--- title: Things to Do with the Whole Family in Hampton Roads, Virginia description: A PCS move to Hampton Roads, Virginia, means there's plenty of family-friendly events. Explore beaches, museums, and everything in between and find plenty of things to do in Hampton Roads! image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/All_images/Locations-Travel/ITI%20Things%20to%20Do%20with%20the%20Whole%20Family%20in%20Hampton%20Roads%2c%20Virgina%202.jpg --- [![MilitaryByOwner](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_header.png)](https://www.militarybyowner.com/) Member Login - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) # Things to Do with the Whole Family in Hampton Roads, Virginia ![Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%202.jpg) ## [Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/dawn-m-smith) July 19, 2025 - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/things-to-do-with-the-whole-family-in-hampton-roads-virginia) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/things-to-do-with-the-whole-family-in-hampton-roads-virginia) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/things-to-do-with-the-whole-family-in-hampton-roads-virginia) - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/things-to-do-with-the-whole-family-in-hampton-roads-virginia) [Military Life](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/military-life) ## Things to Do with the Whole Family in Hampton Roads, Virginia Hampton Roads is home to all branches of the military and offers an ideal combination of a vacation destination/hometown. Tourists trek to visit the birthplace of the country’s first settlements, play at the oceanfront, and tour all the "best of" entertainment hot spots that military families [stationed in Hampton Roads](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/what-to-know-for-your-pcs-move-to-hampton-roads-virginia) have in their backyard. First things first: where is Hampton Roads? The area of Hampton Roads, VA, encompasses [Chesapeake](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-chesapeake/), Norfolk, Portsmouth, [Suffolk](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-suffolk/), and [Virginia Beach](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-virginia-beach/) on the south side of Hampton Roads, while Hampton, Newport News, [Poquoson](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-poquoson/), and Williamsburg are located on the Peninsula.  The Hampton Roads population consists of approximately 1.8 million people, and the Hampton Roads area is the second-most populated region of Virginia, behind Northern Virginia.  Not sure where to begin your exploration? Let’s look at a few of the most popular spots to start and begin you quest of things to do in Hampton Roads. ![Things to Do with the Whole Family in Hampton Roads, Virginia](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social_Media_Images/Pinterest%20Images/Pinterest%20optimized%20images/Things%20to%20Do%20with%20the%20Whole%20Family%20in%20Hampton%20Roads%2c%20Virginia.jpg?width=600&height=900&name=Things%20to%20Do%20with%20the%20Whole%20Family%20in%20Hampton%20Roads%2c%20Virginia.jpg) ## 1. Colonial Williamsburg There’s a reason TripAdvisor ranks Colonial Williamsburg as the #1 Thing to Do in the city of Williamsburg. Newcomers focus on the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg to see the live-action recreation of one of the nation’s first settlements. You’ll tour 18th-century homes, shops, and municipal buildings. You can even eat as the locals did in a period restaurant, but with a modern menu. Check out the calendar of events to find your favorite activity the day you visit.  If summer is your kid’s favorite time, head to nearby Water Country USA to keep cool and entertained. A lazy river and thrill rides are just the beginning of what is beyond the gates at Water Country USA. The park accommodates the smallest of kids with shallow and heated splash parks, pint-sized water slides, and even swim lessons for those who live close by. Older kids have it even better, as more than a dozen water slides and rides await. Be sure to reserve a cabana for a central meeting place to eat and take a breather from all of the sun and fun! ![view of Governors Palace in Williamsburg at dawn, brick colonial buildings, green grass, trees, and bushes](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/Locations-Travel/ITI%20Things%20to%20Do%20with%20the%20Whole%20Family%20in%20Hampton%20Roads%2c%20Virgina%201.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%20Things%20to%20Do%20with%20the%20Whole%20Family%20in%20Hampton%20Roads%2c%20Virgina%201.jpg) *Governors palace at Colonial Williamsburg. Photo by Backyard Productions via Canva.com* ## 2. Busch Gardens Williamsburg  You can’t PCS to Hampton Roads without heading to Busch Gardens. But if you live in the Hampton Roads area, there’s no need to pack everything into one day or even one season. Visiting Busch Gardens in [Williamsburg](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-williamsburg/) for its Halloween or Christmas events is a great way to take in another festive activity. Use your free entrance from the Waves of Honor program to make a one-time trip more affordable. ## 3. Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Front  An oldie but a goodie, the boardwalk is a must-do. Iconic to the region, the boardwalk boasts traditional fun and fare, yet it offers [Virginia Beach specialties](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/pcs-and-explore-virginia-beach-neighborhoods) to make the location unique. If you’re a Virginia Beach local, take advantage of the slower, more family-friendly [weekdays in the summer to go to beach](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/the-9-best-beaches-to-visit-in-virginia-beach) (and off-season) when the boardwalk is less crowded. ## 4. Norfolk Zoo You can’t claim a city as your own until you’ve toured the local zoo! Parents of young kids love the Norfolk Zoo’s size and accessibility. The major animals kids love to see are on site: lions, giraffes, elephants, and farm animals. The giraffes and farm animals have interactive options to get up close and personal.  