Family-Friendly Activities at Shenandoah National Park

Looking for something that truly celebrates Spring? We just got word of these family-fun activities happening at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

ARAMARK Parks and Destinations in Shenandoah National Park is hosting a new series of new children’s activities for the 2010 season. All events and programs – including the culinary and special events programs – will be hosted at Big Meadows Wayside, Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge which officially open on March 19, April 1 and May 20, 2010. Additionally, guests visiting the park April 17-25 will receive free entrance in honor of the National Park Service’s fee free promotion to celebrate National Park week.

What’s on the agenda for kids? Among other things, there’s an Easter Egg Hunt, games, crafts, story-telling, S’mores & Stories and home-made ice cream events. For the adults, the park is hosting an elegant vintner dinner. Here’s more:

Scavenger Hikes will be offered every Monday and Wednesday beginning May 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and May 24 – November 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Big Meadows Lodge. Guests will follow clues and search for hidden natural and historic “treasures” along a national park trail. Each member of the expedition will receive signed and official certificates validating their achievement level of “City Slicker,” Pioneer Scout” or the elite “Frontier Explorer”.  Authors Kat and John LaFevre will lead the hikes on June 21, July 19 and August 16 and autograph their books. Priced at $5 per person or $20 for a family of four, the rate includes an autographed “Shenandoah Scavenger Hikes” book.

Vintner Dinners include an elegant four-course dinner highlighted with wine pairings from a featured Virginia Winery. The Vintner will provide insight for the selected pairings. Priced at $295 for double occupancy, the package includes Friday night lodging, dinner for two people, etched wine glasses and a Shenandoah Seasonings recipe book. The dinners are available for booking April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10 and November 12 at Skyland Resort.

Executive Chef & Guest Chef Dinners is a new twist on Shenandoah’s popular “Shenandoah Seasonings” culinary workshops. Shenandoah’s Executive Chef and guest chefs will lead participants through a delectable four-course menu of mouth-watering items paired with wines. Priced at $295 for double occupancy, the package includes Friday night lodging, dinner for two people, etched wine glasses and a Shenandoah Seasonings recipe book. Guests can book the dinners April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24 and November 26 at Skyland Resort.

Rainy Day Cooking Demos feature the chef as he prepares one of his favorite items at Skyland Resort. Guests can pamper their palette indoors when the trails outside are too wet for their taste. Priced at $10 per person you can enjoy a delectable sample and take home the recipe. Dates and times will be posted on site.

Wildflower Spring Celebration held Saturday, May 15 at Skyland Resort, celebrates the arrival of spring flowers and warmer weather in Shenandoah National Park. Guests will enjoy music, food and the sights and sounds of spring. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a complete listing of events or to book overnight reservations at either Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge or Lewis Mountain Cabins, please call 800-778-2782 or log on to www.visitshenandoah.com (http://www NULL.visitshenandoah NULL.com).