things-for-families – Bagley Family Reunion Website

Age Guide

Family Activities Near the Hotel

Children's Museum of Virginia

📍 221 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704 · 757-393-5258

The closest major family attraction to the hotel — just 5 minutes away! Two floors of hands-on exhibits including a working train display, fire truck, planetarium, and miniature grocery store. Perfect for toddlers through age 12.

Closed Mon–Tue · Wed–Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM

🚂 Working Train 🚒 Fire Truck 🌟 Planetarium 🛒 Mini Grocery

💲 Adults: $11 · Children: $11 · Under 2: Free · Affordable for the whole family

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Nauticus & USS Wisconsin

📍 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510 · 757-664-1000

Step aboard the legendary USS Wisconsin — one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Interactive maritime exhibits and a fascinating look at naval history. Kids love exploring the massive ship deck.

Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

⚓ Battleship Tours 🖥️ Interactive Exhibits 🌊 Waterfront Views

💲 Adults: $17 · Children (3–12): $12 · Under 3: Free

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Ocean Breeze Waterpark

📍 849 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 · 757-422-4444

A full-scale waterpark in Virginia Beach with 23 rides and attractions — wave pool, lazy river, twisting water slides, and a dedicated area for small children. The perfect Saturday afternoon activity for the whole family.

Seasonal hours — typically 10 AM – 6 PM · Check website for July 2026 schedule

🌊 Wave Pool 🛟 Lazy River 🎢 Water Slides 👶 Kiddie Area

💲 Adults: $35–$45 · Children under 48": $30–$40 · Under 3: Free · Buy online to save

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Virginia Zoo

📍 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504 · 757-441-2374

Home to over 700 animals across 53 acres — lions, giraffes, red pandas, and more. The kids' farmyard and jungle-themed areas are especially popular with younger children. A wonderful full-morning outing.

Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4 PM)

🦒 Giraffes 🦁 Lions 🐼 Red Pandas 🚜 Kids' Farmyard

💲 Adults: $16 · Children (2–11): $12 · Under 2: Free

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Virginia Beach Boardwalk & Beach

📍 Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA

Three miles of oceanfront fun — wide sandy beach, a paved boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants, beach volleyball courts, and live music venues. Free to access. A classic Hampton Roads experience the whole family will love.

Always open · Beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent

🌊 Atlantic Ocean 🏐 Beach Volleyball 🎵 Live Music 🍦 Ice Cream Shops

🆓 Free admission · Parking available at meters and garages · Chair/umbrella rental ~$30/day

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Norfolk Botanical Garden

📍 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518 · 757-441-5830

155 acres of stunning themed gardens — roses, Japanese gardens, tropical plants, and a children's discovery garden. Tram and boat tours available. A peaceful and beautiful morning outing perfect for all ages, especially grandparents.

Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended summer hours possible)

🌹 Rose Garden ⛵ Boat Tour 🚌 Tram Tour 🌿 Kids Discovery

💲 Adults: $15 · Children (3–17): $10 · Under 3: Free · Tram/Boat tours extra

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Chesapeake City Park

📍 900 City Park Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23320 · 757-382-6411

A spacious, free city park with a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, basketball courts, and picnic shelters. Perfect for a casual family morning or a relaxing stroll. Bring a frisbee and enjoy some open-air family time.

Daily 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sat until 11 PM)

🚶 Walking Trails 🏀 Basketball 🛝 Playgrounds 🧺 Picnic Areas

🆓 Completely free — no admission, no parking fees

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

📍 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 · 757-385-3474

One of the top aquariums on the East Coast — sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and touch tanks kids absolutely love. Also features a 3D IMAX theater and nature trail. A full-day experience for the whole family.

Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🦈 Shark Exhibit 🐢 Sea Turtles ✋ Touch Tanks 🎬 3D IMAX

💲 Adults: $28 · Children (3–11): $23 · Under 3: Free · IMAX extra · Buy online to save

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Olde Towne Portsmouth Walking Tour

📍 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704

Explore one of America's most preserved historic districts — charming cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, boutique shops, and cafes. Walk the waterfront and experience the deep African American heritage of Portsmouth. Completely free to explore.

Always accessible · Shops and cafes: Mon–Sat 10 AM – 6 PM

🏛️ Historic District ☕ Local Cafes 🛍️ Boutique Shops 🌊 Waterfront Walk

🆓 Free to explore — self-guided walking tour maps available at the hotel front desk

📍 Directions 🌐 Website

Planning Tips for Families

Make the most of your family time in Hampton Roads

The Children's Museum of Virginia is the closest attraction — just 5 minutes from the hotel. Perfect for Friday afternoon before the evening mixer.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Virginia Aquarium are both in Virginia Beach — plan them together as a full-day Saturday trip before the banquet.
Buy tickets online in advance for Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Virginia Aquarium to save money and avoid lines.
Virginia Beach is about 30 minutes away — allow at least half a day and go early to get good beach parking.
Norfolk Botanical Garden is a peaceful option for grandparents and those who prefer a calm, beautiful outing.
Chesapeake City Park and Olde Towne Portsmouth are completely free — great budget-friendly options for the whole family.
For toddlers and young children, Nauticus has a large outdoor area along the waterfront that's great for burning energy.
The hotel front desk can provide maps, recommendations, and can help book tours or activities during the weekend.