Indoor and Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Virginia Beach (2026)
Indoor playgrounds, museums, trampoline parks and cozy spots for when the beach is a no-go.
October 18, 2026
Sometimes you'll plan for rain and you won't see a drop, but when the showers do come (and they will) these go-tos are good to have in your back pocket!
Our quick picks
- Best for burning energy: Get Air trampoline park
- Best for toddlers: the Tot Lot on the mall side of the Barnes & Noble at Lynnhaven Mall
- Best free option: Ikea
- Best for a half-day outing: Virginia Aquarium
Museums and attractions
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Virginia Beach). Our number one rainy-day pick! Between the aquarium tunnel, the touch pools and the sea turtles, it can easily fill a whole morning. Great for all ages, even babies, who love staring at the glowing tanks. It's one of the pricier outings, so buy tickets online ahead of time or go for the membership option. It pays for itself in a couple visits! Our tip: go early on a weekday, before the crowds and field trips arrive.
Children's Museum of Virginia (Portsmouth). Worth the short drive on a gray day. Everything is hands-on and built at kid height, from pretend play putting out fires in the safety zone to the antique train collection. Best for toddlers through about age 8, and a more affordable option. Our tip: plan about 2–3 hours, and eat a snack before heading in, since snacks aren't allowed inside.
Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin (Norfolk). A maritime science center on the downtown Norfolk waterfront, with a real battleship next door. Best for preschoolers and up, and a great pick when you have big kids along. The littles will be busy with the hands-on exhibits and the big kids will get even more from reading up on their meaning. And everybody loves walking on the retired battleship! Our tip: pair it with Slover Library, a short walk away, for a full rainy-day itinerary.
Indoor playgrounds and play spaces
FunVille (Virginia Beach). An underwater-themed indoor playground made for little ones to climb, slide and explore. Best for toddlers through early elementary. It's priced per child, and grown-ups usually get in free. Our tip: bring grip socks, and go on weekday mornings for a calmer crowd.
Bounce House (Virginia Beach). A retail space completely filled with at least 10 different bounce houses. There are also arcade games and fun ride-on toys for toddlers to enjoy. A great energy burner!
Trampoline parks and active play
Surge Adventure Park and Nova Adventure Park (Virginia Beach). Trampolines, climbing and obstacle courses: the best places to burn off serious energy when you're all stuck inside. They're built mainly for school-age kids and up, and you pay by time slot, although discounts are offered during toddler hours (check the events calendar for specifics). Our tip: book online...sometimes you get additional discounts that way, and rainy-day slots can sell out, especially on weekends.
Libraries and free indoor spots
Slover Library (downtown Norfolk). A beautiful, bright library with a big children's area, and completely free. Best for toddlers and preschoolers. Our tip: start here, then walk over to Nauticus for an easy rainy-day plan. We have a reel of exactly that day on the map!
Virginia Beach Public Library storytimes. Free songs, stories and movement for babies, toddlers and preschoolers at branches across the city. A great way to get out of the house before nap time. Our tip: check the library's online calendar each week, since schedules change by season.
Rainy day tips from a local parent
- Go early. On rainy days, everyone has the same idea. Arrive right at opening to beat the crowds.
- Pick weekdays when you can. Weekend rainy days are the busiest. If you can swing a weekday, it's a different experience!
- Pack grip socks. Indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks often require grip socks and charge extra for them.
- Book ahead. Trampoline parks and popular play spaces sell timed slots, and those go fast when it's wet outside.
- Have a free backup. If one spot is packed, a library is a great plan B, and it costs nothing.
Find more indoor spots
Browse all indoor play spots or see them on the map.
Frequently asked questions
What can kids do in Virginia Beach when it rains?
The Virginia Aquarium can fill a whole morning, indoor playgrounds like FunVille let little ones climb and play, and trampoline parks are perfect for older kids who need to burn energy. For a free option, head to a library storytime. I've loved every one I've gone to across different branches.
Are there free indoor activities for kids in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Library storytimes across Virginia Beach are free, and Ikea is always fun to explore! The Tot Lot in front of Barnes & Noble at Lynnhaven Mall is also an easy option.
More local guides
- Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids
- Things to Do with Toddlers (coming soon)
- Free Things to Do with Kids (coming soon)
