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All Locations: Free Things To Do
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757 MayorsFree youth athletics and performing arts for kids. Open to kids in other areas but located in Chesapeake. Currently offering basketball and drama club.
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Aberdeen Gardens History MuseumThe museum celebrates the history, heritage and future of historic Aberdeen Gardens. Free admission, call to schedule a tour.
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Adam Thoroughgood HouseHistorical home built circa 1719. Tours and special events. Free admission for tours.
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Air Power ParkFree Museum Admission- Rockets and Aircraft within the Park. Playground.
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Armed Forces MemorialThe 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.
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Barnes & Noble – Town CenterWeekly storytime- Please check website link to confirm storytime is happening as scheduled.
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Barnes & Noble – LynnhavenWeekly storytime- Please check website link to confirm storytime is happening as scheduled.
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Barnes & Noble GreenbrierWeekly storytime- Please check website link to confirm storytime is happening as scheduled.
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Barnes & Noble Peninsula Town CenterWeekly storytime- Please check website link to confirm storytime is happening as scheduled.
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Barnes & Noble Yoder PlazaWeekly storytime- Please check website link to confirm storytime is happening as scheduled.Yoder Plaza Shopping Center 12170 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23602757-932-4297
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Barry Art Museum at ODUThe 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.Barry Art Museum 1075 W. 43rd Street Norfolk, VA 23529757-683-6200
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Bass Pro ShopsBass Pro Shops holds regular free workshops for kids at their Hampton location. Free Make & Takes, Character visits and more.1972 Power Plant Parkway Hampton, VA 23666(757) 262-5200
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Battle of Dam #1- Historical SiteHistoric site where five miles of evidence from the Battle of Dam #1 can still be found.
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Battle of Lee’s Mill- Historic SiteScene of the April 5, 1862 Battle of Lee's Mill.
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Bennetts Creek ParkA nature trail, open fields, a fishing and crabbing pier with handicap accessible features, Inclusive Playground, and more.
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Bluebird Gap FarmFarm with wild and domesticated animals. Picnic shelter. Regular family programs and free admission. Seasonal special events and storytimes.
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Cannonball TrailFollow markers through Town Point Park and Downtown Norfolk on the self-guided tour. Download map on the website link.Freemason Street Reception Center for the Cannonball Trail 401 E. Freemason St Norfolk, VA 23510757-664-6620
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Cedar Hill CemeteryHistorical site and home of The Confederate Monument. Guided lantern tours offered.North Main Street & Constance Road Suffolk VA 23434(757) 514-7632
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Charles H. Taylor Arts CenterArt Classes for Youth. Free Admission to Art Exhibits. Summer camps/programs
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Chesapeake ArboretumA tree sanctuary that hosts an 18th century homestead for enjoyment and education. Extensive walking trails.
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Chesapeake Parks & RecreationArt, Camps, Cooking, Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Special Needs, Sports, Toddler Programs, Summer Camps, Special Events & more. Homeschool Activities. After School Care available.
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Chesapeake PlanetariumFree Admission to Public Planetarium Programs. Registration required
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Chesapeake Veterans MemorialMemorial dedicated to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
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Chrysler MuseumArt Museum. General admission is free. Free Family Activities and Programs. Regularly Scheduled Free Admission/Family Weekend. Summer Camps available. Participant in Blue Star Museum Program. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm.
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City of Chesapeake Special EventsParades, Festivals, Celebrations and more. Many are Free.
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Congress & Cumberland Overlook- Historical SiteScene of the sinking of the U.S.S. Cumberland and U.S.S. Congress by the ironclad C.S.S. Virginia.26th Street & West Avenue, Christopher Newport Park Newport News, VA 23607(757) 933-2311
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d’Art Centerd'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 6-13 in June - August, and children's workshops and classes for ages 6+!NEON District 740 Boush Street Norfolk, VA 23510(757) 625-4211
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Deer ParkHome of Boundless Playground (wheelchair accessible). Ball fields, picnic areas, fishing, hiking trails.
