Smith Mountain Lake Adventures: A Parent's Guide to Family Fun
Get ready, parents! Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia offers the perfect place to adventure with kids of all ages, there are so many things to do together! As frequent travelers to this beautiful lake, I can't wait to share our favorite activities and hidden gems with you. We visit the lake multiple times a year and fell in love so much, that we are now building our dream vacation home there! So, grab your sunscreen, some snacks, and get ready for a vacation filled with laughter, exploration, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Adventures at Bridgewater Marina: Our first stop is always Bridgewater Marina, where the excitement begins the moment we step foot on the dock. After renting a pontoon boat, we set sail on the shimmering waters of Smith Mountain Lake, with the kids eagerly scanning the horizon for signs of adventure. And of course, no trip to Bridgewater Marina is complete without a pit stop to feed the fish! Watching the little ones' faces light up as they toss bits of bread into the water and see the fish swarm is a highlight of our visit every time.
You can buy popcorn at Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals to feed the fish at the marina. Just walk around back, it’s on the opposite end then Mango’s, near Harbortown putt-putt golf. The popcorn is plain and unsalted, and you can throw it to the dozens and dozens of carp that are regulars there. All of the proceeds from popcorn sales are donated to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia Foundation. It’s a really unique and fun experience, a must do every visit.
While you’re at Bridgewater Marina be sure to check out the Harbortown mini golf course, rock climbing wall, large arcade, pizza and ice cream shop!
Exploring Hidden Coves: With over 500 miles of shoreline to explore, there's no shortage of hidden coves and secluded spots waiting to be discovered at Smith Mountain Lake. Armed with our trusty map and a spirit of adventure, we set out to find our own little slice of paradise. Whether it's a sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles or a quiet cove teeming with wildlife, each new discovery brings with it a sense of wonder and excitement that the whole family can enjoy. The north end of the lake is very remote and you can enjoy the quiet charm of the lake while the south end offers great mountain views and allows boaters to explore the area around the dam that formed Smith Mountain Lake.
Fishing Fun for All Ages: As avid anglers, fishing is a must-do activity for our family during our visits to Smith Mountain Lake. From casting lines off the dock to embarking on fishing excursions aboard our rented boat, the lake offers endless opportunities for fishing enthusiasts of all ages. And with an abundance of bass, catfish, and other freshwater species waiting to be caught, there's always a chance to reel in the big one and make memories that will last a lifetime. There are multiple locally owned companies that will take visitors out to the best spots to catch bass and stripers.
Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Guide Service: Ideal for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass fish
Mitchell’s Point Guide Service: Ideal for catching stripers
Water Sports Galore: For thrill-seekers and water sports enthusiasts, Smith Mountain Lake is a playground like no other. From jet skiing and tubing to paddleboarding and kayaking, there's no shortage of heart-pounding adventures waiting to be had on the water. And with the kids always eager to try their hand at the latest water sport craze, our days are filled with laughter, excitement, and the occasional wipeout (which only adds to the fun!). There are many places on the lake to rent boats, kayaks, paddle boards and other toys like tubes to pull behind the boat.
Smith Mountain Lake Boat Rentals: Located at Mitchell’s Point Marina in Smith Mountain Lake, VA., SML Boat Rentals offers pontoons, runabouts, kayaks, water skis, wake boards, stand up paddle boards, knee boards and tubes.
Bridgewater Marina Boat Rentals: A variety of boats and water toys to rent at the popular Bridgewater Marina.
For an even longer, more extensive directory visit here.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park: No trip to Smith Mountain Lake is complete without a visit to the state park! With miles of hiking trails, sandy beaches perfect for sandcastle building, and picnic areas ideal for alfresco dining, there's no shortage of family-friendly fun to be had here. Pack a picnic, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore all that this scenic gem has to offer. Whether it's kicking a ball around, playing in the sand, or splashing by the water's edge, afternoons at Smith Mountain Lake are a tradition for our family. Note: Accessible by both boat and car.
Eat at The Ice Cream Boat and The Hot Dog Boat (on the lake)! Yes, that is correct! SML is home to both an ice cream boat and its own hot dog boat. Download the SML+ App to track each of their locations or visit the Ice Cream Boat Facebook page or Hot Dog Facebook page where their owners update their location and times. Even if you don’t have a boat, sometimes you can just float over using a raft, kayak or even a noodle.
Say hi to the Alpacas at Smith Mountain Farm: SML is home to one of the largest alpaca farms with tours open daily. You can feed and even hug the alpacas as you learn all about them on your farm tour. Reservations are required, call ahead at 860-307-2143.
Campfires, S'mores, and Stargazing: Is there anything more quintessentially summertime than gathering around a crackling campfire, roasting marshmallows, and indulging in gooey s'mores? We think not! Smith Mountain Lake offers plenty of cozy spots perfect for a family campfire session under the stars. So grab your marshmallow sticks and get ready for some quality bonding time under the night sky.
Wildlife Watching Wonderland: From graceful deer and black bear to majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, Smith Mountain Lake is teeming with wildlife waiting to be discovered. Take the kids on a nature walk along the shoreline or hop aboard a boat for a wildlife spotting adventure they won't soon forget. It's a great opportunity to teach them about the wonders of the natural world while creating lasting memories together. There is wildlife everywhere you look!
From feeding the fish at Bridgewater Marina to exploring hidden coves and embarking on water sports galore, there's never a dull moment when traveling with kids to the lake. We hope you love our happy place as much as we do! Happy exploring.