Whether you are on vacation in Chesapeake, or you and your family live in the area, you can find plenty of activities that appeal to young children, their grandparents, and everyone in between.
Get on the Water
With its proximity to the Elizabeth River, many activities in Chesapeake involve the surrounding water. If you have older kids, try renting a kayak or canoe for a vigorous day of rowing. You can also take a relaxing boat ride on an American Rover Sailing Cruise, where the boats feature signature tan bark sails. Cruises sail from the downtown area of nearby Norfolk between April and October. If you happen to be driving near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, be sure to take a detour so you can cross it and see the breathtaking surrounding views.
Hands-On Fun
Museums and historical sites aren’t as appealing to younger children since they often don’t have the patience to view exhibits. The recently renovated Children’s Museum of Virginia is the perfect solution for a rainy day or when you’d rather spend time inside. It includes 12,000 square feet of expanded space with plenty of please touch exhibits and activities that make learning more fun. Cloud 9 Trampoline Park is also a local favorite, where kids can exert some of their energy in a fun and exciting way. If you have a builder in your family, take him or her to BRICKHEADZ Build, Play & Party Center for some creative fun.
Chesapeake Planetarium
Kids and adults can learn more about the wonders of our universe at Chesapeake Planetarium. It sits within the Chesapeake Municipal Center on Shea Drive. The planetarium was the first of its kind built by a local public school system within Virginia, and it now offers free exhibits and public programs to visitors. You can even take a look through a telescope and observe the surrounding stars, moon, and planets.
Fun Forest
One of the top outdoor attractions in Chesapeake is the Fun Forest, which sits on 3 acres within a city park. More than 1,800 volunteers participated in building the area, which is home to a family adventure park, expansive children’s playground, and imagination center. The year after it opened, it received the Best New Facility award in the state of Virginia. Additionally, the playground has separate areas for older kids, where activities are more challenging and help them develop skills. Toddlers can play on the smaller swings and slides or practice steering a truck or a plane. Be sure to spend some time at the Children’s Fossil Dig if you have a budding paleontologist in your family.
Gum Tree Farm
Animal lovers will enjoy spending the day at Gum Tree Farm, home to cats, dogs, a donkey, a rabbit, a horse, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, and a baby pig. Families can watch demonstrations of wool dyeing, and learn more about farm life on the 50-acre property.
When you are visiting the Chesapeake area, you can find plenty of activities that are family friendly and fun for all.
Image via Pixabay
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