15 Best Things to do with Kids in Virginia Beach

 

15 Best Things to do with Kids in Virginia Beach

There are tons of kid-friendly activities to discover throughout Virginia Beach as the location offers something for everyone, it truly is a perfect vacation destination for kids of any age. Virginia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural features make for some excellent family vacation opportunities. With so many family-friendly places to visit, it can be tricky to settle on the perfect travel itinerary. Choose a Virginia Beach family vacation for the itinerary will include fun, sun, sand, surf and plenty of entertainment for everyone in the family. From the beach to activities away from the boardwalk, the city has plenty to do; treat the kids to an experience they’re sure to enjoy. Virginia Beach is a perennial favorite getaway for East Coast families and travelers, beloved for its sandy oceanfront and 3-mile-long boardwalk. The beach and Atlantic surf have kept kids entertained for ages.

The generous length of the beach means finding a spot on the sand for your family is guaranteed even at the height of summer. A ‘no cursing on the beach’ rule, means there’s plenty of family-friendly spirit. There is always plenty to see and do, expansive castles to be built and so many other nooks and crannies waiting to be explored. The Virginia Beach area offers over 70 different types of family activities, including; Beaches, Aquariums, Kayaking and Mini Golf. However, sometimes it can be tricky balancing a tight budget while keeping the kids fully entertained. This article highlights the 15 best things to do with kids in Virginia Beach that are just the right mix of family entertainment to make your Virginia Beach vacation with the kids one to remember.

 

Let the Children Play on the Beaches of Virginia Beach

Grommet Island Park- Ocean Front

Why we recommend it: It’s the first oceanfront park in America that is 100% accessible, to all!

Grommet Island Park is a 15,000-square-foot beach park designed for everyBODY.  The idea was born when Josh Thompson’s family wanted to go to the beach, but he stayed behind because of the difficulty of getting his wheelchair to the beach, across the sand and down to the surf. They wondered how many more people never got to the beach for the same reason. The park idea was born. Equipped with wheelchair-accessible entrances, a sensory board and more, this park is perfect for all children. When here kids can build a sandcastle, go for a ride on the dolphin sculpture or climb on the jungle gym. Grommet Island Park also has a number of fun sculptural features, such as a surfboard, a wave, and playful dolphins and yes, they are all created to enable children to pretend to be in the ocean, riding the waves and playing with the dolphins. There is decking that feature seating and umbrellas which can all be used by anyone in a wheelchair, and also allows all kids to play in the sand! Grommet Island Park is a truly special place and one that will make all kids have a fun and exciting experience down by the water and the sand.

Read about the best schools in Virginia Beach.

Practical Information

Address: Boardwalk &, 2nd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: 8008223224

Little Island Park

Why we recommend it: Beach park on 130+ acres with swimming, fishing & crabbing plus picnic shelters & sports courts.

This is one of the best places to take the kids. This 122-acre park has plenty of equipment for kids to climb, crawl and slide on. It is open from 6 am and extends free admission to the public. Should you visit Little Island after 12 pm, a timed entry reservation is required for all visits within the rest of the day. You are able to secure tickets via Little Island’s official website. The park has a 775-foot beach north of the 400-foot fishing pier for surfing and a 2,000-foot beach for swimming and fishing south of the pier. Back Bay, a brackish lake, provides excellent fishing and crabbing along the western border of this unique park. Amenities include: – Four Picnic Shelters with Charcoal Grills – Picnic Area with Charcoal Grills – Lighted Tennis Courts – Pickleball Court – Basketball Courts – Volleyball Court and Beach Volleyball – Playground – Canoe/Kayak Launch Area on Back Bay​- Public Restrooms – Seasonal Concessions​- Vending Machines – Public Use AED Beach Wheelchairs Three beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the beach any time after Labor Day weekend and before Memorial Day weekend. From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, dogs are not allowed prior to 10 am or after 6 pm. A $5* Daily rate allows for in and out access to both Little Island and Sandbridge lot all day. 

Practical Information

Address: 3820 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Call: (757) 385-PARK (For Shelter Reservations)

Hours: 6:30 am – 5 pm

Carnival-Style Amusements @ Atlantic Fun Park

 

There are so many opportunities for family fun when you visit Virginia Beach. After having your fill of fun on the beach, visit one of Virginia Beach’s favorite attractions, Atlantic Fun Park. Atlantic Fun Park has plenty to do for. Spend the day or evening at the park, the only amusement park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. It boasts both kid-friendly and thrilling rides that the whole family will enjoy. Take in the view of the Oceanfront from the 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel here affords a great view of VA Beach, the boardwalk area, nearby neighborhoods and folks out on their boats. Other family-friendly rides include: Crazy Surf, Flying Bobs, Paratrooper, the rock wall and Spring Ride. Let the little ones have some fun on their own on Atlantic Fun Park’s kiddie rides, such as: Kiddie Combo Ride, Kiddie Flying Elephants, Kiddie Motorcycles and Skyfighter. For more adrenaline-pumping fun that the older kids and adults get your thrills on the Flipping Action Arm Ride, Gravitron and Sea Dragon Swinging Ship. Let the kids try their hand at the balloon toss, cork gun shooting gallery or long-range basketball. The Midway also features games like Dog Pounder, Fish Fish, Frog Bog, Roll “A” Derby and Water Race.

