For a fun and affordable family vacation, head to Norfolk, Virginia. The destination offers beautiful beaches and rich cultural attractions for every type of traveler to enjoy.
Fun & Educational
For travelers looking for more of a cultural and educational experience, there are lots of opportunities for families to learn.
Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus
Spend the day exploring Nauticus, a maritime museum and discovery center. The battleship is one of the last and largest built by the U.S. Navy. The ship served in World War II and the Korean War, but now lives at the museum for visitors to explore.
The World of Wonder Children’s Garden offers opportunities for learning and exploration. Families can try edible plants at Discovery Peak and take a nature walk through the Plant Safari. During summer, cool off in the world-themed splash fountains.
As one of the top attractions for families in Norfolk, Virginia Zoo features more than 500 animals from around the world. The zoo is the perfect place to spend the day seeing animals, from lions and tigers to giraffes and elephants.
Get Outside
Families who love spending time outdoors and enjoying nature, Norfolk offers plenty of activities.
Book a brunch, lunch or dinner cruise for a meal with stunning views. Lunch cruises have a casual yet festive atmosphere, making them ideal for the whole family. During the dinner cruise, travelers can dine, dance and play games in City Cruises lounge spaces. Guests can then go up to the skyline deck for beautiful views of the Navy’s Atlantic fleet.
Paddle your way around Lafayette River on a kayak excursion. Even the smallest members of the family can relax on the water as you row along. Choose from a single or tandem kayak depending on your group’s size. All rentals come with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.
Beach Day
Spend the day playing in the sand and surf at Ocean View Beach Park or take a dip in Chesapeake Bay Beach.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Jun 15, 20263 Hotels with Standout Kid-Friendly Pools
Hotel pools get really popular during summer months, especially for families when the kids are on break from school. Not all pools are kid-friendl,y though (Vegas pool parties, for example, are one place you want to avoid at all costs with little ones!), so we’ve compiled a list of some fabulous hotels with great kid-friendly pools.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Cruises
Jun 15, 2026All the Ways Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday
This year, Carnival Cruise Line celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with special patriotic programming, and passengers are invited to take part in the festivities.
Hotels
Jun 12, 2026Saddle Up for Skillcations at These U.S. Ranches
Dude ranch vacations are growing in popularity among family travelers, but skillcation trips on ranches are also on the rise, with travelers looking for opportunities to learn a new skill and develop a new hobby while escaping day-to-day life.
Hotels
Jun 11, 2026Park Hyatt St. Kitts Launches Postpartum Experience for Moms
Park Hyatt St. Kitts now offers the perfect escape for postpartum moms to reconnect with herself in paradise through a partnership with Anya, a women’s health and beauty brand dedicated to helping with postpartum.
Hotels
Jun 11, 2026Slow Mom Summer: Family Getaways Designed for Doing Less
This summer’s biggest lifestyle trend: doing less. That mindset applies to family travel, too, with Slow Mom Summer emerging online. Moms are rejecting overscheduled itineraries and high-pressure vacations while seeking out slower, more intentional experiences.
ShareThis