The Perfect DC Fall Day Trip with Toddlers
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start putting on their autumn show, there’s nothing like a fall daytrip out of the hustle and bustle of DC. If you’re like me, a mom of two little explorers with endless energy, you know the balancing act of making sure they have fun and you get that little moment of peace in nature. That’s where Little Stony Man in Shenandoah National Park comes in. It’s the perfect hike for toddlers—short enough to avoid the dreaded "I’m tired" meltdown, but with gorgeous views that’ll make you forget about the graham cracker crumbs multiplying in the backseat.
Here’s how we made the perfect day of it with a few fun pit stops for the kiddos (and the grown-ups too, because let's be real—mom deserves a treat)!
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Stop 1: Buckland Farm Market
No trip out of DC is complete without a stop to fuel up on snacks, and what better place than Buckland Farm Market? This spot is a slice of country heaven. The girls were instantly entertained by the miniature animals (because anything pint-sized is instantly toddler-approved, right?). We stocked up on fresh apples, local honey, and of course, some baked goods for the drive—because who can resist a homemade pumpkin muffin in the fall? Make sure to check out the back of the property that has a a unique slide from built from an old conveyor that keeps the kids running in circuits to go again!
Pro Tip: Let your little ones "help" pick out a few veggies. You’ll feel like Super Mom encouraging healthy habits, even if those carrots mysteriously disappear before dinner.
Stop 2: The Schoolhouse in Sperryville, VA
Just off Route 211 in the charming town of Sperryville, The Schoolhouse is a fantastic stop for families. It’s home to a quirky collection of local shops, including a fun toy store that my kids loved exploring. And if you need a caffeine fix (because toddlers, right?), there’s a cozy café inside that serves up great coffee. We grabbed some pastries, and the girls enjoyed running around the lawn area—perfect for getting those wiggles out before continuing the journey.
It’s a low-key spot to break up the drive and soak in the laid-back, small-town vibe. Plus, there’s something nostalgic about old schoolhouses that makes me smile (or maybe that’s just the fresh coffee kicking in). #MomWin: They’ve got restrooms, which is key for any toddler-friendly road trip!
Stop 3: Little Stony Man Hike
Ah, the main event! If you’re nervous about hiking with toddlers, Little Stony Man is your trail. It’s only about 1.5 miles round trip, with just enough incline to feel like an adventure. The trail is shaded, so even if your toddler insists on wearing their Halloween costume (speaking from experience here), they won’t overheat. The highlight is definitely the lookout—360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding mountains, which might distract your kids long enough for you to snap a family photo. Or if you’re like me, you'll have a dozen shots of them mid-sprint, but hey, it’s all part of the fun!
The trail is short enough that you can take your time without worrying about nap schedules (though if they do fall asleep in the carrier, you’re winning). And don’t worry about lunch—there are plenty of picnic spots along Skyline Drive. We spread out a blanket, dug into our snacks from Buckland, and enjoyed a peaceful (ish) picnic with the mountains as our backdrop.
Stop 4: Effee’s Frozen Treats
After a day of hiking and exploring, there’s no better way to wrap things up than with a sweet treat. On the way back, we made a stop at Effee’s Frozen Treats. This place is the definition of a hidden gem, with a selection of homemade ice creams that’ll make you forget about the 45-minute bedtime battle awaiting you at home. I went with the salted caramel, while my kids, naturally, went for the chocolate with sprinkles. Because no matter how good the ice cream is, it’s always about the sprinkles, right?
By the time we rolled back into DC, the girls were knocked out in the backseat, and I had that rare feeling of a day well spent—full of adventure, laughs, and maybe just a little extra sugar. If you’re looking for an easy escape from the city that entertains the kiddos and gives you a little nature fix, this trip is a winner.
Final Thoughts:
The secret to any successful day trip with toddlers is finding the right mix of fun, flexibility, and snacks. Lots of snacks. So if you’re itching to get out of the city this fall, pack up the car, bring some good tunes, and head to Shenandoah for the perfect #MomLife-approved adventure.