These are the top non-beach kids activities in Virginia beach.
From the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the serene green natural reserves and forests, Virginia is home to several fascinating landscapes with tons of exciting activities that kids thoroughly enjoy.
From visiting Kids Cove to spending a day at Escape2Win escape rooms, here are the top non-beach attractions for kids in VA Beach.
Top 14 Non-Beach Kids’ Attractions Near VA Beach
Get ready to create life-long memories on the next trip to Virginia Beach with your family.
Visit the Kids Cove Playground
If your kids love running around, plan a day out to Kids Cove Playground at Mount Trashmore Park. The expansive playground spans 26,000 square feet and has a skate park, fitness station, and vast open stretches for playing soccer, badminton, football, etc.
The skate park has a seven-foot-deep bowl and a massive ramp measuring 14 feet x 40 feet. A multi-use path encircles the park, providing an additional opportunity for working out. And yes, the mountain is made up of recycled trash, if you were wondering!
Complete the Ropes Course
The eco-friendly zip lining course is a must-visit on your trip to VA Beach. Located next to the Aquarium, the aerial rope course sits right above the scenic Owls Creek. It’s home to over 170 tree platforms and 13 color-coded aerial trails for amateurs and professionals. The Ropes Course is open to kids aged five and older.
Check Out the Aquarium
Located a mile south of the boardwalk, The Virginia Aquarium and Science Center is home to several fascinating marine exhibits swimming in over 800,000 gallons of water. The residents include river otters, loggerhead turtles, harbor seals, rays, sand tiger sharks, and hundreds of other species. The Aquarium premieres special 3D movies for an additional charge. You can also take a 90-minute boat ride to get a closer view of the dolphins.
Experience Naval History
The Nauticus featuring the USS Wisconsin is one of the major attractions in Norfolk. Take a guided tour through the ship’s interior and main deck, and the museum. The kids will love the interactive science and technology center and simultaneously learn about maritime history, weather science, and marine life.
You can also get an exclusive tour of the ship’s engine room and the command-and-control centers at an additional price. If you’re traveling during summer, spend the night aboard the USS Wisconsin. The battleship offers exclusive packages for families during the warmer months.
Drop by Escape2Win
Escape rooms offer unparallel indoor entertainment, which is precisely what you need when traveling with kids. If you’re near Virginia Beach searching for “entertainment for kids near me,” drop by the best escape room in VA Beach. Our expansive game selection has several exciting offerings that’ll keep you busy.
So, pick a room that fascinates you and drop in with your squad. We accept group bookings for corporate team-building events, birthday parties, reunions, and other occasions. You can book your slots here.
Visit Cape Henry Lighthouse
Climb to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse for some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Watch cargo ships enter and leave the port as navy vessels silently watch over.
The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located within a militarised zone, and you will pass through several checkpoints. Vehicle search is mandated while every passenger over the age of 16 must have a valid government-issued photo ID.
Hop on the Terra Gator
False Cape State Park is the last remaining stretch of public beach unspoiled by human encroachment. And the only way to get to the beach is on foot, bikes, tram, boat, or beach transport.
While vehicular access is restricted, you can hop aboard the Terra Gator and explore the land for four hours with multiple stops. Since reservations are mandatory, you might want to visit their website first.
Chill Out at the Ocean Breeze Water Park
With over thirty exciting rides and slides, Ocean Breeze Water Park is a fantastic place to spend a warm summer day with the kids. The park is toddler-friendly and has a lagoon area with jumpy swings, sprayers, and a pirate ship, among other things.
Thrill-seekers will love the several thrilling rides like the Vortex, the Hurricane, and the Pirate’s Plummet. But if you’d rather chill out, try the wave pool, cabana rentals, or the long lazy river. Ocean Breeze Water Park is located just off the Boardwalk and offers free parking.
Explore the Swamps
Spread across 2,888 acres of swampland, First Landing State Park offers a variety of natural ecosystems. Located on the north end of Virginia Beach, the park features a beautiful shoreline, forested dunes, salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, and bald cypress swamps.
You can hike the 19-mile trail or ride a bike to explore the natural habitats. Book a cabin or pitch a tent on the camping grounds and spend a weekend amidst nature. There are several bike rentals in the area. Ask around for the best deal.
Visit the Golf Course
Top Golf driving range offers several exciting opportunities for spending a fun day out with the family. The facility in VA Beach has over a hundred climate-controlled hitting bays, and up to five people can shoot at one bay.
Sit back on the sofa and wait for your turn as your opponents aim for the bullseye. Automatic sensors keep score, so you don’t have to worry about tracking progress. The restaurant has a full bar and serves right up to the bay. If you’re done clubbing, enjoy a game of billiards while the kids are busy playing video games.
Visit Grommet Island Park
Grommet Island Park is a 15,000 square foot playground that doubles as a kids’ wonderland. Located on the south end of the Boardwalk, the park is wheelchair accessible and has raised sand tables for building sandcastles. Other amenities include a fully-accessible wave pool where children can learn to ride the tide and pretend to swim with the dolphins and a sensory board.
Explore the Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Virginia is the perfect indoor activity when the weather is rough. Located in downtown Portsmouth, the museum is barely 40-minutes from the Boardwalk. The museum’s highlights include hands-on exhibits, a bubble room, a planetarium, and model trains.
To make things more interesting, take a ferry ride to the museum. Head over to Waterside Ferry Dock and hop aboard the next boat. The museum is just a few blocks from the dock. Tickets are priced from $3.50 per adult for a round-trip, while children below 17 can ride for free.
Stroll Around the Zoo
The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is located about 30-minutes from the Boardwalk and is an excellent way to spend a lazy afternoon. Apart from exhibiting hundreds of animal species, the zoo preserves several natural habitats.
The residents include kangaroos, bison, lions, giraffes, giant tortoises, sloths, and tapirs, among others. If you’re tired from all the exploring, take the kids on an epic train ride. Head over to the petting zoo or hit the playground for more adventure.
Pedal Along the Boardwalk
The 3-mile Boardwalk has two separate sections, one for pedestrians and the other for cyclists. You can rent various bikes from one of the several rental stands by the Boardwalk. Reserve a multi-person surrey and take the kids along for a ride.
Gear up For an Epic Vacation
If you’re interested in an unconventional vacation, check out the top non-beach attractions near Virginia Beach. And if you’re looking for recommendations, visit Escape2Win for 60-minutes of uninterrupted adventure.
If you enjoyed this blog and would love to read more, check out our blogs page. We have several fascinating posts about the top local attractions in VA Beach.
You can also check things to do in VA Beach in April. And don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
