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When you're interested in learning something new, Chesapeake, Virginia, has a variety of museums worth exploring. From railroads to ancient art, you can step back in time and explore unique aspects of history when you check out these top museums around Chesapeake. Chrysler Museum of Art Travel seven miles north of Chesapeake to Norfolk to find the Chrysler Museum of Art. The museum's collection ranges from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary pieces. With such a range of work, you'll have a fascinating look at how art has changed throughout the years. For a unique look at history, the Ancient Worlds galleries have an incredible collection of non-western art, including Islamic, African, Greco-Roman, East Asian, and pre-Columbian pieces. Plus, the photography collection has over 4,000 objects with a strong selection from the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. more Hampton Roads Naval Museum Chesapeake and the surrounding communities have a strong connection to the Navy. So it's no surprise that if you head six miles north to Norfolk you'll find the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. As one of 10 Navy museums operated by the Naval History and Heritage Command, Hampton Roads Naval Museum has an impressive collection dedicated to over 240 years of naval history in the region. Permanent exhibits include information on the Battle of the Chesapeake, the American Civil War, World War II, and the Cold War. Railroad Museum of Virginia No study of American history is complete without an understanding of how trains changed transportation around the country. When you check out the Railroad Museum of Virginia, located six miles north of Chesapeake in Portsmouth, you'll be able to see a completely restored five-car train that features a 1910-era Norfolk and Western steam locomotive, Wabash Railroad Company dining car, two mail cars, and an antique Norfolk-Southern caboose. Children's Museum of Virginia Located six miles north of Chesapeake in Portsmouth, the Children's Museum of Virginia is one of the largest museums of its kind in the state. The museum offers a variety of hands-on exhibits designed to teach children more about the world around them, including a wellness center for kids, a tot yard for toddlers, and a planetarium. If you're interested in giving your children a brief lesson in history, the Lancaster Antique Train and Toy Collection offers a train layout that represents the state of Virginia and displays several antique toys. Hermitage Museum and Gardens Hermitage Museum and Gardens is a picturesque historic home located 12 miles north of Chesapeake in Norfolk. While it was once home to the Sloane family, it now features an art collection that spans 5,000 years. The collection has over 5,000 objects that represent over 30 countries and include paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts. As you're visiting the museum, be sure to check out the surrounding grounds, which include 12 acres of formal gardens, wetlands, and forests. When you check out these popular museums around Chesapeake, you'll step back in time and learn even more fascinating history about the area and the world. Image via Flickr by L. Allen Brewer under use of CC BY 2.0 /Cropped from original

Chesapeake, Virginia, is a beautiful part of the United States known for its scenery. If you're planning a trip to the area, take advantage of this by visiting parks and arboretums in the area and experience this beauty for yourself. Here are several great options to do just that. Oak Grove Lake Park Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake has many fun activities for visitors to take part in. It has a series of walking and hiking trails to follow with the family. Many choose to walk their dogs here, too. If you enjoy running or fishing, Oak Grove Lake is the place for both. The park is off the beaten path and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, giving people much-needed peace and quiet. Other amenities include a small beach and a playground for children. more Dismal Swamp Canal Trail The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail was once part of Virginia State Route 17. Today it is a trail people use to walk, bike, hike, and run along in Chesapeake. It runs for 8.3 miles to the Dismal Swamp Canal. It's also a place for boating. Every year, the park hosts Paddle for the Border in the spring. People explore the canal trail using kayaks and canoes and get together for a picnic lunch at the end. The Dismal Swamp Canal also includes a wildlife refuge where many species live or come to rest. Migratory birds tend to stop here on their way to their destination to rest up. It's also an ideal spot for horseback riding because the trail is flat and linear. Kayakers and boaters can launch their craft using the nearby boat ramp. The Chesapeake Arboretum Known as “Nature's Classroom,” the Chesapeake Arboretum is a 48-acre site in Chesapeake dedicated to teaching about and preserving nature. It promotes horticultural and environmental awareness through research, displays, and education. The arboretum features a trail system that walks visitors through a hardwood forest featuring a number of plants and trees. The Arboretum is home to Lake Hughes which spans 3 acres. Use caution when visiting during the summer months, and make sure to pack bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away during your exploration. Hickory Ridge Farm Nothing says connecting with nature better than picking produce in the summertime. You can do just that at Hickory Ridge Farm, a family run place in Chesapeake. The 18-acre farm offers strawberry picking in May and summer produce from June to August. There's also pumpkin picking in the fall. It's a wonderful place to go if you're visiting the area or are just looking for an activity to do with the kids. The cost of picking fresh produce in the summer is relatively low and it teaches kids how fruits and vegetables originate. Plus, you can make delicious treats like pies and jams with what you pick. Connecting with nature isn't always easy given how hectic day-to-day living is, even during the summer. Whether you need to plan a road trip or have to carve out time as a local to visit Chesapeake, the effort is well worth it. The city is full of beautiful parks and other natural sites that come alive in summer with plenty of activities for individuals and families.   Image via Pixabay.com