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Downing Gross Cultural Arts CenterCultural arts center offering free and paid events every month including concerts, plays, dance performances, movies, children’s programming and instruction. Summer Camps and Birthday Parties Available2410 Wickham Avenue Newport News, Virginia 23607(757) 247- 8950
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First Events Olde Town PortsmouthThe first weekend of each month in Olde Town Portsmouth. Events and activities include Arts to Antiques Flea Market, free museum admission, exhibit openings and art afternoons, and more.High Street between Effingham Street and the riverfront, Portsmouth, VA
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First Suffolk Church SiteHistorical site of the first church in Suffolk.
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Fort Monroe Casemate MuseumFree Casement Museum Admission.
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Fort Monroe National Monument Visitor & Education CenterFor at least 400 years, the point of land known as Old Point Comfort that now includes Fort Monroe has served as the key defensive site at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Due to its historical and cultural significance, Fort Monroe was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and recognized as the Fort Monroe National Monument through an executive order signed by President Barack Obama in 2011. -
Fort NorfolkThe last remaining harbor front fort from the time of George Washington. Free admission.
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Francis Land HouseHistorical home of a plantation owner, built circa 1805. Regular community programs and storytimes. Free events scheduled monthly.3131 Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach, VA 23452(757) 385-5100
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Freemason PlaygroundThe 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.312 W. Bute Street Norfolk, VA 23510
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Fun Forest PlaygroundLarge children's playground within Chesapeake's City Park.
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Glebe Episcopal ChurchHistorical landmark built in 1737.
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Great Dismal Swamp Refuge/Canal TrailWildlife refuge with multi-use trails for walking, biking, horseback riding, and an launch area for boating.
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Hampton Block PartySummertime- live music, vendors and activities.Downtown Hampton, VA on East Queens Way between Wine and King Streets.
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Hampton HoopsHampton Hoops promotes healthy communities and fun in a safe environment. The program aims to improve social interaction, positive character building and provides leadership opportunities. The City of Hampton, and community leaders have partnered to create the program and hope to inspire participating youth to become representatives of a safe and secure community in Hampton and throughout. Ages 8-24.
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Hampton Parks & RecreationClasses and activities for all ages, Before/After Care. Summer Camps. Many free and/or low cost events and festivals offered throughout the year from Hampton Parks and Recreation.
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Hampton Public LibraryFree Library Activities and Services.
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Hampton Roads Naval MuseumMuseum follows the extensive history of the fleet in Hampton Roads. Free Admission. Seasonal Family Programming.
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Hermitage Museum & GardensHistoric home with art galleries, gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Art classes, family programming, camps and tours. Check out the brand new Artful Play classes for ages 14-30 months and 2-3 at the Visual Arts Studio!
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HobbyTown Newport NewsSpecial Events, R/C Racing, Model Builds, Pokemon Club, and Camps for Kids.
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HobbyTown Virginia BeachSpecial Events, R/C Racing, Model Builds, Pokemon Club, and Camps for Kids.4000 Virginia Beach Blvd, Ste 196 Virginia Beach, VA(757) 306-4760
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Hoffler Creek Wildlife PreserveHiking trails and kayaking. Children's programs as scheduled. Free admission. Birthday Parties available.
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Home Depot Kids WorkshopsFree Hands-On Workshops for Kids ages 5-12. Registration is recommended, they often fill up!Locations throughout Hampton Roads, see website for the closest store.
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Hunter House Victorian MuseumThe 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.
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Janaf Branch LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes.
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JEB Little Creek-Fort Story MWRMilitary families and DOD. Youth coed sports aged 5-16. Soccer, baseball/tee ball, basketball, cheerleading. Swimming Lessons. Pool and Water Park. Special events. Birthday Parties available. Contact information for School Liaison.
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Jerrassic ParkSee our unique collection of dinosaur sculptures at the entrance to the Virginia Beach Airport and museum property. It’s a great place to bring your kids or grandchildren if they like dinosaurs! Jerrassic Park is Free to the public! Visit Jerrassic Park and win a prize for identifying all the dinosaurs! Free to children under 6, as well as grandfathers. Puzzle prizes will be awarded for $1 to all other ages. Solve the dinosaur puzzle to claim your grand prize!
