Virginia Beach
- shimonsolof
- Jul 16, 2025
- 6 min read
Beach & Boardwalk Fun
Virginia Beach Oceanfront: The oceanfront at Virginia Beach boasts wide stretches of soft, golden sand and gentle waves, making it an ideal place for kids to splash around safely, build elaborate sandcastles, or fly colorful kites against the ocean breeze. Lifeguards patrol the beaches during peak seasons, adding peace of mind for parents. The shoreline is family-friendly with plenty of shaded spots and picnic areas nearby. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for families who want to avoid crowds while enjoying the refreshing sea air.
3-Mile Boardwalk: This bustling, paved promenade runs parallel to the beach, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with activities for kids and adults alike. Families can rent bikes, rollerblades, or whimsical four-person surrey bikes to explore the entire stretch. Along the way, street performers, including musicians, magicians, and artists, create an entertaining backdrop, while playgrounds and small parks offer places for children to climb and play.
Neptune’s Park (31st Street Stage): Located near the iconic bronze statue of Neptune, this popular park is a hub for family-friendly activities. Kids love the splash pad, which is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. With plenty of green space to run around and picnic, Neptune’s Park offers a lively yet relaxed setting for families to gather and enjoy the oceanfront atmosphere.
Grommet Island Park: Nestled right on the oceanfront, Grommet Island Park is a newer addition designed especially for kids. The park features modern, colorful playground equipment, including climbing structures, swings, slides, and water play features, all set against stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a fantastic spot for younger children to burn off energy while parents relax nearby, and its proximity to the boardwalk makes it a perfect break during a day of sightseeing.
Sandbridge Beach: Just south of the main Virginia Beach boardwalk, Sandbridge Beach is a hidden gem with a quieter, more laid-back vibe. It’s perfect for families looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying the beauty of the ocean. With its peaceful setting and wide, sandy shoreline, it’s a favorite for beachcombing, boogie boarding, and relaxing in the sun.
Chesapeake Bay Beach (Chick's Beach): Tucked along the Chesapeake Bay, Chick’s Beach offers a calm, family-friendly setting with gentle waves, ideal for younger kids, paddleboarding, or a relaxing swim. This lesser-known beach is also a great spot for a picnic and is known for its stunning sunset views over the bay.
Aquariums & Animal Encounters
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center: This expansive facility offers over 800,000 gallons of tanks filled with sea creatures from around the world, including sharks, sea turtles, otters, and colorful fish. Kids can get hands-on in the touch tanks, where they can gently feel stingrays or horseshoe crabs under supervision. Outside, a nature trail winds through marshland habitats, perfect for a quiet family stroll.
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: Just steps from the aquarium, this aerial adventure course features suspended bridges, ladders, ziplines, and climbing walls set high among the trees. The park offers courses suited for various ages and skill levels, making it a fantastic outdoor challenge for kids and adults alike.
Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddleboarding & Dolphin Tours: Families looking for an active yet relaxing day on the water can enjoy calm, sheltered waters at Rudee Inlet. Paddleboarding tours allow parents and older kids to glide gently over the water, often spotting fish, birds, and other wildlife. Dolphin tours depart regularly from the inlet, offering excellent opportunities to see pods of playful dolphins swimming close to the boat, thrilling kids of all ages with these lively marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Hunt Club Farm: This charming farm provides a hands-on experience with animals like goats, alpacas, chickens, and rabbits at the petting zoo, ideal for younger children who love interacting with friendly animals. The farm also features a unique tree walk adventure course with ropes and bridges, pony rides, and various seasonal festivals such as sunflower picking or fall harvest celebrations.