Finally, it is prime beach season again, and it is time to start taking trips around Virginia Beach again. There are plenty of things to do around Virginia Beach regardless of your age. With so many things to do, you can have a full summer just exploring your options. Here is a look at all of the things that you can do including riding the waves at Virginia Beach Virginia Aquarium For anyone that can't get out on the ocean and ride the waves, you can get a good look at what is below the water's surface at the Virginia Aquarium. The Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on most days. The exhibits include in-person exhibitions and educational movies that give you a deeper look at ocean life. If you want to see animals in their natural habitat, you can take the Dolphin Discoveries Boat Tour out onto the water to meet dolphins. more Oceanfront District The Oceanfront District covers a large part of Virginia Beach and there are plenty of beach activities for you to do. The Rudee Inlet is open for a wide variety of water activities. Fishing is a major attraction since you can catch large and small fish most of the year. There are ramps up and down the beach that make it easy to get your boat in and out of the water. You can also charter boats from different vendors for reasonable prices. You can spend the night around the Rudee Inlet as well with a host of dining and lodging options for a watery vacation. Virginia Beach Boardwalk If you want something to do during the day with your whole family, check out the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The Boardwalk has been a major tourist attraction for decades and continues to give you a range of attractions that can be fun for your family. You can find the usual carnival attractions that are usually on a boardwalk, but there are also restaurants and other attractions. You can check out the Virginia Legends Walk, which features exhibits for some of Virginia's most notable people including Thomas Jefferson, Robert E. Lee, and Edgar Allan Poe to name a few. This summer, you should plan a trip to check out the different things that you can do in Virginia Beach. There are things to do for everyone in your family and you can have a great time regardless of when you come over. Before you head out, stop by Priority Toyota of Chesapeake. There are new 2018 models of some of Toyota's best vehicles on the lot, as well as plenty of 2017 models. Even if you want to keep your current car, you can have the service department look it over to make sure that it is in good shape. That way, you won't have to worry about your car making the trip. Stop by and take one for a test drive today--after checking out these fun sites.   Image via Pixabay.com

Spending a weekend at a bed and breakfast can be relaxing and rejuvenating. You can meet new people, explore an exciting city, and stay in one of a kind accommodations. Here are five Chesapeake area bed and breakfasts worth exploring the next time you want to plan a short weekend near home. The Mermaids' Porch Bed and Breakfast The Mermaids' Porch Bed and Breakfast is located at 497 North Street in Portsmouth. It is a romantic bed and breakfast known for friendly service and a kind Innkeeper's Assistant named Jack, who happens to be a dog. Nestled in historic Old Towne Portsmouth in a Queen Anne Victorian home built in the late 1800s, the atmosphere is homelike yet upscale with a piano and a fireplace in the living room. The bed and breakfast offers room packages and a military discount. more Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast Located at 400 16th Street in Virginia Beach, the Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is only a few blocks away from the water. The bed and breakfast prides itself on being relaxing and romantic. Close to many of the area's best attractions, including beaches and museums, the bed and breakfast offers a shuttle service around the area to make it easier to get around. These accommodations tend to fill up for holiday weekends, so if you want to make reservations for a three day weekend, it is best to book your room in advance. Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast The Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast is an optimal place for relaxation. Located at 2420 Arctic Avenue in the popular Virginia Beach area, this bed and breakfast makes it easy to relax with cozy rooms, hundreds of high definition TV channels, and massages. Many guests claim that the breakfast at the Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast with mimosas and several different courses is among the best they have had. Glen Coe Inn The Glen Coe Inn is located at 222 North Street in Portsmouth, just off the Elizabeth River. Its location makes it easy to explore the Old Town Portsmouth area, with its nearby cultural and arts scene. The owner is known to be friendly and easy to talk to, maintaining clean rooms in a historic setting. For some visitors, the best part is that the breakfasts are healthy and fresh, making it easy to eat at least one nutritious meal on vacation. The bed and breakfast is beautifully landscaped, with Scottish influences in the architecture of the home. Despite being in a home built in 1890, the bed and breakfast provide modern amenities, such as high-speed internet access. These bed and breakfasts are just some of the excellent options in the Chesapeake area for you to choose from. Each offers a different and relaxing way to treat yourself and to explore the area. Unlike a hotel where you generally know what to expect, you never know who you'll meet or what breakfast will be prepared at one of these wonderful inns.   Image via Pixabay

