TravelGuides

(TGA) - What is everyone's opinion on Virginia Beach? We are thinking of taking our 2 year old for a week over the summer.
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You might look at the Top Questions for Virginia Beach. There are several articles to give you an idea of what there is to do. There are also a couple links to previous discussions comparing VB with Ocean City and Myrtle Beach.
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We really love having the restaurants and rainy day resources of the city nearby instead of several hours away. The oppportunity to work in a few days in Williamsburg on the way is a nice plus, too.
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VB is great for anyone and lots to do with a toddler. There's the whole shoreline thing that can occupy quite some time. You go out to the water but stand on wet sand, not in the water. The edge of the wave comes up...up...up and you run away from it. Wave ebbs, you run up to the same spot and wait for another one. Edge of wave comes...you run away from it. Wave ebbs, you run up to the same spot and wait for another...well you get the gist of this old edge-of-the-ocean kids' game.
Then there's sand castle building (lots of Sunsation shops around for buckets and forms). Then nap time under the umbrella in the shade, a towel over the little one if it's breezy and your day's half over. Kids keep you busy.
Lots of foot wash offs and some shower offs along the boardwalk.
Your toddler might enjoy some of the rides at the sweet retro amusement park at 15th st.
There are climbing sculptures here and there...good for pictures. Some are a bit slippery so just keep an eye out. There are turtles besdie Ramada On the Beach, perhaps a salute to Turtle Cay across the street and families often stop there for a photo. Other area too.
There is at least one play area on the sand at...about 10th or 11th. Right on the sand sort of near the steps from the boardwalk.
The boardwalk is concrete. Mornings are beautiful with the sun coming up glinting on the water and lots of people out jogging alone or in groups or walking with baby carriages. You can walk a long way without even realizing it since it's so peaceful and easy to do. The boardwalk is about 30' wide and then there's a sort of winding path, nicely landscaped, right beside it for bikes and surries.
Surries with the fringe on top...your family might get a kick out of renting one of them too for a self pedal ride.
Lynnhaven Mall has a double decker carousel if you are shopping away from the resort area.
Beachstreets USA provides evening professional entertainment on the street, the block away from the boardwalk, between 17th and 21st.
http://www.beachstreetusa.com/
You'll notice there's musicians, magicians, jugglers. We always enjoy Hilby...as does every age group it seems. I think he performs at 21st. The large side street area anyway. Children gather on the ground in rows all around and adults stand behind. Hilby is a performer extraordinaire. He has traveled the world and also seems to be comedic and just generally keeps the interest up for some time doing all kinds of tricks and juggling and getting the children to participate.
There's also several stages for performances of different types.
Lots of festivals throughout the spring, summer, and fall so you'll likely be in VB during one of them.
Fireworks.
Your little one might enjoy the Aquarium too.
Or a walk in one of the natural areas.
Check out the many things to do at Family Travel:
And Wendymath's Plan B for rainy days:
Virginia Beach Travel Forum
And check out www.vbfun.com for events during your stay.
A few additional tips we've learned to give over time: Do remember the sand is very hot on the toddler's feet; use a good spf; and don't underestimate the power of even a little wave. Hold on to your little one.
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