You don’t need a big entertainment budget to spend an incredible day in the Chesapeake, VA area. Plan a fun family weekend or any other type of getaway with this list of our favorite free things to do in this vibrant bayfront city!
1. Chesapeake Arboretum
Dedicated to showcasing the unique plant life of this part of Virginia, the Chesapeake Arboretum spans 51 acres with more than 3 miles of walking trails to explore. It’s also part of the American Camellia Trail, a national collective of public spaces with large collections of this colorful tropical flower. You can even take a self-guided tree walk and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the garden’s gazebo. The Chesapeake Arboretum is open every day from sunrise to sunset at 624 Oak Grove Road in Chesapeake.
2. Northwest River Park and Campground
You could see some of Chesapeake’s local wildlife at this protected site, which spans nearly 800 acres of wilderness. The varied landscape, which includes wetlands, swamps, and forest, attracts a wide range of birds as well as reptiles and amphibians. Northwest River Park and Campground is located at 1733 Indian Creek Road in Chesapeake. The park has picnic areas, a boat launch, and hiking and biking trails.
3. Chesapeake City Park
This city park provides the perfect family destination, with something for all age groups and interests. Chesapeake City Park features a full skateboard park, horseshoe pits, barbecue grills, a dog park, trails, a playground, volleyball courts, and an outdoor fitness area. Mark your calendar for the annual events held here, including the Chesapeake Jubilee in May, KayaXpedition in June, Symphony Under the Stars in September, and the Holiday Craft Show in November. You’ll find Chesapeake City Park at 306 Cedar Road.
4. Chesapeake African American Heritage Trail
Spend the day on a self-guided driving tour of some of the area’s most important African American heritage sites. Stops include Battlefield Park, which highlights stories of Black soldiers; the Unknown and Known Afro-Union Civil War Soldiers Memorial; the Underground Railroad site at Dismal Swamp Canal; the Superintendent’s House on the Dismal Swamp Canal site; the Cornland School, one of the earliest African American schools in Virginia; and Cuffeytown, a free Black community that dates to the 1700s.
5. Chesapeake Library
Did you know you can use creative tools at the Chesapeake Library for free? You’ll find sewing machines, Cricut tools, analog-to-digital audio and video converters, and photography and video production equipment. That’s just one of the many reasons to stop by the Chesapeake Library! Beyond book and movie rentals, it offers book clubs, games, art exhibits, and community events and classes. The central branch is located at 298 Cedar Road, and it’s open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
These are just a few of the possible outings you can enjoy without shelling out a bunch of cash! Grab the family, call your friends, get out there and start having fun!
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