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feeding giraffes at the virginia zoo in norfolk

Family Fun Awaits: Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Virginia Beach and Beyond

Finding a home that suits your whole family is all about finding balance: a comfortable home, a great neighborhood, and plenty of ways to spend time together. Between school, work, and busy schedules, life with kids is busy. It’s not always easy to carve out time for quality family adventures, and keeping everyone entertained is no small feat. 

At The Apartments at Spence Crossing, you’re not just getting a modern apartment with resort-style amenities—you’re also placing yourself in the heart of Virginia Beach, surrounded by attractions designed for all ages.

Weekends are never dull here. From interactive museums and incredible animal encounters to high-energy trampoline parks and indoor skydiving thrills, you’ll find plenty of ways to kill an hour or two, or maybe the whole weekend. Living at Spence Crossing means you’re just minutes away from the kind of experiences that create lasting family memories. 

So when you’re ready to slow down and enjoy the moment, these nearby attractions are perfect for your next outing.

1. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center + The Adventure Park

Children wearing helmets and harnesses navigating a treetop ropes course at an outdoor adventure park near Virginia Beach.

Few places in Hampton Roads offer as much family-friendly fun in one stop as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Kids can get up close to sharks, rays, otters, and sea turtles while exploring more than 800,000 gallons of exhibits that bring the ocean world to life. Hands-on touch pools and interactive displays make it easy for little ones to learn and stay engaged, while older kids love the nature trail and the chance to spot wild dolphins on a boat tour.

Right next door, The Adventure Park takes the day’s excitement to new heights—literally! This treetop ropes course and zipline park is a favorite for families with adventurous kids. With beginner courses designed for younger climbers and challenging aerial trails for teens and adults, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors and burn off some energy. 

Best of all, it’s only a short drive from Spence Crossing. No long road trips required, just a quick hop in the car for a full day of fun!

2. Virginia Zoo (Norfolk)

Cute red panda eating bamboo at the Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo is a classic family favorite, offering a full day of exploration and excitement for kids of all ages. With over 700 animals across well-designed habitats, the zoo is the perfect place for curious minds to see wildlife from around the world. Stroll through the African savanna to watch giraffes and lions, visit the red pandas in Asia, and stop by the petting yard for a hands-on experience with friendly farm animals.

Beyond the animals, the zoo features interactive play spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a miniature train ride that’s always a hit with younger visitors. Seasonal events like Zoo Boo and the summer Safari Camp keep families coming back throughout the year, making every visit feel fresh and fun. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the Virginia Zoo offers endless opportunities for kids to learn, play, and make lasting memories.

3. Get Air Trampoline Park (Virginia Beach)

Smiling girl jumping on trampolines in a colorful indoor play park

For days when the kids need to burn off some energy—and you’re looking for something fun and easy—Get Air Trampoline Park is a go-to destination. This massive indoor playground is wall-to-wall trampolines, giving kids (and parents, if you’re up for it!) the chance to jump, bounce, and flip to their heart’s content.

You’ll find dedicated areas for younger children, ensuring they can jump safely at their own pace, while older kids can test their skills on dodgeball courts, foam pits, and challenging ninja-style obstacle courses. There’s even a slackline and basketball hoops for those who want to show off their best moves mid-air.

Get Air is a great choice on rainy afternoons or during the summer heat when outdoor play isn’t an option. Whether you make it a quick after-school activity or turn it into a weekend outing with friends, this high-energy spot guarantees big smiles, lots of laughs, and a good night’s sleep afterward.

4. Children’s Museum of Virginia (Portsmouth)

Young boy playing with colorful interactive wall display at a children’s museum

The Children’s Museum of Virginia is a hands-on wonderland that turns learning into a full day of play. Designed especially for kids, this interactive museum is packed with exhibits that spark curiosity and encourage imagination. Young visitors can step into a kid-sized grocery store, play firefighter for a day, or climb aboard a life-size ship to set sail on a make-believe adventure.

STEM-focused activity zones let kids experiment with science and technology through fun, age-appropriate challenges, while the art studio invites creativity with rotating crafts and projects. There’s even a planetarium that brings the night sky indoors, perfect for sparking an early love of astronomy.

