Things to Do for the Whole Family in Virginia Beach

Some things in life are so great, that they just stay the same, no matter how things change around it. A family vacation to Virginia Beach is just one of those things. This classic Americana vacation is just as fun today as it was when your parents used to come here in the ‘50s. With all the trappings of the ideal family getaway, a Virginia Beach vacation still attracts families searching for the ideal summer getaway.

If you haven't been to Virginia Beach since you were a kid, or if it's your first time visiting this vacation paradise, then you're in for a treat! There are so many things for the whole family to enjoy in Virginia Beach that the last thing you can expect is a boring vacation.

The Whole Family Has Fun at Virginia Beach

Days spent lounging on the sun-baked sands, strolling along the lengthy boardwalk and swimming in the warm summer tides are all fitting ways to spend a summer vacation. But if you're vacationing in Virginia Beach, you can do all of that and more!

Virginia Beach is home to many ecological and natural wonders. For instance, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is one of the most frequently visited aquariums in the nation, and with good cause. It features an outdoor aviary, 700,000 gallons of aquariums, 300 hands-on exhibits and it even boasts an IMAX theater.

Since you're vacationing near the ocean, keep the entertainment and learning experiences sea-based with visits to the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay and The Old Coast Guard Station, where your children will no doubt marvel at the old instruments that were once used to try and save shipwrecked crews. There, they can also learn about the numerous shipwrecks dotting the coastline of Virginia Beach. You and your family are only a cheap flight to Virginia Beach away.

If you have a bird lover in your family, satisfy their wishes and fly on over to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. The museum has been tracing the history of wildfowl since 1895.

Virginia Beach's Family-Friendly Parks

There are over 18,000 acres of wildlife refuges and state parks in Virginia Beach. Some of the expansive and incredibly beautiful parks include First Landing State Park, one of the most visited parks in the nation. False Cape State Park offers six miles of ocean-to-freshwater habitat and is home to a wide range of animals, including wild horses and bald eagles.

Sharing a border with False Cape State Park is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where 8,500 acres are open for wildlife to roam free. Virginia Beach is also home to the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve, one of the largest nature preserves in the state.

Family Fun at Virginia Beach

If the heat of summer gets too sweltering, the whole family can enjoy the day cooling off at the 19 acres of water slides at Ocean Breeze Water Park or take a break from tanning and enjoy a whale and dolphin watching tour. If you're lucky, you may be able to grab some tickets to a hot concert on a nice cool summer night at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater.

If your family is made up of older children, they can get their rush of adrenaline kayaking alongside the bottleneck dolphins while battling the incoming tide of the ocean. It's a thrilling experience and one destined to put a smile on even your moodiest teenager.

If you're looking for a return to the classic family vacation, then give Virginia Beach a try. There are plenty of attractions to keep the whole family entertained, busy and satisfied. And if you need a break from the action, hop in your Virginia Beach car rental and simply return to the beach!