Things to Do in Virginia Beach with Kids: The Local Parent's Guide (2026)
Everything we love doing with kids in Virginia Beach, by age, weather and budget, from a local family who actually goes.
October 18, 2026
As a Virginia Beach mom who loves getting out of the house, I'm sharing our favorite spots to eat, play, and explore. I know you've already got a million little decisions to make every day, so let me help with this one: "what should we do today?" I'll share the details you actually want to know (stroller-friendly? bathrooms? shade? worth the trip?) and keep the recommendations updated to places that really shine for our family. There's so much to do in the 757. Let's get out there!
Quick picks: what kind of day is it?
- Raining? See our rainy day and indoor guide or browse all indoor play spots.
- On a budget? Our free things to do guide is coming soon.
- Beach day? See every beach on the map. Our best beaches for kids guide is coming soon.
- Little ones? Browse toddler-friendly places. Our toddler guide is coming soon.
- Hungry? Our kid-friendly restaurants and kids eat free guide is coming soon.
- Want a deal? See places with a VB with Kids discount.
Our 3 can't-miss picks
When we have family in town, we grab a pizza and head to Chic's Beach for a sunset dinner. Hardly anyone is sitting down and sand is usually getting onto the blanket, but it's the kind of lifestyle we dreamed of when we moved here. The water is calm for littles, and the sunset views are dreamy. Pro tip: take your shoes off as soon as you hit the sand and leave them near the entrance. One less thing to carry!
The Virginia Aquarium is our go-to! If you're a local, it's worth getting a yearly membership for an easy option on rainy days. It can feel a little like a maze chasing after littles in the dim lighting, but the exhibits are so fun and it will definitely get their energy out! Make sure to visit the ray touch pool!
We love Waterman's Surfside Grille at the Oceanfront. Ask for patio seating for stunning views of the boardwalk and the ocean. Plus the outdoor atmosphere eases a little of the stress of taking littles out to eat!
Things to do by age
- Babies: library storytime (songs and bounces, plus a chance to meet other new parents...pick your nearest branch!) and Foxfire Trail (perfect stroller-friendly path with great shade most of the year)
- Toddlers: any of the local play cafés (mom gets a warm drink while they have a great time) and the Children's Museum of Virginia (everything is touchable and built for their height)
- Preschoolers: Kids Cove playground at Mount Trashmore (tons of room to run, stroller-friendly paths) and the Virginia Zoo (a full morning of animals without overwhelming little legs)
- School-age kids: Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin (a ship they can actually walk around plus interactive exhibits) and biking the boardwalk (they'll be ready to do the full length)
- Teens: First Landing State Park (hiking trails that end at the bay) and Mount Trashmore Skate Park (they can skate while younger siblings take over the playground)
Our local guides
- Indoor and Rainy Day Activities for Kids: the forecast may never be right, but here's where we go when the beach is a no-go
- Free Things to Do with Kids (coming soon): living in the 757 has perks, and a lot of the best ones are free
- Best Playgrounds, Rated by a Local Parent (coming soon): we're talking shady, contained, and fun
- Things to Do with Toddlers (coming soon): outings that work around nap time, short attention spans, and little legs
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Kids Eat Free Days (coming soon): for the days you just aren't up for cooking
- Best Beaches for Kids and Toddlers (coming soon): Virginia Beach shines here...so many calmer options for little swimmers
- Kids' Birthday Party Places (coming soon): where someone else handles the setup and cleanup
See it all on the map
Every park, beach, museum and kid-friendly spot we recommend is on our family map. Tap a pin for hours, directions and a sneak peek of how things look.
What's happening this week
Check the events calendar for storytimes, festivals, and family events...all the fun things! We update it every week.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Virginia Beach with kids when it rains?
The weather sometimes has its own agenda in the 757! Thankfully there are plenty of options, and some of our favorites are free. The Virginia Aquarium can fill a whole morning, indoor playgrounds like Bounce House let little ones burn energy, and library storytimes are a cozy free option. See our full rainy day guide for more ideas by age and budget!
What are the best free things to do with kids in Virginia Beach?
Our favorites are a morning on the sand at Chic's or Grommet Island, a walk or bike ride along the Oceanfront boardwalk, and a few hours at Pleasure House Point Natural Area. Our full free things to do guide is coming soon.
What is the best beach in Virginia Beach for toddlers?
For toddlers, we head to the bay side instead of the Oceanfront. Chic's Beach (Chesapeake Beach) has calmer, shallower water and smaller waves, so littles can navigate the waves. See all the beaches on our map.
Is Virginia Beach good for families in the off-season?
Yes, and honestly it's our favorite time of year here! The crowds and summer traffic are gone, the beaches are peaceful for long walks and shell hunting, and there's still plenty to do: fall farms in Pungo and Chesapeake, holiday lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and indoor favorites like the Virginia Aquarium. Check our events calendar for what's happening each week.
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