Parents love the museum’s open layout, which makes it easy to let kids roam while still keeping an eye on them, and the frequent special events—from storytimes to themed learning days—keep each visit fresh and exciting. It’s the kind of place kids beg to return to, making it a local favorite for rainy weekends, school breaks, and everything in between.

5. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Two people floating inside a wind tunnel during an indoor skydiving session

For families with older kids or adventurous spirits, iFLY Indoor Skydiving offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard to top. This state-of-the-art facility lets you feel the thrill of freefall, without ever jumping out of a plane! Inside a vertical wind tunnel, trained instructors guide you through the basics of flight, helping you float, spin, and soar as if you were really skydiving.

Kids as young as three can take part, making it a truly inclusive activity for families looking for something different. The entire experience is designed to be safe, controlled, and unforgettable, from the pre-flight gear-up and orientation to the big smiles and laughter once you step out of the tunnel. Parents can join in on the fun or cheer from the viewing area, capturing videos and photos of a moment everyone will be talking about for days.

Special packages make it a great option for birthdays, celebrations, or just a spontaneous family outing that breaks the routine. Get ready to scratch one thing off your bucket list—it’s not every day you can say you went skydiving as a family!

6. Apex Entertainment (Town Center)

Blue bowling ball lined up with pins on a bowling lane at an indoor entertainment center

When your family wants a day packed with options, Apex Entertainment delivers it all under one roof. This massive entertainment center has something for every age and energy level, making it a perfect choice when you can’t decide on just one activity.

Bowling lanes and mini-golf courses offer classic family fun, while the multi-level laser tag arena gets everyone moving and laughing together. The arcade is loaded with new and retro games, giving kids and parents a chance to rack up tickets and win prizes side by side. Older kids and teens can enjoy go-karts or virtual reality experiences, while younger children love the soft play zones designed just for them.

Beyond the games and attractions, Apex has a full-service restaurant where you can grab lunch or dinner without having to leave the fun behind. It’s also a popular spot for birthday parties, rainy-day escapes, or a casual family night out when you want to do something special without planning a full day trip. With its wide variety of activities, Apex Entertainment makes it easy for families to spend quality time together, no matter the weather or the occasion.

7. Chrysler Museum of Art (Norfolk)

Woman sitting on bench viewing modern artwork in a Virginia Beach art museum

For a slower-paced outing that’s still full of wonder, the Chrysler Museum of Art offers a cultural experience that kids and adults can enjoy together. The museum’s impressive collection spans more than 30,000 works of art—from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces—giving curious minds plenty to explore. Wide, open galleries make it easy to wander at your own pace, and interactive family guides help spark conversation and keep younger visitors engaged.

One of the highlights for many families is the Glass Studio, where live glassblowing demonstrations bring art to life right before your eyes. Watching molten glass transformed into beautiful sculptures is a mesmerizing experience that fascinates both kids and adults. The museum also hosts regular family days with hands-on art projects, story times, and scavenger hunts designed to make the world of art accessible and fun for little learners.

Best of all, admission to the Chrysler Museum is free, making it an easy choice for an affordable, enriching day out. Whether you’re nurturing a budding artist or just looking for a quiet afternoon together, this local gem provides the perfect mix of inspiration, learning, and family connection.

8. Family Fun Right at Home at Spence Crossing

Outdoor seating area with pergola and landscaped gardens at Spence Crossing ApartmentsWhile

Virginia Beach has no shortage of family-friendly attractions, one of the best perks of living at The Apartments at Spence Crossing is that you don’t always have to go anywhere to have a great day together.

The resort-style pool is perfect for cooling off in the summer. Kids can burn off energy at the tot lot and open play areas, while community grilling stations make it easy to turn an ordinary dinner into an outdoor family picnic. Even quiet evenings spent strolling the well-kept paths or relaxing on your balcony can feel like a mini-escape after a busy day.

With so many options for fun and connection built right into your community, Spence Crossing makes it so easy to enjoy more family time, whether you stay close to home or venture out to explore!

See Why Families Love Living Here

From incredible local attractions to family-friendly amenities right at home, The Apartments at Spence Crossing offers the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and fun for busy families. Living here puts you in the heart of it all—just a quick drive to Hampton Road’s best attractions and things to do.

Come see it for yourself—book a tour of Spence Crossing and discover why so many families love calling our community home.