Photo: Hilltop Family YMCA
Photo: Hilltop Family YMCA
Photo: Rebecca Kosakowski
Hilltop Family YMCA
★3.5(52 reviews)$$Sports
🕑 1.5-2 hours for a typical swim visit; 3-4 hours if combining swimming with other facility activities👶 Best for ages 2-16. Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy swim lessons and childcare programs, while older kids thrive in summer camps, swim team activities, and open swim sessions. The fitness center also makes it easy for parents to work out while kids participate in supervised activities.🧡 Saved by 32 families
About
Hilltop Family YMCA is your neighborhood hub for aquatic fun and family wellness in Virginia Beach. With dedicated swimming facilities, summer camp programs, and childcare services all under one roof, it's a convenient one-stop destination for keeping kids active and entertained year-round.
Highlights
- ✓Indoor swimming pool perfect for year-round aquatic activities
- ✓Summer camp programs that keep kids engaged during school breaks
- ✓Family-friendly swim lessons for all skill levels
- ✓Childcare services available for younger children
- ✓Open swim sessions where families can play and practice together
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekday mornings (right at 5:00 AM opening) for the calmest pool time before the after-school rush
- 2.Pack swim goggles and towels from home - the pro shop selection can be limited and pricier than retail stores
- 3.Ask about family membership packages which offer significant savings if you plan to visit regularly for swimming and camps
- 4.Saturday morning open swim (8:00 AM - noon) is popular with families, so arrive by 8:30 AM to snag a good spot
- 5.Check their monthly calendar for special family swim nights and holiday-themed pool events with games and activities
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 3:00-5:00 PM offer the best balance of availability and energy, when after-school programs are in full swing. Avoid Monday and Friday evenings when the facility tends to be busiest. Sunday afternoons (1:00-5:00 PM) are ideal for a relaxed family swim session.
What to Know
Membership or day passes are required for facility access; call ahead for current rates and daily swim schedules as pool times may vary for lessons and team practices. Ample parking is available on-site, and while there's no on-site café, vending machines provide basic snacks.
Seasonal Notes
Summer is peak season with extensive day camp offerings and extended swim hours. The indoor pool operates year-round, making it a reliable rainy-day option. Holiday hours vary, particularly around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so call ahead during holiday weeks.
Nearby Eats
Chick-fil-A on Laskin Road is less than a mile away and always a kid-pleaser after swimming. For a sit-down option, try MOD Pizza nearby where kids can customize their own pizzas and the casual atmosphere welcomes wet-haired swimmers.
More Activities Near Hilltop
Activity
The Fresh Market
Free
While The Fresh Market may not be a traditional family attraction, this upscale grocery store in Hilltop offers a surprisingly engaging shopping experience for families. Kids enjoy the colorful displays of fresh produce, the enticing bakery section where they can watch bakers at work, and the opportunity to sample treats. It's an excellent quick stop to teach little ones about fresh foods while grabbing prepared meals for easy family dining.
Park
Kids Cove Playground
★4.8Free❤️75
Kids Cove Playground in Virginia Beach is a beloved neighborhood gem that consistently earns rave reviews from local families. Located along the convenient Laskin Road corridor in the Hilltop area, this well-maintained park offers a perfect escape for families looking for quality outdoor play without venturing far from home. With nearly perfect ratings from over 1,000 families, it's clearly a hit with the local community.
Library
Tidewater Community College/City of Virginia Beach Joint-Use Library
★4.6Free❤️62
This joint-use library combines the resources of Tidewater Community College with Virginia Beach public library services, creating a welcoming space perfect for families. With regular story times, engaging children's programs, and an extensive collection of books and educational materials, it's an ideal destination for nurturing young readers and learners while giving parents access to quiet study spaces and community resources.
Park
Lakewood Park
★4.5Free❤️57
Lakewood Park in Norfolk's Hilltop neighborhood is a classic community gem that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor afternoon. With well-maintained playground equipment, plenty of open grass for running and games, and scenic walking paths, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn energy while parents relax with a picnic or leisurely stroll.