Best Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids

1. Hit the Beach 

The sun, sand, and surf are FREE in Virginia Beach, so no costly beach passes or tags are needed here. The southern section of the boardwalk tends to be more crowded, the northern end quieter, so take your pick. It is all astonishingly clean and groomed daily.

2. Stroll the Boardwalk

The three-mile oceanfront boardwalk has a separate bike path for families who want to get around on wheels or blades. The path is flat and dotted with whimsical, nautical themed sculptures. On a practical note, there are plenty of clean restrooms the length of the boardwalk.

3. Rent a Bike or Surrey

If you're looking for wheels, Cherie’s Bike Rentals offers reasonably priced bikes and canopied surreys at 12 locations along the boardwalk. If you don't mind walking a couple of blocks, Conte's Beach Bike Shop is highly regarded in the area. 

4. Explore Grommet Island Park 

Located at Second Street and the Boardwalk, Grommet Island Park is a 15,000-foot outdoor oasis that features a 100% accessible playground, so all kids can play here. Entrances are wheelchair accessible, and a sensory board is a delight for autistic and visually impaired children. Everyone can enjoy sculptural features that allow pretend surfing and swimming with dolphins. 

5. Enjoy Live! On Atlantic

Catch fireworks, historical programs, festivals, and beach parties. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Live! On Atlantic presents live family-oriented entertainment along Atlantic Avenue between 17th and 25^th Streets in Virginia Beach.

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Explore the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Photo courtesy of Visit Virginia Beach

6. Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Get to know the local marine life at this top-notch facility focused on Virginia’s unique marine environment. There are more than 300 hands-on exhibits, touch tanks (including one for jellyfish!), and an IMAX Theater. There's even a splash pad that has sand/water, dirt digging, and bubble features. Enjoy the mock submarine and extensive nature trails, or zip line through the aerial forest in The Adventure Park. 

7. Check out Atlantic Park

Started in part by superstar Pharrell, a Virginia Beach native, this new entertainment district has shops, restaurants, and events the whole family will enjoy. The outdoor public plaza is a community park on days when there aren't any events, and  a surf pool and wave pool  is set to open in mid-summer 2025 for when your kids get sick of the beach. The Dome, an indoor-outdoor event space, hosts concerts and other performances. 

8. Go Fishing

Let the kids cast their first (or fiftieth) line. The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, located on 15th Street & Oceanfront, is open April through October. No fishing license is required, rods are available for rent, and bait may be purchased. A variety of species are caught from this location, including pinfish, black sea bass, sharks, rays, kingfish, king mackerel, and many others. 

9. Make a Splash at Ocean Breeze Water Park

Ride the water slides or relax in the wave pool at this water park with more than 30 slides and attractions. This Caribbean-themed destination is a great place to beat the heat if you want a change of pace from the ocean. Parking, sunscreen, and inner tubes are free with admission. 

10. Hit the Farmers Market

Enjoy a local treat at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, a year-round ode to Virginia agriculture. Shopkeepers entice you to buy with tasty samples of farm fresh goods. Browse the butcher shop, seafood market, bakery, and full menu restaurant. Local produce is great to snack on, but it's hard to resist Gilly’s Creamery, homemade ice cream worth every calorie. 

11. Play Miniature Golf

Mini golf is an essential part of a beach vacation, and there's plenty of putt-putt to play in Virginia Beach. Try Pirates Paradise Mini Golf or Jungle Golf, a Virginia Beach tradition since 1970. King Neptune’s is a rainy-day dream with indoor, black light, 3D mini golf and A/C. 

12. Learn to Surf

Spend the morning learning to surf with a local surf company. Surf & Adventure and Ocean Rentals, Ltd. offer surf lessons; instructors guide participants in how to read the ocean’s tides and ride the waves. 

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Take in the beauty of nature at First Landing State Park. Photo courtesy of Visit Virginia Beach

13. Reconnect with Nature at  First Landing State Park

Skip the beach for a day in the woods. Hike, camp, or swim at First Landing State Park, a popular nature preserve located just outside the main tourist area on the Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of sandy trails here, and you can also come for a picnic or a boat ride. Outdoor showers and clean restrooms are a bonus for those staying the day.

14. Meet Animals

See some of Virginia's wildlife at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a 9,000-acre refuge where kids might glimpse loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. In December, 10,000 snow geese visit Back Bay Refuge during the peak of fall migration. If farms are more your thing, check out Hunt Club Farm, where you can even register to cuddle a miniature Highland cow or snuggle and bottle feed a baby goat.

15. Get your VIBE On

Spend a few hours walking around the artsy enclave known as the VIBE district. With an events calendar filled with creative activities like flea markets, drum circles, and a mural festival, this neighborhood is the perfect spot for tweens and teens. Make sure you pack a camera to snap a few pics of the neighborhood's colorful (and plentiful) murals.

16. Explore the Military Aviation Museum

Check out one of the world's largest collections of World War 1 and World War 2 military aircraft to wow the kids with a little American history. Located in a hangar, the Military Aviation Museum lets kids check out bombers and fighters, and there are air shows and concerts. Bonus: Tackle the scavenger hunt in Jerrassic Park, a collection of metal dinosaur sculptures sure to delight.

17. Embrace the Views from the Cape Henry Lighthouse

Climb the nearly 200 steps to the top of this historic lighthouse and revel in the scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Kids need to measure at least 42 inches tall to climb the steps. Authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton, the lighthouse is located near the "First Landing" site, where English settlers first stopped on their way to Jamestown.

18. Take a Boat or Fishing Tour

Located right by the Virginia Aquarium, you can book a variety of boat and fishing tours with Rudee Tours. Go on a wildlife-watching or dolphin-watching excursion, a half-day fishing trip, or even a private cruise. If you visit Virginia Beach for certain holidays, like July 4th, you can book a fireworks cruise.