Outdoor & Nature Activities
First Landing State Park: Known for its peaceful, scenic beauty, First Landing offers kid-friendly hiking trails through coastal forests and wetlands. The Bald Cypress Trail, with its boardwalks over swampy terrain, is stroller-friendly and perfect for young explorers. The park also has shaded picnic areas and a quiet beach along the Chesapeake Bay, which is calmer and less crowded than the oceanfront, making it ideal for families seeking a more relaxed day surrounded by nature.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: This protected area is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Families can hike or bike along well-marked trails that pass through dunes, marshes, and forests. Birdwatching is especially rewarding here, with chances to see herons, egrets, and other native species. The refuge also offers tram tours that give an informative and easy way to experience the environment and spot wildlife without much walking, making it accessible for families with younger children.
False Cape State Park: For families seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, False Cape State Park offers pristine beaches, salt marshes, and forest trails accessible by bike or shuttle. It’s a great spot for nature lovers to hike, birdwatch, and explore quiet natural landscapes far from the crowds. Because vehicles are restricted, the park maintains a peaceful, untouched feel that older kids and parents who enjoy hiking and camping will appreciate.
Mount Trashmore Park: A local favorite, Mount Trashmore is a creatively repurposed landfill turned into a sprawling park featuring two large hills, wide playgrounds with diverse equipment for all ages, and a skate park for older kids and teens. The man-made mountain offers sweeping views and is perfect for kite flying or simply running around. The park also has picnic areas, a lake with walking trails, and seasonal events.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark: This family-oriented outdoor waterpark features a variety of attractions tailored to kids, including toddler-friendly splash areas, lazy rivers, and gentle slides. The park has plenty of shaded seating and cabanas for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the kids.
Fishing: Captain Hogg’s Charters offers family-friendly fishing trips aboard the Smokin’ Gun II, a 36-foot boat equipped with shaded seating and a restroom. Perfect for beginners, these half-day trips include all gear, bait, and licenses, with a friendly crew that helps kids reel in catches like flounder, bluefish, and red drum. It’s a fun, hands-on way to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay together.
Jet Skiing: For an adrenaline-filled adventure on the water, Rudee Inlet Jet Ski Rentals is one of the top spots in Virginia Beach. They offer both guided tours and self-guided rentals, so you can explore the scenic waterways at your own pace or with a knowledgeable guide. Whether you're zipping through the Atlantic Ocean or cruising along the Chesapeake Bay, you'll be provided with all the necessary equipment and safety instructions—making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced riders.
Parasailing: Get a whole new perspective of the coast with Rudee Inlet Parasailing. Their experienced crew will guide you through a safe and exciting parasailing experience, lifting you high above the water for breathtaking views of Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a unique way to enjoy the coastline—and a fun, memorable activity for both teens and adults.
Virginia Beach Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Step away from the surf and into a peaceful oasis at the Virginia Beach Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This hidden retreat features themed gardens, shaded walking trails, and a beautiful collection of plants and flowers. It’s a great spot for a quiet morning stroll or a peaceful family outing surrounded by nature.
Indoor Attractions & Rainy Day Ideas
Laser Quest, Dave & Buster’s, or GLO Golf: These indoor entertainment centers are excellent options for rainy days or when you want a break from the sun. Laser Quest offers energetic laser tag games suited for tweens and teens, while Dave & Buster’s combines arcade games and fun for all ages. GLO Golf features glow-in-the-dark mini golf with fun themes and a low-key environment suitable for younger kids and families looking for interactive indoor play.
Apex Entertainment: Apex Entertainment is a large indoor complex offering a range of family-friendly activities, including bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and a ropes course.
Motor World: For kids who love go-karts and arcade games, Motor World offers high-speed fun with multiple indoor and outdoor kart tracks suitable for different age groups, as well as a variety of arcade and redemption games.
Nauticus: Located downtown near the waterfront, Nauticus is a maritime museum that offers interactive exhibits about naval history, ocean science, and marine exploration. Kids especially enjoy exploring the full-size battleship USS Wisconsin docked right outside, as well as hands-on exhibits like the submarine simulator. Nauticus blends education and fun, making it a great indoor option for families interested in history and the sea.
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