Spring break isn't just for drunk frat boys and wild sorority girls. In fact, it's an ideal time to pack up the family and head out for some quality bonding time. Make some beautiful memories together doing something fun, like kayaking, kite surfing, or fishing. Virginia is jam-packed full of wonderful places not far off the beaten track. We at Priority Toyota like to see our customers healthy and happy. So, these are our recommendations for where to spend spring break in Virginia. Virginia Beach Virginia has its own version of Daytona Beach. It's our own spring break destination, and it's called Virginia Beach! With over 25 miles of pristine sandy shoreline, tons of great hotel options, award-winning restaurants, and several miles of boardwalk, it's a perfect spot for kids of all ages. If you are looking for adult activities, there are also a plethora of fun nightclubs and bars in the area. more Tangier Island There's something about island life that just feels special, and Tangier Island is no exception. The quieter, simpler lifestyle causes you to instantly relax. Tangier Island is stunningly beautiful and located close by in the Chesapeake Bay. It has a little something for everyone, from fishing to golfing, birdwatching, or canoeing. Surround yourself with nature, and then when you're ready, head inside to one of the many fine restaurants for some of the most delicious seafood in the country. Did somebody say clam chowder? Eastern Shore The Eastern Shore is situated on the far side of Chesapeake Bay. You'll feel like you left the state, but without all the hassle and wear and tear on your vehicle. It's the perfect place for those with an active lifestyle to enjoy a variety of sports, such as kiteboarding, or paddle boarding. If you are into outer space or science, you'll love the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center. Also, keep your eyes peeled for some wild ponies that are known to roam freely in the area. Giles County Virginia's Mountain Playground is undisputedly Giles County. It's an outdoorsman's paradise full of natural beauty. Hiking, biking, fishing, and camping are some of the favorite activities in the area. Slip on your hiking boots and explore the world-famous Appalachian Trail, or its lesser-known sister, the Cascades National Recreational Trail, located in Pembroke. Sit beside a spectacular 69-foot waterfall and ponder the meaning of life. Loudoun County If you're a wine lover, head up to northern Virginia. With more wineries than any other state in the nation, it a perfect place to relax and sip on a fine Syrah. Discover all the fantastic wineries on the Loudoun County Wine Trail, surrounded by picturesque scenery that will take your breath away. The area is loaded with charming B&Bs too, so chill out and stay a while. Spring break is a great opportunity to unwind and pamper yourself. Whether you want to cozy up with your favorite book, go for a nice long hike, or hit the dance floor in style, Virginia has whatever your heart desires for a memorable spring break.   Image via Pixabay by skeeze