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The Neptune Festival is a popular Virginia Beach event. Photo courtesy of Visit Virginia

Family-Friendly Festivals and Events in Virginia Beach

19. Neptune Festival

At this fun festival along the boardwalk during the last weekend of September, families can shop from more than 200 vendors at the arts and crafts show, gawk at over 20 magnificent sand sculptures at the Indernational Sandsculpting Competition on the beach, enjoy live music from local bands, and more. 

20. Watch the Pros Surf

Inspire the kids at the East Coast Surfing Championships, held annually in late August. A key event on the professional circuit, the contest is exciting to watch and features surfing, volleyball, Monster Jump (BMX), and entertainment. 

21. Winter Holidays in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach goes all out for Christmas! At Holiday Lights at the Beach, you can drive your car down the boardwalk that's decked out with lights, music, trees, elves, and even Santa.

Virginia Beach Restaurants Kids Love

22. Beach Bully BBQ

This casual and spacious spot serves up large portions of North Carolina-style BBQ for low prices—think brisket, ribs, pulled chicken, tangy pork, beef, and tasty sides like potato salad and hush puppies. The kids menu choices are all under $8.

23. Beachside Social

This place could also double as a family activity: while it's a bar and restaurant, it also has shuffleboard, bocce ball, and even giant Connect Four. It's family-friendly "no matter the time of day," according to its website. Come for the games but stay for the food—Beachside Social serves a variety, from flatbreads to wraps to chicken tenders.

24. and 25. The Bagel Baker and The Bagel Baker Delicatessen

If you're craving an authentic New York bagel, these sister restaurants are great choices—especially for days when you want to veer away from the beach a bit, but not too far. Both places are very family-friendly. At The Bagel Baker, you'll order at the counter and choose a table to sit at, while the Bagel Baker Delicatessen has table service and a kids menu.

26. Citrus

Open for breakfast and lunch, this is a good place to come and eat like a local! Indulge in delightful sweet potato biscuits, fluffy pancakes, and fresh eggs. The establishment prides itself on healthy choices and also features a vegan and gluten-free menu. 

27. Bubba’s

This popular seafood shack is located on a peaceful dock where you can watch boaters and fishermen as you enjoy your meal on the patio. Seafood choices include crab cakes, oysters, and steamed shrimp, plus an excellent burger. The kids menu is loaded with favorites such as chicken tenders and popcorn shrimp. 

28. Orion's Roof

Located in the Mariott Oceanfront Virginia Beach, Orion's Roof offers stunning rooftop views of the Chesapeake Bay for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Its menu is Asian-inspired, and the kids meals are bento boxes with so much food—a main entree, a side salad, French fries, and carrot sticks and ranch. 

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29. Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Did you know that Virginia Beach has an official drink? The Orange Crush is a refreshing mixture of fresh-squeezed orange juice and a splash of Sprite, served over crushed ice. Waterman’s Surfside Grill is known as being the birthplace of this local favorite—in both the adult and kid-friendly versions. This family-owned establishment has also been serving up beach burgers, crab dip, and fish tacos since 1981. 

30. The Sweet Spot

If you're a fan of Insta-worthy, fancy milkshakes, you've got to stop in at The Sweet Spot! With three locations to visit, opt for an "explosive" milkshake such as a Unicorn Milkshake or a Cookie Madness Milkshake, a churro milkshake, or regular old ice cream. This place also hopped on the Dubai chocolate trend and has a menu specific to that: Dubai chocolate mini donuts, a chocolate strawberry cup, and a canned Dubai chocolate latte.

31. Lolly's Creamery

Located off the boardwalk, this adorable ice cream shop has homemade flavors like Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Sheet Cake, Breakfast Goals Ice Cream, Crunchy Munchy, and the ever-popular Cookie Monster. It's easy to see why this spot is popular with locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try some of Lolly's Sauce on top of your sundae—you won't be sorry!

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Enjoy the view from your balcony at Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Kid-Friendly Virginia Beach Hotels and Resorts

32. Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites

Located directly on the Chesapeake Bay, this all-suite hotel is the perfect home away from home for families. Amenities like in-room refrigerators and microwaves make staying with kids convenient. The hotel also boasts an outdoor heated pool and direct access to the calm, warm waters of the bay. Beach cabanas, kayaks, and bicycles are available to rent on site.

33. Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach - North Beach

This Holiday Inn is a favorite among families due to its kid-friendly amenities, including three pools (a large oceanfront pool, a lagoon-style pool with a lazy river and two water slides, and an indoor pool), a 48-seat theater showing kid-friendly flicks, and the complimentary Splash Kamp offering supervised crafts and other activities for kids ages 4-12. Kids under 12 eat free at the several on-site restaurants. 

34. Hyatt House Virginia Beach Oceanfront 

Enjoy stunning ocean views from your private balcony at this modern, dog-friendly, and clean hotel right on the beach. Some of the rooms and suites even have kitchenettes. An indoor pool, a free breakfast buffet, and a beachfront restaurant and bar with live music and outdoor games make Hyatt House an excellent pick for families. 

35. The Cavalier Resort (Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront, The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club)

This group of three luxury hotels has hosted presidents! The Marriott Virginia Beach and the Embassy Suites are right next to each other on the beach, while the Cavalier Hotel is across the street. All three hotels have an indoor and outdoor pool and access to a private beach. If you miss the crowds or want to check out the playground, simply walk south down the beach about a block or two. While all of these hotels welcome kids, the Marriott and Embassy Suites are the most family-friendly.

A version of this article was first published in 2012. Clementina Verge, Ally Noel, and Stephanie Shipman have contributed additional reporting .

Unless noted, photos by Mommy Poppins