


Ocean View Beach Park is a quintessential family beach destination that combines natural shoreline fun with excellent amenities. With gentle waves perfect for young swimmers, a popular splash pad for cooling off, a well-equipped playground, and plenty of shaded picnic areas, this beach park offers everything families need for a memorable day by the Chesapeake Bay without the overwhelming crowds of larger beach destinations.
Visit on weekday mornings during summer (8-11 AM) for the calmest waters, smallest crowds, and cooler temperatures. Late spring and early fall offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors, though the splash pad may have limited hours.
Parking is available on-site and fills quickly on summer weekends. Restroom facilities and outdoor showers are available. The park closes at 7 PM daily, giving families plenty of daylight hours during summer months.
The beach is accessible year-round with 6 AM-7 PM hours daily, but the splash pad typically operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Summer weekends (June-August) are busiest. Spring and fall offer pleasant beach walking and playground use with fewer crowds.
Check out Chick's Oyster Bar (about 1 mile away) for casual seafood that welcomes families, or visit the nearby Ocean View area shops and restaurants along East Beach for pizza, ice cream, and beach snacks.
Lamington's Farm brings agriculture to life for families through hands-on seasonal activities that get kids excited about where their food comes from. From picking your own berries and pumpkins to bouncing along on hayrides through the fields, this working farm offers an authentic farming experience that's both educational and entertaining for the whole family.
Ghent is Norfolk's most charming pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, perfect for families who love exploring on foot. With tree-lined streets connecting independent bookstores, delightful ice cream parlors, playful parks, and welcoming restaurants, it's an ideal destination for a leisurely family day out where kids can safely wander and discover neighborhood treasures.
Bowling Barn in Norfolk is a family-friendly bowling alley that takes the stress out of bowling with young kids. With bumper lanes to keep balls out of the gutters, lightweight balls sized perfectly for little hands, and an arcade area for when kids need a bowling break, it's designed to keep the whole family entertained without the frustration that can come with traditional bowling.
Norfolk Botanical Garden offers 155 acres of natural wonder where families can explore themed gardens, spot wildlife, and let kids burn energy on scenic walking paths. With everything from colorful rose gardens to a tranquil Japanese garden, this beautifully maintained attraction provides the perfect blend of education and outdoor adventure that keeps children engaged while parents enjoy the peaceful surroundings.