Virginia Beach Vacation: Activities For Kids
Sandy toes, long beach days, and great seafood. A Virginia Beach vacation has all the makings of the perfect relaxing summer getaway.
Activities for Families and Kids in Virginia Beach
These are some our favorite Virginia Beach vacation activities for kids and their parents:
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Virginia Aquarium
- Mount Trashmore
- Fresh Produce Picking
- The ViBe Creative District
- Cape Henry Light House
- False Cape and First Landing State Parks
- Fishing and Watersports
But there is so much more to explore in Virginia Beach! Read on to learn more about this coastal Virginia city and why it just may be the perfect destination for your next trip
Virginia Beach: the Vacation Spot You’ve Been Waiting For!
Bordering the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is Virginia’s largest city. It’s in the Hampton Roads region, with just under half a million residents. Some travel to Virginia Beach via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which connects Virginia with the Delmarva Peninsula. With a total length of 23 miles, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is one of the largest in the world.
Virginia Beach is perfect for anyone who wants to spend their vacations by the seaside. The city is located in a temperate climate zone, so from April to October, the average temperature is almost always above 68° F. In the summer months between June to September, sea temperatures are between 75 and 82 °F, so you can swim or surf in the ocean.
Virginia Beach extends over 35 miles with a boardwalk spanning over three miles. This makes it the “longest pleasure beach in the world,” according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It simply has everything a beach vacationer’s heart desires!
Virginia Beach Vacation Activities For Kids Of All Ages
The Virginia Beach area offers many vacation activities. Here are a few fun things to do.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a fantastic non-profit museum which aims to foster awareness, exploration, and understanding of the significant art of our time. In addition to great exhibits and educational opportunities, it also has a fabulous chandelier by artist Dale Chihuly. With kids, it’s never too early to encourage an appreciation for different ranges and types of artwork. Ask them about what kind of things they see, encourage them to ask questions, and foster open discussions. MOCA will be opening on July 11 with restricted hours, timed ticketing, and carefully planned social distancing and sanitation practices. This may be a better option if you have a smaller family or a non-rambunctious bunch. If you’re here in the fall, be sure to see the Boardwalk Art Show that the museum sponsors. There will be plenty of delicious food, vendors, and and beautiful art!
The Virginia Aquarium
Travel on a journey from the seashore to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean! Learn about and experience coastal habitats from all around the world. With over 300 species in entertaining and educational exhibits, the Virginia Aquarium never fails to enchant, entertain, and inspire! Buy your tickets online and find out what aquatic wonders await for your family to explore! It opens June 19th with new practices and precautions, but check out their website for more info!
Mount Trashmore
Mount Trashmore is a great place to take the little ones to run around and get some energy out. Why is it called “Mount Trashmore,” you ask? Well, because the main mountain, at 60 feet in height and 800 feet long, was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil. Recognized for its environmental feat, this former landfill has a water-wise garden that boasts “xeriscaping” which requires minimal water. The “Kids Cove” playground area is closed as of second phase of re-opening in June, but check the VBgov website for updates about re-opening. Even without the playground, it’s still a great place to get some fresh air, exercise, and explore!
Fresh Fruit Picking
Head out to Pungo for some fresh produce that the whole family can pick together! Late spring and early summer means strawberries, while mid-late summer yields blackberries blueberries and peaches. Some farms even have early-season apples in the summer. Check out Cullipher Farms, Mount Pleasant Farms, Salem Berry Farm, and Henley Farm. Visit their websites or give them a call to find out what kind of produce you can pick and during what hours.
ViBe Creative District
The Vibe District is normally a bustling hub and things may look a bit different this summer. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t support local artisans, business, food, and art! Check out how businesses in the Vibe District are responding to Coronavirus and ways you can still be a part of this vibrant Virginia Beach community of creatives. You can also walk around and see over 100 murals– free and accessible to the public anytime!
The Cape Henry Lighthouse
The first federally funded lighthouse, The Cape Henry Lighthouse is a historic sight authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. Schedule a tour with the whole family to see beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and the “First Landing” site where English settlers first arrived on their way to settle in Jamestown. Climbers must be at least 42 inches tall, but all visitors can walk to the top of the picturesque dune and shop in the museum store! Be sure to check their website for information on hours and regulations.
Fun Things To Do In Nature On Your Virginia Beach Vacation
Hikers will also enjoy the Virginia Beach area, as it offers a variety of outdoor activities. First Landing State Park, which is close to the Cape Henry Lighthouse, is especially popular with active residents. In addition to biking and hiking, it also offers fishing and boat trips.
False Cape State Park, located between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, was once home to Native Americans. Today, it’s still a stunning natural and pristine setting. However, it offers plenty of Virginia Beach vacation activities for kids and families. Note that you can only reach the park by foot, bicycle, beach bus, train or boat. We recommend a trip with the beach transport, called False Cape State Park`s Terra Gator. Bonus: your kids will love riding in this vehicle, which costs $8 per person to ride. Depending on the progress of COVID-19, when you plan your vacation, and and state park guidelines on re-opening, give them a call to check on what kinds of services are available.
Have A Great Trip To Virginia Beach!
A vacation in Virginia Beach offers not only relaxation on the longest beach in the world, but also culture, history, and an abundance of beautiful nature. Virginia Beach vacation activities for kids and their parents are available year-round, so a visit is always worthwhile.
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