Things to Do With Kids in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is packed with family-friendly adventures for kids of all ages. Spend the day building sandcastles at the beach, exploring the tree tops at Adventure Park or spotting dolphins on a guided boat tour. Families can also bike the boardwalk, kayak calm waterways, visit local Hunt Club Farm attractions or enjoy indoor fun at places like Apex Entertainment. From toddlers to teens, there’s fun here for everyone in the family.

Absolutely. Virginia Beach is full of family-friendly restaurants that make dining out easy and fun for all ages. Grab pancakes and breakfast favorites at places like Doc Taylor’s, enjoy casual seafood spots along the Oceanfront or settle in for waterfront dining at Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Families also love local favorites like Chix on the Beach, ShoreBreak Pizza & Taphouse and The Pink Dinghy for laid-back bites with plenty of coastal flavor. And of course, no family beach day is complete without ice cream or sweet treats before heading back to the sand.

Yes. Virginia Beach makes learning feel like part of the adventure. Kids can get up close with marine life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, explore local history and military aviation at the Military Aviation Museum or join guided nature tours through local parks and waterways. Families can also visit working farms, discover wildlife at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or learn about the area’s coastal ecosystems through hands-on outdoor experiences. It’s the perfect mix of fun, fresh air and learning along the way.

Yes, there are! Virginia Beach has several family-friendly beaches with calmer waters that are great for younger kids. The Chesapeake Bay beaches are especially popular with families thanks to their gentler waves, shallow shoreline areas and relaxed atmosphere. They’re perfect for splashing, swimming and sandcastle-building without the stronger surf often found along the Atlantic Oceanfront. Sandbridge is another great option for families looking for a quieter beach vibe and spacious vacation rentals.

Some of the best family memories in Virginia Beach are completely free. Spend the day building sandcastles at the beach, biking or strolling the boardwalk, exploring local playgrounds or spotting wildlife along scenic nature trails. Families can also enjoy seasonal events, outdoor concerts and colorful public art throughout the city. Local farmers and seafood markets are another great hit for the whole family. 

Yes. Virginia Beach has plenty of awesome indoor activities to keep kids entertained when you want a break from the sun. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the obvious standout, with interactive exhibits and live animal encounters that kids of all ages love. Beyond that, you’ll find escape rooms, bowling alleys, arcades and indoor adventure parks dotted throughout the city. The ViBe Creative District also has galleries and creative spaces worth exploring on a rainy day. 

Absolutely. Virginia Beach has plenty of playgrounds where kids can climb, slide and burn off energy between beach days and sightseeing. Families love Grommet Island Park at the Oceanfront, an ocean-themed playground designed for children of all abilities and located just steps from the beach. Many playgrounds are located near walking paths, picnic spots and open green space, while nearby state parks offer even more room for the whole family to explore outdoors.