Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department is dedicated to providing and promoting a wide variety of healthy, wholesome, and culturally diverse activities, events, services, programs, and public sites to create community engagement opportunities and to enhance the quality of life for all Chesapeake residents and visitors in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner. The department is also committed to maintaining and beautifying the City's parks, facilities, open spaces, and natural resources, preserving historical sites, and cultivating experiences while striving to make the City an exceptional place to live, learn, work, farm, and play. Just some of the activities and programs we provide include: Art, Dance, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Martial Arts, Music, Special Needs Activities and Groups, Sports, Summer Camps and Programs, and Special Events. Activities targeted for homeschool groups. After-school care. Family-friendly nature programs in Chesapeake parks (hikes, paddling, flora and fauna).

Memorial dedicated to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

A series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.

Visitors will experience life in 18th century Virginia, learn about the water that defined the landscape, visit a Three Tun Tavern and find themselves in the middle of the Battle of Great Bridge which led Virginia on the path to independence. Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm Second Sunday of Each Month 1pm – 4pm Monday and Tuesday Closed Admission: General Admission - $8 Military (Active, Retired, Reserves) - $7 Seniors (65+) - $7 Youth (ages 6-17) - $5 Children (ages 0-5) – FREE

The Historical Village at the Dismal Swamp presents the history of how generations of our region's residents lived, learned, worked, farmed, and played. From the Indigenous groups who first inhabited the swamp to the extractive efforts of early colonists and the unique communities formed by people of African descent, the Dismal Swamp served as a significant crossroad for trade and commerce. The Historical Village shares the experiences of these important people and their descendants.