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Jewish Museum & Cultural CenterMuseum & Cultural Center honoring Jewish history in Hampton Roads. Tours by appointment.
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Kids Bowl Free ProgramThis program allows for FREE Bowling for Kids over summer break (and sometimes beyond).Virginia Beach, VA
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Kids Bowl Free ProgramThis program allows for FREE Bowling for Kids over summer break (and sometimes beyond).Hampton, VA
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KidsSkateFreeKids Skate Free at participating locations during designated times.
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Lake Meade ParkA 69 acre park with the largest children's playground in the City, Kidszone Community Playground (Inclusive Playground), Howard Mast Tennis Complex (10 courts, 4 lighted), parking, a walking loop, a skateboard spot, picnic tables, and benches.
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Little Creek Branch LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes.
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Little England ChapelFree admission to the historic chapel that includes an exhibit on African-American religion.
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Lone Stars Lake ParkEleven lakes for freshwater fishing, nature trails, a playground, horse trail for horseback riding, archery range, model airplane flying field, a fishing and crabbing pier and more.
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Lowe’s DIY Kids’ WorkshopsFree Hand-On Building Clinics for Kids. Registration is recommended, these do fill up!Locations throughout Hampton Roads, VA
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Lynnhaven Mall Indoor Play AreaIndoor Interactive Play Area
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MacArthur CenterFree Indoor Play Area inside MacArthur Center: The Looney Tunes Play Port.
Seasonal Free Family Programming. Movie theater, restaurants.
Birthday party and special event space available in the Live 360 Studio. -
MacArthur MemorialMemorial 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.MacArthur Memorial, MacArthur Square 198 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510(757) 441-2965
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Mariners’ Museum ParkPrivate Park open to the public. Includes Lake Maury & Noland Trail.
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Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes. Children's Indoor Play Area.
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Meadowbrook ParkShaded playground for ages 2-12, fenced dog park, half basketball court.1625 W. Little Creek Road Norfolk VA
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Mermaids On ParadeBeginning at Nauticus, three separate trails take you along the Elizabeth River past Waterside, to the heart of downtown or to the Chrysler Museum while telling local history from the perspective of the 26 Mermaid statues along the trail.
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Meyera E. Oberndorf Central LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes.
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Monitor-Merrimack Overlook- Historic SiteScene of the famous Battle of the Ironclads, the C.S.S. Virginia and the U.S.S. Monitor.
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Monumental United Methodist ChurchFree Preschool music classes. Contact for additional information and schedule.
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Morgan Memorial LibraryHours: Monday – Thursday 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm -
Moses Myers HouseHistoric home. Free admission and guided tours.
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Nansemond County CourthouseHistorical Courthouse built in 1840 and site of Suffolk Visitor's Center.
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NAS Oceana & Dam Neck – Youth Athletics & MWRMilitary families. Youth coed sports aged 5-16. Soccer, baseball/tee ball, basketball, cheerleading, swim lessons. Water Park. Bowling. Child Care. Birthday parties available.
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Naval Station Norfolk MWRMilitary Families - Activities through your local Morale, Welfare & Recreation Office. Youth athletics. Swim Lessons. Summer camp ages 5-12.
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Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads MWRMilitary Families. Child Care including 24/7 option. Recreational events.Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Portsmouth, VA
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Neptune Festival Special EventsSpecial events held throughout the year. Many are family appropriate, open to the public and free of charge.
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Newport News Fire DepartmentFree fire station tours for ages 3 and up. Tours must be prearranged and dates approved.
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Newport News ParkSeveral Playgrounds. Outdoor Programs for all ages. Many free programs including nature exploration and seasonal hayrides. Home of Newport News Park Discovery Center.
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Newport News Police MuseumThis innovative approach to community policing provides a location where citizens can inquire about crime prevention topics, as well as obtain information about other community agencies. The center is fully staffed by volunteers, making it the first such facility in Virginia. It also houses many interesting items of police memorabilia.
