Virginia Beach with Kids

Family travel guide for parents planning with children

Virginia Beach is a classic East-Coast family getaway where the oceanfront boardwalk, calm Chesapeake Bay waters, and year-round festivals create a laid-back beach vibe that rarely feels rushed. Families come for the wide sandy beaches that slope gently into the Atlantic (perfect for sand-castle engineers and wave-jumpers alike) and stay for the free concerts, nightly fireworks in summer, and surprisingly good museums that save the day if the weather turns. The destination works best for kids who are comfortable in sand and sun—toddlers love the zero-entry bay beaches while teens gravitate to surf lessons and the bike-and-skate path that stretches three miles along the coast. Expect a stroller-friendly boardwalk, plentiful public restrooms, and lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but also long restaurant waits at 6 p.m. and limited shade on the main oceanfront. If you’re looking for a beach town with just enough diversity of things to do in Virginia Beach to keep every age group happy—and don’t mind the summer crowds—this is one of the more forgiving family beach options on the East Coast.

Top Family Activities

The best things to do with kids in Virginia Beach.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Touch tanks, sea-turtle rehab hospital, and a nature trail with ziplines make this more than an aquarium. Kids can pet horseshoe crabs, watch sharks being fed, and then burn energy on the outdoor aviary boardwalk.

All ages $26 adults, $22 kids 3–11, under 3 free 3–4 hours

Arrive at 9 a.m. when doors open for the shortest lines and stroller parking next to the touch pool.

First Landing State Park

Shaded 1-mile Cape Henry Trail leads to calm bay waters perfect for toddlers. Kids can look for fiddler crabs, bike the 19-mile trail network, and parents get a nature fix without leaving the city.

All ages $7–10 parking weekdays, $10 weekends Half day

Rent bikes on-site; the crushed-shell paths are wide enough for trailers but bring bug spray for dusk.

Oceanfront Boardwalk & Beach

Wide, concrete boardwalk with separate bike lane, nightly buskers, and 14th Street playground. Lifeguards, restrooms, and showers every few blocks make beach days low-stress.

All ages Free 2–6 hours

Claim a spot near 31st Street for the closest playground and the cheapest beach-chair rentals ($10/day).

Mount Trashmore Park

A former landfill turned 60-ft hill with two playgrounds, skate park, and paddle-boat lake. Kids can roll down the grassy slope while parents picnic under shade sails.

2–12 Free 2–3 hours

Bring cardboard for DIY sledding on the hill; bathrooms are in the playground area.

Military Aviation Museum

Hangars of WWI and WWII warbirds that still fly during weekend demos. Kids can climb into cockpits and earn a junior-pilot badge scavenger hunt.

5+ $17 adults, $10 kids 6–12, under 6 free 2 hours

Check the flight schedule online—nothing beats the roar of a Spitfire overhead.

Neptune’s Park & 24th Street Stage

Giant King Neptune statue for photos, splash pad for hot days, and free concerts at 7 p.m. in summer. A no-fail evening activity with food trucks and covered seating.

All ages Free 1–2 hours

Bring swimsuits under clothes—the splash pad is irresistible after a day in the sand.

Best Areas for Families

Where to base yourselves for the smoothest family trip.

Oceanfront Resort Area

The heart of the beach scene with the widest sidewalks, most lifeguard towers, and immediate access to restaurants, arcades, and the 3-mile boardwalk.

Highlights: Stroller-friendly boardwalk, nightly entertainment, playground at 14th Street

Oceanfront hotels, condo rentals, vacation homes on side streets

Chesapeake Bay (Shore Drive / Chic’s Beach)

Calm, shallow bay waters and a laid-back local vibe. Families spread out on the sandbars at low tide and watch dolphins without ocean currents.

Highlights: Shade from live oaks, picnic tables, free parking along roadside

Bay-front cottages, smaller inns, Airbnb condos

Town Center

Urban-style district 15 minutes inland with chain hotels, a multiplex, and chain restaurants—handy for rainy-day back-up plans and cheaper lodging.

Highlights: Indoor mall, cinema, covered parking, quick highway access

Marriott, Hilton, Homewood Suites with family suites

First Landing / Fort Story

Quiet residential pocket next to the state park and Cape Henry Lighthouse. Feels like a small coastal town but still 10 minutes to the action.

