It’s hard to tell who’s more let down with a rainy summer day: parents or kids. But a rainy day doesn’t have to be a boring, wasted day. Hampton Roads has tons of activities ranging from wild and crazy exercise to super educational (but still fun!). Check out this list of cool, fun, active indoor activities where people of all ages can blow off some steam and learn something!
Chesapeake
Who doesn’t love a good Bounce House? Let your kiddos run around and wear themselves out on some bouncy inflatables, with a special safe area for toddlers. $4 all day admission for toddlers, $8 all day admission for 3 and older. The Chesapeake location is at 4300 Portsmouth Blvd. Phone: 757 966 5596. There are also Bounce Houses in Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach!
Cloud9 is a trampoline park that offers a little something for everyone. Among their events calendar is a kids bounce Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. which is for kids ages 6 and under only. But open bounce is for everyone! You need to sign up ahead of time, though. Cloud9 is at 825 Greenbrier Cir in Chesapeake. Call 757-296-2001
Hampton
Get to learning at the Virginia Air & Space Center! There all kinds of cool, spacey exhibits sure to get your kids excited about the world of flight. Ticket prices and hours vary, so check out the website or drop by at 600 Settlers Landing Rd in Hampton. Phone: (757) 727-0900
Have you ever been to the Hampton History Museum? It serves to increase the awareness and understanding of the history of Hampton by maintaining an educational and research center for the collection, exhibition, interpretation, preservation and promotion of the vast historic resources of the City. The Hampton History Museum’s address is 120 Old Hampton Ln. 757-727-1610. It’s open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
You can’t miss the Hampton University Museum. It is the oldest African American museum in the United States and one of the oldest museums in the state of Virginia. The collections feature African American fine arts, traditional African, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Island, and Asian art. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 12 noon to 4 p.m.; closed on Sundays and major holidays. Admission is free. Call 757.727.5308 for more information. It’s located at 100 E Queen St on the Hampton University campus.
Newport News
Virginia Living Museum is truly a hidden gem. It offers kids and parents an in-depth look at Virgina wildlife with both amazing indoor exhibits and a beautiful nature preserve outside. You can find the VLM at 524 J Clyde Morris Blvd in Newport News and give them a call: (757) 595-1900
Bounce around at the Bounce House in Newport News! $4 all day admission for toddlers, $8 all day admission for 3 and older. The Newport News location is at 14337 A Warwick Blvd and the number is 757-369-8122. There are also Bounce Houses in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach!
Teach your kids about live on the sea at the Mariner’s Museum. There are all kinds of sea-faring indoor activities and even a 3D theater. You can find the Mariner’s Museum at 100 Museum Dr. and is open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call: 757-596-2222
Who doesn’t love laser tag? Then it’s time for Lazer Rush! It’s $8.15 a game, and they have evening hours; on Tuesday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday noon to 7 p.m. Check it out at 711 Brick Kiln Blvd. Call: 757-877-0181
Rebounderz is a trampoline park in Newport News that has an open jump arena, a foam pit and even bouncy dodgeball! You can find Rebounderz at 12650 Patrick Henry Dr in Newport News. Phone: 757-468-5867
Norfolk
Nauticus is so much more than the Battleship Wisconsin. There are all kinds of cool exhibits showing an amazing nautical history and natural wildlife of the area. Nauticus is closed Monday, open on Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and Sunday Noon – 5 p.m. It’s located at One Waterside Drive in Norfolk. Call for info: 757-664-1000.
While you’re in Nauticus, visit the Hampton Roads Naval Museum on the second floor! It’s operated by the United States Navy that celebrates the 238 years history of the fleet in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday – Noon to 5 p.m. You can find it at 1 Waterside Drive in Norfolk. Call: 757-322-2987
There’s a Bounce House in Norfolk! Check their website for specials and special events. $4 all day admission for toddlers, $8 all day admission for 3 and older. The Norfolk location is at 5900 East Virginia Beach Blvd Suite 30. Call: 757-455 9075. There are also Bounce Houses in Newport News, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach!
Portsmouth
Children’s Museum of Virginia is hands-on, interactive fun for your kids covering science, art, and the world around you. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm. It’s located at 221 High Street in Portsmouth and the phone number is 757-393-5258.
Virginia Beach
If you wanna try more bouncing, head to Bounce House in Virginia Beach! $4 all day admission for toddlers, $8 all day admission for 3 and older. The Va. Beach location is at 829 Lynnhaven Parkway Suite 116 and their number is 757-306-1334. There are also Bounce Houses in Newport News, Chesapeake and Norfolk!
One of Virginia Beach’s prime attractions is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has all kinds of amazing exhibits featuring aquatic wildlife. You can find the Aquarium at 717 General Booth Boulevard and call them at 757-385-FISH
Work on your putt at Top Gun Indoor Mini Golf. It’s a military-themed 18-hole mini golf course that walks through airplanes, submarines, helicopters and an aircraft carrier. They also have drinks, snacks and arcade games! 2500 Atlantic Ave. in Virginia Beach 757-605-0230.
Williamsburg
If it’s too rainy to take in the history in Williamsburg, why not Go-Karts Plus? Besides the promised karts, Go-Karts Plus also has rides, bumper cars, an arcade, and so much more. You can find it at 6910 Richmond Rd. in Williamsburg. Give them a call: 757-564-7600
In the mood for something a little different? How about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum & 4D Theater. It’s got an “Odditorium” filled with the weird world of Ripley, plus a 4D theater and a family fun center with all kinds of fun indoor activities. Ripley’s is located at 1735 Richmond Rd. Phone: 757-220-9220
If you can’t stand to have a day in Williamsburg without some history, visit the Yorktown Victory Center! It steps through the Revolutionary period, from colonial unrest to the formation of the new nation with exhibits, movies and interactive experiences. It’s open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15-August 15), except Christmas and New Year’s days and you can find it at 200 Water St in nearby Yorktown. Give them a call: 757-887-1776
Got another idea for a place to spend a rainy day at? Email webdesk@wavy.com and let us know!