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

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.

Related read: Want a quieter experience? Visit our guide to Hidden Gems in Virginia Beach. (coming soon)

Relax at Sandbridge Beach & Little Island Park

For a less crowded beach day, head south to Sandbridge Beach. Let the kids swim, play volleyball or basketball or run around the playground at Little Island Park. It’s a perfect mix of sand, sun and family-friendly fun. Stop at the Farmers Market along the drive to pick up fresh fruit for an afternoon snack.

Nearby is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge great for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Explore Chesapeake Bay & Chicks Beach

Escape the busy Oceanfront at Chicks Beach along Shore Drive. Bay beaches are calmer, making them ideal for younger kids. You’ll also find less crowds as locals like to escape the busy Oceanfront.

• Take a walk around the Brock Environmental Center to see one of the most environmentally smart buildings in the world.
• Learn about the animals in and around the Chesapeake Bay while enjoying a relaxed day on the sand.

Related read: For eco-friendly adventures, check out Eco-Friendly Travel in Virginia Beach. (coming soon)

Discover First Landing State Park

Pack a lunch, sunscreen and water for a day at First Landing State Park. Kids can hike, bike or relax on the sandy beach along the Chesapeake Bay.

• Entry: $4-$5 per vehicle and open daily from 8am until dusk for visitors
• Optional: camp for an affordable weekend surrounded by nature
• Download the park’s junior ranger activity sheet online before you go.

This park is ideal for families who love both beach and forest adventures.

Play and Picnic at Mount Trashmore Park

Mount Trashmore Park is a local favorite, completely free and full of activities:

• Playgrounds, volleyball courts, and picnic areas
• Outdoor fitness stations and a skate park
• Perfect for a low-cost, active day with kids

Red Wing Park Fun

Red Wing Park offers:

• Two playgrounds
• Bee City USA Pollinator Garden
• Pickleball courts
• Cornhole boards
• Hiking trails

This is a great all-day activity for families wanting a mix of exercise and relaxation.

Visit Cape Henry Lighthouse

Step back in history at the Cape Henry Lighthouse, one of the first federally funded lighthouses in the U.S.

• Located on Fort Story, so bring REAL ID, car registration, and proof of insurance
• Kids must be 42″ tall to climb & there is an admission fee
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline from the top

Virginia Aquarium & Adventure Park

The Virginia Aquarium is perfect for kids of all ages. See harbor seals, rays, and otters, and explore the nature trail connecting the Bay & Ocean Pavilion with the Marsh Pavilion.

For adventure lovers:

• Adventure Park at the Aquarium has 13 aerial trails ranging from beginner to expert.
• Ages: 5+
• Zipline and climbing fun guaranteed!
• Check online for discounts.

It’s a bit pricey but kids will love being about to “zip” through the trees and test their skills navigating bridges and platforms.

Adam Thoroughgood House

Introduce kids to Virginia’s colonial history at the Adam Thoroughgood House, built in 1719 by Argall and Susannah Thoroughgood.

• Learn about one of the first settlers in Virginia
• Tours are FREE!

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

For a creative day:

• Changing exhibits of painting, sculpture, and photography
• Art lab for kids

Dinosaurs and Planes at the Aviation Museum

Little paleontologists will love the metal dinosaurs outside the Aviation Museum in Pungo.

• Free outdoor “Jurassic Park” area
• Home to one of the world’s largest collections of flying vintage military aircraft.

Hunt Club Farm

Don’t miss all that Hunt Club Farm has to offer!

• TreeWalk Adventure
• Petting Zoo
• Birdwalk Aviary
• Mini Cow Experience
• Seasonal Events

Pick Your Own Berries at The Farm

Seasonally, families can pick their own berries at local farms such as Cullipher Farm & Henley Farms. Offerings typically include favorites such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and even kale and wildflowers. Strawberry picking season has always been a big hit with my kiddos. We pick fresh berries every year!

Ocean Breeze Waterpark

Another attraction that kid won’t want to miss is Ocean Breeze Waterpark.

• Over 30 slides and attractions
• Wave pool
• Kiddie lagoon and more.

Outside food isn’t allowed in the park, so you could pack your lunch and eat at the picnic area located near the parking lot.

Speed Around the Track at Motor World

Motor World is next to Ocean Breeze if you’re in the mood for a bit of racing fun.  K did this for one of his birthday’s and had a blast!

• 11 Go-Kart tracks
• Shipwreck Mini Golf
• Kiddie City

Dolphin & Whale Watching Tours

Kids + dolphins = instant magic! Head to Rudee Inlet for one of the area’s dolphin watching tours which run spring through the fall seasons. These tours are run by eco-certified operators who respect marine wildlife, so it’s both exciting and educational.

During winter, you might even catch sight of migrating humpback whales off the coast – an unforgettable experience.

Tip: Pack binoculars and a light jacket as it gets breezy on the water!

ViBe Creative District for Kids

You might not think an arts district is a kid destination, but the ViBe District is full of color and creativity. On weekends, especially in the summer, you’ll find family art events, live music and outdoor markets.

Explore the murals and let your kids take “art scavenger hunt” photos. It’s a great low-cost afternoon that burns energy and sparks imagination.

This district also appears in my Hidden Gems in Virginia Beach post – it’s a must-see for all ages.

Sweet Treat Stops

No family trip is complete without dessert, right? Some local favorites include:

• Lolly’s Creamery – Handcrafted ice cream with creative flavors
• Duck Donuts – Hot & fresh chain
• Sweet Spot – Ice Cream, milkshakes and more

Virginia Beach is a city in coastal Virginia that is just waiting to be explored.  The city is conveniently located at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which is the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world.  Take a swim, build a sandcastle, zip through the treetops or climb a lighthouse.  You can do it all in Virginia Beach!

Related reads:

• Best beaches in Virginia
• 13 Things to Do in Williamsburg
• Things to Do with Kids in Norfolk
• Virginia Bucket List: 20+ Must Visit Sites in VA
• The Ultimate Virginia Beach Travel Guide
• Eco-Friendly Travel in Virginia Beach
• Things to Do First Landing State Park
• Weekend Getaways Near Virginia Beach
• Hidden Gems in Virginia Beach You Need to Discover