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The Armed Forces Memorial is a 160-foot monument with 20 bronze cast letters (actual letters from members of the Armed Forces who never returned from war) scattered across the base of a flagpole.
Activities, Events, and Storytimes
The Barry Art Museum is operated by the Old Dominion University Museum Foundation, in partnership with Old Dominion University. Admission is Free. Public programs and activities are offered.
Be Well and Bloom is a small outpatient therapy practice located in the Ghent area of Norfolk.
Now offering a free monthly social-emotional story time.
Join us monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 10:30 am for a free social emotional story and a craft or activity.
Perfect for toddlers/preschoolers but all ages are welcome!
Activities, Events, and Storytimes
Follow markers through Town Point Park and Downtown Norfolk on the self-guided tour. Download map on the website link.
Art Museum. General admission is free. Free family activities including family festivals, story time, pre-k programs, glass-blowing demonstrations and more. Homeschool Studio, Scouts events, summer camps available. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm.
I'm sure I could spend a few more days deep diving the exhibits, but given the amount of time we have, it was great to cover all the majors in a matter of hours. Good starter for young kids so they don't leave with a terrified boring experience and never wanting to see another art museum.
There are so many enrichment events throughout the week as well, most recently my husband and I attended a morning meditation in the gallery. It was amazing to sit and go through a guided meditation based on one of the paintings in the modern art gallery.
Everything feels relaxed and well thought out. The galleries are clean, well lit, and not overwhelming, so you can actually enjoy what you’re seeing instead of feeling rushed or overloaded. The staff is friendly and helpful without hovering, which is always appreciated.
And honestly, the fact that it’s free makes it even better. It’s perfect for a casual afternoon, a date, or just wandering around when you want to do something different.
If you’re in Norfolk or the surrounding area, it’s absolutely worth stopping by. Easy, enjoyable, and way better than you might expect.
Be sure to stop by Zinnia while you’re there. It’s the perfect spot for lunch—fresh, flavorful food, a relaxing atmosphere, and a great way to round out your visit. Highly recommend both the museum and the café for a lovely, low-key day out.
Will definitely come back in the future for newer installations.
The staff was very kind, they open the door for you upon arrival and exit. They ask for your zip code at check-in, and give you a visitors guide. The staff are very helpful in answering questions as well. They have a beautiful piano played by some of the most memorable names in classical music, and we asked if someone could play it. They informed us that they have professional pianists come to play it to keep it in good condition. We are looking forward to coming back at a time when we can hear it.
For a free admission, this museum is a must for history lovers!
As someone who works at a Museum, I was surprised that the Chrysler Museum had no security check through to go by with all the precious artifacts they hold inside. I worry that someone could easily get into it!
We rank this as one of our favorite venues in Hampton Roads to film in and highly recommend it to everybody we meet that are still searching for the right venue for them, especially if you love art.
If you'd like to see their film, you can find it on our website and Instagram for some inspiration!
d'Art Center hosts art exhibitions, houses gallery and studio spaces with on-site resident artists to interact with, and provides interactive programming. The center also offers art-focused summer camp programming for ages 6 - 14 in June - August, and children's workshops and classes for ages 6+!
The last remaining harbor front fort from the time of George Washington. Free admission.
Located in the historic Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia, the Fred Heutte Garden is a great place to visit, stroll or volunteer.
There’s always something new happening, and volunteer gardeners are happy to answer any questions you might have or show you around the garden. Check link for schedule of upcoming events such as art classes, storytimes, and plant themed activities.
The Freemason Playground is fully accessible and designed for children ages 5 to 12. The playground features a colorful nautical themed ship sailing on a sea of blue rubberized safety play surface.
Museum follows the extensive history of the fleet in Hampton Roads. Free Admission. Seasonal Family Programming.
Historic home with art galleries, gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Art classes, family programming, camps and more in the newly renovated Visual Arts Studio!

Free Hands-On Workshops for Kids ages 5-12. Registration is recommended, they often fill up!
Activities, Events and Storytimes
The Hunter House Victorian Museum serves as a rich example of Victorian decorative arts and architecture. Guests are invited to meet the Hunters as they tour two floors of the home, which feature the Hunter family's collection of furniture, books, decorative objects, and more. Join us and transport yourself to the splendor and opulence of the Victorian Era! Storytime and special events for children and families are available.
Activities, Events, and Storytimes.
Activities, Events, and Storytimes.
Activities, Events, and Storytimes.
Activities, Events, and Storytimes.
Activities, Events, and Storytimes.
Free Hand-On Building Clinics for Kids. Registration is recommended, these do fill up!
Free Indoor Play Area inside MacArthur Center: The Play Port.
Seasonal Free Family Programming. Movie theater, restaurants.
Birthday party and special event space available in the Live 360 Studio.
Memorial to General MacArthur and the millions of American men and women who served in the US Armed Forces from the Civil War through the Korean War.
Activities, Events, and Storytimes. Children's Indoor Play Area.