First Landing State Park
About
First Landing State Park offers families 500 acres of coastal adventure where kids can explore maritime forests, play on sandy beaches, and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. With easy hiking trails winding through cypress swamps and dunes, plus nature centers packed with educational exhibits, this park combines outdoor fun with learning opportunities that keep children engaged for hours.
Highlights
- ✓Six miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach perfect for swimming and beachcombing
- ✓19 miles of hiking and biking trails through unique bald cypress swamps
- ✓Nature center with touch tanks and educational exhibits about coastal ecosystems
- ✓Wildlife spotting including foxes, herons, bald eagles, and river otters
- ✓Kayak and canoe launch areas for family paddling adventures
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends during summer as parking fills quickly by mid-morning, especially near the beach access areas
- 2.Stop at the Visitor Center first to grab trail maps and let kids participate in the Junior Ranger program for a free badge
- 3.Bring bug spray for the wooded trails, especially in warmer months when mosquitoes are active near the swampy areas
- 4.Pack water shoes for kids who want to explore the shoreline and wade in the shallow waters
- 5.The Cape Henry Trail is the most family-friendly at 1.5 miles and features boardwalks perfect for strollers
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and prime wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Summer weekends can get crowded, but arriving before 9 AM secures good parking and beach spots.
What to Know
Parking costs $7 per vehicle ($10 on weekends/holidays) or $5 for Virginia residents. Basic restrooms and picnic areas are available, but no food concessions, so pack snacks and lunch. Most trails are well-maintained, though some have roots and uneven terrain not suitable for strollers.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with facilities operating daily. Spring and fall offer the best weather for hiking and wildlife viewing. Summer brings beach crowds but also guided nature programs and ranger-led activities. Winter is quieter with occasional trail closures after storms, but offers peaceful beach walks and excellent bird watching.
Nearby Eats
The Bayfront Grill (5 minutes away) offers casual waterfront dining with a kids menu and outdoor seating. For quick bites, Duck-In Restaurant & Gazebo serves breakfast and lunch with family-friendly options just 10 minutes from the park entrance.
More Activities Near Virginia Beach
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers families an incredible opportunity to explore over 9,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat along Virginia Beach's southern shoreline. Kids can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and hundreds of bird species while hiking easy trails through maritime forests, dunes, and freshwater marshes. The visitor center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks that bring local ecosystems to life for young naturalists.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Marsh Pavilion)
The Virginia Aquarium's Marsh Pavilion offers an exciting hands-on marine adventure where kids can touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs, marvel at graceful sea turtles gliding overhead, and watch mesmerizing jellyfish displays. With daily animal encounters, feeding demonstrations, and knowledgeable educators stationed throughout, children get up-close experiences that spark curiosity about ocean life in ways books simply can't match.
Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum houses one of the world's largest private collections of historic military aircraft, with many planes still in flying condition. Kids will be mesmerized by the massive warbirds spanning WWI through WWII, and on select days, they can actually watch these vintage aircraft take to the skies during thrilling flight demonstrations.
Nauticus
Nauticus offers an exciting hands-on maritime adventure that brings naval history and ocean science to life for curious young minds. Kids can explore interactive exhibits about ships, sea creatures, and underwater exploration, then step aboard the legendary Battleship Wisconsin docked right next door for an authentic naval experience that will captivate budding sailors and history buffs alike.