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The 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.
Kids love buses, trains and boats! Why not take them on a free ride?
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is the regional public transportation agency serving the communities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. HRT provides affordable transit options designed to connect families to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreation.
HRT offers a number of public transit services, including bus routes in all six cities, the Tide Light Rail in Downtown Norfolk, the Elizabeth River Ferry between Downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth, seasonal VB Wave trolley service at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Paratransit in all six cities, the free Base Express at Naval Station Norfolk, and OnDemand Rideshare in multiple cities.
HRT offers FREE rides to all youth age 17 and under with a paid adult and provides the Student Freedom Pass to youth ages 13 to 17 with free, unlimited access to all transit services, allowing them to ride independently. This free pass gives students an opportunity to get to school, extracurricular activities, and after school jobs.
Regular adult fare for daily unlimited riding (check link for pricing) and discounted fare is available to those who qualify. HRT also provides four Free Fare days per year for all riders, on all modes. Free Fare days include Transit Equity Day in February, Earth Day in April, Juneteenth in June, and Election Day in November.
With so many options, families are able connect to nearby restaurants, attractions, hotels, and other destinations. Bicycle storage also offers a convenient way to enhance the recreation experience, with racks on all buses, light rail trains, and ferries.
Hiking trails and kayaking. Children's programs as scheduled. Free admission. Birthday Parties available.
Seasonal kayak rentals are available, weather permitting. Life jackets and paddles are provided. Bring your own kayak for a small launch fee. Visit the Hoffler Creek website for the most current opportunities.
Museum & Cultural Center honoring Jewish history in Hampton Roads. Tours by appointment.
Free Hand-On Building Clinics for Kids. Registration is recommended, these do fill up!
Free Preschool music classes. Contact for additional information and schedule.
Military Families. Child Care including 24/7 option. Recreational events.
Outdoor Nature Park in Portsmouth VA along the Elizabeth River! Lots of activities for families including:
- Restored Wetlands For Paddling And Nature-Watching
- 2 Miles Of Handicap-Accessible Trails
- Fred W. Beazley River Academy
- Wetland Learning Lab
- Earthworks Mound
- Picnic Pavilion
- Urban Tree, Butterfly & Fitness Trails
- Kayak Launch Close To Parking
- Educational Displays
- Free River-Friendly Parking
- Boardwalk And Wetland Footbridge
- Wildflower Meadow
- Picnic Tables
- River-themed playground with original mural
Library events and programs for the entire family.