Virginia Beach provides an incredible combination of beachside leisure with active education, outdoor excursions and diverse culture. There are many options for families looking for weekend trips or long term relocations with activities that promote fun for families with children and provide experiential learning out of the classroom through years of growth as a student while considering Virginia Beach High Schools , Virginia Beach Middle Schools and Elementary Schools in Virginia Beach having an enormous impact on the students involved. Thankfully, Virginia Beach boasts an excellent mix of recreational activities, cultural experiences and educational opportunities.
Let’s discover various attractions you can enjoy as a family, different family-oriented activities and travel tips to help plan your stay.
Things to Do in Virginia Beach, VA
1. Visit the Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum contains one of the largest private collections of military aircraft (Americas) dating back to the First World War and through World War II, comprising many different military aircraft restored to flying condition. The museum features over 70 restored military aircraft so, if you love aviation, or are simply interested in learning even more about airplanes, you will find plenty to keep you entertained. The museum has exhibits and flight demonstrations which allow every student and adult to see history come to life as it happened.
2. Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451) is an immersive aquarium. Thousands of people have visited the aquarium and this is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Children love the interactive displays and will find out a lot about the oceans, coastal habitats, and the importance of conservation. The nature trails and many of the aquarium’s exhibits encourage children to learn more about the ocean, marine life, and the environment.
3. Attend a Moonpreneur In-Person Workshop
During the Moonpreneur in-person workshop, children between the ages of 7 and 14 years are introduced to the basics of robotics, coded logic, and to some level, creative problem-solving. When children participate in hands-on activities, they will build confidence in all things related to technology and business inventiveness. This workshop will help your child to augment their classroom learning, making it beneficial for families who are looking for STEM enrichment.
4. Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum / de Witt Cottage
The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, which is located at 1113 Atlantic Avenue, has an extensive collection of items related to the history of the coastline, decoy making, and maritime culture. The museum is housed in the lovely de Witt Cottage, making it a good stop for those who are interested in the area’s history, even if it is small.
5. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (2200 Parks Avenue) sits in the ViBe Creative District and features rotating exhibits that showcase contemporary art. This museum is designed to promote creativity and encourage critical thought among people of all ages.
6. Bay Breeze Farms
Bay Breeze Farms is located at 1076 Sandbridge Rd in Sandbridge and offers a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, beautiful fields of sunflowers, and pumpkin patches. It provides a great place for families to take pictures and have fun outdoors.
Virginia Beach has many opportunities for families to have fun together.
Activities have been designed for no-cost family fun in Virginia Beach. You can have a wonderful time here at many attractions such as:
- Oceanfront Beach Days
- Nature Trails & State Parks
- Interactive Museums & Aquariums
- Seasonal Festivals & Farmers’ Markets
During these activities, children learn from experiences that can occur outside school hours and will make strong connections to our community.
If you want to travel to Virginia Beach on a limited budget, there are many things to do for free:
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk Stroll
- Public Beach Relaxation
- Public Parks/Playgrounds
- Arts & Culture in the ViBe District
Virginia Beach’s wealth of free attractions and activities makes it easy for everyone to enjoy being in the community, whether you are a resident or a visitor.
Outdoor Activities Available at Virginia Beach
Some of the many options outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of while visiting Virginia Beach include:
- Paddle Board Kayak
- Dolphin-Watching Tours
- Fishing Charters
- Nearby Park Hiking Trails
Virginia Beach’s temperate coastal weather provides ample opportunity for outdoor adventure all season long.
Community & Education in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has been recognized for having a solid public school system and community support. Families and parents will take into account the attractions and extracurricular activities around the area when it comes to deciding where to send their child to Elementary Schools, Middle Schools in Virginia Beach , and High Schools in Virginia Beach. Programs like museums, STEM centers, farms, and cultural centers help develop children as they grow through school, extracurricular activities and socialization.
Travel Tips for Visiting Virginia Beach
Best Seasons
Late spring to early fall offers the best beach weather; however you will have fewer crowds if you visit during the spring and fall months.
Transportation
If you plan to do any exploring in Virginia Beach, renting a car is your best option; especially if you’re looking to explore outside of the oceanfront area. There are many parking garages located near the Boardwalk and Town Center.
Tips on Budgeting
Traveling to Virginia Beach during the off-peak seasons will help you save on hotel, airfare and attraction costs, as well as providing you with many opportunities to take advantage of attractions that you can do for free such as beaches and public parks.
Tips for Families Traveling to Virginia Beach
Include a variety of both beachfront activities i.e., going to the beach for a few hours, visiting museums and spending a couple hours doing interactive learning experiences to keep children entertained.
Final Thoughts
Virginia Beach offers far more than sandy shores. From aviation history and marine science to contemporary art and seasonal farms, the city creates opportunities for learning and adventure year-round. Whether you’re visiting or considering a move, Virginia Beach combines strong community values, enriching attractions, and excellent educational support—making it a wonderful place for families to thrive.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
