By Hannah Rice Myers
Spring Break Ideas for Virginia
Virginia is beautiful state, full of history and gorgeous countryside. It was the home of Thomas Jefferson and the first American colony established by England. Aside from all of its history, Virginia also offers beautiful
beaches and fun water parks, museums and nature trails. In short, Virginia is the perfect vacation destination; it offers something for everyone in the entire family. No matter what your interests may be, Virginia has an activity designed to meet your spring break needs.
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement, photo courtesy of daylife.com
In 1607, Jamestown became the first settlement of the English--the first American colony. Today, this historic site recreates the life of these early settlers through films, exhibits and real-life reenactments. Visitors can relive the trip from England to Virginia by walking outside and sitting in the three replicas of the ships used to make the journey. They can also experience the life of the settlers by touring the life-sized colonist forts. For younger children, there are hands-on learning activities that they are sure to enjoy.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
P.O. Box 1607
Williamsburg, VA 23187-1607
Telephone: (888) 393-4682.
Air and Space Museum
Air and Space Museum, photo courtesy of virginiabeach.com
The Air and Space Museum is a perfect activity for spring breakers who love aviation. Not only are there over 163 aircraft on display and 154 large space artifacts, but there are also flight stimulators that put you in the cockpit. For those who enjoy watching planes take off and land, there is an observation tower that overlooks the runway of the Washington Dulles International Airport. Before ending your visit, you can have lunch in their cafe and then stop by their gift shop and purchase a model plane or poster as a souvenir.
Air and Space Museum
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151
Telephone: (202) 633-1000.
Ocean Breeze Water Park
Ocean Breeze Waterpark, photo courtesy of ilovevirginiabeach.com
No spring break would be complete without a trip to a water park. For the older kids and adults, water slides such as Jungle Falls, Largo Loop and Bahama Mama provide all the thrills and chills you could ask for. Buccaneer Bay is for children 48" and smaller--it's a pirate ship they can spend their day on as they get wet running under the fountains that spray them with water all day long. For kids who aren't quite ready to take on the larger slides, there are the South Seas Silly Slides--slides that offer loads of fun on a smaller scale.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
849 General Booth Blvd
Virginia beach, SC 23451
Telephone: (757) 422-4444
About the Author:
Based in Jamestown, Pa., Hannah Rice Myers has more than 10 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in the health industry. Many of her articles have appeared in newspapers, as well as "Curing Epilepsy: Hope Through Research." Rice Myers received her master's degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University in 2001.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy of photography.si.nz