Yama Sushi Yama Sushi is located at 109 Volvo Parkway in Chesapeake and has been open since 2003. The sushi chefs at Yama are very creative, as they have over 30 specialty sushi rolls on the menu. If you love seafood, try the delicious Yama Roll, which includes lobster, eel, crab, scallop, shrimp tempura, green masago, and avocado. If you’d rather have more fish, go for the Rainbow Roll, which has tuna, salmon, white fish, yellowtail, and shrimp all inside of a California Roll. Yama also offers sushi dinners. If you’re out with a group and are feeling hungry, you can split the Yama Titanic, which is a sushi boat that comes with 15 pieces of sushi, 15 pieces of sashimi, and two specialty rolls. You can also do dinners of just sushi or sashimi in quantities of nine, 13, and 18. more Oishi Sushi Oishi Sushi is located at 817 Botetourt Court and serves traditional Japanese food in a relaxed modern environment. Take a seat in the restaurant or dine on delectable sushi at the sushi bar. Oishi’s specialty is sashimi from the sushi bar. They have over 20 choices of perfectly sliced sashimi, including yellowtail tuna, salmon, red clam, octopus, scallop, squid, conch, and sea urchin. If you’re feeling indecisive, the sushi chef can select 12 or 15 pieces of sashimi for you. Oishi also offers over 30 inventive sushi rolls. The OMG Roll has seared tuna and tempura flakes inside of a roll that’s topped with salmon, eel, and avocado. The Seafood Naruto Roll does something completely different by wrapping tuna, salmon, yellowtail tuna, crab, and avocado up inside of a thinly sliced sheet of cucumber. Daikichi Sushi Bistro Daikichi Sushi Bistro, located at 1400 N Battlefield Boulevard, is known for its high-end sushi and specialty items that most places don’t serve. If you’re a sashimi lover, don’t miss ordering toro, which is the fatty part of the tuna belly. This is one of the only places in Chesapeake where you can find toro. They also carry seldom seen items such as tubu clams, purple clams, and sweet shrimp. The sushi chef Hiro has a dish that he expertly prepares called chirashi. Chirashi has five expertly selected and masterfully prepared pieces of sashimi served on top of a delicate bed of sushi rice. The two chefs have over 50 years of combined experience, so don’t hesitate to let them pick out a sashimi plate for you. Fresh fish is known for its brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure to take a break from car shopping and stop by one of these sushi shops for a meal. This will give you the brainpower to decide what car you want to purchase from Priority Toyota Chesapeake. Image via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/en/sushi-vegetarian-vegetables-rice-2112350/

Annual Fall Festival and Costume Contest Are you ready for the most spooktacular event of the season? Then join us for our Annual Fall Festival o n Saturday, October 28th from 1-6PM right here in our showroom. We'll have great activities for the young and young at heart including face painting, pumpkin patch, balloon animals, snacks & treats and more. We'll also have a costume contest with the winning costumes taking home big prizes! Yes, we'll have CASH prizes for the top three most liked costumes. NEW THIS YEAR, all costume contest entrants will also be entered to win an XBOX ONE! Winner of the XBOX ONE will be selected at random from all eligible costume contest entrants. This is a family friendly event so please keep the costumes fun and G-rated! Costume contest entrants can be individual or family/group, so get those creative hats on and WOW us! Please note this event will be heavily photographed and all contest entrants photos will be for display and publication on social media and internet. Entrants names will be included with photo on Priority Toyota Chesapeake's facebook page for voting purposes. Event is FREE and open to the public, but you can RSVP in our Facebook Event, click here! Prizes Costume Contest 1st place = $300 2nd place = $200 3rd lace = $100 XBOX ONE Contest From all eligible costume contest entrants, Priority Toyota Chesapeake, will select, at Random, ONE (1) winner to win a new unopened XBOX ONE. Random winner will be selected on November 1, 2017 and announced on Facebook. Winner will be contacted and notified of how to redeem their prize. WHERE Priority Toyota Chesapeake showroom : 1800 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320 Google Maps for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/Lyd4wby4qhy WHEN Saturday, October 28, 2017 1-6PM Mark your calendar and don't miss out on this spooktacular event. Contests are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook or XBOX. See dealer for full details and rules. You can review our contest rules online by clicking here. Image via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/en/fall-foliage-moss-tree-autumn-1913485/

Sandy Bottom Nature Park Sandy Bottom Nature Park used to be a garbage dump, but it has been reclaimed by nature. The park offers 456 acres of nature that includes Sandy Bottom Lake, wetland marshes, and hiking trails. There are 11 hiking trails that span a distance of about 12 total miles. The longest trail, Trillium, does a loop around the entire park. It allows you to view leaves changing in the forest, birds in the wetlands, and both Crystal Lake and Sandy Bottom Lake on its 3.3-mile length. If you want to take a shorter hike, try the Lake Trail, which is only 0.75 miles. It does a circle around the smaller Sandy Bottom Lake. If you want to wander, you can explore Big Beech, Red Fox, and Fallen Oak, all of which connect to each other and end up back at the parking area. more Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is a 142-acre nature reserve located in nearby Portsmouth at the mouth of James River. The park has a lake in the middle called Lake Ballard, which is pretty large at 35 acres. There are five different trails at the park: Spruce Trail, Homestead Trail, Lake Ballard Trail, Riparian Trail, and Bluebird Trail. If you want to explore the lake, take Lake Ballard Trail so you can view the oranges, yellows, and reds of fall foliage. If you’re lucky and have a perfectly calm day, the color-changing trees can reflect off the water, giving you a picturesque view. If you want to be in just the forest so you can take in all of the leaves, take the Riparian or Homestead Trails. Either of these will immerse you in the beautiful scenery that is leaf-changing season. Newport News Park Newport News Park is the largest municipal park east of the Mississippi River. The park has over 30 miles of hiking trails, some of which are along the coastline. There are also two giant freshwater lakes you can hike beside. To view the lake, take the Lakeside Trail, which will allow you to sightsee around the north part of the water. The best spot to view the fall foliage is from the White Oak Trail, which is 2.6-miles long and is located to the west of the lake. The White Oak Trail connects to the Swamp Fire Trail and Wynn’s Mill Loop if you want to continue hiking once you finish the White Oak Trail. A fall hike is a great way to clear your mind. Go on an adventure at any of these parks and their trails if you need some time to think about what vehicle you want to purchase from Priority Toyota Chesapeake. Image via Pixabay.com