A kid-sized train runs the course of the zoo throughout the day so that everyone can take a rest and get a view of the zoo grounds. If you’ve packed accordingly, kids love the splash garden at the front of the zoo. The yearly pass is affordable and a smart idea if you plan to visit more than once. Not sure where to live? View Norfolk homes for sale and rent below. [![View Homes for Sale or Rent in Norfolk, Virginia](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/7df669c5-f8ad-482e-961e-34f5b381da06.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/7df669c5-f8ad-482e-961e-34f5b381da06) ## 5. Children’s Museum of Virginia Portsmouth Another rite of passage of childhood is visiting your local children’s museum, so don't miss this one in [Portsmouth](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-portsmouth/). The hands-on exhibits are entertaining and focused on topics they adore. There's a room dedicated to trains, a grocery store, and a music store to play with instruments made from unusual household objects.  ## 6. Virginia Air & Space Science Center Is there really anything cooler than NASA? Head to [Hampton](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-hampton/) to check out the amazing visitor center for Langley Research Center. The Space Explorer Gallery features interactive displays and showcases space artifacts in cutting-edge exhibits. And, if you’re an IMAX aficionado, there's always a fun movie to catch. After, [grab a bite to eat](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/7-best-doughnut-shops-in-hampton-roads) at the Zero Gravity Bistro! ## 7. Virginia Living Museum  [Newport News](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-newport-news/) is home to the Virginia Living Museum. It houses more than 250 species of animals found in Virginia, including reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. It’s also a haven sanctuary for orphaned, non-releasable, or injured animals. The museum is also home to the Dinosaur Discovery Trail and has a planetarium to visit.  ## ![Restored ancient ship the Susan Constant at dock in Jamestown Settlement Williamsburg Virginia, colonial build wooden ship with masts and cables in water next to shore with grass and dock](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/Locations-Travel/ITI%20Things%20to%20Do%20with%20the%20Whole%20Family%20in%20Hampton%20Roads%2c%20Virgina.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%20Things%20to%20Do%20with%20the%20Whole%20Family%20in%20Hampton%20Roads%2c%20Virgina.jpg) *Restored ship Susan Constant at Jameston Settlement. Photo by Robert_Ford from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com* ## 8. Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Visit both museums and discover everything you need to know about the first permanent American colony, settled in 1607. You’ll visit immersive gallery exhibits, including the one dedicated to Pocahontas and the local Indians who lived in the area. You’ll also walk through outdoor living history reenactments. Kids can take advantage of summer camp opportunities and specific programs reserved for homeschoolers.  With so many things to do in Hampton Roads, VA, it’s easy to see why families love calling this area home. If you're getting ready to PCS to the region, check out available listings on MilitaryByOwner. From cozy neighborhoods to waterfront living, there’s a perfect fit waiting for you. Start your search for a [Norfolk homes for sale](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va/homes-in-norfolk/) today, or check out one of the other Hampton Roads cities. If you’re still in the planning stages of your PCS to Hampton Roads, be sure to download our free ebook below, Military Family Guide to Hampton Roads. It’s the perfect resource to get details about where to live and what to expect when living in Hampton Roads.  [![Click me](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/c5ab5b04-251c-43d2-b9f9-0db9a57a3645.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/c5ab5b04-251c-43d2-b9f9-0db9a57a3645) #### SHARE THIS ARTICLE - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/things-to-do-with-the-whole-family-in-hampton-roads-virginia) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/things-to-do-with-the-whole-family-in-hampton-roads-virginia) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/things-to-do-with-the-whole-family-in-hampton-roads-virginia) ![Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%202.jpg) #### Author ## [Dawn M. Smith](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/dawn-m-smith) Dawn M. Smith has made a career out of being a relocation pro. As a military spouse with 10+ moves under her belt, she's evolved from a reluctant mover to a master of converting cardboard box mountain nightmares into customized homes. She's constantly updating her skills to improve all aspects of moving. Her specialties include strategic (with a dose of luck) house hunting, home buying, selling, and renting, and attempting to create Pinterest-worthy spaces within landlord-approved decorating. When not decoding neighborhood demographics for readers, Dawn teaches companies how to serve military families and their best interests. She also travels and explores historic districts with her family, always scouting her next possible address after Army retirement. In addition to MilitaryByOwner, Dawn's relocation advice has appeared in Angi, The Spruce, Forbes Home Advisor, the PODS Blog, and Military OneSource. ### OPT IN for our WEEKLY newsletter To be honest, we don’t do much outbound marketing. So if you give us your email, we’re unlikely to spam you. 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