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Fun and Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Virginia Beach {Our Top Picks}

Virginia Beach is a great choice when you’re looking for a kid-friendly, affordable getaway. It has, hands-down, the best beach in Virginia.

Add in plenty of great restaurants, a world-class aquarium, and affordable hotels, Virginia Beach is the perfect place for a family vacation.

kid playing mini golf, aquarium, and virginia beach pier at sunrise

The best things to do with kids in Virginia Beach

Important note: the biggest attraction in Virginia Beach is, by far, the beach itself. Our kids preferred just going to the beach every day and could have lived without everything on this list (with the possible exception of mini-golf). But if you’ve had your fill of sand and sun and are looking for something different, these are all great choices.

1. Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum is a great place to learn about aviation history. The museum has a variety of exhibits that cover the history of aviation from its early days to the present. It is also home to a number of aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers.

The Military Aviation Museum in Pungo is a great place to visit for anyone interested in military history, regardless of whether or not they have any affiliation with the military. The museum has a variety of aircraft on display from World War II to the present day, as well as exhibits about different aspects of aviation history.

This museum allows you to ride an open-cockpit plane that’ll give you the memory of a lifetime.

Tip: Not at all kids will love this one, but some will be excited to check it out. If your kids aren’t into this sort of thing, skip it!

2. First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is a 2700-acre state park located in Virginia Beach. It offers a variety of different scenic landscapes and beautiful trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring.

First Landing State Park is a great place to visit with kids. It offers a wide variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking, as well as access to the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.

In addition to the natural beauty of First Landing State Park, there are also family events every day. These include nighttime walks, talks about wildlife and human history, and Wednesday night movies in the amphitheater. This makes it a great destination for families with children who want to enjoy Virginia Beach together.

Tip: Be sure to check their website to see if anything special is going on while you’ll be at Virginia beach. The talks there are very interesting and well done. There’s also a nice playground if the kids just need to let off some steam.

3. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a great place to visit with kids. It has more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums and habitats, making it one of the largest aquariums in the country. It also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a wonderful place to visit with kids. Not only does the aquarium have an impressive collection of marine life on display, but it also features an Adventure Park with zip lines and a National Geographic 3D Theater.

Tip: The coolest thing there are the snake exhibit and the otter tank. If your kids are adventurous, they’ll also like the big outdoor park.

4. Sandbridge Beach

Sandbridge Beach is a great place to take your family for a day of fun in the sun. The beach has plenty of sand to play in and the waves are perfect for swimming. There are also several restaurants and shops close by, making it the perfect spot to spend a day or weekend.

While Virginia Beach is a great place for adults, it can be a little too much for kids. That’s why Sandbridge is such a great option; it’s close to all the excitement of Virginia Beach, but far enough to not be affected by the crazy of Virginia Beach. And if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Sandbridge, we’ve got you covered!

In addition to the waves, Sandbridge is known for its wide and sandy beaches. The beach stretches on for miles, making it perfect for a long walk or jog. And if you’re looking for a spot to relax and catch some sun, the sand is as soft as can be.

Tip: We ALWAYS stay here, and if you have little kids I think you’ll prefer it as well: it’s quieter and cleaner than the “main” area of Virginia Beach.

5. Grommet Island Park

Grommet Island Park is a 15,000-foot outdoor oasis that features a 100% accessible playground, so all kids can play here. The park has something for everyone with its expansive green space, picnic areas, and ocean views.

Grommet Island Park is a great place to take the kids if you’re looking for an oceanfront park. It’s wheelchair accessible, and there’s even a sensory board that is perfect for autistic and visually impaired children.

Tip: This park usually isn’t too crowded, and there are beach chairs available for mom to relax.

6. Jungle Golf

Jungle Golf is a family-owned and operated miniature golf course that has been a Virginia Beach tradition for more than 40 years. It is located on the boardwalk right next to the ocean, making it a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids.

If you’re looking for a place to have some indoor fun, Jungle Golf is a great option. It offers mini-golf, blacklight golf, 3D golf, and air conditioning – perfect for those hot Virginia Beach days. Plus, it’s right on the oceanfront!

Tip: This is our kids’ absolute favorite thing to do in Virginia Beach! It is, like all beach mini-golf places, extremely overpriced. But it’s fun and memorable.

Enjoy these family-friendly spots

Virginia Beach is a great place to take your kids for a vacation. The city has plenty of attractions and activities that will keep them entertained while you enjoy the beach or explore Virginia’s rich history. From First Landing State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and swimming opportunities to the Aquarium & Marine Science Center with its 800,000 gallon tanks full of sea life, there are many family-friendly destinations in Virginia Beach to choose from.

