Finding a suitable family vacation spot that can hold the interest of the kids while giving the parents a chance to rest and relax can be challenging. Virginia Beach offers a bevy of activities to keep children busy while their parents either can join in the fun or watch them from nearby. There are a number of Virginia Beach waterfront hotels that welcome children, which helps to make it a family-friendly resort area. There are a number of family activities that visitors can enjoy during their stay.

Boogie Boarding – Simpler to learn than surfing and more exciting than floating on a raft, boogie boards are a popular means of frolicking in the water in Virginia Beach. Boogie boards float well and are fun for children of all ages. Where swimming is available on the public beaches, boogie boarding is also permitted. Many local shops sell or rent boogie boards. This makes it convenient for those who will only be in town for a day or two and have little use for boogie boards at home to try their hand at the popular water sport.

Boating – Chartering a boat for the day or taking an excursion on one of the many pleasure cruises is a popular activity for families on Virginia Beach vacations. The possibilities for local boating trips include whale and dolphin watching, sightseeing, luncheon parties, deep sea fishing and parasailing.

Fishing – There are several fishing piers in Virginia Beach. They offer a fun opportunity for kids to learn how to fish. Surf fishing is also allowed in designated areas. A unique experience, it is a chance for kids to see the ocean current at work up close while Mom or Dad sit nearby in a chair on the beach. Depending on the catch, it could be an opportunity for a hand-made supper, as well.

Miniature Golf – One family activity synonymous with Virginia Beach vacations is miniature golf. There are a handful of pint-size courses where children can learn the basics of shooting the colored ball through obstacles on little putting greens. This is something that the youngest to the oldest family member will enjoy. It takes little skill to play and is fairly inexpensive.

Museums – It seems like it’s not a real vacation unless there is at least one cloudy day. What to do? There are a number of museums in Virginia Beach to visit, including the Virginia Marine Science Museum and the Virginia Life Saving Museum. From sting rays to lighthouse lore, the area museums will slip a little bit of local history and science into a vacation without the kids realizing they are learning.