Highlights: Bike path to park, lighthouse tours, wide sidewalks

Vacation rentals, small B&Bs, military lodging for eligible families

Family Dining

Where and how to eat with children.

Most restaurants welcome kids and many offer early-bird specials from 4–6 p.m.; the boardwalk has the highest concentration of casual, high-chair-friendly spots, but waits can top an hour at 6:30 p.m. in summer.

Dining Tips for Families

Download the ‘Waitlist’ apps for Tautogs and Waterman’s to skip 45-minute lines with kids.
Ask for ‘bay-side’ tables; they’re quieter and kids can watch boats instead of traffic.

Seafood shacks on the water

Paper-plate crab legs, kids’ grilled-cheese, and dock views—no dress code required.

$60–$80 for family of four

Boardwalk pizza and ice-cream parlors

Slices to go, outdoor picnic tables, and open until 11 p.m. for late-night sugar cravings.

$25–$35 for family meal

Brunch cafés in Town Center

High chairs, changing tables, and kid pancakes—good rainy-day refuge with free Wi-Fi.

$40–$50 for family of four

Tips by Age Group

Tailored advice for every stage of childhood.

Toddlers (0-4)

Virginia Beach can be toddler heaven if you stick to the bay side and early mornings; afternoons get hot and shade is scarce on the main beach.

Challenges: No shade tents allowed on main beach; sand heats up fast for barefoot toddlers.

Bring a pop-up tent to First Landing’s bay beach—park rangers allow them
Use the 31st Street playground restrooms—they have changing tables and foot-wash showers

School Age (5-12)

Kids 5–12 find endless sand-fort material and safe bike paths; most attractions offer scavenger hunts or junior-ranger booklets to keep brains engaged.

Learning: Aquarium behind-the-scenes tours, Cape Henry Lighthouse climb for state-history credits, dolphin-watching cruises narrated by marine biologists.

Check out free boogie boards from many oceanfront hotels
Ask restaurants for ‘kids eat free’ nights—Monday and Tuesday are common

Teenagers (13-17)

Teens get freedom on the 3-mile bike/skate path, surf schools, and night-time mini-golf scene on Atlantic Ave; most hotels let 16+ check out beach towels solo.

Independence: Safe to let teens bike the boardwalk or grab ice cream in pairs; use location-sharing apps after 9 p.m.

Buy 24-hour Funpass for $20—covers bike rental, mini-golf, and one arcade session
Teens can Uber back from Town Center late-night movies—drivers know the hotel shortcuts

Practical Logistics

The nuts and bolts of family travel.

Getting Around

Boardwalk and bike path are stroller-friendly; VB Wave trolley ($2) runs every 15 minutes along Atlantic Ave in summer. Rental car useful for groceries and rainy-day trips; most agencies provide car seats if reserved. Lyft and Uber are plentiful but request car-seat option in advance.

Healthcare

Sentara Princess Anne Hospital (24-hr ER) 15 minutes inland; CVS and Walgreens every mile along Atlantic Ave stock diapers, formula, and sunscreen. Oceanfront lifeguards have basic first-aid for scrapes.

Accommodation

Look for oceanfront hotels with pools (kids tire of saltwater), suites with kitchenettes to cut food costs, and confirm roll-away or cot availability before booking.

View Accommodation Guide →

Packing Essentials

Collapsible beach wagon
Reef-safe SPF 50
Lightweight stroller with sun canopy
Water shoes for bay beaches
Puddle-jumper or swim vest

Budget Tips

Buy 3-day beach-chair/umbrella combo for $35 rather than daily rental
Hit grocery stores on Laskin Road for breakfast supplies and avoid $5 bagels
Visit Virginia Aquarium on weekday mornings to use online $3-off coupon

Family Safety

Keeping your family safe and healthy.

Rip currents are real—teach kids to swim parallel to shore if caught and always check daily flag system (green, yellow, red) posted every lifeguard stand.
Apply reef-safe SPF every 2 hours; the ocean breeze masks sun intensity and kids burn faster than they feel.
Boardwalk bike lane is one-way; remind kids to stay right and watch for wobbly tourists on surreys.
Jellyfish season peaks late July–August; carry a small bottle of vinegar in beach bag for stings.
Tap water is well safe, but bring refillable bottles—plastic straws and Styrofoam are banned on the beach.
Evenings bring mosquitoes near the bay; pack repellent if dining outdoors at Chic’s Beach.