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Newport News Public LibrarySeveral different storytimes available for children ages birth to age 5. Some programs do require registration.
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Norfolk FesteventsNorfolk Festevents organizes special events, concerts, festivals and more in the City of Norfolk. Town Point Park has interactive water fountains the kids can play in. Many festival/events are free or low cost.Town Point Park and Ocean View Beach Park, Norfolk VA(757) 441-2345
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Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor HouseHistoric home. Free admission and guided tours.
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Norfolk Police & Fire Rescue MuseumHistory of police force and fire rescue in Norfolk. Free admission, donations are appreciated.
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Norfolk Premium Outlets PlaygroundOutdoor gated playground within the grounds of the Norfolk Premium Outlets.
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Norfolk Public LibraryFree Library Programs and Services including storytimes, classes for all ages, and homework assistance.
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Norfolk Southern MuseumOver 180 years of railroad history. Free admission.3 Commercial Place, Ground Floor Norfolk, VA 23510
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North Suffolk LibraryHours: Monday – Thursday 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm -
Northampton Branch LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes
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Northwest River ParkLocal park in Chesapeake with a playground, boating, fishing, hiking, putt-putt course, horse shoes, volleyball nets. Summer camps available at this location.1733 Indian Creek Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322(757) 421-7151
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Oak Grove Lake ParkLocal park in Chesapeake with a fitness trail for walking, running, biking. Fishing platforms and a kids play area on site. Boating is not allowed at Oak Grove Park.
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Ocean View Station MuseumLocal museum in Ocean View, Norfolk
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Oceanfront Area LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes
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On The Hill GalleryArt classes for all ages. Free summer art camps for kids through the Yorktown Arts Foundation.
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Operation Smile – Interactive Learning Center ProgramsOperation Smile Interactive Learning Center is open! Field trips can now be scheduled. As students experience the ILC, they’ll encounter real-world examples of the subject matter they learn in the classroom – including objectives as outlined in the Virginia Standards of Learning – and they’ll explore potential career opportunities. But, perhaps most importantly, they’ll build meaningful connections with Operation Smile’s patients and learn how to apply their knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
Spring & Summer Camp Programs: The ILC Young Scholars program is a no-cost opportunity for students to learn through the vision of Operation Smile. Open to rising 7th and 8th graders. -
Park Place Branch LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes
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Peninsula Town Center Activities/EventsSpecial events including concerts and holiday celebrations. During the summer months there are water fountains for the kids to play in at no cost.
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Phoebus Branch LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes
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Portsmouth Art & Cultural CenterRotating visual art exhibits, lectures, classes and performances. First Friday and Saturday Activities are Free and open to the public. Summer Camps available.
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Portsmouth Public LibraryLibrary events and programs for the entire family.
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Princess Anne Area LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes
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Princess Anne County Training School Union Kempsville High School MuseumFirst African American high school in Virginia Beach.
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Reading BusStorytime and learning opportunities within the mobile Virginia Beach Public School's Reading Bus for ages 2 – 5 and their caregivers.
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Richard A. Tucker Memorial LibraryNow open! A significant book collection of more than 30,000 popular and classic fiction and nonfiction titles, and other materials for all ages. Computer Lab with 24 computers, African American Collection, Meeting Room, Collaboration Room, Two Study Rooms, Teen Reading Area, Reading Patio, Children’s Library with a Playscape and KidZone, A 5000 Square Foot Nature Explorium, an outdoor classroom with active learning stations that will offer a way to connect learning, literacy, and an appreciation of nature as a regular part of a library visit for children and families.2350 Berkley Avenue Ext. Norfolk VA
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Riverview Farm ParkHome of Fantasy Farm Playground, picnic areas, soccer field, hiking trails.
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Sandy Bottom Nature ParkPark with gardens, lake, wetland marshes, education and wildlife center with boating, fishing, camping and walking trails. Kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and 14-foot jon boats available for rent. Birthday parties available.
