The joy of a family vacation is always pure but often negated by the bank account charges that appear on your next statement, but when you choose a family vacation in Massanutten, there are many ways to temper the after-break sticker shock. And because we at Vacation Properties Made Simple want to help with the money-saving traditions of spending your getaway with us, we offer fully equipped kitchens that allow guests to save a little money by eating at home, lower prices than a hotel stay, and this wonderful guide to family-friendly Massanutten events that won’t break the bank!

Fall Festival at Massanutten, October 8, Massanutten Resort

No one gets more excited about fall than the residents of our Virginia hometown and if you want the proof, just attend our Massanutten Fall Festival. Offering chairlift rides through the brilliantly hued trees, live entertainment, arts and crafts, wine, and delicious foods that no fall party should be without! Costing between $5 and $15 dollars if you purchase tickets in advance, this affordable fun may be the highlight of your trip! Tickets can be purchased here.

Skeleton Festival, October 15, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance in Harrisonburg

Halloween is our favorite time of the year and this exciting festival features the best of the holiday! Starting at 2 PM and lasting until 5 PM, the Skeleton Festival is a free event, offering a pumpkin carving contest and so much more! Your children’s favorite part will be the trick or treating, ensuring that they get 2 chances to beg for candy; 1 at the festival and 1 when they return home, so don’t forget their costume! The costume contest is open to all ages, so if you’re in the mood to be spooky, do your best and maybe you will be a winner!

Annual Halloween Spooktacular Carriage Ride, October 22, 42 Island Ford Road in McGaheysville

Located just minutes away from the Massanutten Resort, the First Annual Halloween Spooktacular Carriage Ride is a free event that will be enjoyed by every member of your family! Taking place on October 22 and lasting from 1-3 PM, Valley Olive Oil & Balsamics is the sponsor of this once-in-a-lifetime carriage ride of fun and spookiness! Offering a horse-drawn carriage ride through a “field” of Halloween inflatables, this is the event guaranteed to put your entire family in the mood for trick or treating, costumes, and the beauty of the Harvest Moon! Spend the day shopping in the shops of McGaheysville, tasting the fall wares sold (don’t you just love a jar of locally made pumpkin butter?), and take the littles to the petting zoo where the baby animals never fail to charm! Really get into the holiday mood by wearing your Halloween Costume and if you want picture proof that this beautiful day really happened, take a selfie in front of the Halloween backdrop!

Veteran’s Day Parade, November 6, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance in Harrisonburg

Everyone loves a parade and although the Veteran’s Day Parades of our youth seem to be rapidly disappearing from America’s holiday landscape, small town Harrisonburg is keeping the tradition alive! Free to watch and containing all the vintage charms that you remember, this special parade serves as a thank you to all the men and women who have sacrificed to keep us free! Watch beautifully restored classic cars, and shiny firetrucks, and feel the pride of being an American bring tears to your eyes as you stand in your place on the sidewalk of the Main Street of Harrisonburg, surrounded by flags waving beautifully in the fall breezes!

Fall in Love With These Massanutten Events

The best part of your Massanutten escape will be the moments you spend with your family. You don’t need to take part in a family-friendly event to have a great time, you can just enjoy a quiet (or raucous!) hike through the trees all dressed in their autumn finest with those you love most! Costing nothing and offering priceless memories there is no better way to enjoy time with the family than spending those moments with us at Vacation Properties Made Simple. Reserve your favorite sanctuary today!