Things To Do In Virginia Beach With Kids

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Virginia Beach With Kids

Virginia Beach is a classic family destination, but there's more to explore beyond the shoreline. The unique oceanside location and proximity to nature mean that there are all kinds of things to do in Virginia Beach with kids, inside and outside. You’re in for a ton of family fun, whether your group is into exploring the great outdoors, enjoying thrilling adventures, or learning something new.

Let’s take a look at some of the best family activities Virginia Beach has to offer, so that you and your family can start planning your ultimate getaway to this amazing destination!

Table of Contents

• Experience Sandbox VR: Fully Immersive Virtual Reality for the Whole Family

• Explore First Landing State Park

• Spend a Day at Ocean Breeze Waterpark

• Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

• Try Zip Lines and Outdoor Adventure at a Local Outfitter

1. Experience Sandbox VR: Fully Immersive Virtual Reality for the Whole Family

A trip to Sandbox VR stands out as one of the best indoor activities in Virginia Beach. Groups of up to six players can enter the virtual world together, fitted with VR gear that includes haptic feedback and full-motion body capture. These features let players see and track each other in real time while feeling and experiencing the full effects of the session, paired with amazing, lifelike graphics. As a team, you can interact with each other as you work together to solve problems and complete the mission.

Sandbox VR has a variety of experiences, from zombie survival and walking with the dinosaurs to sci-fi escapades inspired by hit Netflix series like Stranger Things and Squid Game. These virtual reality experiences are built upon amazing graphics and cinematic storytelling that transport you to the heart of the adventure so that you become a part of the action.

Whichever theme you pick turns into a collective adventure where you can explore something unique and exciting together. You will naturally make special new memories you can look back on when you think about your Virginia Beach getaway. This isn’t solo screen time; it’s a group activity that gets everyone talking and working together, which is one of the best parts.

Tip: Sandbox VR has several adventures that are great for families with older kids and teens, but VR experiences may not be suitable for small children due to age and height requirements.

2. Explore First Landing State Park

If you want to get some fresh air, one of the best things to do in Virginia Beach with the family is head to First Landing State Park. While spring and fall can be the ideal seasons to visit, a trip to Virginia’s first state park is a fun, budget-friendly outing that you can enjoy any time throughout the year. 

The park hosts 10 miles of trails that are perfect for fun activities like hiking, walking, and biking, as well as 1.5 miles of sandy shoreline on Chesapeake Bay. Wandering the trails or coasts gives your family plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about the environment. You can even make a fun game of it by creating a checklist and turning the day into an outdoor scavenger hunt! Exploring is fun anyway, but a day in the state park can easily become an educational opportunity as well for kids to learn without even realizing it.

Tip: Summer is quite busy, especially for camping, so plan your trip if you plan to stay overnight or longer.

3. Spend a Day at Ocean Breeze Waterpark

Ocean Breeze is a top attraction in Virginia Beach for families looking to enjoy the weather and have some wet and wild fun outside. It’s one of the best kid-friendly activities in Virginia Beach thanks to more than 30 rides to test out, in addition to a sprawling lazy river and epic wave pool. Families with kids of all ages and levels of adventure can have fun exploring curling slides, plunging drops, and play areas with tons of cool features.

Ocean Breeze is a must if you’re visiting Virginia Beach in the summer. It’s a great way to beat the heat while guaranteeing that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The park is open from mid-May through mid-September with varying hours, and may be closed on certain days for private events. Note that not all rides are suitable for smaller children, as some may have height or weight requirements.

Tip: Buy your tickets early! Ocean Breeze is a popular attraction, so book in advance to get the date you want and to skip the line at the ticket counter.

4. Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

If you’re looking for indoor family activities in Virginia Beach to keep in your back pocket when the weather isn’t cooperating, plan a visit to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Whether it’s rainy or steamy hot outside, slip into this aquarium and science museum and prepare to be wowed. Come face-to-face with fish, sharks, stingrays, eels, and many more creatures from the Earth’s mysterious depths. 

More than 12,000 animals live in fresh and saltwater displays spread across 800,000 gallons of water. You’ll find fascinating things like marine life exhibits, touch tanks, and live animal encounters with Animal Ambassadors. These Ambassadors give presentations, feed the animals, and answer questions, so you and your family can learn many new things about creatures of the deep. 

Tip: The aquarium also has adventures that you can book that are not included in the price of admission, like boat rides, behind-the-scenes tours, and special play and adventure areas. Check out the aquarium’s website to learn more about tickets, hours, and pricing.

5. Try Zip Lines and Outdoor Adventure at a Local Outfitter

If you’ve never tried zip lines before, now is your chance! Several zip-lining and adventure parks in the Virginia Beach area offer high and exciting thrills. Places like The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium have all kinds of zip lines and ropes courses that go from high to low and everywhere in between. One moment you’re climbing among the trees, and the next moment you’re gliding over water and woods, taking in all the wonderful views from the top.

This is a great activity for families with older kids and teens who have a sense of adventure and like trying new ways to get active and moving. Doing a zip-lining or ropes course together is a fun way to build confidence and communication skills while working as a team and sharing excitement.

Tip: Some zip-lining and adventure parks may have height and weight requirements for participants to ensure their safety. Before you book, make sure to check that the park you pick is suitable for all of your family members. 

Plan Your Family Fun in Virginia Beach Today

Mixing indoor and outdoor activities is a great way to plan an unforgettable adventure in Virginia Beach. Booking an experience at Sandbox VR is the perfect indoor activity for families who want to try something new and adventurous together while building new memories.

FAQs

Is Sandbox VR a good activity for kids in Virginia Beach?

Yes, Sandbox VR offers fully immersive, group-based virtual reality experiences in Virginia Beach that are exciting and engaging for kids and parents alike.

Are there indoor activities in Virginia Beach for families?

Yes, Sandbox VR and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center are both excellent indoor options for families.

Do you need prior experience to enjoy a Sandbox VR experience?

No, Sandbox VR experiences in Virginia Beach are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for first-timers of all ages.