If you plan on visiting Virginia Beach with the kids in tow, here is a list of 25 awesome things to do in Virginia beach with kids!
Nicknamed the city of resorts, Virginia Beach lives up to its reputation of being home to some of the most exquisite properties in the country. From the pristine blue waters of the North Atlantic Ocean to acres of mountainous terrain waiting to be explored. Loads of Virginia kids activities including excursions that are bound to keep you busy.
The Best Kid-Friendly Attractions in Virginia Beach
If you plan on having a Virginia Beach family vacation this summer, we’ve compiled the top things to do in town with the kids in tow. And don’t forget to check out our top 10 Airbnb rentals near VA Beach if you’re looking for accommodation.
Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the finest collections of warplanes in the country. Most of the exhibits are restored and flight-worthy, and the kids will love it here. Take a walk around the hangar and check out some of the most iconic aircraft from the two World Wars.
The museum offers an excellent history lesson explaining the utility and significance of each aircraft during the war. And visitors can hop aboard an open-cockpit plane and get some airtime at an extra cost. The expense is well worth it and will give you an experience of a lifetime. The Military Aviation Museum recommends flying for kids aged seven and above.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
Home to over 700 animal species, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is the ideal place to hang out on the weekend with kids. Explore the exhibits’ alleyways and watch the residents swim around in over 300,000 gallons of water.
The aquarium houses some of the largest mammals and fishes you’ve ever seen. And the top draws are seal shows, stingray and shark tanks, dolphin boat rides, and lizard exhibits. Virginia Aquarium packs several thrilling activities that are bound to keep the young ones entertained for hours at a stretch. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is open to all, and there are no age restrictions.
Red Wing Park
A trip to Red Wing Park instantly teleports visitors to the quaint streets of Japan. Walk along the marvelous paths underneath the mesmerizing cherry blossom trees for an experience unlike any other.
If you’re visiting between March and April, get ready to witness the trees in full blossom. We recommend packing lunch for an impromptu family picnic. It’s a sight to behold, and the kids will love the experience.
Escape2Win
Escape rooms are perfect for spending quality time with the family while on vacation. And if you’ve never played an escape game before, it’s the ideal excuse to visit Escape2Win. Located in the heart of VA Beach, Escape2Win is the best escape room in town. Drop by for 60-minutes of uninterrupted entertainment as you fight crime and solve mysteries with your squad.
Escape rooms are especially popular with kids and help nurture teamwork and creative thinking. So, what are you waiting for? Book your slots today! We offer an eclectic mix of the best puzzles, from sci-fi thrillers to horror mysteries. Pick a room that you fancy and drop by with the kids for the experience of a lifetime. An epic adventure awaits at Escape2Win!
Sandbridge Beach
A trip to Virginia Beach is incomplete without exploring a few of the picturesque beaches in the area. And Sandbridge Beach sits high on the list. Escape the morning heat by dipping into the calm waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and spend the next few hours working on your tan.
If you’re into water sports, there are several fun-filled activities nearby. Try skimboarding, paddleboarding, or surfing the waves if you’re up for a challenge. And the kids will love the experience.
Once you’re tired from all the swimming, drop by one of the many restaurants by the beach for a refreshing beverage and a hearty meal. The local seafood is quite popular here. Just make sure the kids aren’t allergic. There are several resorts in the area to sort your accommodation needs.
Mount Trashmore Park
Mount Trashmore Park is an artificial wonder and a popular attraction in VA Beach. Take a walk along the meandering trail and explore some of the park’s landmarks. Kids love the playground and open spaces lined with lush green forests.
Mount Trashmore Park is the perfect place for a picnic. Pack your favorite food and beverage and have a cozy lunch amid nature. The place is open to kids of all ages and packs several fun-filled activities to keep everyone engaged.
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park is a must-visit on your trip to VA Beach if you love camping. The place offers some of the best views of the tranquil waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and is sparsely populated.
The park is spread over 4321 acres of prime beach and forest land and offers several family-friendly recreational opportunities. Soak up the ambiance and watch the local flora and fauna in their natural habitats.
False Cape State Park is ideal for nature lovers. There are designated camping zones if you want to spend some quality time alone with the family. We recommend taking a tram ride to the park to enjoy some of the most scenic views of the region.
Motor World Thrill Park
One of the most popular places with young motorsport enthusiasts, Motor World Thrill Park is an outdoor go-karting arena with 250+ obstacle courses. Give your kids an early taste of motorsports and watch them get hooked instantly.
