The Talking Suitcase

Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist

15 Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids – Beaches, History & Adventure

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Originally published August 2017, Updated: October 2025

Virginia Beach is a fantastic destination for families. Locals know you don’t even need to leave the area for a fun and memorable vacation. Sure, the beaches are amazing but there’s so much more. Explore historic lighthouses, run through playgrounds or meet marine animals at the Virginia Aquarium.

Whether your kids are little explorers or tweens seeking adventure, there’s something here for everyone. Over the years, we’ve revisited our favorite spots, discovered hidden gems, and captured plenty of memories. Here’s my personal guide to 15 must-do activities with kids in Virginia Beach.

15 Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids:

Spend a Day at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Start with the classic: the beach! Virginia Beach has the longest pleasure beach in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.

  • Build sandcastles and swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Check out JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for large play structures perfect for all ages.
  • The 31st Street playground is next to King Neptune’s Statue, so let the kids play in the playground on the sand.
  • Walk along the boardwalk, fish at the 15th Street pier, and enjoy free events at Neptune Park like live music, car shows and chalk drawings on weekends.
  • Make sure to checkout Beach Events to see what’s happening.

Tip: Parking is often paid, so plan ahead for metered street parking or parking garages. Private parking lots are also available but can get pricey during peak season.

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4 Beach Read Recommendations for Your Family

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

With summer well underway, many families have the opportunity to travel around the country and go abroad. Statistics on vacation destinations found that 32% of travelers prefer going to the beach to soak up the sun. It’s an excellent place for parents to relax and kids to enjoy the summer heat. Reading at these destinations is also a wonderful way for families to bond and unwind.

Thankfully, technology has made it even more convenient to bring beach reads along as a family. Digital libraries are virtual collections of books that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, as they’re less bulky than physical books. Everand, in particular, is a great platform, as they have a wide range of children’s ebooks that your family can enjoy by the shore. With titles such as Walkin’ the Dog and A Shell is Cozy, the platform offers stories that everyone in the family can enjoy.

If you are looking for beach reading recommendations for your family’s next trip, here are a few titles you can look out for:

Swim Swim Sink by Jenn Harney

Swim Swim Sink is an illustrated book by Jenn Harney about three ducks learning to swim. Two succeed, while the third struggles, making for a fun and hilarious account of trial and error. The book even has a rhyming scheme that would catch the attention of any infant or toddler.

Swim Swim Sink has amusing narratives and illustrations that your younger children can appreciate. It’s a light and bright story that can fit the happy mood of your beachside vacation. Swim Swim Sink is an easy read that keeps young kids entertained.

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Fairytale Castle: Tips for Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

One of Disney’s most iconic symbols is Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World.  Did you ever wonder where the inspiration for this castle came from? While it was inspired by a variety of palaces, the influence of the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein can be seen in it’s spires.   Take a look at the images and see if you can spot the similarities.

Neuschwanstein Castle was built between 1869 and 1886 at  the direction of the Bavarian King, Ludwig II.   It was constructed as a refuge for the king in the style of a medieval castle.  Not only is Neuschwanstein a fairytale castle in itself,  it’s also called “the castle of the fairy-tale king”.  The history of Ludwig II has become a fascination for many and his death is shrouded in mystery. Since I’m always fascinated with the stories behind our adventures, I recently purchased the Swan King, The: Ludwig II of Bavaria.  The book is an interesting read into the life and death of the king as well as his relationship with famed composer Richard Wagner.

Visiting the Fairytale Castle of Neuschwanstein:

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Secrets & Tips

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Secrets 2

 

Cruises are a great way to vacation.  Board the ship, unpack and sail off to new destinations without the headache of changing hotels. If you’re a first-time cruiser or have never sailed with Royal Caribbean, there are countless little known Royal Caribbean cruise line secrets to help you make the most out of your next cruise.

Before we dive into the secrets of cruising, it’s important to pick the right destination & ship.  Everyone’s tastes and every family has different needs. Before booking your cruise, choose the best destination and ship for your family.  Are you looking to hit the beach on a Caribbean island?  See the glaciers in Alaska? What places are you most interested in seeing and plan your trip accordingly.

Also, determine the amenities you want on the ship. Would the kids love the chance to ice skate?  Do you prefer a smaller or larger vessel?  Want to experience the world’s largest cruise ship? Each cruise ship class is different, so take a look at what is offered before you book.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Secrets:

1. Complete online check-in

Check-in online for your cruise before you sail.  Check-in will open about 45 days before your sailing. You can check-in online or via the app. Royal Caribbean requires you to check-in no later than 3 days prior to sailing.  This helps keep the line moving on embarkation day.  Don’t forget to complete the health status form before sailing. It will become available the day prior to your cruise. If you don’t check-in online or complete the health status form, you’ll be required to do so at the port.

2. Purchase shore excursions in advance

You can purchase shore excursions online prior to your cruise.  Popular excursions sell out early and you don’t want to be disappointed!  If you didn’t book your spot, a limited amount of excursions are still reserved for on board booking so schedule those as soon as you board the ship. You can also schedule excursions through third parties such as Viator. Just ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship. The ship doesn’t wait for you if you’re not on a ship sponsored excursion.

See my 5 tips for selecting shore excursions for help determining which excursions are right for you.

3. Reserve specialty dining in advance

Reserve your table at one of the many specialty restaurants before you sail.  Purchase dining package in advance to save big.  Please note these offers can vary by cruise length and ship and you CAN’T make reservations in advance if you have select dining packages. Once onboard, you’ll be able to make reservations if you purchased a dining package.

If you purchase an Unlimited Dining Package through our mobile app or the My Royal Cruise, you can make specific dining reservations for your entire cruise directly in the app or online before you board.

For other dining packages purchased through the My Royal Cruise on our website or via our call center, you will receive the reservation confirmation in your stateroom on Day 1 of your cruise. To modify your dinner reservations, you can simply visit or call one of the hospitality desks at any specialty restaurant.

Kids 5 and under eat free under the special kids menu at specialty restaurants. Kids 6-12 can dine at the specialty restaurants for just $12.99 and order off a children’s menu. You can also add kids 12 and under to your dining package and the cost per child is reduced to $10.99.  The special kids price will be adjusted and shown on your final bill. See more info here.

You can also see the main dining room menu’s for the week in the app, then pick your day to dine in a specialty restaurant accordingly. The menu’s are subject to change but should be 95% accurate.

Don’t pay full price for your package or single dining reservation. Watch for sales on packages!! You’ll likely find an offer about 2-3 months before sailing, but the best sales can vary so check back frequently, if not daily, as your cruise gets closer. You can cancel and rebook for a cheaper rate. On Board Credit will automatically be refunded to your account and credit card refunds usually process within a few days.

Specialty Restaurant Cancellations can be made in Cruise Planner at least 4 days prior to boarding will be refunded in full to the credit card used for payment. Within 4 days of boarding, cancellations must be made on board after departure and will be credited to your shipboard account. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a minimum of $10 USD.

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What to Pack for Europe: The 6+ Things I Wish I Packed for Europe {And You Will Too!}

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

After years of traveling around Europe, there are a few things that we’ve learned to always pack in our suitcase.  If you’re traveling here for the first time, we’ve put your mind at ease and list exactly what to pack for Europe.  Make sure these 6 things are in your suitcase on each visit.

What to Pack for Europe:

1. Washcloths – Most European hotels and apartments don’t provide washcloths. The exception is the UK where we’ve found them more often than not – but not always. My most recent hotel in London didn’t have them, so it was a good thing I packed my own.

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