Practical Information

Address: 233 15th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: +1 757-422-0467

Hours: Noon-8:00 pm

Swim and Frolick at Sandbridge Beach

Need to escape the hustle and bustle of your city life? Just do yourself a favor, and enjoy a soothing family getaway at Sandbridge Beach. Located a short drive south of the Oceanfront District, Sandbridge is a hidden gem on the pristine sand dunes dotted with sea oats. It is a relaxing and peaceful beach where you can truly slow down and let loose on your vacation. The pace is much more relaxed and the atmosphere much more family-friendly than at the oceanfront boardwalk. Considered to be quiet and family-oriented, Sandbridge Beach is an alternative to the very busy Virginia Beach. The waves are normally easy and the water is relatively shallow, giving even young children a swimming experience in addition to numerous animal-watching activities. There is one road in and one road out so it feels like you are on an island vacation. If you’d like to make an event of it, there are also some picnic shelters that can be reserved ahead of time, and they include volleyball nets and charcoal grills. Sandbridge Beach is an oceanfront paradise perfect for families who need to unwind and relax and is a short drive to several exhilarating attractions and fun things to do in Virginia with kids.

 

Non-Beach Activities for Children

Even if the kids grow tired of the surf and sand, there’s still plenty to do.

Hit the Playground and Skate Park

The Kids Cove Playground at Mount Trashmore Park opened in December 2010. The playground is comprised of three distinct play areas built on a rubber surface: a giant play structure that includes a multitude of slides, elevated walkways, climbers and more; an area that has swings for children of all ages; and an area comprised of a variety of climbing structures. The park’s expansive Kids Cove playground is over 26,000 square feet. The skate park has a seven-foot-deep bowl and a 14-foot ramp that is 40 feet wide. A multi-use path encircles the park and has 10 fitness stations spread out along the path so you can stop and do a little extra workout. The top of Mount Trashmore is also a popular kite-flying destination. The park lends out, for free, badminton equipment, corn hole boards and bags, horseshoes, volleyballs and nets, footballs and Frisbees. Most interesting is that the mountain is made out of trash, but it’s all been upcycled into a beautiful park.

Practical Information

Located in: Mount Trashmore Park

Address: 310 Edwin Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Hours: 7:30 am-5:30 pm

Putting at a Miniature Golf Course

Why we recommend it: Pirate-themed mini-golf course the best plus hot dogs & funnel cakes.

If the kids need a dry activity surprise them with a trip to Pirate’s Paradise Mini Golf Course just minutes away from the VB resort strip. Pirate’s Paradise Miniature Golf opened in the spring of 2001. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere, owned and operated by a local family and is known as a great place to have fun mini golfing as well as for hotdogs and funnel cakes. There are many flowering plants, waterfalls and ponds that offer great photo opportunities for memories to share and keep. Pirate’s Paradise offers a nice challenge with 18 holes and lush water features. The best time to visit is right after lunch because the kids can play multiple games from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Nighttime during the tourist peak season Pirates gets swamped when it stays open until 2:00 a.m. Pirates Paradise Mini Golf in Virginia Beach: 18-hole is a pirate-themed miniature golf course. Rates are $12* for adults, $10* for kids 5-12 years old, and free for children 4 & under playing with adults.

Practical Information

Address: 2109 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone: +1 757-422-9822

 

Education & Fun Activities for Kids in Virginia Beach

There are dozens of kid-friendly museums around the Commonwealth, many with hands-on activities that allow kids to learn and play at the same time.

Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest flying collections of World War I and World War II-era military aircraft in the world!  History buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike will love checking out the Military Aviation Museum. This museum is full of military aircraft (more specifically, World War I- and World War II-era airplanes), which have been restored to their prewar condition. Noteworthy items from the private collection include a de Havilland Mosquito (a plane that’s primarily made of wood) and a Messerschmitt ME 262 (the world’s first jet-powered fighter plane). Together with your children Explore 100+ acres of Museum Hangars, exhibits, an original WWII RAF Air Control Tower, a WWI Hangar and a WWII German Hangar. Each Saturday from May 1 – October 30^th they showcase historical events and aircraft through unique lectures and flight demonstrations. Kids will revel in the roar of the engines as history comes to life, experiencing vintage warbirds up close like no other museum. Most of the planes are airworthy and flown at the museum during flight demonstrations and at air shows throughout the year. Take the children to see the heritage and machinery of World War I and World War II!

