Safe Family Outings in the Virginia Beach Area
COVID-safe outings in the Virginia Beach area are possible and family-friendly. Here's a quick guide for when you need a day trip or family adventure that's safe and fun.
Safe Outings in the Virginia Beach Area for Families
We're all spending more time than ever at home and outdoors due to COVID-19. But with days off from school, even virtual school, and 10 months and counting of being home, somedays we need a new experience while staying safe.
Virginia Beach, and its surrounding cities, have museums, parks, and other attractions offering full outdoor adventure days without jeopardizing health.
With the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Adventure park, Nauticus, Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Air and Space Center, Chrysler Museum, Waterside Drive, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg, this region has plenty of kid-friendly locations around which to plan a day trip during any season.
Here are the four places I've recently been with my family during this wild and weary season.
With plenty of outdoor space, limited capacities, or free admissions, these fun things had enough of an allure to get us out of our pajamas, off our tablets, and out the door.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park, located off Shore Dr. and next to the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, contains numerous pet-friendly biking and hiking trails that wander through marshes, swamps, dunes, and the bay shoreline.
You can pack a picnic and bask in the sun, or even on the coldest days, bundle up for a brisk family hike. Being outside with plenty of space ensures safety from crowds and unwanted gatherings.
Virginia Zoo Safe Outing in Virginia Beach
The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, VA, guarantees a day filled with new experiences and animals! Visit the newborn giraffe, watch the cheetahs bask in the sun, and be startled by the lion's roar. The meerkats always put on a show for visitors, and the rhinos are even bigger than you imagined.
The Virginia Zoo currently requires reservations, limiting the number of visitors entering the Zoo at a time. You spend all of your time outdoors, with plenty of room for separation from other groups, and masks are required.
If you're local, look into purchasing a season pass, which gives you a great value on limitless admissions and the ability to bring guests.
Bluebird Gap Farm
This 60-acre farm located in Hampton, VA, is home to horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. They also have must-see llamas, alpacas, tortoises, peacocks, and rabbits. Enjoy a self-guided tour outdoors with the animals, on the playgrounds, and eating lunch in the Powhatan Pavilion. Admission is free at this fully-outdoor destination, but don't forget to bring your quarters to feed the animals!
Mt. Trashmore Safe Outing in Virginia Beach
A long-time favorite for Virginia Beach locals, this park built on a landfill is unmatched in fun. Race to the top of the hill and then roll down without getting too dizzy. Play for hours on Kids Cove, the best of Va. Beach playgrounds. Enjoy the skate park, multiple picnic shelters, a boardwalk, volleyball courts, and walking paths.
Mt. Trashmore is still the crowd favorite for kite flying, and should there be Hampton Roads snow? Grab your nearest trash can lid and run for the Hill. If you're looking for a laid-back day together outdoors, Mt. Trashmore is at the top of the list of free things and safe things to take advantage of in Hampton Roads.
Putt-Putt
Virginia Beach, with its tourist activities at the oceanfront, is a putt-putt golfers paradise. The world-class Jungle Golf, on 23rd St, is open year-round, most days for 24 hours. Yes, you read that correctly. You can safely putt-putt with your family, outdoors, in the middle of the night.
With guaranteed smaller crowds, a fully outdoor course, and gobs of hand sanitizer around those putters, midnight golfing could be your COVID-19 answer. Depending on how highly you value the putt-putt experience, you may not find Jungle Golf prices budget-friendly, but it's usually pretty easy to grab some coupons.
Playing Safe Beyond the Beach
Enjoy one of the many adventures in the Virginia Beach area beyond the summer season. You can be outdoors with plenty of space and safety while experiencing something new and screen-less together. Plan a local adventure day soon, and make memories, even in masks.