Apart from the obstacle course, the other attractions include a range of thrilling rides like Gravity Storm, Skycoaster, Bumper Boats, Kiddie & Thrill Rides, and a paintball fight arena called Splat Zone Paintball. Motor World Thrill Park is ideal for kids aged three and above.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Fight the heat by spending a fantastic day in the pool. Ocean Breeze Waterpark is one of the top draws in VA Beach and is ideal for families. Featuring 30+ thrilling rides, water slides, and other attractions, the waterpark is the perfect place to chill with teenagers.
We strongly recommend experiencing the 1-million-gallon wave pool if you’re brave enough to face the waves. Ocean Breeze Waterpark is ideal for kids aged 11 and above. If you’re visiting VA Beach in the summer, check out some of the top attractions here.
Jungle Golf
Jungle Golf mini-golf is an epic theme park that promises to keep the young guests mesmerized for hours. The mini-golf course is well-maintained and features easy challenges for the kids to attempt and overcome without significant hardships.
The course is surrounded by artificial water bodies and perfectly recreates the wild outdoors. The jungle-themed mini-golf course is extremely popular with kids. And we recommend visiting with children aged three and above.
Grommet Island Park
One of the best places in VA Beach to visit with toddlers. Grommet Island Park is a beachside attraction near the VA Beach Boardwalk that you must visit. The park is located right next to the beach and offers some of the best views of the majestic shoreline.
Kids love the on-site playground, the several slides, monkey bars, and climbing walls. The place is securely enclosed, and it’s safe to let the kids go wild. Grommet Island Park is ideal for kids between the ages of three and seven.
Bounce House
If your kids love bouncy castles, they’ll be thrilled at Bounce House. This exciting playhouse is packed with several themed backgrounds, colorful slides, bouncy obstacles, and several other fun-filled activities to keep the toddlers thrilled.
Bounce House is one of the best places in VA Beach to visit with kids under seven. The place is guaranteed to keep them busy for the entire duration. So, if you’re a tired parent and need a few hours of stress-free alone time, drop by Bounce House.
Surf & Adventure
Surfing is fun! If you agree, drop by Surf & Adventure, one of the premier surfing gear rental stores in VA Beach. It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie or a professional. Gear up and jump in the water, and you’ll slowly grasp the basics of riding the swell.
Surf & Adventure also offers a range of exciting activities like paddleboarding, kayak tours, and boating excursions. Better yet, there are professionals around at all times to help you have fun in a safe environment. While there is no age for learning to surf, we recommend taking kids seven and older. And don’t forget to gauge the waves before jumping in the water.
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
A trip to Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum teleports visitors back in time. Constructed in 1895, this heritage brick cottage flaunts a rich history and perfectly encapsulates classic American architecture and Queen Anne-style decorative designs.
The museum flaunts several interesting facts about the local fowl population. And if you’re interested in learning about the aboriginal people, we recommend stopping by for an exciting history lesson. Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum is ideal for visiting with kids aged three and above.
Adventureworks Wetland Zipline Park
One of the most popular family-friendly adventures near VA Beach, Adventureworks Wetland Zipline Park, offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s natural beauty while gliding over the treetops.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding forest and enjoy the cool fresh air on your face as you hike along the swamps and wetlands, exploring the local fauna in their natural habitats. Adventureworks Wetland Ziplining Park is ideal for kids aged five and above.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A peaceful recreational site by the water on the outskirts of town, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a prominent tourist attraction. It’s the perfect place to slow down and admire nature.
Spread over 9,200 acres, the park packs several hiking trails of varying intensity spanning dunes, marshes, wetlands, and pine forests. Despite its popularity, you won’t encounter many tourists due to the reserve’s sheer size. Keep your eyes peeled for migratory birds, bobcats, otters, deer, and other local inhabitants.
Terra Gator
The Terra Gator is a monstrous transporter and one of the prime attractions in False Cape State Park. This behemoth of a machine is one of the few transportation options open to visitors and is in high demand.
The vehicle operates on the weekends between March and November. And visitors must reserve seats in advance due to the rush. Hop aboard the Terra Gator and enjoy the ride to False Cape through the lush terrain of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Once you reach the destination, spend a few hours exploring the beach and the Barbour Hill area before hopping aboard for the return journey. Keep an eye out for migratory birds and various rare native plant and animal species.
Virginia Living Museum
One of the prime attractions in town, the Virginia Living Museum flaunts several fascinating exhibits, a planetarium, and a nature trail home to over 250 plants and animal species. Kids can get up close and personal with the residents and learn an essential lesson in coexisting with nature.
Some of the top attractions here are the endangered bald eagle and red wolves. Take the kids out to explore the Dinosaur Discovery Trail. The 16 permanent exhibits let you get up close and personal with dinosaurs and learn about the time when these magnificent creatures roamed the Earth.
