Hampton Roads is a wonderful place to live and visit. The area is comprised of seven cities, close in proximity, yet distinctly different. If you’re planning to vacation in the area or are already living nearby, here’s a few things to do with kids in Norfolk to help keep your little ones busy this summer.
One of our favorite spots to visit is Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Explore the grounds including the lovely Japanese Garden, Wildflower Meadow and Butterfly Garden. Afterwards, kids will have a blast at the WOW Children’s Garden. This area is dedicated to kids and families and includes a splash area- so pack sunscreen, bathing suits and towels during summer months.
Another attraction you don’t want to miss is the Virginia Zoo. The zoo has been undergoing expansion for years and houses extensive Asian and African habitats. You should be able to explore all the exhibits in a few hours, so consider packing a picnic lunch and eating at Lafayette Park right next door! The mischievous Red Panda is one of my favorites.
Town Point Park is on the waterfront next to Waterside. Check the Norfolk Festevents website for up-to-date events throughout the year. These events are usually free and open to the public.
Visit Nauticus to “explore the naval, economic, and nautical power of the sea.” The exhibits include Secrets of the Deep, Shark Experience, activities related to the Battleship Wisconsin, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and many more. There are also changing exhibits and a large HD screen to watch The Last Reef and The Ultimate Wave.
*There is no charge to visit the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, but there is a fee for Nauticus exhibits.
While visiting Nauticus, make a starboard turn (for landlubbers, that’s make a right) and you’ll run smack dab into one of the US Navy’s largest battleships, the Battleship Wisconsin. Portions of the interior can now be viewed as part of your Nauticus admission.
Take me out to a ball game at Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides! When picking your day to take in a game, check the promotions page. My kids love attending games that end in fireworks!
Ride The Tide. No, I’m not taking about waves. The Tide is Norfolk’s public light rail system that serves 11 stations in Norfolk starting from Eastern Virginia Medical College and ending at Newtown Road near Virginia Beach. If you’re kids aren’t used to riding a tram, this is a new adventure that often delights kids of all ages.
Explore Norfolk on the water by sailing with American Rover Sailing Cruises. There are two options – the Harbor Tour or Sunset Cruise. Kids will likely prefer the Harbor Tour as the cruise takes place during the day. This is something my kids haven’t experienced, but we’ve heard great things about the cruise.
The Chrysler Museum of Art is home to approximately 30,000 objects including European and American painting and sculpture and glass art demonstrations. Admission and parking is FREE!
Head over to the Ocean View Fishing Pier on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Let the kids fish or just stroll along the pier taking in the scenery. Rod rentals are available for those without fishing gear & a tackle shop is on site to purchase bait. There is a fee to fish or $1 fee to walk the pier.
Take a tour of Norfolk Naval Base and let kids see aircraft carriers, destroyers, amphibious assault ships, just to name a few. Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base, so it’s the perfect chance to let kids learn about our Military. *Currently closed for visitors
Norfolk, VA boosts many fun experiences to break up those everyday summer routines and give kids a little bit of education – even when they don’t realize they are learning. You might also like things to do with kids in Virginia Beach or things to do with kids in Williamsburg for more staycation ideas!
What other ideas for things to do with kids in Norfolk, VA can you share?
Photo Credit: Jennifer Carr Photography. All images used with permission.
I’ve never heard of Norfolk before but it looks like a great place to visit! Great pictures and thanks for listing out all the activities 🙂
Glad you like the pictures. I’m not home, so it helps to have a professional photographer give you her images to use 🙂
Thanks for such a detailed post! I travel to the Norfolk area frequently to visit family. I haven’t been to some of the places that you highlighted. I’ll keep this info handy for my next visit.
Is your family in the Military? With all the based in the area, that’s usually what brings people to town.
Great article on a place that I need to get to asap! Very informative!
Cheers!
You wouldnt believe how perfect the timing is for me to discover this post – my sister is heading through Virginia next month and was asking for recommendations on stuff to do with her young kids. Will be passing this info along 🙂 Thanks!
Let me know if she needs help planning. I used to live in VA up until this year, so I know the cities well. The mountains are also gorgeous if she prefers to stay away from the coast.
Awesome photos and very nice capture. When I visit VA again, I will put Norfolk on the list.
They have lots of activities for adults as well. If you visit in the summer, Town Point Park is great for free events.
Great article. Very helpful tips. Another amazing place to visit in Virginia if you are travelling with kids is Smith Mountain Lake. You can actually go fishing with popcorn. These fish will jump right out of the water, and the kids love it.
Smith Mountain Lake is a fun place to visit. My kids have enjoyed playing around the water there.
Great list for people who travel with kids.
These would be fun without kids too. Although I would skip the Tide unless your just using it to get around town.
Great list of activities. Of course I would love to visit the Norfolk Naval Base.
Thanks! The base is an interesting place to visit.
I’m planning a trip to Virginia with my 3 year old daughter. These are perfect tips. Thanks 🙂
Let me know if you need any ideas. I lived in VA my entire life.