I took a solo parent trip to Virginia Beach with my (then) three-year-old son and I lived to tell the tale! Actually, he behaved pretty well and we had a great time, so if you’re a DMV parent looking to make the four hour trip, here are my tips for traveling to Virginia Beach with kids!
Getting there
Although most people would probably drive, I flew to VB. However, the airlines have been a little unreliable lately, so you may want to drive.
At the airport, my son and I met up with my best friend Heather and we headed to the rental car area together. In addition to renting a car, I rented a car seat through the rental car company because I loathe flying with my son’s big, clunky car seat.
Once Heather and I figured out how to install the car seat (because it was different than the one I have in my car), we were off! And if it seems like I am downplaying how hard it was to install an unfamiliar car seat in a dark airport parking lot, that’s because I am.
Where to stay
Four words: walkable to the beach. We stayed in an apartment we snagged on Airbnb. It was on 11th street in the resort area and we walked to the beach (and to restaurants) every day. We had friends who stayed in the apartment right next to ours, so it really worked out great.
What to do in Virginia Beach with Kids
- Go to the beach! Obviously. This gave me a chance to relax with my friends while my son played in the sand, and with tiny crabs burrowed deep in the sand which sounds gross and they were. However, my son was very into it. Virginia Beach also has playgrounds right on the beach, which I had never seen before and my son loved them. Beach toy must have: Surfer Dudes Classics Wave Powered Mini-Surfer. This held my son’s interest for a long time and that’s no small feat when it comes to a three-year-old.
- Check out the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. This is a great aquarium. It’s big, has lots to see, and my son loved it. He actually enjoyed it so much that he forgot to use the bathroom. Can confirm the aquarium has many bathrooms, it’s just that my son was having too much fun to stop and use one to pee.
- While you’re in the area, check out the The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. Zipline and climb through the trees, although you do have to be at least five-years-old to participate.
- Do a boat tour. There are a few to choose from, but we went with Rudee Tours. I like boat tours because 1) I don’t get sea sick and 2) They are fun for people of all ages.
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving. These are in the DMV area and there is one in Virginia Beach as well. My son went to an iFLY birthday party and he loved it. You only have to be at least three-years-old to fly.
When in doubt, just walk around!
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is three miles long and is perfect for walking or biking. Also, all around Virginia Beach there are shops and arcades. My son could play Space Invaders for hours.
Have you ever been to Virginia Beach? Do you have any tips for traveling to Virginia Beach with kids?