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Seaboard Station Railroad MuseumHistoric train station and museum built in 1885. Free admission (donations accepted). Birthday parties available
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Sheriff Joe Baron Summer CampOpen to all Norfolk students, ages 9-14. There are 5 weeks of camp programming offered including a sports camp and day camp. Free!
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Skiffe’s Creek Redoubt – Historical SiteThis site was part of the Skiffes Creek Line. It was built to defend the Confederate Mulberry Island-James River section during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.
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Sleepy Hole ParkNatural areas, trails, lake, children's play area.
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Slover LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes
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Spanish For KidsOffered occasionally - Free Children's Spanish Classes for kids in 3rd grade thru High School.Freedom Baptist Church 308 Centerville Turnpike, N. Chesapeake, Virginia 23320(757) 272-3705
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St Johns EpiscopalHistorical site in Chuckatuck Village.
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St. John’s ChurchHistoric site. Free Museum Admission
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Suffolk Public LibraryFree Library Programs and Services. Storytimes, Classes and Workshops available to the community. Homeschool classes and programs are available.
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Suffolk-Nansemond Historical SocietyHistorical Society in the area of Suffolk, VA. Occasional historical-themed events and story times for kids.Phillips-Dawson House 137 Bank St Suffolk, VA 23434(757) 539-2781
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The Big Free BookstoreBooks are available for all ages. Two books per person, per household (not all members of the household need to be present). Visit up to two times per week. Spread the word! A program of Reach Reads.The Big Free Bookstore JANAF Shopping Yard 5802 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 158 Norfolk, VA 23502(757) 627-4722
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The Elizabeth River TrailScenic trail through areas of Norfolk with markers providing area history.Norfolk, VA
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Van Wyck Branch LibraryActivities, Events, and Storytimes
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Victory Arch Historic SiteA memorial to the men and women of the armed forces. Currently is used as the site of the Newport News annual Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies.
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Virginia Beach Farmers MarketYear round special events for kids and families at the VB Farmers Market
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Virginia Beach Parks & RecreationClasses, sports and activities for all ages. Many free special events open to the community. Summer Camps and Birthday parties available.
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Virginia Beach Public LibraryFree Programs and Library Services. Reservations are normally required for library programs.
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Virginia Legends WalkVirginia Legends Walk's purpose is to honor great Virginians, past and present, who have made significant contributions to our nation and the world.13th Street, between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue Virginia Beach, VA(757) 463-4500
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Virginia MOCAThe Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art offers a variety of classes and camps for children and teens ages 2 -17. Campers exercise their imaginations and express themselves through art classes designed to challenge and inspire. Explore a wide variety of media including animation, clay, glass, painting, photography, and more! Homeschool Classes available. Preschool Art Classes available. Regularly scheduled Free Family Fest events.
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Visit Suffolk VirginiaCity of Suffolk special events, festivals and more. Many are free.Suffolk, VA
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Warwick Court House- Historical SiteSite of the 1810 courthouse and also the site of the recently restored 1884 Warwick Court House.
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Western Branch ParkLocal park in Chesapeake with playgrounds, basketball courts, pickleball courts, athletic fields and more.4437 Portsmouth Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23323(757) 382-6411
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Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower SanctuaryThe Sanctuary covers about eight acres of land in the western edge of the West Ghent neighborhood. It is open to the public from 9 AM on Saturday until 6 PM on Sunday (5 PM in the winter months).1501 Armistead Bridge Rd Norfolk, VA(757) 364-9406
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Will-O-Wisp Family Game Store & CafeWill-O-Wisp is a retail tabletop game store and café located in Historic Downtown Suffolk. Patrons can expect a welcoming whole family environment with simple foods, retail games, and space to play their favorite games!
Playing games in Will-O-Wisp is free and open to anyone. We will host regular free events for our patrons to get together, engage in the community, and play together. We’re even including a small toddler play area to entertain the youngest members of the family so parents and older siblings can play without little brothers getting in the way. -
Williams Farm ParkWilliams Farm Park is a 36-acre community park located off Newtown Road between Diamond Springs and Newtown Elementary Schools with a public skate park area, the AARP Outdoor Fitness Park, open playing fields and more.