Norfolk is a historic waterfront city in the state of Virginia. The city boasts thousands of homes with bay and riverfront views thanks to the numerous bodies of water that border the city. If you're not fortunate enough to live in such a home, don't worry. We've selected these top five places where you can go and see gorgeous bayside views around Norfolk. 1. Town Point Park Town Point Park is a multi-purpose outdoor space at 201 Waterside Drive that's a hit with both children and adults. It's a popular place for picnics, concerts, or just splashing around in the fountain! The Waterside view is simply breathtaking and makes the journey to the Park worthwhile. You'll soon understand why this beautiful outdoor space is so popular with the local residents. more 2. Ocean View Beach Ocean View Beach is one of the leading hotspots for family outings in Norfolk. The beach is located along an eight-mile stretch of the stunning Chesapeake Bay. You'll find plenty of free parking and room to really have a quiet, calming experience by the water. If you want to make it a family day out or enjoy a date, there's no need to carry food because you'll find restaurants, cafés, and other places to eat around the beach and park. 3. Norfolk Botanical Garden Head on over to Norfolk Botanical Garden for an afternoon tour of the museum. It's a great place to explore and learn more about the city's history. At the end, you'll also get the chance to see the sunset over the lake in the most glorious fashion. It's definitely an experience unlike any other. The Garden is situated right next to Norfolk International Airport at 6700 Azalea Garden Road and opens daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 4. Golden China This Chinese restaurant located at 9645 1 st View Street in Norfolk boasts some of the best sushi and steamed dumplings around! That's not all, though, as you also get to enjoy this deliciousness while overlooking a picturesque scene of Ocean View. It truly is a spectacular experience dining in front of such an awe-inspiring view. 5. Grain Bar If you're looking for a bar to kick back in and enjoy some classic beers with the fellas then this is the place for you. Situated at 100 E Main Street, Grain Bar is the premier choice when looking for a hangout with a fabulous ambiance, gorgeous waterside views, and great company.  The bar opens Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., then Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m, Saturday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are scores of places to enjoy bayside views in Norfolk. Two things you must make sure to see are a sunrise and a sunset over the bay. An early morning drive in your car to get to any of these places will prove easy as there will hardly be any traffic. The views really cannot be described in words. You just have to see them for yourself. If you're visiting Norfolk, or live there, make sure you put these on your bucket list! Image via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/en/lake-water-wave-mirroring-texture-2063957/

As a dealership in the Hampton Roads area, we are proud that so many of our customers and employees are active, reserve and retired/veteran military. These brave men and women, and their families, who dedicate their lives to serving our country are in inspiration to us all. We'd like to invite all of you to our dealership on September 23rd for for the 2017 Cookout for the Troops. It is our way of saying thank you for all that you do in service of our great nation. So join us on September 23rd from 11am-4pm at Priority Toyota Chesapeake, 1800 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320, as we raise money to help support our local service members and their families! All you have to do is test drive a vehicle (or more) at our store and USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia will receive a $25 donation from the Hampton Roads Automobile Dealers Association for EACH test drive! Hot dogs and hamburgers will be FREE for anyone with a military ID and will also be available for civilians with a donation. We hope to see all of you on September 23rd. Let's show our military community just how much Hampton Roads appreciates them! Cookout for the Troops Details Where: Priority Toyota Chesapeake | 1800 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320 What: Cookout for Troops When: September 23, 2017 11AM - 4PM RSVP to our Cookout for the Troops 2017 Facebook event! It's free and open to the public. "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -- John Quincy Adams Image via Pixabay

