ranking #2 of 8 Fun & Games in Winchester. Originally opened in 2017, the escape room was purchased in 2021 by Ariel Pugh—a passionate escape room enthusiast, board game lover, and Dungeons & Dragons player who was a regular customer before becoming the owner. With 7 themed escape rooms ranging from beginner to expert difficulty, families can tackle the pirate-themed "Raid of the Night Tide" (2-8 players, great for kids), the Harry Potter-style "Arcane Academy" (2-10 players), or the challenging murder mystery "The Old Town Murder of 1910"—every room is private to your group only. Pricing uses a sliding scale: $45/person for 2 players, $35/person for a family of 4, down to $27/person for groups of 8+, with all rooms lasting 60 minutes and hints provided freely without penalty, recommended for ages 10 and up. Birthday party packages accommodate 8, 16, or 24 guests with pizza, cupcakes, and drinks included, while corporate team building events can host up to 50 people simultaneously with game-master-facilitated debriefing sessions. The thriller room "The Cabin" (age 13+ recommended) and mystical "Nightshadow's Shroud" offer spookier intermediate challenges, while the seasonal "Christmas Caper" provides beginner-friendly holiday fun. Unique among escape rooms, all games and special effects are built from scratch locally in the Shenandoah Valley—these custom experiences aren't found anywhere else, and rooms are rotated periodically for returning players. Located on Winchester's pedestrian walking mall steps from restaurants and shops, hours are Monday/Thursday 6pm-8:30pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-8:30pm, and Sunday 12pm-6:30pm (closed Tuesday-Wednesday), with online booking required at worldsawayescape.com.
Leesburg Animal Park was founded in March 2000 by husband-and-wife team Bob and Shirley Johnson, who'd already spent 20 years running Reston Animal Park (1980-1999) before opening this place. That's 25 years of hands-on animal encounters on a 22-acre property at 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175. They've earned a 4.4/5-star Google rating from 1,234 reviews and TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award (top 10%), which makes sense if you've seen how packed it gets. Admission runs $14-$23.95 for ages 2+ (under 2 free) with season passes for unlimited daytime visits. The exotic animal collection includes ring-tailed lemurs, sloths, zebras, wallabies, servals, gibbons, and giant tortoises alongside traditional farm animals in the petting zoo, plus a 3-level indoor jungle play zone with giant slide, trampoline, and Discovery Room for year-round entertainment. Open Monday through Friday 10 AM-4 PM and weekends 10 AM-5 PM, closed Tuesdays except school holidays. This Loudoun County family attraction offers pony rides, camel rides (select weekends), wagon rides, live animal shows, magic performances, and educational programs including summer camps, school field trips, and scout programs perfect for kids ages 2-12. The Pumpkin Village fall festival (September through November) transforms the facility with a 3-acre farm-themed children's play area featuring pumpkin patch, hay maze, hayrides, moon bounces, and extended hours. My nephew asked to pet the sloth probably fifteen times on one visit... they're patient about that sort of thing. Christmas Village brings winter holiday cheer with seasonal decorations and themed activities. Birthday party packages with dedicated party rooms available year-round. Animal food costs $5 and includes a souvenir cup with $0.50 refills. Indoor and outdoor play areas make this an ideal all-weather Virginia family destination serving the Washington DC metro area with over 34,166 Facebook check-ins and consistently praised reviews highlighting friendly staff, well-cared-for animals, and excellent value for young families seeking interactive animal experiences and hands-on wildlife encounters near Leesburg.