Virginia Beach is a great choice when you’re looking for a kid-friendy, affordable getaway. It has, hands-down, the best beach in Virginia.

Add in plenty of great restaurants, a world-class aquarium, and affordable hotels, Virginia Beach is the perfect place for a family vacation.

The best things to do with kids in Virginia Beach

Important note: the biggest attraction in Virginia Beach is, by far, the beach itself. Our kids preferred just going to the beach every day and could have lived without everything on this list (with the possible exception of mini-golf). But if you’ve had your fill of sand and sun and are looking for something different, these are all great choices.

1. Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum is a great place to learn about aviation history. The museum has a variety of exhibits that cover the history of aviation from its early days to the present. It is also home to a number of aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers.

The Military Aviation Museum in Pungo is a great place to visit for anyone interested in military history, regardless of whether or not they have any affiliation with the military. The museum has a variety of aircraft on display from World War II to the present day, as well as exhibits about different aspects of aviation history.

This museum allows you to ride an open-cockpit plane that’ll give you the memory of a lifetime.

Tip: Not at all kids will love this one, but some will be excited to check it out. If your kids aren’t into this sort of thing, skip it!

2. First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is a 2700-acre state park located in Virginia Beach. It offers a variety of different scenic landscapes and beautiful trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring.

First Landing State Park is a great place to visit with kids. It offers a wide variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking, as well as access to the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.

In addition to the natural beauty of First Landing State Park, there are also family events every day. These include nighttime walks, talks about wildlife and human history, and Wednesday night movies in the amphitheater. This makes it a great destination for families with children who want to enjoy Virginia Beach together.

Tip: Be sure to check their website to see if anything special is going on while you’ll be at Virginia beach. The talks there are very interesting and well done. There’s also a nice playground if the kids just need to let off some steam.

3. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a great place to visit with kids. It has more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums and habitats, making it one of the largest aquariums in the country. It also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a wonderful place to visit with kids. Not only does the aquarium have an impressive collection of marine life on display, but it also features an Adventure Park with zip lines and a National Geographic 3D Theater.

Tip: The coolest thing there are the snake exhibit and the otter tank. If your kids are adventurous, they’ll also like the big outdoor park.

4. Sandbridge Beach

Sandbridge Beach is a great place to take your family for a day of fun in the sun. The beach has plenty of sand to play in and the waves are perfect for swimming. There are also several restaurants and shops close by, making it the perfect spot to spend a day or weekend.

While Virginia Beach is a great place for adults, it can be a little too much for kids. That’s why Sandbridge is such a great option; it’s close to all the excitement of Virginia Beach, but far enough to not be affected by the crazy of Virginia Beach. And if you’re looking for some fun things to do in Sandbridge, we’ve got you covered!

In addition to the waves, Sandbridge is known for its wide and sandy beaches. The beach stretches on for miles, making it perfect for a long walk or jog. And if you’re looking for a spot to relax and catch some sun, the sand is as soft as can be.

Tip: We ALWAYS stay here, and if you have little kids I think you’ll prefer it as well: it’s quieter and cleaner than the “main” area of Virginia Beach.

5. Grommet Island Park

Grommet Island Park is a 15,000-foot outdoor oasis that features a 100% accessible playground, so all kids can play here. The park has something for everyone with its expansive green space, picnic areas, and ocean views.

Grommet Island Park is a great place to take the kids if you’re looking for an oceanfront park. It’s wheelchair accessible, and there’s even a sensory board that is perfect for autistic and visually impaired children.

Tip: This park usually isn’t too crowded, and there are beach chairs available for mom to relax.

6. Jungle Golf

Jungle Golf is a family-owned and operated miniature golf course that has been a Virginia Beach tradition for more than 40 years. It is located on the boardwalk right next to the ocean, making it a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids.

If you’re looking for a place to have some indoor fun, Jungle Golf is a great option. It offers mini-golf, blacklight golf, 3D golf, and air conditioning – perfect for those hot Virginia Beach days. Plus, it’s right on the oceanfront!

Tip: This is our kids’ absolute favorite thing to do in Virginia Beach! It is, like all beach mini-golf places, extremely overpriced. But it’s fun and memorable.

Enjoy these family-friendly spots

Virginia Beach is a great place to take your kids for a vacation. The city has plenty of attractions and activities that will keep them entertained while you enjoy the beach or explore Virginia’s rich history. From First Landing State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and swimming opportunities to the Aquarium & Marine Science Center with its 800,000-gallon tanks full of sea life, there are many family-friendly destinations in Virginia Beach to choose from.