Battlefield Park Chesapeake is home to Battlefield Park, which pays to tribute to the history of the Battle of Great Bridge. Dock your boat at the pier and have a seat on the large stone monument that commemorates the Patriot soldiers. The Daughters of the American Revolution erected the monument, which is visible from Battlefield Boulevard. Walk along the interpretive Historic Pathway to learn more about the history of the area. Be sure to pack a picnic and relax at the Family Picnic Area. You'll also find an outdoor auditorium where events are held throughout the year. more Fun Forest – City Park Kids can use their imaginations and energy to take over a forest-themed playground at Fun Forest, inside Chesapeake City Park. Sprawling over 3 acres, nearly 2,000 volunteers built this magical wonderland, designed to help kids develop motor skills and coordination through interactive play. Kids can imagine they are paleontologists as they burrow through the Fossil Dig sand pit, or use the underground telephone as secret agents. A shaking bridge and dolphin slide are ready adventure, as are the swings and slides. Great Bridge Lock Park The lock where the Chesapeake Canal and the Elizabeth River meet was strategically placed to keep the fresh water and salt water of the two waterways separated. The Great Bridge Lock Park now stretches over a 19 acre peninsula with the river on one side and the canal on the other. Bring your boat to launch at one of the ramps, because fishing and crabbing are popular here. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views after hiking one of the trails that run along the shorelines or through the woods on the western side of the park. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Turn on your music and take a drive through the engineering marvel that is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The tunnel connects the eastern shore with the mainland at Virginia Beach in Norfolk. Stop and learn about the site's history at the Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center at One Island on the Bay, or at the Eastern Shore Welcome Center, inside the North Toll Plaza Rest Area on the eastern shore. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge The vast Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge sprawls over 112,684 acres of forested wetlands and is a favorite of anyone who loves the outdoors. Lake Drummond, a 3,100 acre lake, sits at the center of the swamp, and a feeder ditch connects it to the Dismal Swamp Canal on the east. The refuge is open to hunters on select dates in October and November, while bird watchers can look for more than 220 species of birds in April and May. May also brings the three-day annual festival celebrating Migratory Bird Day, where visitors can join guided tours and take part in workshops. Explore all that Chesapeake has to offer and you'll be hard-pressed to find yourself bored. Image via Pixabay

See the Sea at Nauticus Kids who love history and maritime adventures will thoroughly enjoy spending the day exploring Nauticus. Home of the Battleship Wisconsin, you can step aboard and explore the ship via a self-guided tour. Nauticus also features a museum with numerous permanent and changing exhibits. If you want to get closer to the sea life, head to Horseshoe Crab Cove to touch exotic sea creatures or watch bamboo sharks, coral catsharks, epaulette sharks, and more at the museum's Shark Experience exhibit. You can also learn more about the animals and plants that call the Chesapeake Bay home at the Living Seashore exhibit. more Kids can also test their skills controlling a 9-foot-long robotic arm while trying to collect samples off the seabed. If you're looking for a thrill, head to the SOS Station to see NOAA's "Science On A Sphere" and step inside the Hurricane Simulator to experience hurricane force winds. Get Creative at Chrysler Museum of Art Spend the day at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Considered by many to be one of the top museums in the country, it's home to numerous permanent and traveling exhibits, including one of the world's largest collections of blown glass. The museum also hosts Tickle My Ears the first Thursday of every month. Here, kids can listen to stories while looking at art and then head to the Diamonstein Education Workshop for artistic, hands-on fun. During the summer, kids can join in on arts and crafts every Friday morning and create their own masterpieces. Held three times a year, Family Day is centered around an artsy theme and welcomes everyone to join in on crafts, hear stories, and watch performances. Bounce Around at Bounce House When it's time for the kids to burn off some serious energy, plan a few hours at Bounce House. The facility covers 15,000 square feet, and kids can jump on 11 different inflatables, test their skills on the climbing wall, navigate tunnels and slides, and bounce on trampolines. For the ultimate birthday party, you can even rent out Bounce House and have Mario or Luigi stop by to wish your child a happy birthday. For parents on a budget, there are weekly specials to help save money on open jump times. Next time the kids are home and the weather report says there are rainstorms on the horizon, don't panic! Load up the family and explore the many activities and exhibits that make Norfolk such an interesting place. Not only will the kids learn a thing or two about their town's history and surroundings, but they'll also have a blast while doing so. Image via Pixabay