Pumpkin Village Fall Fest at Leesburg Animal Park is hitting its 25th anniversary in 2025, and honestly? It's become the Loudoun County fall tradition that families keep coming back to (open September 20-November 4). Bob and Shirley Johnson run the place after spending 20 years at Reston Animal Park before buying this 22-acre Leesburg property back in 1999. What makes it different from your typical pumpkin patch is that it's really an animal park fused with a fall festival across 20+ acres. Your admission ($18.95 weekdays, $19.95-$23.95 weekends, Wild Wednesdays just $14.95, kids under 2 free) gets you into everything: giant hill slides, 6 moon bounces, a new giant pumpkin bounce pad, pedal carts, hayrides, corn bins, plus a climate-controlled indoor spot with a 3-level play structure when the weather turns. The animal encounters are the real draw though. We're talking zebras, lemurs, wallabies, camels, and the usual farm crew in the petting zoo. Weekends bring free professional face painting, live shows with The Great Zucchini and Rocknoceros, free cider and apple snacks, pumpkin cookies, and a take-home pumpkin (pony rides run $3.95 and camel rides cost extra). The place has a 4.4 out of 5-star Google rating from 1,234 reviews and got featured on Good Morning Washington. Parents say it's perfect for the 1-10 age range. Fair warning though, this isn't a u-pick farm with apple picking or pumpkin fields. It's entertainment and animal education, full stop. Weekend tickets must be purchased online in advance because there's no on-site sales, and they've got birthday party packages plus weekday group discounts for 15+.
UP! Ultimate Adventure Park sits at 20051 Riverside Commons Plaza in Ashburn, VA, and it's a locally-owned indoor adventure park that opened January 2025. Already becoming a go-to for family fun in Loudoun County. Founded by Ashburn resident Chris Dobson (who also runs Mindseeker escape rooms), the whole concept came from years of taking his four kids to birthday party venues and thinking there had to be something better out there. This 17,000 square foot family entertainment center has 36 uniquely themed climbing walls depicting landmarks like Big Ben and the Empire State Building, all equipped with auto-belay tech for safe climbing. Kids activities include a two-story ropes course with zipline, three 20-foot slides that land on air pillows, a massive cargo net, and an arcade with prize redemption. Perfect for birthday parties and group events in Ashburn VA. General admission starts at $32 for two hours with all-day passes available up to $49.95, plus free entry for children 3 and under. Military members, first responders, and teachers get 20% off. Customer reviews rave about the exceptional cleanliness and patient staff (folks specifically mention they're wonderful with kids who have special needs), and people love that it feels totally different from your typical trampoline park. Fair warning though... weekends can get packed and waits get longer. Open Wednesday through Sunday with weekend hours from 10am–8pm. There's an on-site café called EatUP! and a mezzanine parent lounge with massage chairs, which honestly my back appreciated after chasing my nephew around for an hour. Five private party rooms available, birthday packages starting at $549.95 for 10 guests, and memberships for frequent visitors. UP! Ultimate Adventure Park delivers an innovative indoor climbing and adventure experience for families seeking active entertainment near Ashburn, Virginia.
Culpeper Skating Center is one of the largest indoor roller skating rinks remaining on the East Coast, boasting a 17,000 square-foot skating surface that has served the Culpeper, Virginia community since approximately 1975—making it nearly 50 years in operation. Originally known as Dominion Skating Center, the facility closed in 2020 due to COVID-19 but triumphantly reopened on October 13, 2023 under new local ownership by Jeffrey and Summer Miller, with renovations including a new arcade room and adult lounge. Public roller skating sessions run Wednesday through Sunday, with admission prices ranging from $5 for homeschool groups to $10 for Friday and Saturday night sessions, plus skate rentals at $3 for regular skates or $5 for speed skates. Birthday party packages include a $150 public party option with a 2-hour party room rental or a $500 private party package that provides exclusive building access for up to 40 guests. The family-friendly facility offers skating lessons for children, teen socials, adult fitness skating, senior social skates, dedicated homeschool skating sessions on select Fridays from 1-3 PM, and themed events like "Praise and Skate" featuring Christian music. Recent reviews on Yelp praise the new management, with one January 2025 reviewer updating to 5 stars noting "newer skates, nice people, clear schedule," and TripAdvisor users calling it "nostalgic joy" with positive, family-oriented staff, though some patrons note the facilities show signs of wear. The rink also hosts fundraisers and spirit nights for local sports teams and organizations, making it a beloved community hub for roller skating birthday parties, group events, and recreational family activities in Central Virginia.
Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing and Fitness Center33 mi
Ian and Lindsey Colton started Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing and Fitness Center back in 2011, and 14 years later their family-owned gym at 10225 Nokesville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110 has become the climbing spot in Virginia with 18,000 square feet of climbing surface, walls over 50 feet tall, more than 250 routes, and a 94% recommend rating from 768 Facebook reviews. It's not just climbing either. Bouldering walls, top rope, lead climbing, auto-belay stations, and this wild 100-125 foot leadable arch and roof section that'll test you. The fitness side has cardio machines, free weights, a yoga room running multiple class types (including Acro Yoga which looks terrifying but fun), HIIT classes, Rock Ready strength training, and Krav Maga self-defense. Day passes cost $25. Rentals run $6 for harness, $7 for shoes, or $14 for the complete package. Never climbed? The Open Climb option is $30 for 3 climbs with a staff belayer holding your rope, which honestly takes the intimidation factor way down. Memberships start at $79/month for individuals on an annual plan or $125/month for families (covers 2 people, $20 each for extras) with a $49 initiation fee. That membership gets you unlimited access to both the Manassas and Tysons locations, a free Learn the Ropes introduction worth $45, fitness classes, yoga, 10% off at the gear shop, and monthly guest passes. Hours are Monday through Friday 11 AM-10 PM, Saturday 11 AM-9 PM, Sunday 11 AM-8 PM. Kids stuff is huge here. Birthday parties run $275-$575 for 1-25 climbers with 2-hour sessions, a private party room, and experienced instructors (reviews constantly mention Dakota as the instructor who makes newbies feel comfortable). They've got youth recreational programs, competitive climbing teams, summer camps, after-school programs, Scout merit badge programs, and homeschool teams. The outdoor trips are something else too, heading to Great Falls, Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, and even multi-day ice climbing excursions. Specialized courses cover lead climbing, women-specific climbing, crack climbing clinics, and gym-to-outdoor transitions. A second Tysons bouldering location opened October 2022. The vibe here matters. Staff members actually climb themselves (many started as members), so they get it. There's a climbers lounge with WiFi, full gear shop, plenty of parking, and the kind of welcoming environment that works for corporate team-building, church groups, school groups, or just a family looking for something more interesting than another trampoline park. One of the biggest climbing facilities around, and reviews back that up.
Heavenly Heart Farm & Mini Petting Zoo at 3795 Swover Creek Rd in Edinburg is a family-owned rescue farm featuring over 100 animals that owner Jeanie Funkhouser has rehabilitated since the mid-2000s—nearly 20 years of providing interactive animal encounters and traveling petting zoo services across Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The heartwarming story began when Funkhouser rescued a silky fainting goat named Quinten born with a medical condition; today, almost all animals are rescues including pot-bellied pigs, miniature horses, miniature zebu, donkeys, bunnies, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, chickens, and the gentle giant "Abraham," a miniature zebu rescued from an exotic auction who now visits senior living centers. Unlike typical petting zoos, visitors can enter the pens and interact directly with animals rather than just petting through fences—staff remain present at all times, and all animals are bathed before each event. The traveling petting zoo costs $85-$100 per hour with a $1/mile travel fee from Edinburg, bringing 10+ clean, friendly animals to birthday parties, school events, church gatherings, and corporate events throughout Virginia. Unicorn events featuring a miniature horse dressed as a magical unicorn are available starting at $150 per hour, perfect for princess parties and photo shoots. The farm is USDA inspected and certified, licensed, insured, and Animal Welfare Act certified, with all proceeds going directly to animal care and rescue operations. On-farm visits are available by appointment only (one week notice required, $50 deposit) at $60 per hour for groups up to 10 people—always call ahead at (540) 984-3925 since the family may be traveling to scheduled events. While online reviews are limited, the farm has been a verified vendor on The Bash since 2015 and hosts live nativities throughout Shenandoah County in December, embodying their mission of Animal Awareness against Animal Cruelty.
