Rainy Day Activities Sandbridge – with kids!
It’s raining at the beach! The kids are stir crazy – what do you do?!
Here’s a list of kid-friendly attractions in Sandbridge, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk.. and couple with a long drive!
Indoor Kid Activities near Sandbridge
Sandbridge Beach is well removed from most of Virginia Beach. There’s not much that is particularly close, but the Aviation Museum and the Aquarium are the closest indoor attractions.
1. Virginia Aquarium
Just over the bridge from 5th Street, The Virginia Aquarium has sea turtles, seals, sharks, and komodo dragon.
Like most aquariums, its super kid friendly! There’s even a dolphin tour boat ride that goes out from the aquarium. I believe its covered! But double check me.
When its not raining there is also Adventure Park next door which is a high ropes course.
- Open 9a-6p, 7 days a week
- Adult $24.95
- Child $19.95
- Senior discounts
- Parking $5
- Dolphin watching boat tour option
2. Military Aviation Museum | Pungo
The Military Aviation Museum is the world’s largest privately owned collection of 65 planes restored to flying condition. The collection goes back to WWI and covers the first 50 years.
This would be good for any small boy. Even the youngest kids seem to be able to point an airplane out of the sky!
- Open 9a-9
- Open 7 days a week
- Adults $15
- Youth 6-17 $7.50
- Kids 5 and under free
- Senior and military discounts
Things to do at the Oceanfront
The Oceanfront is the resort area of Virginia Beach – hotel high rises, and more Sweet Frogs than you can shake a finger at! Expect a solid 30 minute drive.
1. King Neptune Mini Golf – Indoor blacklight putt putt
Its mini golf that is indoor, 3D & blacklight! How is it 3d? I have no idea!
- 25th Street & Pacific on the Oceanfront
- Open 10a-10p
- 4 and under Free
- $7 ages 5 and up
- Group rates start at 10 people
2. Family Fun Experience
This is a live theatrical show most nights of the week.
My friends rave about the Family Game Night! Think Nickelodeon style family games – kids and parents get up on the stage to participate in ridiculous games like drawing with a pool noodle.
They rotate multiple shows every few months, and even have a Christmas themed show.
- 16th Street Oceanfront
- $16 for adults
- $12 for Ages 3-12
- Military & Senior discounts
- Check their website for show dates
3. iFly Indoor Skydiving
25th Street and Pacific Street on the Oceanfront
Exactly what you’re thinking – a wind tunnel and flying in a tube! Minimum age requirement is 4, and there is no height requirement at the VA Beach location!
Downside: its pricey. Flights start at $66 for 2 flights per person
- Pricey
- No good for toddlers
- Open 7 days a week 9a-9p
- Opens as early at 8:30a on the weekends!
- Book in advance
Things to do in Virginia Beach – Inland
Expect a 30-45 minute drive to get to these places from Sandbridge Beach.
1. Top Golf
Right off 264, this is three-story covered driving range. It’s all digital and open air. It’s good for any kids 6 and up. Younger kids could do it, mind my warning about the edge!
One thing they don’t advertise is that each player needs a membership card. Its a one time $5 membership per person… even the 5 year old! Unless you have one of these back home… it may not be worth it!
With kids 7 and under, I recommend staying on the first level to avoid parental heart attacks!
I took my four boys for a birthday and I about jumped out of my skin as my youngest two jumped for joy – BACKWARD and toward the edge!!
- Open 10a-11p, 7 days a week
- Prices change based on time of day and day of the week
- Discounts before 12pm
- $5 membership per player
- 6 People per bay (Call for updated restrictions)
- Full service restaurant and bar
- Would be rough with toddlers!
2. Ice Cream Tour
Each of the local ice cream shops in Virginia Beach offers flights! Yes, just like a flight of beer! You get one scoop of 4-6 flavors for about $9. Hit up 3-4 ice cream spots and you’ve tried a lot of ice cream!
It includes Blue Cow Ice Cream, Lolly’s Creamery, Gerald’s Ice Cream Bar and Gelati Celesti.
All of these are just a few miles apart!
Indoor Things to do in Norfolk
1. Hampton Roads Naval History Museum | Norfolk
The Hampton Roads Naval history Museum is one of several museums world wide run by the Naval History and Heritage Command of the US Navy (at least that’s how it seems. Does anyone REALLY know?!)
Per all things military, exact info is hard to find, but I did it!
- Free
- 10a-5p Tuesday-Sunday
- Closed Mondays
- 2d Deck (floor) of the Nauticus campus downtown Norfolk.
- (757) 322-2989 Front Desk
- HRNavalMuseum@navy.mil
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/hrnm/about-us/hours.html
2. The Nauticus
“Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.”
- Open Tuesday-Saturday 10a-5p
- Open Sunday Noon-5p
- $11.50/child
- $15.95/Adult
- Senior & Military discounts at front desk only
If you’re game for a long drive…
If you feel like a drive… or its a rainy day… Drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore.
1. Brown Dog Ice Cream in Cape Charles | Eastern Shore
A long drive and a $20 toll. We had no idea when we first went!
Cape Charles is a fabulous coastal town on the Eastern Shore that grew up around the ferry before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was built. Its tight streets and old architecture give it oodles of charm.
They make small batch ice cream in house from locally sourced ingredients. They have a year round flavor list but bring in limited seasonal flavors regularly.
My fave is the banana pudding!
2. Art Museums at Colonial Williamsburg | Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is amazing in fair weather. But their indoor Art Museum houses more than paintings – its tools, cookware, furniture, toys and tradespeople.
Check out their programming before you decide, they may have something especially interesting!
- Open 10a-6p
- Under 6 Free
- 6-12 $9
- 13 and up $15
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
Alison's Process
contact Alison