Practical Information

Address: 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457

Hours: 9am-5pm daily

Learn about Marine Life

Why we recommend it: They offer family-friendly service of the best quality.

With over 10,000 animals representing over 300 species, the Virginia Aquarium has an incredible amount of fun for anyone. If you have a thing for sea creatures make a date with this place. The Aquarium houses hundreds of aquatic creatures and also a few non-aquatic ones too like snakes and Komodo dragons. The exhibits at the museum are contained in over 800,000 US gallons of fresh and saltwater displays. Allow at least 1-2 hours for a self-guided tour of the exhibits. Your children will experience one of the best aquariums in the country, with incredible exhibits and amazing animals representing hundreds of species. Pick a date, get a ticket, and see what’s happening around the Aquarium! From daily movies to keeper talks, there is surely something to make your next visit memorable. Going through the exhibits is as entertaining as it is educational, and it’s one of our favorite things to do with kids when it’s raining. If the young ones get hungry after a couple of hours of walking through the exhibits, don’t worry as the Aquarium features three dining options, from fast, casual to grab n’ go.

Click here to learn more facts about Virginia Beach Aquarium.

Practical Information

Address: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: +1 757-385-3474

 A trip to the Farm

The Hunt Club Farm offers agricultural-based education programs and entertainment. The petting farm also allows visitors to get close and personal with popular farm animals such as goats, ponies, and chickens. Hunt Club Farm is a one-of-a-kind family-owned and operated farm attraction in Virginia Beach with over 30 acres of farm fun for everyone. Hunt Club Farm’s agricultural-based entertainment features a Spring Fling and Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Fair and our ever-popular Haunted Hunt Club Farm. They also offer field trips and guided tours, birthday and private parties and for ages 6-12, a fantastic Summer Farm Camp. The Farm aims to make your visit a time to remember by offering something for all walks of life and every generation. There’s a seasonal Farm Market open from April through December, featuring specialty food items, novelty season-specific products and gifts. Skip the line by pre-booking admission to the Petting Farm, which will also give you access to on-site attractions such as the playground and the aviary, where you can feed the parakeets. Alternatively, Head on over to Cullipher Farm, located on the Pungo Ridge in southern Virginia Beach, where you and the kids can pick strawberries, apples or pumpkins, depending on the time of year. The farm, which grows more than 250 varieties of vegetables and over 30 different fruits, is family-owned and operated by fourth- and fifth-generation Culliphers.

 

Outdoor things to do with Kids in Virginia Beach                

Adventure Park at Marine Museum

 

Why we recommend: The Adventure Park is both fun and full of learning opportunities about nature and one’s self.

Come to our aerial adventure park in Virginia Beach for the best ropes course climbing and tree-to-tree ziplining adventure around! Climb between the beautiful trees through low-rope and high-rope courses and then glide through their majestic shadows on our ziplines. This adventure park is a draw in adrenaline ‘junkids’. The children will experience the natural world in an exciting new way at this park located at Virginia Aquarium. Kids (age 5+), teens, adults and groups can “take to the trees” above the Aquarium’s Nature Paths and across Owls Creek on one of our many “treetop trails” with thrilling “crossings” between tree platforms. The self-guided trails do not require previous climbing experience. After receiving a harness and a safety briefing, each climber selects a trail at their comfort level and then navigates its different “crossings” or “elements” moving from tree platform to tree platform. The park offers a plethora of activities be they tree top trails or ziplining opportunities. They have 17 treetop trails 258 tree top platforms and 27 Ziplines, it’s a maze of ropes, bridges, ladders and amazing fun. If you don’t want to give up your beach day you can heat Adventure Park at night for Glow in the Park under the canopy of trees lit by thousands of LED lights.

Practical Information

Address: 801 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: +1 757-385-4947

Camping in Nature

The site of the First Landing State Park is considered to be the location where the Jamestown colonists first arrived. The park itself offers several trails, picnic areas, and the potential for a wide range of birdwatching. First Landing State Park is considered the most popular state park in in Virginia. Its popularity come a good deal from of its historical significance. The park also has its fair share of legends including some about pirates and the civil war. History aside the main attraction of the park is that it provides many people a place to be near nature and escape hectic city life for a short while. There are numerous stunning locales in the park made up of swamps, forest and lagoons. The icing on the cake is that visitor are allowed to camp at the beach the only drawback being loud noises by planes from the nearby military airbase. The best time take kids camping is during spring or fall as you can even string up a hammock on the live oaks and take in the breeze. There are about 20 miles of hiking and biking trails for further exploration. The Bald Cypress Track Trail is an easy 1.8 mile loop through cypress swamp. Along the way kids will see a variety of birds, tress, and insects as you make your way through this unique habitat.

