If you’re looking for things to do in the Valley, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled 122 fun activities in the area for you to enjoy with the kids. And, we’ve rounded up 51 of them indoors! Check out our list to find out which activities will keep the kids busy all day long.
Lake Balboa Park
If you are looking for a scenic and relaxing place to spend the afternoon, look no further than the Valley. The city’s eighty-acre Lake Balboa Park is a popular destination for picnickers and boaters. There are plenty of shaded spots to sit and relax, and you can even rent a boat to cruise the lake. You will be treated to a diverse range of wildlife that will delight your senses.
Lake Balboa was once part of the Van Nuys neighborhood, but it split off into its own neighborhood a decade ago. The neighborhood is primarily residential, but it also has a large park and a few local businesses. Even though it’s mostly residential, it’s a popular destination for those who enjoy both a quiet lifestyle and a vibrant community.
Another popular attraction in the Valley is Universal Studios. This theme park is located within the city limits, and is free to enter. Another popular attraction is City Walk, which is a long pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants. There’s even an iconic statue of King Kong hanging from a sign. For thrill seekers, there’s also the indoor skydiving machine at Universal Studios, where you can take a virtual flight over the park.
While you’re in the area, you can also stop by the Japanese Garden, which is located on Woodley Avenue. This garden is also called SuihoEn, meaning “Garden of Water and Fragrance.” It includes a Zen meditation garden, a Chisen garden, a teahouse, and a tea garden.
Petrified Logs Loop
For a great view of petrified logs, hike the Petrified Logs Loop in Valley of Fire State Park. This short trail is 0.5 km long and is well-marked. There are information kiosks at the trailhead. The Petrified Logs Loop trailhead is located after the turn-off to Campground Road.
Petrified wood is the fossilized wood of a tree. It is created when a tree dies and eventually turns to stone. Visitors can explore partially buried petrified logs in the Valley of Fire State Park, which is located in Nevada. The trail also features informative panels about the petrification process.
Petrified logs are not uncommon in the southwestern United States. Many of these logs have been dug up by collectors. The best places to view them are at State and National Parks. A cement gateway on the east side of Jim Camp Wash provides access to this popular loop trail.
The trail is paved and climbs through petrified logs, badland formations, and small brush. The trail has two spur trails. The second spur trail begins at an area-information sign. The trail then dips and rolls through attractive open space with some intact petrified logs.
White Domes Loop
The White Domes Loop in Valley of Fire State Park is a scenic drive with a moderate difficulty level. It offers sweeping desert vistas, caves and slot canyons. It was also the location of the popular western “The Professionals.” Lee Marvin and Burt Lancaster starred in the film, which made this area famous as a filming location for the Western genre. In addition to being an iconic filming location, the White Domes area is also a great place for photography.
The White Domes Trail crosses stunning landscapes and is about 150 feet in elevation change. The hike also passes sandstone formations of different shapes. Hikers can even see an old movie set and slip through a narrow canyon. The Valley of Fire’s White Domes Loop is a great hike for families and hikers of all ages.
The trail is easy to navigate and has a few twists and turns. At the end of the loop, the trail meets a paved road. The trail ends at the north end of the White Domes Day Use Area. The trail is about 0.9 miles long. It passes by a Hollywood set and then goes through a narrow slot canyon. After the zigzag-shaped canyon, the trail continues on the road and ends at the north side of the White Domes Day Use Area.
The White Domes Loop trail starts near the picnic area, where a large map and sign point the trail. The first part of the trail is sandy, but the path quickly becomes packed sand. From there, it leads to diverse rock formations.
Chattahoochee Valley Railroad Trail
The Chattahoochee Valley Railway Trail, also called the CVRR Trail, is a 7.5-mile rail trail that runs through the historic town of Valley, Alabama. The trail follows a portion of the defunct Chattahoochee Valley railway. The trail winds through four different historic districts in the town.
The trail traces the path of the Chattahoochee Valley Railway, which operated in the area for nearly a century. It served four textile mills along the Chattahoochee River. This trail features historical properties and a covered bridge as well as historical landmarks like the Fairfax depot. The trail is located along the Chattahoocheer River and begins near 22nd Avenue in the Shawmut community.
The Chattahoochee Valley Rail Trail begins in the village of Shawmut and ends in River View. It follows the path of the former railroad and offers beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River. In 1992, when the CVRR ceased operations, the city of Shawmut began looking for ways to utilize the former rail line.
The trail starts near the Chattahoochee River and winds through historic communities. Along the way, you’ll see multiple National Register of Historic Places sites, including the Fairfax Depot and Langdale Mill. Both of these sites have been turned into museums. You’ll finish your trip at Riverview, where the trail meets Columbus Road.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant in Valley is a popular lake destination that offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. This 35-mile lake is surrounded by large parking lots and is open year-round. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also several camping areas and hiking trails. A Visitor Center provides information about lake activities.
A portion of the area surrounding Lake Pleasant is protected as a conservation area. This area includes the lake’s shoreline and upland forests, old fields, and reclaimed gravel mines. The area has a rich history, including the Hohokam people. Archeological studies in the area have uncovered five archeological sites, including a defensive site, a stone workshop, a farmhouse, and two small villages. There were probably many more archaeological sites along the Agua Fria River, but many have been destroyed or covered by Lake Pleasant.
Located just north of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is an excellent outdoor recreation area. The lake is home to striped bass and is popular for fishing tournaments throughout the year. A fishing license is required to fish at Lake Pleasant. You can obtain one at a sporting goods store or through the Arizona Game and Fish department. Lake Pleasant is surrounded by numerous hiking trails and recreational areas, including Pleasant Harbor and Scorpion Bay.
A great location for a day of boating, kayaking, or fishing, Lake Pleasant is also home to scenic scenery, which surrounds two wetlands. The area has a wide variety of wildlife, including beavers and osprey. Birdwatchers will also find many species of birds including eastern bluebird and swamp sparrow.
Maggie Valley
There are many things to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The town is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can see black bears and wildflowers. Hike the Deep Creek Trail and see waterfalls. You can also hit the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area. You can also check out the Wheels Through Time Museum and see rare cars. In addition, you can follow the Haywood County Quilt Trails, which feature unique quilt patterns.
You can also explore the area by bike. There are half a dozen popular biking routes in the Smoky Mountains. One such route is Highway 28, which goes from Bryson City to Franklin. Another popular route is Deals Gap, which is 11 miles long and features 318 twists and turns. If you’re into art, you can check out the Maggie Valley Rendezvous, where local artists show off their creations.
The town is home to Cataloochee Falls, which is a perennial waterfall that streams year-round. You can stop here for a picnic and to take in the scenery. The area is also popular for tubing, snowboarding, and skiing. Just a couple of hours’ drive from Asheville, Maggie Valley has plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you may want to visit the Wheels Through Time Museum, which features the largest collection of vintage American motorcycles in the world. You can also take a trip to the Stompin’ Ground Dance Hall if you’re looking for a night out.
