Photo: The Shops at Hilltop
Photo: Susie Darland
Photo: Linda Fox
The Shops at Hilltop
★4.4(2,053 reviews)FreeShopping
🕑 1-2 hours for targeted shopping and a meal, up to 3 hours if browsing multiple stores👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy dining out and watching activity around the plaza, while older kids and teens appreciate the retail stores and having input on family shopping decisions. The manageable size makes it easier to navigate with strollers and young children.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
The Shops at Hilltop offers a convenient, family-friendly shopping experience in Virginia Beach with a solid mix of retail stores, services, and dining options all in one location. With its community-focused atmosphere and variety of family restaurants, it's an ideal spot for parents who need to run errands while keeping kids entertained and well-fed.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple family-friendly restaurant options for easy meal planning
- ✓Convenient one-stop shopping for family necessities and services
- ✓Well-maintained outdoor plaza with manageable walking distances
- ✓Community atmosphere that's less overwhelming than larger regional malls
- ✓Easy access and ample parking for families with multiple children
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for the quietest experience with easier parking and shorter waits at restaurants
- 2.Note that Saturday hours are shorter (11 AM-6 PM), so plan accordingly if you're making a weekend trip
- 3.Pack hand sanitizer and snacks for younger kids to keep them content during shopping stops
- 4.Use the plaza layout to your advantage,let kids know they can pick one fun stop or treat after helping with necessary errands
- 5.Stroller-friendly sidewalks and ample parking make this an easy stop when combined with other Virginia Beach activities
Best Time to Visit
Weekday late mornings (10 AM-12 PM) offer the best balance of open stores and minimal crowds. Avoid weekend afternoons and weekday evenings after 5 PM when working families create peak traffic and parking challenges.
What to Know
Free parking is available throughout the shopping center. The plaza features multiple family dining options on-site, restroom access through restaurants and stores, and stroller-accessible walkways connecting all storefronts.
Seasonal Notes
This outdoor plaza is comfortable year-round but especially pleasant during spring and fall. Summer visits can be hot, so plan for mid-day breaks in air-conditioned stores or restaurants. Holiday shopping season (November-December) brings festive decorations but also larger crowds.
Nearby Eats
The Shops at Hilltop has family dining options on-site within the plaza, making mealtime convenient during your visit without needing to drive elsewhere.
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.