Practical information

Address: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: +1 757-412-2300

Wildlife Watching

The completely natural environment at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers many outdoor activities along Virginia Beach. The refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Diverse habitats, including beachfront, freshwater marsh, dunes, shrub-scrub and upland forest are home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 9,200 acres of beach, dunes, shrub-scrub, freshwater wetlands and woodlands. The refuge also provides habitat for other wildlife, including such threatened and endangered species as the loggerhead sea turtle, and recently recovered species like the brown pelican and bald eagle. Back Bay NWR provides over eight miles of scenic trails, a Visitor Center, interpretive programming and, with advance scheduling, environmental education opportunities. Popular outdoor recreation activities at the refuge include hiking, biking, freshwater fishing, surf fishing, kayaking/canoeing, and wildlife photography and wildlife observation. Refuge grounds are open daily sunrise to sunset.

Camping in Virginia Beach.

Practical Information

Address: 4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, United States

Call: +1 757-301-7329

 

Fun Children’s Activities on the Water

Dolphin Tours

A dolphin-watching cruise is an essential trip for both the aquatic enthusiast and the fun-seeking vacationer. Children will enjoy the experience and the narration by experts who are ready to share their knowledge and answer questions about dolphins, other marine life and the Virginia Beach coastline. Dolphins are never far away from VB beaches, especially around sunrise and sunset. If you search keenly you’re bound to see a few rounded fins skimming the surface. The best way to experience dolphins, however, is to get on the water with them. Head to the harbor at Rudee Inlet, where the seafaring options are endless. Hop aboard one of the many popular boat tours and watch the wake as dolphins race to keep pace. With large groups of dolphins off of the coast, sightings are practically guaranteed. The book The Dolphins of Shark Bay by Pamela S. Turner is a great read to prepare your kids for a dolphin-sighting tour. Then book a relaxing cruise to look for bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife along the Virginia Beach coastline. As you travel from Rudee Inlet to Cape Henry, an experienced and knowledgeable crew will narrate the trip, making sure you don’t miss a thing.

Go Fishing With the Kids

The best way to help your son or daughter realize his or her full potential is to let your child explore this world. Whether it’s fishing, hiking, hunting or even acting, there is something your kid loves to do and it’s your job as a parent to nurture it. Take the kids fishing! Family fishing trips are great ways to educate your children in a fun, adventurous way. Many anglers agree that kids who learn to fish at a young age improve their decision-making skills, reactions, focus, and determination. Also, fishing is a great stress reliever so kids who fish often tend to be happier and more behaved. There are so many fishing charters that leave out of Rudee Inlet, which is part of the Oceanfront district. There are seasonal and year-round fishing charters that take guests out on guided fishing tours. Reserve your spot on a family-friendly fishing charter and catch a big one! Tuna or marlin are well-known catches in the VA Beach area.  There are full-day trips and half-day trips available, then prices depend on which type of charter you pick. Let your captain know what your fishing experience is and what type of fish you can catch depending on the time of year.

 

How about Indulging their Taste Buds

Indulge in local Food and Treats at the Farmers’ Markets

Enjoy a local treat at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, a year-round ode to Virginia agriculture. Shopkeepers entice you to buy with tasty samples of farm fresh goods. Browse the butcher shop, seafood market, bakery, and full-menu restaurant. The Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market is a year-round market featuring fresh local produce, a butcher shop, a dairy store, organic grocery, seafood, candy and bakery, a restaurant and more. Local produce is great to snack on, especially the homemade ice cream worth every calorie. Take the kids to a variety of special events held from March thru December. In fact, a unique experience for my kids was the hoedown. Enjoy hoedowns on Friday evenings from April through October. Another option is located just 6 short blocks from the ocean, the Old Beach Farmers Market is a certified Virginia Green Market supporting local family farms, water workers and VA wineries. It offers a wide range of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, seafood, cheeses, a wide assortment of baked goods, artisanal bread, and savory foods from local chefs (pasta, sauces, salsas, salads, and tamales), soap and flowers. Bring the kids and collect an assortment of good food for an impromptu picnic on the sand.

Practical Information

Address: 3640 Dam Neck Road Virginia Beach, VA 23453

Call: 7573854395