By Amy L. Gouger
Spectacular sunrises greet visitors to Virginia Beach.
Virginia
beach's history as a vacation
resort began in 1880 with a clubhouse near the ocean. Virginia Beach has grown significantly from its humble beginnings. Children, in particular, find Virginia Beach a great place to spread their wings, learn about early history of the
United States and discover the natural ecosystem of Virginia. Children love the beach, so plan on spending time half-covered in sand and hunting seashells. However, Virginia Beach is more than just sand and surf. First Landing Park, near the northern tip of Virginia Beach, offers insights into the area's early history.
Beach Madness
Located on the oceanfront, Beach Street USA features a wide range of activities, ranging from offbeat festivals such as the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge---a hermit crab race---to "normal" events like the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival. Beach Street hosts events like a Pirate Party on the Beach with movie and treasure hunts, and Chalk the Walk, where artists create masterpieces on the sidewalk. The madness never ends, and visitors to Beach Street enjoy the variety. All events are free.
Beach Street USA
302 22nd St.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-425-3111
beachstreetusa.com
Water Fun
Ocean Breeze Waterpark claims to be "Virginia Beach's only water park." The water park contains 16 slides and a million-gallon wave pool. The wave pool allows tubes, so children can float away the day. Specifically for kids, the Little Amazon uses kid-sized tubes to transport the children to the Amazon. Buccaneer Bay entices children to stretch their imagination muscles and play pirate in the water-filled playground. For younger children, the silly slides exit into only a foot of water, giving the little ones a slide like their older counterparts. Adults may join their young ones for added security and safety.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark
849 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-422-4444
oceanbreezewaterpark.com
Nature
The Back Bay Restoration Foundation's tram ride takes passengers through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to Virginia's False Cape State Park. The tram is inexpensive and benefits the Back Bay Restoration Foundation. An entrance fee to the refuge is also required. Riders may see osprey, feral horses, wild hogs, egrets and swans. The Back Bay Restoration Foundation advises riders to "dress according to the weather, wear good walking shoes, bring a bag lunch or snacks, and something to drink. Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent, you'll need them in warmer weather. A camera and binoculars would also be useful." The tram contains limited space offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Virginia Living Museum in nearby Newport News focuses on Virginia's animals and plant life with particular emphasis on species that are either endangered or threatened. Expect to see water-, sky- and land-dwelling creatures such as jellyfish, bald eagles and red wolves. For a separate admission price, the adjoining Abbitt Planetarium and observatory turns the educational focus to the stars with a 16-inch telescope and planet-focused activities. The living museum recently created a green house---the first in the state of Virginia. Of course, the house isn't literally green, but part of the new wave of environmentally friendly houses that work with the earth instead of against it. The Virginia Living Museum teaches children about our planet and beyond.
Back Bay Restoration Foundation
3022 New Bridge Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456
757-721-7666
bbrf.org
Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23601
757-595-1900
valivingmuseum.org
Resources
About the Author:
Amy L. Gouger holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Stroudsburg University. Previously a technical agent, she now serves as a ghostwriter and contributor to various online publications.
Photo Credits:
the sunrise at virginia beach image by Gary from
Fotolia.com