Take a walk through the park and teleport back to the prehistoric era as you walk up to a life-like dinosaur statue. Don’t forget to pose for a picture to remember the trip later. The Virginia Living Museum is ideal for kids aged three and above.
Schakolad Chocolate Factory
A trip to a chocolate factory always gets the kids pumped. So, take the young ones out to see how some of their favorite sweet treats are made. The treats are freshly prepared from scratch at the Schakolad Chocolate Factory using 3-generation old family trade secrets.
The chocolate is prepared and dipped on-site, and the process is creative and fun to watch. Visitors can place custom orders, and the staff prepares the batch from a fresh mix.
You can join the two-hour private chocolate party or a private behind the retail counter tour to learn how the factory operates. A guide explains the various health benefits of chocolate and shares several fun facts and trivia about chocolate-making.
Boardwalk Amusement Park
Better known as Atlantic Fun Park, the public park is one of the prominent attractions on the VA Beach Boardwalk. The top attractions include several thrilling rides for toddlers, kids, and adults. There is also a Ferris Wheel called Gravitron and a go-kart track to engage visitors.
The Gravitron is bound to frighten even the most seasoned brave hearts. It’s an enclosed ride featuring angled, padded panels to help riders lean against the wall. The ride is quick and immediately pins the occupants to the wall. Riders experience a massive centrifugal force of up to thrice the force of gravity.
The other top attractions include twelve fascinating games like Frog Bog and Cork Fun Gun. These games keep kids fascinated while promoting healthy competition among siblings. Kids can also hop aboard the Kiddie Train for a memorable ride through the premises.
Captain Jack’s Pirate Ship Adventures
If you’ve always dreamt of sailing the high seas like Captain Jack Sparrow, it’s time to turn your dreams into reality at Capt. jack’s Pirate Ship Adventures. Hop aboard the Lost Pearl for a thrilling family-friendly cruise packed with loads of adventures as you tear through the enormous waves searching for Blackbeard and his elusive treasures.
Explore the seven seas near VA Beach as the crew puts on a show. Expect loads of dancing and singing till you spot Blackbeard’s ship. Once the target is sighted, the crew unloads the water cannons as you mount the battle stations.
And if all the excitement has left you hungry, grab a quick bite from the onboard snack bar. Keep an eye out for the dolphins as they follow the Pearl around on Capt. Jack’s escapades.
Children’s Museum of Virginia
The Children’s Museum of Virginia is the largest of its kind in the state and is the perfect place to hang around with kids on a lazy afternoon. Explore the several wonders hidden in the exhibits or watch the kids go berserk on the playground.
The museum encourages the young visitors to touch, push, and play with the exhibits. It’s the only way kids quench their curiosity and learn something new. Some popular exhibits include a bubble maker, a working port, a fake local grocery store, a train, and a planetarium.
If you have young kids that love running around and exploring new places, the Children’s Museum of Virginia is the perfect place to let them loose. The site is enclosed, safe, and promises to keep the kids entertained for hours at a stretch.
Wave Riding Vehicles Surf Camp & Lessons
If you’ve always wanted to surf, this is the perfect opportunity. The Wave Riding Vehicles Surf Camp & Lessons offers private tutoring to help students learn the ropes of riding the swell quickly and effortlessly. Students train with professional surfers, helping them catch on quickly.
VA Beach is renowned for its consistent waves between three and six feet. Surfing lessons are available all year round. But we recommend booking your slots 24 hours in advance to avoid last-minute cancelation. If you’ve always dreamt of riding the waves, this is your chance to make it happen.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
One of the best places to explore near Virginia Beach, Cape Henry Lighthouse, is a local landmark. Constructed in 1792, the structure sits on the Chesapeake Bay and was the first lighthouse funded by the US Government. The National Historic Landmark was approved by George Washington and is close to First Landing State Park.
Cape Henry Lighthouse stands 55 feet tall and once served as a crucial beacon for ships plying the Maryland-Virginia coastal trade route. The structure is constructed using bricks and simple engineering, which is very period-correct.
The lighthouse is a part of the Fort Story military base, and visitors must present proper identification to enter. Climbing up to the top is relatively easy, and you’re greeted by mesmerizing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Have You Planned Your Itinerary Yet?
Virginia Beach is home to several fantastic family-friendly excursions. If you’re looking for inspiration, this list should help shortlist the top destinations to explore with kids. If you’re interested in unconventional experiences, we recommend visiting Escape2Win for the experience of a lifetime!
Pick an escape game that you fancy and enjoy the following 60-minutes of adrenaline-pumping adventure. We specialize in custom group bookings for kids’ birthday parties, corporate team-building events, bachelor parties, date nights, reunions, etc. Get in touch today for queries.
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